WBC WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION ILUNGA JUNIOR MAKABU DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST BADOU JACK SUNDAY NIGHT
MIAMI, FL (February 23, 2023)—One of the most exciting fighters in the world, WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu will defend his title against the veteran Badou Jack on Sunday night on ESPN+ in Saudi Arabia as part of the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury card.
“Ilunga Junior Makabu will show why he is considered the best cruiserweight in the world,” said Makabu’s promoter Don King. “Makabu has all the tools to be one of the all-time greats. After retaining his title, he’s ready to win the other belts to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.”
Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) will defend his title for the first time in a year. He last fought Jan. 29 of this year in Warren, OH, winning a split decision over Thabiso Mchunu. That victory was only his second defense of his title since Dec. 19, 2020.
Makabu won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in South Africa in scoring a unanimous decision over challenger Michael Cieslak and defended the title 11 months later on Dec. 19th and knocked out Olanrewaju in the 7th round in Kinshasa.
Makabu, 35, who hails from the Republic of the Congo, has won 10 consecutive fights since his second career loss coming in the WBC World Cruiserweight Championship on May 29, 2016 when he got knocked out in the third round by Tony Bellew. The bout was a slugfest as Makabu knocked Bellew down with a left hook in the first round.
Jack (27-3-3, 16 KOs), 39, who hails from Sweden, has won five consecutive fights, his last victory a split decision over undefeated Richard Riviera on Aug. 20, 2022.
Jack’s last title fight was his last loss on Dec. 28, 2019 when he fought Jean Pascal for the WBA Light Heavyweight championship as well as the WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title. Jack lost a close split decision with two of the judges seeing the fight 114-112 for Pascal and the other judge seeing it in favor of Jack at 114-112.
Top Rank Presents Highly Anticipated Superstar Bout: Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury
Top Rank Boxing on ESPN:Paul vs. Fury will be live this Sunday, February 26, at 2 p.m. ET/ 11a.m. PT in English and Spanish on ESPN+ PPV, exclusive digital distributor in the U.S. The pay-per-view can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV for $49.99, separate streaming subscription required. More information here. The event takes place at Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In the much-awaited main event, international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.
Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul’s latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year by dropping Silva in the 8th round.
Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career.
In the co-main event, former two-weight world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” (27-3-3, 16 KOs) will challenge WBC cruiserweight world champion Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs). Jack is coming off five consecutive wins, including three by knockout, while Makabu will be making the third defense of his title.
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JAKE PAUL VS TOMMY FURY SET FOR FEBRUARY 26TH IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
LONDON, UK – January 26, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Queensberry Promotions announced that international superstar Jake ‘The Problem Child’ Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy ‘TNT’ Fury, younger brother of Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in an event produced by Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises.
The event, titled ‘The Truth’, will also feature two-weight world champion Badou Jack ‘The Ripper’ challenging WBC Cruiserweight world champion Illunga Makabu in the co-main event. The card will also showcase Ashton ‘H2O’ Sylve, an MVP undefeated fighter, as he is set to face former WBC world title challenger Maxwell Awuku 48-5-1 (33 KO’s) from Accra, Ghana with contracts being finalized.
This Saturday, January 28th, 2023, Paul and Fury will officially face off for the first time as they sit ringside for the Beterbiev vs. Yarde unified light heavyweight fight in London, live on BT Sport in the UK.
Paul vs. Fury will be broadcast exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK on Sunday, 26th February.
Additionally, Paul vs. Fury will stream live in the US on ESPN+ PPV and via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.
Paul and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul went on to record a scintillating one-punch knockout of Tyron Woodley, who stepped in as a late replacement for a rematch of the pair’s August 2021 clash. Paul is giving Fury another chance next month so he can silence the critics who claim he has yet to fight a professional boxer. The 26-year-old Cleveland native started his pro boxing journey in January 2020 and will go head-to-head with Fury, a more experienced boxer from a prominent boxing family.
Paul, who boasts a professional record of 6-0 with 4 knockouts, continues to make waves in the boxing world. His latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva, won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, by dropping Silva in the 8th round. Paul began his pro career in January 2020 with a stunning debut against British YouTube star AnEsonGib and a subsequent, jaw-dropping knockout of former NBA star Nate Robinson in November 2020. From there, ‘The Problem Child’ shocked the industry with a first-round KO of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April 2021 and two wins over Woodley, including a vicious knockout which won him ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of The Year.
“The moment of truth has finally arrived,” said Paul. “On February 26th, I will get in the ring with a ‘real boxer,’ an 8-0 fighter from a storied fighting family and show the world the truth about who Jake Paul, the boxer, really is. This fight doesn’t happen without the vision and support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Ministry of Sport and Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises. I am excited to come to Riyadh and put on a show for the world to see.”
Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury began boxing at the age of 12. He had 12 amateur fights, winning two regional titles and reaching the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. In 2021, he fought three times, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard, earning his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career.
“Jake Paul’s boxing career ends on February 26th and I can finally move on with mine,” said Fury. “Every time I go out right now, everybody asks me about the Jake Paul fight. After this fight is done, everybody will be asking me how it felt to knock Jake Paul out. The world is about to see what happens when a proper boxer faces a YouTuber.”
“Jake Paul has already achieved more than anyone thought possible when we started this journey three years ago. Six professional fights, five pay-per-views, over $150 million of revenue generated and viral moment after viral moment,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “Now it’s about The Truth. Is Jake a legitimate threat in boxing or has this been a spectacle without substance? Jake versus Tommy is one of most anticipated fights in history involving two young boxers and we are delighted to partner with Frank and George Warren on this event in the UK & Ireland, who have been tremendous to work with throughout this two-year process.”
“This is the fight Tommy has wanted for a long time, so I am thrilled it has all been finalised,” said Queensberry promoter Frank Warren. “I know how disappointed he was after twice being unable to make it into the ring with Jake, so I anticipate this will be a memorable occasion not short on spice. It is a fantastic opportunity for Tommy to extend his profile even further into the Middle East and American markets and the chance to bring Jake Paul’s boxing career to an abrupt halt. Credit to Jake, who I admire greatly, for jumping in with a boxer this time. But Tommy has the background and pedigree as a fighter that makes him the favourite in my book.”
The Paul vs. Fury event is produced by Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises (SCEE) and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), in association with Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank.
“We are very excited about the upcoming event featuring Jake and Tommy in Riyadh and look forward to welcoming them to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” stated Chairman of Skill Challenge Entertainment, His Highness Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. “With the consumption of YouTube content per capita in Saudi Arabia remaining one of the highest in the world, the highly anticipated bout featuring one of its most renowned personalities-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, will be amongst the most-viewed events globally. The excitement of this being his biggest challenge to date is very appealing as he takes on a legitimate boxer in Tommy Fury,” he added.
For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTNTFury, @MostVPromotions and @Queensberry or Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury and @MostValuablePromotions and @QueensberryPromotions.
About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) Dedicated to brand building, content creation, promotion, and strategic advisory, Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. Already making a name for itself in the sport of boxing and the overall industry, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. The promotion company has co-produced and co-promoted all of Paul’s latest matches including both fights against Tyron Woodley and his most recent fight against Anderson Silva, which included a co-headlining bout with MVP’s youngest signed talent, Ashton Sylve. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.
About Queensberry Promotions (QBP) Frank Warren is an International Hall of Fame promoter who has guided in excess of 150 fighters to world champion status across his time in the sport. In late 2020 he celebrated the milestone of 40 years as a professional licence holder and in April of this year, a multitude of records were broken when he staged the World heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Mr Warren’s Queensberry operation promotionally represent numerous champions, along with the most elite young talent in British boxing.
About BT Sport Launched in 2013, BT Sport broadcasts in the UK and Republic of Ireland. BT Sport offers five linear TV channels BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2, BT Sport 3, BT Sport 4, BT Sport 4K UHD, six interactive BT Sport Extra channels and is available on BT TV, Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk. BT Sport is also available online and via the App on mobile and large screen devices and operates pay per view channel, BT Sport Box Office. As well as the sole UK rights holder for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, BT Sport offers live sport programming including the English Premier League, boxing, UFC, WWE, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup and MotoGP. BT Sport is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports following the creation of the BT and Warner Bros. Discovery sports joint venture in the UK & Ireland.
PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE PARTNERS WITH JAKE PAUL IN HISTORIC EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT IN MMA
NEW YORK (January 5, 2023) – Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a historic two-part exclusive partnership with Jake Paul which will accelerate PFL’s mission to innovate and grow the global sport of MMA.
First, Jake Paul begins his MMA journey with PFL by signing as the first fighter in the new Pay-Per-View division he co-created with PFL called “PFL PPV Super Fights.” Second, Jake Paul, along with his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, will utilize their expertise and platforms to help recruit, market, and promote the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division for the benefit of all top fighters.
The new PFL PPV Super Fight Division is open for business effective immediately. The league is in the process of signing top PPV fighters, who want to become true economic partners. Fighters in the PFL PPV Super Fight Division will earn 50% of the revenue from PPV events, which is groundbreaking pay in MMA.
As the first fighter under contract for PFL PPV Super Fights, Paul is partnering with PFL due to its “fighter-first” culture to co-create this new 50-50 revenue partnership model for all PPV fights. As a long-time advocate for fighter-pay, Paul has also been appointed Head of Fighter Advocacy and will continue to work towards a business model that benefits all top fighters.
PFL PPV Super Fights are stand-alone events separate from the PFL League Season. PFL will stage two PPV Super Fights starting in 2023, scaling to more PPV events in following years.
PFL is entering its next phase of expansion by launching the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and is welcoming Paul and Bidarian as minority equity owners in its parent company. Paul and Bidarian will deploy their expertise, creativity, network, and platform to help promote fights, produce content, and recruit talent to help build PFL and the grow the awareness of its great fighters.
“I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring and now I am going to do the same in MMA, and there is no limit to the positive impact I can make on the sport,” said Jake Paul. “I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and once again show the world that that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Outside of the cage, equal fighter-pay and advocating for female fighters has been my passion, and I am aligned with PFL to evolve the sport. I believe in PFL, their mission, and what they have accomplished in a very short period of time. That is why I chose to partner with PFL exclusively, both as a fighter and a businessperson. As Head of Fighter Advocacy, I will consistently promote PFL fighters and I invite all top MMA fighters, both men and women, to join the PFL and get a payday like they’ve never had before.”
“I founded PFL to innovate, professionalize, and grow MMA, and we have done that with our disruptive sport-season format which put “fighters-first” as they control their own destiny,” said PFL Chairman and Founder Donn Davis. “Today, we begin our next phase of growth by disrupting the MMA pay-per-view market, with an unprecedented new model where fighters will be true 50-50 economic partners in PPV revenues. I’m gratified that Jake and Nakisa chose to join PFL, and I can’t wait to see what Jake does as a fighter, creator, and promoter in MMA with PFL.”
“Jake and I have proven our ability to successfully promote and stage major international PPV events. We look forward to having a similar result with PFL within the sport of MMA.” said Nakisa Bidarian. “Our creativity and expertise, paired with PFL’s great reputation and strong position, will push MMA into a new phase of growth and one with more freedom and economic opportunity for fighters. Through our years of experience, we have developed a unique network of people and a novel approach to promotion and content, which we plan to bring to PFL with full force.”
“Jake Paul begins his journey to fight in MMA today by signing exclusively with the PFL for our global capabilities, innovative platform, and fighters-first culture,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray. “PFL built a great roster of world-ranked fighters for our PFL League, and PFL is now open for business to partner with the best MMA PPV fighters on the planet to be part of our new PFL PPV Super Fight Division.”
Further information regarding the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and this historic exclusive partnership will be announced in the coming months.
PFL is the #1 fastest growing company in MMA and the #2 MMA company on worldwide basis. PFL is the only in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in sports-season “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports. The PFL fighter roster is global and world-class, with fighters from over 20 countries and 25% independently ranked in the top 25. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience. PFL airs live primetime in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and via 25 distribution partners is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries worldwide.
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide on all key metrics and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
The Company has four global live fight franchises: PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series, PFL PPV Super Fights, and PFL Europe. PFL airs primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries with 25 international leading media partners, including DAZN, DirectTV, Viaplay, Sky Sports, and MBC. PFL has dozens of major brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, GEICO, Bose, US Marine Corps, and Celsius Energy Drink.
PFL is backed by blue-chip investors including Ares, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with over 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
Jake Paul scores knockdown, wins debatable decision over Silva
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Problem Child had a problem.
Had a solution, too.
Jake Paul found his power at a moment when it looked as if defeat was imminent, knocking down MMA legend Anderson Silva Saturday night in the final round of a closely-contested cruiserweight fight on Showtime pay-per-view at Desert Diamond Arena.
The knockdown, scored by short right hand, was timely and critical to a Paul victory that is sure to generate some controversy. Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) was awarded a unanimous decision.
Judge PaulCalderon scored it 77-74. Chris Wilson and Dennis O’Connell both had 78-73, all for Paul, the celebrity fighter, who is more of social-media phenomenon than he is proven prospect.
The scorecard margins were big enough that Paul would have won even without the knockdown. But the first seven rounds appeared to favor Silva (3-2, 2 KOs), a 47-year-old Brazilian who was fighting as a boxer for only fifth time in his storied career.
“They’re going to find something to say,” Paul said. ” ‘Fight a real boxer.’ I tried. If I were walking on water, people would say that I can’t swim. There’s always going to be haters. There’s always going to be critics. It’s an everyday part of life if you’re doing something and being successful. I don’t worry about it.”
The argument with this decision will start with Silva’s hands. They were quicker. They were more precise. According to a ringside computer, Silva’s landed 31 percent of his punches. Paul landed 25 percent. Yet, Silva didn;t argue with the decision
“That’s the game,” Silva said. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But nothing will change in my life. I’ll continue training hard because I’m born for this. Now, I go back home, continue training and see the next challenge.
“I think the judges got it right. Listen, it’s tough to come inside here and fight a young kid. I tried to do my best. I trained hard every day. Jake is better than me today. I don’t have anything bad to say about my opponent. I think everybody needs to respect this kid because he’s doing the best job.
The fight began with Paul doing what he does best. First he mugged for the cameras. Then, he stuck out his tongue. The show was underway. It’s what he didn’t do that suggested he might be in for a tough night. He kept his hands low and himself in peril.
Silva noticed. So, too, did just about everybody in a roaring crowd of 14,430 patrons. Paul was there, his face a moving target. It was an invitation to attack and Silva did. He rocked Paul with a left hook in the first round. He rocked him again in the second. Paul’s face began to show redness near both eyes. He looked surprised.
In the third, he began to look for a single knockout punch. Mostly, he would lunge and miss. But there were signs that the middle-aged Silva had begun to slow down. Paul was getting closer with every lunge, although Silva repeatedly mounted an assault during the closing seconds of every round.
In the eighth, however, he slowed down just enough for Paul to land a critical shot. It didn’t win the fight. On the scorecards, Paul had already won. But it gave him an argument in a scorecard controversy sure to continue.
Paul knows that. For him, there’s always another controversy.So, he moved on to the next one.
“This is just the start,” Paul said. “I want Nate Diaz. Canelo (Alvarez), you too. You guys said, ‘You can’t beat a striker, you can’t beat a legend like Anderson Silva.’ I just did it.
“So, why can’t I beat Canelo?” Trying to explain why he can’t is, well, just another Problem.
Ashton Sylve scores first-round stoppage
Ashton Sylve calls himself H2O. Maybe that’s because water has its own force. Once it starts moving, it can’t be stopped.
So far, neither can Sylve (8-0, 8 KOs).
It took the 18-year-old lightweight from Long Beach Calif. exactly 61 seconds to stop Braulio Rodriguez (20-5, 17 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, Saturday in the last fight before Jake Paul and Anderson Silva took center stage at Desert Diamond Arena .
One Sylve punch hit Rodriguez. A sudden left hit put Rodriguez down. Rodriguez slammed hs fist onto the canvas in frustration. Then, he tried to get up. But his sense of balance was gone. He stumbled one way and then another. It was over, Sylve a stoppage winner at 1:01 of the first round
Santiago wins rematch, Nieves quits after seventh round
It was dull. Decisive, too.
Mexican bantamweight Alejandro Santiago fought deliberately and did what he said would, forcing Antonio Nieves to quit after seven rounds in a rematch of their 2016 draw Saturday night at Desert Diamond Arena.
Santiago (27-3-5, 14 KOs) threw body shots while moving in and out tirelessly. Nieves (20-4-2, 11 KOs) never seemed to counter in any way. He simply wore out in a fight that Santiago promised would not go to the scorecards.
Le’Veon Bell runs into debut defeat
Former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell said a few days before his pro debut that boxing was tougher than football.
“In the ring, you’ve got no teammates,” he said.
Moments into his first pro fight Saturday at Desert Diamond Casino, Bel looked around as though he missed those teammates. Retired UFC star Uriah Hall, making his boxing debut at heavyweight, rocked him around like a linebacker. He landed jabs and body shots. At the end of the third, Bell looked stunned. He looked as if he needed a back-up.
But this is boxing. No backups and no breathers. For Bell, there was only a tough loss by unanimous decision, 40-36 on all three cards.
Dr. Mike loses pro debut
Diagnosis: Mismatch
Dr. Mike Varshavski quickly discovered that the sweet science isn’t the medical science.
The practicing physician from New York got rocked repeatedly by a tough Chris Avila, who staggered the good doctor with right hooks and then stinging left hands Saturday on the first pay-per-view fight on Jake Paul-Anderson Silva card at Dester Diamond Casino..
Repeatedly, Avila (2-1), a cruiserweight from Stockton Calif., flashed menacing smiles at Varshavski. Every smile seemed to say: Welcome to my world.
In the end, Avila won a unanimous decision, 40-36 on all three cards. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Dr. Varshavski would fight again as a pro. He donated his entire purse, $175,000, to the Harlem Boys and Girl Club
Jeremiah Milton silences the boos
A stoppage was the only way to silence the boos.
Jeremiah Milton (7-0, 6 KOs) delivered it, a multi-punch silencer that turned boos into cheers with a fifth-round stoppage Quintin Sumpter (5-1, 4 KOs) in a heavyweight fight, the final bout Saturday before Showtime’s pay-per-view telecast of a card featuring Jake Paul-Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena.
A growing crowd grew increasingly restless with Sumpter’s early tactics. Sumpter, of Pittsfield MA, would dance, mix in an occasional punch and then dance away. By the fourth, the crowd lost its patience. Boos filled the arena. In the fifth, Milton, of Las Vegas, finished it with successive punches to the temple that put Sumpter on the canvas. When got back onto his feet, he stumbled. At 39 seconds of the round, it was over — Milton a TKO winner.
Shadasia Green marches on to an 11-0 record
Shadasia Green, tireless and powerful, continued on her march forward.
This time, Ogleidis Suarez was in her way. But not for long.
Green (11-0, 10 KOs), a feared super-middleweight from Paterson NJ, walked her down and was about to walk all over her Venezuelan opponent until Suarez corner was left with only one reasonable option: Surrender.
Green was declared the winner after Suarez (3–5-1, 14 KOs) decided not to come out of her corner for the fifth round of a fight on the non-televised part of the Paul-Silva card.
Glendale’s Danny Flores wins sixth-round stoppage
It was a cross-town battle, Glendale’s Danny Flores against Phoenix rival Edgar Ortiz Jr..
Score one for Glendale.
Actually, the aggressive Flores (11-0, 3 KOs) scored often, rocking Ortiz (8-4-2, 4 KOs) repeatedly late in the third round and again in fourth and fifth of junior-featherweight bout on the non-televised portion of the Paul-Silva card. Early in the sixth, the unbeaten Flores applied the finisher, overwhelming a tiring Ortiz with a wave of punches. It was over, Flores a TKO winner, at 30 seconds of the sixth
Adrian Rodriguez grew up within a couple miles of Desert Diamond Arena. He has walked around it. He’s done road work around it.
Saturday, he won in it.
Rodriguez (3-0), a young-junior featherweight, employed quick feet and quicker hands, scoring a one-side decision over Dominique Griffin (4-3-1, 2 KOs) of Irving,TX in a four rounder, the second bout on the Jake Paul-Anderson featured card. It was a shutout, 40-36, on all three scorecards.
First Bell: Eliezer Silva opens Paul-Silva show with quick stoppage
It began with only echoes.
Los Angeles junior-middleweight Eliezer Silva (2-0, 1 KO) stated it off, landing a big punch that created a lot of echoes in an empty Desert Diamond Arena Saturday afternoon on the non-televised part of the Showtime pay-per-view card featuring Jake–Anderson Silva.
Silva caught Anthony Hannah, who had dropped his hands, leaving himself wide open for the shot that ended the matinee bout. Hannah (3-5, 2 KOs), of Augusta GA, crashed onto the canvas, prompting the referee to end it at 1:57 of the second round.
At The Bully Pulpit: Jake Paul weighs in
By Norm Frauenheim –
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jake Paul jumped off the scale, flexed, screamed and then did what he does best.
He weighed in.
He’s been weighing in all week with an unvarnished rip of a business known for what it doesn’t do any more. It fails to deliver fights that matter. It stumbles, from week-to-week, from one round of exasperating news to another.
Terence Crawford won’t be fighting Errol Spence. Canelo Alvarez won’t fight David Benavidez. Anthony Joshua won’t fight Tyson Fury. Who knows about Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis? Never-Never Land isn’t fiction. It’s boxing.
But the oft-criticized Paul (5-0, 4 KOs), dismissed as a YouTuber, is about to do what so many others in the waiting game won’t. He’ll fight Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, facing 47-year-old mixed-martial arts legend Anderson Silva (3-1, 2 KOs as a boxer) in a Showtime Pay-Per View bout (6 pm PT, 9 pm ET/ $59.95) that’s another easy target for old-school critics.
It’s a gimmick, they say. It’s also a fight that doesn’t matter, they say, arguing that it doesn’t belong on a decent undercard. Maybe, it doesn’t. But there aren’t many decent undercards anywhere these days.
Paul thinks he knows why. And he’s not shy about saying why. He counters the criticism with plenty of his own. His featured fight against Silva on a hybrid card that includes boxers, MMA fighters, a former NFL running back and a practicing physician is a lot of things. Mostly, it’s a forum, another platform, for Paul. He’s using it to say what a lot of frustrated fans are thinking. He has turned it into his bully pulpit.
“Get these fights done,” Paul said at a news conference before making the contracted weight Friday morning at 186.5, a fraction of a pound heavier than Silva, who came in at 186.1 “Stop shooting yourself in the foot. Stop being greedy. Give people what they want. Don’t look at every term in the contract and try to change it.
“Just effing fight. You spar every day. Why not get paid effing tens of millions of dollars to do it in front of people? They’re very scared to risk their undefeated records, but boxing needs these big fights. Don’t let your manager stop you. Don’t let your promoter stop you.
“You gotta be in control.”
Today’s state of the boxing business is the flip side of control. It’s chaos. Paul also knows that movers-and-shakers, both in boxing and the UFC, don’t like what he’s saying. In effect, he’s telling the fighters to do more than take punches. He’s telling them to take control.
“It sucks for the fans,” Paul said exactly one week after the business was pushed to another breaking point with news that Crawford-Spence would not happen in 2022.
“The fans are the ones that get hurt. And it’s bad. This is why the sport has gone to bad places before.
“It’s gone to scary moments where you think the sport’s going to wind up dying out, because big fights like this aren’t happening. Why didn’t we get Fury-Joshua? There’s so many instances where big fights could be made, and they’re just not.
“I don’t know what it is. No one will ever know, and that’s what’s frustrating.’’
The fighters staged a weigh-in for fans Friday afternoon. Here are the officlal weights from Friday morning for fighters on the PPV part of the card:
Lightweights Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs), Long Beach, California, 132.4 pounds versus Braulio Rodriguez (20-4, 17 KOs), Dominican Republic, 132.5 pounds.
Cruiserweight debuts: Uriah Hall, New York, 198.6 pounds versus former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell, Columbus, Ohio, 197.6 pounds.
Cruiserweight debut of Dr. Mike Varshavski (pro debut), New York,182.6 pounds, versus Chris Avila (1-1), Stockton, California, 183.3 pounds.
The non-televised part of the card is scheduled to begin at 3:30 pm (PT). It includes three Arizona fighters – Glendale junior featherweight Danny Barrios Flores (10-0, 2 KOs) against Edgar Ortiz Jr. (8-3-2, 4 KOs) of Phoenix and Glendale featherweight Adrian Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) against Dominique Griffin (4-2-1, 2 KOs) of Irving, Texas.
PAUL VS. SILVA OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND COMMISSION OFFICIALS
Cruiserweight Bout – 8 Rounds
Jake Paul – 186 ½ lbs.
Anderson Silva – 186 lbs.
Referee: Wes Melton; Judges: Paul Calderon (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Lightweight Bout – 8 Rounds
Ashton Sylve – 132 ½ lbs.
Braulio Rodriguez – 132 ½ lbs.
Referee: Tony Zaino; Judges: Eric Curcio (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.).
Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Alexandro Santiago – 118 lbs.
Antonio Nieves – 117 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Wes Melton; Judges: Eric Curcio (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Cruiserweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Uriah Hall – 198 ½ lbs.
Le’Veon Bell – 197 ½ lbs.
Referee: Tony Zaino; Judges: Eric Curcio (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Cruiserweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Chris Avila – 183 ¼ lbs.
Dr. Mike Varshavski – 182 ½ lbs.
Referee: Joey Chavez; Judges: Paul Calderon (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Referee: Wes Melton; Judges: Paul Calderon (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Super Middleweight Bout – 8 Rounds
Ogleidis Suarez – 169 lbs.
Shadasia Green – 169 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Joey Chavez; Judges: Paul Calderon (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Contracted weight: 169 pounds
Super Bantamweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Danny Barrios Flores – 122 ½ lbs.
Edgar Ortiz, Jr. – 120 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Tony Zaino; Judges: Eric Curcio (Ariz.), Dennis O’Connell (Ariz.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host Saturday night’s SHOWTIME PPV telecast with MMA legend Georges St-Pierre serving as co-host. St.-Pierre was a two-division UFC champion and three-time UFC welterweight champion. They join the most versatile voice in combat sports Mauro Ranallo, along with International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and leading mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani in calling the action from ringside.Helwani will also handle pre-and-post-fight interviews and serve as the ringside reporter. Three more Hall of Famers round out the SHOWTIME telecast team – unofficial scorer and boxing historian Steve Farhood will score the fights, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. will emcee the proceedings, and Barry Tompkins will call the international feed with former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez providing analysis. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing. Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, whose podcast MORNING KOMBAT was recently named Best Sports Podcast of the Year at the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, will host the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show streaming live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds
VIDEO: Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva: Weigh-In | SHOWTIME PPV
Stupid Question: Jake Paul talks a lot, but keeps it real
By Norm Frauenheim –
GLENDALE, Ariz. – His reputation precedes him. So, too, does his nickname. Trouble is expected from anybody who calls himself The Problem Child.
Jake Paul’s reputation includes just about everything. He’s a promoter, puncher and a provocateur. Sometimes, he’s a potential union organizer. More on that later. Bet on it.
What he’s not, however, is a fool. Before he arrived in my home state, I wondered about that.
That prompted me to ask a question Thursday during the final formal news conference before his Showtime pay-per-view fight Saturday against mixed-martial arts legend Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Casino.
As an old — very old — boxing writer, I’m new to the Paul story , which is full of inflammatory challenges and over-the-top bragging. Paul did some of that Thursday.
The pressure, he said, was all on him in his bid to beat the 47-year-old Silva.
“For sure I have more pressure on my shoulders,’’ Paul said. “Just being the ‘A’ side, and the amount of (bleep) I talk. I think the entire MMA community is waiting for me to lose. They want me to lose.
“I just have so many more big ideas and plans in this sport and I just plan on being here forever. This is the start of that, and the pressure is on.’’
That’s when I decided to ask a dumb question, one intended to be stupid. I was expecting a stupid, over-the-top answer. So much for expectations and reputations. Paul knocked it down, smartly and with a parting shot delivered like a punch line.
Paul had mentioned David Benavidez this week in one his many interviews, this one with DAZN. He is in Benavidez’ old neighborhood, after all. He is about to fight in the arena where Benavidez last appeared in a scary beat-down of David Lemieux last May.
Anyway, Paul said he wanted to promote Benavidez and then he explained how he would do it.
It was fanciful, of course. Benavidez already has a manager/promoter in Sampson Lewkowicz, who fought and won a battle with Top Rank to retain his rights.
It’s hard to foresee a time when Paul might promote Benavidez. But it’s no secret that the feared super-middleweight from Phoenix is having trouble finding anyone willing to face him. So, I decided to test Paul with a question, one as obvious as it was stupid.
If you can’t promote Benavidez, would you fight him?
Paul looked at me like I was Dana White.
“I’m not ready for that,’’ he said.
Then, I reminded him how hard it is for Benavidez to find opposition.
“Tell him he’s going to have to keep looking,’’ Paul said.
Smart, funny and not what might have been expected if you believed Paul’s portrayal in the media. He knows his career is still in the prospect stage. There’s frustration at the money and attention he generates. But he’s simply been smart enough to create his own celebrity through social media.
He has a profile and a punch in a business with many who have neither. Where will it all lead? Who knows? He has only five pro fights, all victories and four by KO. Silva is a risk, at least the oddsmakers think so. Some have favored the Brazilian, whose boxing record includes a victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Meanwhile, expect the unconventional Paul to move forward with more trash talk and ideas. One of them includes a bet with Silva. Paul said Thursday he’d do an MMA fight or kickboxing bout with Silva if Silva won Saturday.
If Paul wins, however, he said he wants Silva to help him create a union in a bid to get fighters more money and health care. At first, Paul said it would be a union for UFC and MMA fighters.
Then, he said “All fighters.’’
Silva reached across the podium and shook hands on a bet and an ambitious goal. He talks big. Thinks big, too.
Anderson Silva gets quick AZ Commission approval to fight Jake Paul
By Norm Frauenheim
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission quickly cleared Anderson Silva to fight Jake Paul Thursday night, citing a review of recent medical tests and comments provided by Silva and his representatives.
It took the Commission less than 10 minutes to reach the decision at a meeting that was suddenly scheduled Wednesday amid questions about whether the 47-year-old Silva had been knocked out twice in training for a Showtime pay-per-view bout Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena.
“A fighter’s safety is always our priority,’’ Commission Chairman Scott Fletcher said. “But we peeled back the onion and determined that Anderson Silva is in shape and ready to fight.’’
Silva was granted an Arizona license in September. That’s when he reportedly was knocked out, according to quotes that appeared in MMA Weekly. However, Silva said in a statement Wednesday that he had been misunderstood.
Silva, a Brazilian whose first language is Portuguese, said he told the publication he had been knocked down, not out.
The Commission decided to schedule what it called a Special Meeting late Thursday after it was notified of the discrepancy this week before a public workout in front of Desert Diamond Arena Wednesday.
Commissioners Joe Pennington and Dr. Ara Feinstein both said they were initially concerned when they first learned about the discrepancy in quotes from Silva, a mixed-martial arts legend.
“I was extremely concerned,’’ Pennington said. ”But after reviewing all the medicals and other accounts, I’m confident he’s ready to fight.’’
Silva underwent an MRI this week, according to the Commission.
“The result was pristine,’’ said Fletcher, who watched and spoke to Silva at a news conference Thursday at Desert Diamond Arena before the Commission met.
MVP, Paul’s promotional company, and Showtime were confident that Silva would be cleared for the cruiserweight fight.
“Fighter safety is paramount to us as a network and hopefully to everybody who’s a principle in this sport,’’ Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, said. “The commission has a job to do and we respect their responsibilities. We certainly didn’t begrudge them their request for additional information.
“They had heard some things in the interview, which gave them concerns. They asked for additional medical information and exams. Thankfully, those came out clean and everyone has concluded, both the medical experts and the commission, that it’s fine to move forward with the fight. So, we’re happy that the process worked in all senses.
“They had a concern, we addressed it, medical experts weighed in and the fight is on.’’
JAKE PAUL AND ANDERSON SILVA WAGER ON OUTCOME OF SUPER FIGHT WHICH INCLUDES A FIGHTER’S UNION BEFORE THEY CLASH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 ON MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS EVENT ON SHOWTIME PPV®
GLENDALE, ARIZ. – October 27, 2022 – International superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul finally got MMA legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva to agree to wager the result of their must-see eight-round cruiserweight match on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) event live on SHOWTIME PPV® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River) just outside of Phoenix.
During the final press conference on Thursday, Paul said that if Silva wins, he would face Silva in a kick-boxing match – a competition that would put Paul at a severe disadvantage. Paul said if he wins, he and Silva would create together a united fighter’s association to help UFC and all MMA fighters get better pay and healthcare.
“You become the interim president and we unite,” Paul said.
“Deal!” Silva responded, as the two rose from their seats on the dais and shook hands in the middle of the stage as fans applauded.
The blockbuster event between the two generational talents – Paul is the YouTube personality-turned boxer who rode into Wednesday’s media workout on horseback while Silva is the famed MMA legend with UFC records and accolades on his resume – has resonated with fans. Paul-Silva is already the highest grossing boxing event for ticket revenue in the history of Desert Diamond Arena and the second highest-grossing ticket event across all combat sports with two days until fight night.
Paul and Silva were joined by the eight other fighters at the press conference appearing on the SHOWTIME PPV. Here is what they had to say before they meet in the ring on Saturday:
JAKE PAUL
“For sure I have more pressure on my shoulders. Just being the ‘A’ side, and the amount of sh– I talk I think the entire MMA community is waiting for me to lose. They want me to lose. I just have so many more big ideas and plans in this sport and I just plan on being here forever. This is the start of that, and the pressure is on.
“I’m the young guy and he’s really, really good and has more experience. He has the weight, the height, the reach so all the odds are stacked against me. He’s very fast, very technical, very rangy, good defense, good movement. I’ll have to be perfect on Saturday night. I know I’m capable of doing that but I’m ready for war. Skill aside, it might come down to who wants it more and I believe that’s me.
“When you get into the ring you have to be ruthless, savage, be willing to do whatever it takes during the darkest moments in the ring. You have to be a killer or you will be killed, so that’s where the problem child comes in. I’m a problem for anyone that’s in the ring with me. I can put you out at any time. I’m a different person. I don’t care about consequences when I’m in the alter ego and I come alive when I enter the ring. It’s not Jake. It’s someone else that I tap into.
“Logan was like, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ Now you think I’m going to win.”
ANDERSON SILVA
“When you fight in combat sports you have to be a little crazy. I’m a little crazy, too. This is not for everyone. Everyone here are special guys and for sure everyone here is a little crazy.
“This is a competition and I’m training hard to make a great show for everyone. This fight is very special to me. I try to do my best because I love fighting and I love my job and now I’m free to do everything I like to do.
“I don’t believe this affects my legacy, in my journey in combat sports. I try to do my best to give something to the new generation. Jake and I are bringing two big generations together and people think this will affect my legacy or affect Jake’s legacy, but I don’t believe that because it’s about passion and love.
“Everyone always asks, ‘Are you sure you want to face Jake Paul? He’s beating a lot of guys in the UFC.’ I say, ‘Yeah, I think I’m ready for that. He’s younger than me but I’m a superhero.’”
ASHTON SYLVE
“I feel like in the next two or three years I’ll be ready to fight for a title or be a contender. I’m in my eighth fight and I’m in the co-main event to a Jake Paul fight.”
BRAULIO RODRIGUEZ
“My mom is a fan of Jake Paul. I’m going to give the fans a show. I know what I’m capable of doing and I’m going to give the fans a show. I’m up to the challenge.”
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO
“I am thrilled to represent Mexico. I’m so excited. I’m glad to have a grudge match to decide who’s truly better. I can promise you I’m going to represent Mexico with all I have, and this fight is going to be great.”
ANTONIO NIEVES
“When we fought six years ago, he was a last-minute opponent to the card we were fighting on. The fight was a draw and now to be in this event with Jake Paul from my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, it means a lot for me. He’s not a last-minute opponent so we expect a better fight and we’re looking for the victory.”
URIAH HALL
“Fighters fight and it changes when you have to go out there and you have to adjust. We’re both fighters at the end of the day. He’s a powerful dude. I know he’s confident. You can’t really focus on those outside negative affirmations. You have to stay present and I’m just looking forward to having some fun. He’s a challenge, it’s a step-up, it’s outside my comfort zone and I love a challenge.”
LE’VEON BELL
“I didn’t expect this to happen. But over the course of my NFL career, me picking up boxing as cardio, I just fell in love with it. And once I started sparring and competing with other fighters, then I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
CHRIS AVILA
“This is just another fight week and it’s not any different than Bellator or UFC.”
DR. MIKE VARSHAVSKI
“When I told my patients and my doctor colleagues [that I was fighting], they were considering admitting me to the psych ward. But they saw my passion for the sport and the reason I fell in love with boxing – as I said in other interviews, 2010 was a rough year where I lost both of my grandparents and my mother. It was a dark time and boxing allowed me an escape from that dark time.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA
“I’ve been a lifelong boxing fan. I’ve been in the sport working for almost 25 years. I’ve seen a lot of things, a lot of unusual things, but I never would have predicted an event like this.
“People ask all the time, ‘Why Jake? Why put 35 years of credibility in the sport on the line in this event?’ Well, for those of you who have spent any time with Jake, you can see he’s demonstrated a commitment to the sport, a respect for the sport, that can’t be denied. He promised us he would be taking on a tougher challenge with each successive fight and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds.
Jake Paul gallops onto AZ stage and into David Benavidez’ neighborhood
By Norm Frauenheim-
GLENDALE, Ariz. – He rode in on a horse.
Maybe, it was a nod toward Arizona’s wild-west past. Or, maybe, it was his way of saying he was the cavalry, riding to the rescue in an attempt to save a battered game from a head-long gallop to its own demise. Or, maybe, an elephant wasn’t available.
Whatever it was, Jake Paul, an unconventional boxer, enlivened a traditional media event Wednesday with an unconventional entrance for a public workout a few days before his cruiserweight bout with UFC icon Anderson Silva Saturday night on Showtime pay-per-view.
Paul had fun and a crowd of fans on a pavilion outside of the renamed Desert Diamond Arena west of Phoenix had some fun with him.
That’s not to say that Paul also didn’t do some business. He doesn’t just ride horses. He also has some horse sense. If his entrance was an acknowledgement of AZ history, his presence at the Glendale arena was also an acknowledgment of the state’s best-known fighter.
Paul mentioned David Benavidez, telling the DAZN Boxing Show he’d like to be his promoter. Why not? He’s in the neighborhood after all, talking, training and talking at an arena where Benavidez blew out David Lemieux in his last bout on May 21.
Benavidez grew up a few miles east of the arena, formerly known as Gila River. Metro Phoenix is the heart-beat of Benavidez’ emerging fan base. You could hear it, loud and clear, in his three-round demolition of Lemieux.
“David Benavidez,’’ said Paul, who promotes Amanda Serrano. “I think he’s big in the boxing world and he’s a superstar, he’s my favorite boxer, but he needs that push just like Amanda did into the mainstream.
“The kid needs to be on billboards, he needs to be on podcasts, he needs to be collaborating with influencers. He needs help making some content and getting some big sponsorships to get his name out there even more.”
Benavidez already has a promoter/manager in Sampson Lewkowicz. He’s also aligned with PBC. But that doesn’t stop Paul, whose opinions are part of the fun. Both are inexhaustible, always part of the show.
Paul’s tireless self-promotional skill has created a huge virtual universe. Not even Canelo Alvarez can ignore the reported social-media number – 20 million-plus You Tube subscribers. That’s enough to add a zero to even Canelo’s paycheck.
Thus far, however, Canelo has ignored, or at least eluded Benavidez, who is reportedly close to a deal for a fight with Jose Uzcategui in January,
Canelo said after his super-middleweight decision over Gennadiy Golovkin in a third fight in September that Benavidez’ resume doesn’t measure up.
“What has he done?’’ Canelo asked angrily.
He’s done more than Paul, at least he has in boxing terms narrowly defined by an unbeaten record, including a World Boxing Council title that was lost twice — first for a positive drug test and then on the scale.
Yet, Paul has an answer. He proposes to promote Benavidez the way he promotes himself.
Put it his way: It’d be a wild ride.
Arizona Commission schedules meeting in wake of questions about Anderson Silva
By Norm Frauenheim–
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission scheduled a meeting for late Thursday in the wake of conflicting reports about whether Anderson Silva was knocked out in training for his scheduled fight Saturday against Jake Paul.
The Commission scheduled the meeting Wednesday after news of the controversy broke during a public workout featuring both Silva and Paul on a pavilion outside of Desert Diamond Arena, site of the Showtime pay-per-view bout.
The meeting was announced by Commission Executive Director Danny A. Vella in a letter signed and posted on the Commission’s web site. It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm PT/9:30 pm ET.
The executive director is prohibited from commenting on the regulatory agency’s business. Comments to the media are handled by a public information officer assigned by the state’s Department of Gaming.
Silva, a UFC legend, is 47 years-old. His age means he is subject to additional vigilance by Arizona. Fighters older than 36 are required to disclose the last time they’ve been knocked out.
Silva, a Brazilian whose native language is Portuguese, denied in a statement Wednesday that he had been knocked out at all. He was quoted in MMA Weekly as saying he had been knocked out twice.
“After seeing the reports and concern for me, I’d like to clarify two important things,’’ Silva said in the statement, “One, I was NEVER knocked out in sparring. I misspoke in that interview as I sometimes do when interviewing in English and exaggerated the normal back-and-forth action that occurs in sparring.
“Second, this sparring session I referenced was in early September. The interview with MMA Weekly was done on Sept. 13 and, for some reason, just released this week. So, it wasn’t recent.”
VIDEO: Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva: Media Workout | SHOWTIME PPV
JAKE PAUL VS. ANDERSON SILVA BECOMES HIGHEST GROSSING BOXING EVENT IN HISTORY OF GLENDALE’S DESERT DIAMOND ARENA WITH SIX DAYS TO GO UNTIL FIGHT NIGHT
GLENDALE, ARIZ. – October 24, 2022 – The blockbuster event headlined by international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and UFC legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva has established itself as the highest grossing boxing event for ticket revenue in the history of Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) and the second highest-grossing ticket event across all combat sports with six days to go until fight night. The eight-round cruiserweight match takes place on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) event live on SHOWTIME PPV® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz.
PAUL VS. SILVA LANDS BOX OFFICE HAYMAKER
As fight week gets underway, the event’s total ticket revenue currently ranks ahead of all prior boxing events in the arena and sits between a pair of UFC events, trailing only UFC 263 for the highest grossing combat sports event in arena history. UFC 263 was headlined by the rematch between middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori, and featured MMA superstar Nate Diaz. Paul vs. Silva has already surpassed the only other UFC event there – UFC on Fox 29, which was headlined by a lightweight bout featuring future champion Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje and featured the initial match between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori.
Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The official promo for the event was inspired by the 1983 cult classic Scarface and is available to watch and share HERE.
SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD
The five-fight pay-per-view event is widely available for purchase and live streaming in the U.S. at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME® app. The event is also available on major cable, satellite, and telco television providers throughout the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $59.95 (SRP). In Canada, viewers can access the event via traditional distributors as well as digitally on FITE.tv, which will also carry the event in most international territories around the globe including the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and India. FOX Sports Australia will televise the main event Down Under, ESPN Latin America will carry the event throughout Latin America and Globosat will carry the event in Brazil.
THE MOST TRUSTED VOICES IN COMBAT SPORTS
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host Saturday night’s SHOWTIME PPV telecast with MMA legend Georges St-Pierre serving as co-host. St.-Pierre was a two-division UFC champion and three-time UFC welterweight champion. They join the most versatile voice in combat sports Mauro Ranallo, along with International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and leading mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani in calling the action from ringside.Helwani will also handle pre-and-post-fight interviews and serve as the ringside reporter.
Three more Hall of Famers round out the SHOWTIME telecast team – unofficial scorer and boxing historian Steve Farhood will score the fights, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. will emcee the proceedings, and Barry Tompkins will call the international feed with former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez providing analysis.
THE STREAM TEAM
Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, whose podcast MORNING KOMBAT was recently named Best Sports Podcast of the Year at the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, will host the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show streaming live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The dynamic duo will call the action of three undercard fights and look ahead to the SHOWTIME PPV action to come.
In the preliminary streaming bouts, Jeremiah “Dream Land” Milton (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Quintin Sumter (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round contest between undefeated heavyweights. Plus, former featherweight champion Ogleidis Suarez (30-4-1, 14 KOs) faces undefeated KO artist Shadasia Green (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round women’s super middleweight bout and Glendale’s Danny Barrios Flores (10-0, 2 KOs), one of Arizona’s most promising prospects, will look to show out in front of his hometown fans against Edgar Ortiz Jr. (8-3-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight bout.
Thomas and Campbell will be on hand in Arizona all week long to host the live streams of fight week events, including Wednesday’s open media workout (1:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT), Thursday’s final press conference (11 a.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) and Friday’s public weigh-in (2 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). All events stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel, Jake Paul YouTube channel, Jake Paul TikTok channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.
BACKSTAGE PASS WITH ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. SILVA
SHOWTIME SPORTS® has released the full episode of its Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. SILVA, bringing fans behind the scenes and into Paul and Silva’s private lives and training camps as they each prepare for one of the year’s must-see sporting events. The episode is now available free via the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel. To watch, go to: https://youtu.be/vbrVF827RbQ.
A GOOD BET IN YOUR BACK POCKET
The event on Saturday is sponsored by Betr, the official partner of PAUL vs SILVA. Betr is the world’s first direct-to-consumer micro-betting app, allowing customers to make wagers on different aspects of a game that don’t involve the final score. It was launched by Paul and betting industry veteran Joey Levy in September.
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds. For more information: www.Showtime.com/PPV.
Baseball and Boxing Tripleheader in South Philly Saturday, October 29
Saturday, October 29 will be a busy night at 2300 Arena in South Philly. Heavyweight Sonny Conto (10-0, 8 K0s) will take on James Bryant (6-1, 4 K0s) in the six-round headline bout on Saturday. The Philadelphia Phillies will be in Houston facing the Astros in game 2 of the World Series. Jake Paul and Anderson Silva clash on Showtime PPV, all on the same night.
Along with the live fights in the main arena, the Phillies game will be broadcast on one of the large TV screens, and at 9 pm ET, the 2300 Arena Bar area will be showing the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva event. What better way to spend Saturday night as a sports fan in Philadelphia.
Bryce Mills (9-1, 4 KOs) of Liverpool, NY will look for his fourth consecutive victory when he takes on Larry Fryers (11-5-1, 4 KOs) of Yonkers, NY via Clones, Ireland, in a six-round junior welterweight bout.
Tariq Green (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will take on Everlon Still (2-2, 1 KO) of Voorhees, NJ in a four-round super middleweight contest.
Carlos Marrero (3-8-3) of Bridgeport, CT will be fighting Tyree Arnold (1-4) of Philadelphia, PA in a four-round junior welterweight fight.
Shane Slocumb of Philadelphia, PA will be making his pro debut in a heavyweight fight against Johnathan Wiles (0-1) of Philadelphia, PA.
James White of Warwick, PA battles Keynan Williams (0-2) of Winchester, VA.
Devin Gantt (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, NJ will see action in a four-round featherweight bout following his impressive third-round stoppage over Taijiro Arakawa on September 1st.
ABOUT JOE HAND PROMOTIONS
Founded in 1971, Joe Hand Promotions is the nation’s oldest and largest television distributor of pay-per-view and closed circuit sports and entertainment events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), championship boxing, and concerts. JHP’s event consultants provide their marketing knowledge and promotional expertise to help commercial establishments grow their business through the use of live sports and entertainment programming. Additionally, JHP hosts 4-6 live boxing events per year in the Philadelphia area. These events have held sold-out crowds at various venues and arenas.
ANDERSON SILVA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
GLENDALE, ARIZ. – October 21, 2022 – A longtime trainer, a new trainer and family dynamics played a big role in helping Anderson “The Spider” Silva wrapup training camp on a positive note in advance of the UFC legend’s mega fight against international superstar and undefeated boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul October 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., in an event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
To understand Silva the polished boxer, one must first understand the close-knit, experienced team that’s surrounded him throughout this training camp near his home in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., an exclusive suburb 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, as they prepare for Paul. The YouTube personality is 5-0 and coming off a spectacular KO against another former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
Silva’s team is led by longtime head coach Luiz Carlos Dorea, who has been with Silva through 19 years of training camps. Before his split-decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the summer of 2021, Silva enlisted the services of veteran boxing coach Nico Robledo. Robledo was sidelined after a serious bout with Covid-19 that left him in a coma for three months and in the hospital for more than five months last December to the end of April.
Silva has been joined in camp by Eliezer Silva, who is also fighting October 29, Brazilian boxer Hebert Conceição, Robledo’s son Nico III, and even Silva’s son Kalyl.
Here is what Silva, Dorea and Robledo had to say about facing Paul as training camp wrapped up:
ANDERSON SILVA
On the differences in training in mixed martial arts as opposed to training in boxing:
“It’s different because you have seven different disciplines in MMA but for boxing, I’m just training for boxing. And I need to train more with my footwork, the position of my hands. But I’ve been training for boxing for many, many years so it’s something I’m comfortable doing. Every single fight you have different things you train for. Every fight is different. For this fight, I’m training to fight a boxer.”
On his motivation:
“I don’t need the money anymore. People think the money is important, but it’s not. Of course, I’m going to make money from this fight because It’s my job. Don’t do something just for the money. Work because you have a passion. That’s what I’ve done and why I’ve been successful all my life.”
On being the betting favorite:
“There’s a lot of people who are saying Jake is no good, he’s not as good a striker. But to me the fight is a fight and I’m training hard to win this fight. I’m not looking at this as an easy fight for me. Every single fight is dangerous once you step through the ropes.”
If a loss will affect his legacy:
“I’m not going to lose. Nothing will affect my legacy. I’ve worked hard for many years to do something like this for my fans. This is one more fight – one more challenge for myself, but this won’t affect my legacy and career.”
On What the difference will be in this fight:
“The most important thing going into this fight is my experience. My experience is something that Jake doesn’t have. I love this challenge, that’s the secret to me and I go into this fight to prove my respect to the boxing community.”
LUIZ CARLOS DOREA
On Silva’s motivation:
“Anderson’s motivation is above normal for this fight. Being able to train at home in Los Angeles with those who are close to him is even better and motivates him even more. Each week he got better and better. I’m very happy because Anderson is very motivated for this camp. It’s a great honor to work with Anderson. I’ve been with him for over 19 years, and I still see him as super motivated and ready to take on any challenge. He’s very motivated.”
On Silva training for boxing:
“The training is much calmer because boxing is his realm and his comfort level. I’m a boxing coach and Anderson learns very fast, so I feel very confident in his boxing skills. Anderson is the biggest striker of all time in MMA so it’s a much easier job for me to get him ready. Anderson is an athlete where I have to tell him to stop in training because he always wants more and more and more, and that motivation is inspiring and motivates the whole team.”
On not looking past Jake Paul:
“We always respect the adversary, no matter who it is. That’s why Anderson is training extra hard because Anderson is very disciplined. The training is always the same to confront any great athlete. We can’t underestimate anyone.
“It’s going to be the biggest show of all time. Jake Paul is going to finally have the biggest athlete he ever fought in front of him. He’s going to be fighting a legend, so it’s going to be a great show.”
NICO ROBLEDO
On recovering from Covid:
“I’m so fortunate to my family for not deciding to pull the plug. The reason they waited an extra week was because my children lost their mother on the same day also to Covid. I got out of the hospital on April 23, and a week later I was back and training my son for US Nationals.”
On Silva training for boxing:
“MMA is a transition to boxing, for sure. He’s a great athlete and has the heart of a lion – he’s truly a warrior. It hasn’t been easy, but at the same time it hasn’t been hard. He’s 47, but he trains like he’s 27. He gives 100 percent all the time. He’s always positive and has a smile on his face. He’s willing to learn and that makes training camps so much easier.
“It was actually funny because when we first started, he was trying to do some kicks. Overall, he’s caught up really well, and he knows he can’t take someone down but has to rely on his punches and his boxing skills.”
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and SHOWTIME PPV and is available now for purchase in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME® app for a suggested retail price of $59.95 (SRP). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The official promo for the event was inspired by the 1983 cult classic Scarface and is available to watch and share HERE.
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds. For more information: www.Showtime.com/PPV.
VIDEO: ALL ACCESS: Paul vs. Silva | Teaser | TOMORROW at 9:00PM ET/PT on SHOWTIME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYmpCksYxxA&t=1s
VIDEO: Jake Paul Training Camp Workout
JAKE PAUL TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
GLENDALE, ARIZ. – October 21, 2022 – International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul offered a glimpse into his mindset as he puts the finishing touches on training camp just eight days out from taking on the toughest test of his career in UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva.The must-see eight-round main event bout takes place on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz.
Paul’s co-trainer BJ Flores, a former cruiserweight world title challenger, also shared insight into the rigorous training camp that’s coming to a close in Paul’s adopted home of Dorado, Puerto Rico. With the help of fellow co-trainer Danny Smith and Team Paul members J’Leon Love and Jacob Chavez, both Paul and Flores believe fans will see a vastly improved fighter since the last time Paul stepped into a ring 10 months ago.
After scheduled bouts with pro boxers Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr. were scuttled, Paul had to quickly shift his attention as he entered training camp for arguably a far tougher opponent. With deft footwork and an educated jab, Silva showed in a win over former middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. that he is near the peak of his striking powers in what shapes up to be one of the most intriguing bouts of 2022.
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and SHOWTIME PPV and is available now for purchase in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME® app for a suggested retail price of $59.95 (SRP). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The official promo for the event was inspired by the 1983 cult classic Scarface and is available to watch and share HERE.
Here is what Paul and Flores had to say about training camp, facing Silva and more:
JAKE PAUL
On the challenge of facing Anderson Silva:
“It’s always good to have a big challenge because it pushes you to be perfect. There’s no room for lack of motivation or down time or complaining or anything like that. I know that this is a massive opportunity to catapult myself into the history books. To be a legend, you have to beat a legend and that’s what I have the opportunity to do here.”
On having respect for his opponent:
“It’s interesting having respect for my opponent where all the other ones we were talking trash to each other. But it’s super cool. He was my idol growing up and it’s a good change of pace. I have nothing but love for him, but I’m going to knock him out respectfully.”
On the improvements he’s made in camp:
“It’s about getting those 10,000 reps in to become a master. And so the technique is continuing to improve. Bringing my hips and my legs into the punches more and more. Even just growing my stamina to throw more punches. It’s been a constant evolution and my power has increased dramatically, which is scary for Anderson.
“So many things are clicking with it being my third year of being a professional boxer. I’ve improved drastically and exponentially. People are going to see a different fighter in the ring. I think people are going to be shocked. It’s been amazing and we’ve really caught a stride and a rhythm with the training camp this year.”
On his diet in camp:
“Breakfast is just an omelet with just one piece of toast. Sometimes I’ll skip lunch. I’m not really a big lunch person. It makes me tired and that makes me drop in weight. I’ll usually have a snack and some fruit and the snack is a high in fiber protein bar. Dinner is chicken or steak with quinoa, or quinoa with fish. Not a lot of carbs. So it’s been a really tough diet coming down to 187 but we’re wanting to do it the right way. Where I can wake up the morning of the weigh-in and have pasta if I want to. I could get to 175 next week if I wanted to do an MMA style weight-cut. But we cut the weight ahead of time so I never have to sit in the sauna and steam room and I’ll actually be the same weight.”
On his daily routine in training camp:
“Lots of sleep. I usually wake up around 1 p.m. We train a lot at night. We spar at night. We try to mimic fight night. Waking up and doing some kind of workout at night if I’m not sparring at night. That could be mitts, shadow boxing and then after that we do abs and we’ll go for a jog or weight training. Then it’s recovery and I have a stretch therapist. Then I go into a red-light bed. Then I come home, drink protein and then I go into the ice bath, then hot tub and back to ice bath. That usually recharges me right away.”
On sparring former world champion Chad Dawson in training camp:
“Chad Dawson raises my level of competition significantly. He pushes me to the next level and he makes me have to fight at my best. That’s what’s needed. If I can be in there with Chad Dawson, then I can beat Anderson Silva. I’m super excited for October 29 to go out there and show my speed.”
On his favorite part of training:
“I like the outdoor runs and jogs where my body just feels so good. I get into a rhythm. The music is playing, the sun is beating down and it feels like I’m in a boxing movie. The jogs are my favorite part for sure.”
BJ FLORES
On the daily routine in training camp:
“We schedule everything around the fight. On fight night, Jake probably won’t get into the ring until about 9:45, 10 p.m. We try to do everything on his fight night routine. We want him awake. We want him alert at night time. I don’t feel like there’s any real value in getting him up early and running at the crack of dawn. He’s a night owl. Plus, as long as we get the work done every single day, I just feel like the time of when you get the work done doesn’t matter. We want to do everything like a fight simulation.”
On the challenge of facing Anderson Silva:
“Anderson is a guy we’ve had our eye on for a long time. Anderson is a legend. He’s one of the greatest strikers of all time in any combat sport. We’ve taken it very seriously. He’s a very, very difficult challenge. It’s a massive step-up for Jake. It’s a very dangerous fight.
“The way that we attack Silva is obviously different to how we were preparing to attack Rahman. Rahman had more boxing experience. But not more fighting experience, not even close. So the way that we strategized and the way that we attack Anderson on fight night is going to be way different than it would have been for Rahman.”
On sparring in training camp:
“We’ve had Richard vanSiclen, who is 13-0. We’ve had Chad Dawson, who’s a former world champion. We’ve had Steve Cunningham and a lot of good guys in camp boxing with Jake who are very good southpaws. Southpaws who have been around for a long time just to give Jake that look over and over again and make sure he’s comfortable when he gets in the ring.
On the addition of co-trainer Danny Smith:
“We’ve added somebody very new to the team, Danny Smith. He was my trainer when I was boxing professionally. He’s one of the best trainers that I know. He’s one of my favorite people. Smart, intelligent guy who has been around boxing a long time. He’s somebody who taught me a lot about the game. He’s been very good for the strength and conditioning of Jake. He’s made Jake a better athlete as far as getting him stronger and faster. He’s excellent on the mitts. He’s been a great addition to the team.”
On the improvements Paul has made in training camp:
“Jake’s improvement since I first started working with him has just been incredible. The kid is just a nonstop worker. He’s a tireless worker. He’s very determined. He’s very goal-oriented. He’s very big on manifestation. Speaking what he wants into existence and actually going out and putting in the work to do it every single day.
“I would compare him when he fought AnEsonGib to a kid who just started learning how to ride a bike with training wheels on. After the Nate Robinson fight, he still had them on. After the Ben Askren fight, he was just slowly going along. Now he’s doing pretty good. He’s really improved a lot. He’s raised his boxing IQ. He’s really understanding the sport of boxing and taking it really seriously. It’s been almost three years of film study and reviewing every single sparring session that he does and talking about what he does well and what he needs to improve on and where he can get better. Over the last year, he’s sparred an extra 250 rounds with at least 50 different sparring partners. Good professionals. All of that just makes him a lot better.
“It’s an unbelievable amount of progress that he’s had over the last 12 to 18 months. It’s really impossible for anybody really to know how good Jake is and how he’s doing right now because he’s gotten so much better since last year that it’s impossible to handicap that. It’s impossible for any experts to know except those that are in camp with him. It’s been fun to watch.”
On the final days of training camp and fight week:
“We sparred twice the week before fight week. He’s in such good shape right now. We’re not doing as many rounds but we’re keeping him sharp. Keeping him firing on all the right levels. The main thing now is just making weight. 187 pounds. He’s already close. We’ve got a routine where days that he’s not sparring, we’re working on things in the gym. We’re making a conscious effort to get the weight down. Incline walk, sprints. We’ve been doing distance runs for 12 weeks. He’s in phenomenal shape right now. He’s prepared to go the eight rounds no problem but we’re also very realistic that this fight might not go eight rounds.
“We travel to Phoenix on Sunday. We’ll shake out on Monday. We’ll spar one final time on Tuesday. He likes to spar the week of the fight. And then after that, we have an open workout Wednesday, a final press conference on Thursday and a weigh-in on Friday. He’ll be ready to go.”
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds.
ASHTON “H2O” SYLVE DAZZLES DURING LONG BEACH, CALIF. MEDIA WORKOUT IN ADVANCE OF PAY-PER-VIEW BOUT AGAINST BRAULIO RODRIGUEZ
LONG BEACH, CALIF. – October 20, 2022 – Surrounded by family and reminders of his loved ones, Ashton “H2O” Sylve showed off the skills that have made him one of the sport’s most highly touted prospects during a workout in front of Southern California media on Wednesday. The training session was a warmup act before Sylve, the youngest prospect signed by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, faces Braulio Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round lightweight bout in the co-feature of the Paul vs. Anderson Silva pay-per-view on Saturday October 29 at Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) in Glendale, Ariz., just outside of Phoenix.
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV® and is available now for purchase in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME® app for a suggested retail price of $59.95 (SRP). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The official promo for the event was inspired by the 1983 cult classic Scarface and is available to watch and share HERE.
Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs) entertained media at the JackRabbit Boxing Academy in Long Beach, Calif., on Wednesday under the direction of his father and trainer, Ivan Sylve as they prepared to face the big-swinging Rodriguez (20-4, 17 KOs).
The 18-year-old Sylve’s affection for his family was on full display on Wednesday – from the presence of his father to the way Sylve honors his late great grandmother, who died in September and shared a close bond with Sylve. Her name, Elzina Marie Strauss, is inscribed on Sylve’s shoes and he trains to the steady tempo of her favorite old school R&B songs, as he did on Wednesday to Anita Baker’s soulful ballads. Another reminder of his love for family came in the form of his baby sister, who gamely tried to emulate her big brother as he jumped rope and shadow-boxed in the ring.
Here is what Ashton and Ivan Sylve had to say on Wednesday:
ASHTON SYLVE
“It feels great to fight on the same card as Jake Paul. I finally get to showcase my skills on a big platform in front of everyone. I plan to continue my winning streak, hopefully by knockout. I feel like Rodriguez doesn’t have the same conditioning as me. I’m cut from a different breed.
How have you been preparing to face a more-experienced fighter?
“I’ve been training to fight 12 rounds since I started boxing, so it’s nothing new. I’m just gaining awareness of certain tendencies my opponent has and that’s the main thing we’re preparing for.
“I’ve been stepping up the competition since I started boxing. I started at 16, so that was a big step right there. This fight is keeping me on the right track. I feel like we found our preferred opponent, so that will keep me moving in the right direction.
“On the back of my shoes is my great-grandmother’s name with the date she was born and the date she passed away. She took care of me, my friends, and the entire neighborhood. She was a huge part of our family and working out to the music she enjoyed listening to has been extra motivation for me.
“For me, when I’m away from family, it’s a distraction. Family is everything. When I’m working out with my little sister, it makes training fun and motivating.”
IVAN SYLVE
“Ashton’s skills and poise set him apart. He’s not like any other young fighter. He takes his time and does not rush for a knockout; he lets it come. We know what he can do, and his performance on October 29 will prove that to the world. He will answer everyone’s unanswered questions on the world stage.
“Finding balance as a father and trainer started off rough because, of course, as a dad you want the best for your kids. When Ashton was young, it got overwhelming for him because I would take it home. We studied film and talked about things that he messed up on and things he could improve on. At one point, he really didn’t have a childhood because it was boxing, boxing, boxing. Around the age of eight or nine, he told me he wanted to quit because he was overwhelmed and tired of me yelling at him. So, I listened, and we came to a compromise. I told him I would change up if he did not quit, because we’re not quitters. We train at the gym, and I promised to leave it at the gym. Then, when we get home, it’s dad time.”
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds.
THE DOCTOR DELIVERS: “DOCTOR MIKE” VARSHAVSKI IMPRESSES DURING NEW YORK CITY MEDIA WORKOUT IN ADVANCE OF PRO BOXING DEBUT VS. CHRIS AVILA
NEW YORK – October 19, 2022 – “Doctor Mike” Varshavski showed deft footwork and pop in his punches during a workout in front of New York City media on Tuesday before he ducked out to make his afternoon shift at the Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J., where he’s an attending physician. Dr. Mike will balance practicing medicine with training for his professional boxing debut when he takes on Chris Avila in a four-round cruiserweight bout on Saturday, October 29 as part of the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and SHOWTIME PPV® event headlined by Jake Paul vs. UFC legend Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) in Glendale, Ariz., just outside Phoenix.
The Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva Most Valuable Promotions SHOWTIME PPV is available now for purchase in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME® app for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (SRP). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The official promo for the event was inspired by the 1983 cult classic Scarface and is available to watch and share HERE.
A social media influencer with over 22 million followers, Dr. Mike plans to donate his entire purse on October 29 to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, whose executive director, Sharon Joseph, was in attendance during Tuesday’s workout. Dr. Mike, a board-certified family doctor who was named People magazine’s Sexiest Doctor Alive, started his boxing journey nearly 11 years ago after his mom died of leukemia, and he found refuge in the steady routine of training.
During the early days of the pandemic, his popular YouTube page emerged as a reliable source of health information with interviews with Dr. Anthony Fauci and other health authorities. Senator Chuck Schumer has invited Dr. Mike to appear with him at press conferences to discuss health projects that Schumer has championed. Dr. Mike appeared in a YouTube video with super lightweight contender Ryan Garcia who proclaimed that Dr. Mike “beats any YouTuber” after working out with him.
Dr. Mike entertained media at the Last Round gym in Chelsea, Manhattan on Tuesday under the direction of respected head trainer, Thomas Baldwin, and assistant Steve Frank, an 11-year pro who once challenged Bernard Hopkins for the middleweight title in 1996.
Here is what Dr. Mike had to say on Tuesday:
DR. MIKE VARSHAVSKI
“I’m living out my boyhood dream being able to fight on SHOWTIME PPV. Getting to face Chris Avila and getting a taste of what it feels like to be a real warrior inside that ring is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to making my teammates proud and showing all the hard work we’ve done in the gym. I know it’s not as long as some other fighters, but I understand the privilege that comes along with being in this position. I’m going to make the most of this one opportunity that I have to make my patients, my co-workers and all the people that watch my YouTube channel proud to encourage them to stay active, stay fit and to live to the top of their potential so they can stay happy and healthy.
“Not only do I have this connection to boxing for the love of the sport – but also because of how I fell into the sport. About 11 years ago, I lost my mom to cancer in the middle of medical school. I found myself in a dark place. I was fortunate enough to meet my head trainer Thomas [Baldwin] here over 10 years ago. He started training me when I was little kid with braces and a hoodie coming into the gym, just coming in once a week for the love of the sport.
“Over the last year, Thomas [Baldwin] and I kicked it into high gear. I see the work that he puts into training me. He has a family. He has kids. He always makes time to be here for me and that’s always appreciated and with my many other jobs that I have, I make sure to be here every day. I’ve never once canceled on Thomas since we’ve been doing this, and I look forward to continuing that streak.”
How do you balance boxing with your other pursuits?
“The biggest edge I have – and it’s funny that it’s even an edge — is that I don’t have a big family and I don’t have kids so I’m able to dedicate myself to the craft of boxing to make sure I’m there every single day. I make sure to stay super organized with my team that’s here. They help me with my YouTube stuff and everything else that we have in line. The podcast – we’re launching special products at the end of this year. We’re doing this with a very small team but because we’re very passionate we believe in the message: Ethics, motivation.
“Right now, the people that look at YouTube boxers and the sphere of influencers that are getting into the boxing space – there’s a lot of beef, a lot of arguing, name calling, and while that has been successful in boxing – props to Floyd Mayweather and everything he’s created – I’m trying to do this differently. I’m trying to be respectful and a true artist in the sport of boxing, where we’re doing it for the love of the game. I respect my opponent but once we step into the ring, they are my opponent. So, we’re going to go as hard as we can, and I want him to go as hard as he can because I don’t want this to be easy.”
On wanting to face Jake Paul in the future:
“I think there’s a lot of fighters in my size range in the 180-190 range that will be very interesting to take on. Also, we have to keep in my mind that I’m a practicing doctor, so we have to see what the schedule holds, what the timing is, but I like to be optimistic rather than pessimistic, so I think there’s great things on the horizon.
“I think Jake Paul caught a lot of flack for being very inflammatory and instigative, and he had to do that to create a name for himself in boxing because otherwise people really wouldn’t pay attention to him. But now I’m very appreciative of the stuff he’s doing to improve fighter pay. He’s got Amanda Serrano fighting in sold-out Madison Square Garden. He helped her achieve that. I’ve become very close to her family and see how grateful she is for the things he’s helped her as a team achieve. So, if he keeps doing that, then that’s amazing and I want to see only continued success for him.”
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ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds.
BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDERS ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO AND ANTONIO NIEVES MEET IN REMATCH ON JAKE PAUL VS. ANDERSON SILVA PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD OCTOBER 29
NEW YORK – October 13, 2022 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced today thattop 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown on the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva SHOWTIME PPV® undercard on Saturday, October 29, live from Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) in Glendale, Ariz., just outside Phoenix. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Nieves, who previously faced unified junior bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue, met Santiago for the first time on the SHOWTIME® developmental series, SHOBOX: The New Generation®in August 2016. Highlytouted prospects at the time, they became top contenders in their divisions fighting to a very competitive split decision draw. Now, ranked in the top-15 in the deep bantamweight division, Santiago and Nieves look to get back into title contention with their upcoming matchup. Santiago, who was stepping up in weight and stepping in as a last-minute replacement, out-landed NABO titleholder Nieves in power punches from rounds six to 10, but the late surge was not enough for the Tijuana, Mexico native to win the contest with the bout resulting in judges’ scores of 96-94 Nieves 96-94 Santiago, 95-95.
The now 26-year-old Santiago (26-3-5, 13 KOs) also showed his potential in September 2018 when he fought former IBF 115-pound World Champion Jerwin Ancajas to a split-draw (118-110 Santiago, 116-112 Ancajas, 114-114). Santiago, who seldom breaks training camp, suffered his first defeat in eight years last November when he squared off against unbeaten bantamweight contender Gary Antonio Russell on SHOWTIME.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me. I’m thankful to my promoter Paco Damián, MVP and SHOWTIME for making it possible,” said Santiago. “It means a lot to me. Antonio Nieves is a world class fighter and I have a lot of respect for him, but we have unfinished business and this time I am not leaving it in the judges’ hands. I’m training very hard and I’m confident that after this fight we will be in line to face any of the great world champions in my division.”
Nieves (20-3-2, 11 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, displayed his superior boxing skills and hand speed in his last outing against previously unbeaten Filipino prospect Judy Flores earning a convincing unanimous decision victory. Known for his technical skills and ability to measure his opponents, Nieves has never shied away from top opposition. He suffered his first defeat via controversial decision at the hands of Nikolai Potapov on SHOBOX® in 2017.
“Jake is from my hometown, and I plan to represent Cleveland alongside him on the world stage. This fight will steal the show: it’s Puerto Rico versus Mexico all over again,” said Nieves, whose parents are Puerto Rican. “We fought a super close fight six years ago and since then we both have had similar paths. We have both fought world-class competition, we have both fought for the world championship. We both know that a win here will catapult us back into world-title contention. We both have lost some very close decisions along the way. This fight won’t end in a decision. I’m the bigger man. I will walk him down. He won’t last 10 rounds this time. I’m not leaving this up to the judges.”
In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Jeremiah “Dream Land” Milton (6-0, 5 KOs) will square off against Quintin Sumpter (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout in the non-televised portion of the Silva vs. Paul undercard. Milton, a former sparring partner of heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury and contenders Luis Ortiz and Joe Joyce, and Sumpter, a former college football player, were originally scheduled to meet on August 6 on the Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. undercard before the fight was canceled due to Rahman’s inability to meet the contracted weight.
The Las Vegas-based 6-foot-4 Milton turned pro in August 2020 with a devastating 75-second, first-round knockout of Dennis Vance Jr. The Tulsa, Okla., native was a 2019 U.S. Olympic Trials Silver Medalist. He will face a sizeable challenge in the six-foot, 220-pound Brooklyn born and raised Sumpter who previously played defensive end for the Northeastern State University NCAA Division II football team. Sumpter now trains out of Pittsfield, Mass. Also in action that night, will be top prospect Eliezer Silva (1-0), of Los Angeles, Calif., who made a successful pro debut against Terry Roscoe in a four-round bout last September. He will square off against Phillip “Fresh” Carmouche (2-3), of Las Vegas, in a four-round super welterweight bout.
International superstar and serial risk-taker Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds. In the co-main event, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. In undercard action, elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds to open the pay-per-view.
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow #PaulSilva, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
VIDEO: Uriah Hall VS. Le’Veon Bell: Press Conference | Paul vs. Silva | October 29th on SHOWTIME PPV
URIAH HALL VS. LE’VEON BELL VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
GLENDALE, ARIZ. – October 13, 2022 – Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell sized each other up and placed their names squarely in the Jake Paul sweepstakes during a virtual press conference on Thursday to preview their professional boxing match on Saturday, October 29 as part of the event headlined by Paul vs. UFC legend Anderson Silva at Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) in Glendale, Ariz., just outside Phoenix. Both Hall and Bell will make their pro boxing debuts in an event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV in a four-round cruiserweight bout. But they made it clear on Thursday they view their MMA vs. NFL matchup as a prelude to a mega-fight with Paul.
“That’s the only reason why I’m here, man,” the former UFC standout Hall said to combat sports journalist and press conference host Ariel Helwani. “To fight Jake Paul.”
“This is the bridge to get the Jake Paul fight,” said the former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets running back.
During the media call, Hall and Bell also went back-and-forth over who the better athlete is, whether Bell bit off more than he could chew by facing such a decorated combat sports athlete, how Hall will cope without being able to rely on his kicks in the ring, how Bell said he would help former Steelers and Bucs teammate Antonio Brown prepare for a match with Paul, and more.
The Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva Most Valuable Promotions SHOWTIME PPV is available now for purchase in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME® app for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (SRP). The official promo for the event was inspired by the 1983 cult classic Scarface and was released today and is available to watch and share HERE.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Here is what Hall, Bell and Helwani had to say on Thursday:
URIAH HALL
“I love mixed martial arts and I love to compete. I’m a competitor. My coach called me about this and it piqued my interest. I’m just very competitive so I told him to give me some reasons to do it and he did. So that’s why I’m here. I’m the type of guy that has to be interested in something. If it’s fun and I see something that’s challenging, then I’ll do it.
“No offense but I had never heard of Le’Veon Bell till it was brought up to me. I barely watch my own sport. I didn’t know who he was, and I checked it out. Listen, at the end of the day he’s a stud at what he does and an athlete. What we’re both going out there to do is utilize that platform of a challenge. Yeah, we’re getting paid for it, but it’s a challenge. That he wants to step into that world, kudos to him. I don’t really know, but for me I’m just a competitor at heart.”
What is the reason for taking this fight?
“To fight Jake Paul [laughing]. The mind is not just focused on Jake Paul though. It’s exciting. We had some online exchanges a long time ago and I just wanted to show him what a real fight is.
“I’m here to represent myself. The world’s not going to like you. I have to look out for me at the end of the day. I’m a competitor first. From a business aspect all the other things can come with it, the limelight and all that, I don’t look at that stuff. I have blinders on and I’m just focused. I see him only. He’s in my vicinity and I have a task at hand and something to focus on. My mentality is I’d rather die [than lose] and I have that commitment to myself. I mean, you’d have to kill me. That’s my mentality.
“I don’t look at it like he’s biting off more than he can chew. I think he’s stepping out of his comfort zone.
“MMA is just grueling on the body. I know when I’m getting ready for an MMA fight you have to train seven different disciplines…And then there’s strength training. And then you’ve got to recover and there’s days you feel like [crap] and then you have to get up and do it again the next day. It’s such a toll on your body. The best way I can explain it is you know how a dog ages like seven years. That’s how it is for a fighter. You just age faster. It’s so much pressure you put on your body. But kudos to these guys for trying to do it.
“As an athlete I just know from a competitive standpoint you want to step out of your comfort zone. Look at Deron Williams. He’s a basketball player and a wrestler and he did it. He had fun with it.
“Whatever he brings, I have to adjust. In mixed martial arts if someone’s kicking the crap out of me, I’ve got to adjust and punch him or take him down, or vice versa. And that’s why I love mixed martial arts so much. There are just so many other attributes. I feel like boxing is so one-dimensional. You know what to expect. Granted, some people are faster with their hands. But I know he’s fast, and I’m fast. I know he hits hard, and I hit hard too. So I think it comes down to whoever goes out there and imposes their will.
“I’m happy for Anderson. He actually texted me when he found out I was on the card and he was like, ‘Man, I’m so happy I’m going to see you.’ My goal was to train with (him), and I never got the chance and I’ve always wanted to do that. We’ve agreed to do that after this fight. Anderson is just so unique. He’s so dynamic and so smooth in there. I feel like he’s more of a boxer. I watch him move, and I learn everything from this guy. Because he was my hero at one time, and he still is. Anderson was the one who gave me the advice that if you think you’re old, you’re old. It’s a mindset.”
LE’VEON BELL
“This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for the past two or three years. Obviously, I’ve been playing football but once the fight happened with Adrien Peterson – not long after I was on the show with Jake Paul, and he was talking about fighting another running back. And I was like, ‘No, I don’t want to fight another running back.’ So, he brought up Uriah Hall’s name and I thought that would be a great opponent for me, a guy who’s been spectacular in his profession. To step in the ring and move around with him, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to test my skills and see how good I really am. I didn’t want to keep fighting the same level of guys. I wanted to keep upping the level and Uriah Hall is a great opponent.
“A lot of people feel that I’m biting off more than I can chew. But a lot of people don’t know how seriously I’m taking this because they don’t know exactly how hard I’ve been working. I think it’s going to be a great test and we’ll see what happens but I’m excited.
“Like he said, it’s going to be a great challenge for him [switching to boxing] because a lot of things he was great at, like kicking – he obviously can’t do in boxing. He’s still a great striker, using his hands so he’s taking on a challenge and he’s going to be ready, and I feel like the same with me. I know he’s going to be prepared and ready and he’s going to be in shape, so I have to up my level.
“I feel like I’m one of the better athletes walking around this planet. I’m known for football but even when I was playing football, I was also playing basketball. I’m one of the best basketball players you’ll probably ever meet but people wouldn’t know that because I’m not in the NBA but that’s just how I feel. Anything I pick up and do, I catch on pretty quick, other than golf. But everything else I’ve been the cream of the crop because I get addicted to it and lock it in quickly.
“I feel like I have to handle business with Uriah [to get the Jake Paul fight]. But at some point, yeah [I want that fight]. But mine’s not just limited to Jake Paul.
After hearing Hall admit he used his legs against a boxer inside the ring during sparring and if he’s concerned Hall will do the same October 29
“Yeah, for real. I’m like damn. I don’t know how to defend kicks. I haven’t practiced that. But I know he’s a professional and he will control himself. But if there’s something you’ve done your entire life, it still will be in his head to [do] it. It’s going to be a tough challenge for him. I know that. But I’m not trying to defend leg kicks and sweeps [laughing].
“I feel great physically and I feel like I can do [boxing] for years to come. I don’t know exactly how long but I know it’s not going to be a one-off or a two-off. I’ll be around for a minute, continually trying to get better and find new opponents and sharpen my skills.
“Hands down preparing for a fight [is tougher than preparing for a football game]. Football camps were hard and tough on my body, but that was before I knew about boxing camp and understanding how tough and intense the boxing workouts were. That’s every day. I would say boxing for sure [is tougher].
“This is a much tougher challenge [than Peterson] because Hall’s been fighting for 17 years. When I fought Adrian Peterson, there were times when I thought he was a little timid because maybe it was his first fight. But I don’t think Uriah will be that way. I feel Uriah will be more confident because he’s been facing fighters for 17 years. He’s been hit before, not just by punches but by kicks. I have a guy who’s actually trying to fight me back.
“That feeling was crazy [of knocking someone out]. I had games where I had 200 yards and three touchdowns but that feeling that I had of knocking someone out tops the cake over any initial feeling I ever had in football. Hands down…I’m done with the football thing because I can’t go back and forth with football and boxing. It’s so hard to try and box and to still do football. Boxing is the kind of thing you have to be all the way in.
“Jake from his first fight to this fight, he’s gotten better each fight. He’s continually gotten sharper. He’s taking the sport seriously. He’s not a guy who’s just talking and obviously Silva is going to be a great test for him. Silva has been doing this for years. He’s a legend so it’s going to be a great challenge for Jake. I’m looking forward to watching it.
“In 2016 or 2017, I started using boxing as an extra workout for football. Over that time, [I went] from doing it once a week to twice a week, to eventually years down the line sparring and becoming more invested in it, I started falling in love with it and as time went on — I started to realize I was good at it.
“Me and [former Steelers and Bucs teammate Antonio Brown] stay in touch all the time. He almost walked me out for my last fight. I would work out with AB [if he ever faced Paul]. For sure.”
ARIEL HELWANI
“I think Uriah Hall is a tremendous striker. I think he is appropriately the betting favorite going into this fight. I think it’s going to be interesting and I think a lot of people are curious to see when his kicks and his knees aren’t available, how’s it going to look? Clearly, Le’Veon has power. I think he’s an incredible athlete.
“I can’t wait for this. I think it’s going to be a really, really fun spectacle. It’s a card that has something for everyone.”
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ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Top 118-pound contenders and former world title challengers Alexandro “El Peque” Santiago and Antonio “Carita” Nieves will meet again in a 10-round rematch of their exciting 2016 showdown. Elite UFC striker Uriah Hall and former NFL star running back Le’Veon Bell will make their pro debuts in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 195 pounds. In addition, Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds.
Quinton Sumpter preparing for breakout fight against unbeaten Jeremiah Milton on Oct. 29th Jake Paul-Anderson Silva PPV card
QUINCY, Mass. (October 10, 2022) – Undefeated Pittsfield (MA) Quintin Sumpter (5-0, 3 KOs heavyweight has been preparing a long time for his expected breakout fight on October 29th against Jeremiah “Dream Land” Milton (6-0, 5 KOs) ) in a 6-round bout on the Jake Paul-Anderson Silva Pay-per-view undercard at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Sumpter was originally slated to fight Milton this past August 6th on the Paul-Hasim Rahman, Jr. PPV card at the famed Madison Square Garden, but the entire card was canceled because Rahman couldn’t make the agreed upon weight.
Sumpter may still be fighting Milton, however, he’ll be traveling to Arizona instead of the Big Apple.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sumpter moved away in 2006 to attend college.
“It was very frustrating,” Sumpter admitted regarding the Aug. 6th cancellation. “I got ready to fight and sacrificed a lot, but I’m back on track. I’m disappointed to not be fighting at Madison Square Garden, but I’ve never been to Arizona. It’s still a big fight.”
The 6’ 0”, 220-pound Sumpter will be giving away 4-inches and 10-pounds to Milton, who was a defensive end on Northeastern State University’s football team. Sumpter, though, doesn’t feel that he’s at a size disadvantage against Milton.
“He’s big and strong,” Sumpter commented, “but I’ve been fighting giants at training camp. One guy was 6’ 9”, 300 pounds. I’ll be there (vs. Milton). I’ve trained 8 weeks total for this fight.
“People know me in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Winning this fight will open a lot more eyes for me in boxing.”
“Quintin has done everything right from the onset of his pro career,” Sumpter’s promoter Chris Traietti (Granite Chin Promotions) added. “He is one of those guys that ‘gets it.’ He turned professional at an older age, so he knew right away that we have to move at a rapid but not reckless pace. He took on undefeated Tim Hatfield, then the rugged Tracey Johnson, all within his first 5 fights. Now for his sixth fight, he is going on the road to fight another undefeated prospect, who I’m confident won’t be undefeated after October 29th. Winning this fight puts ‘Q’ on the ‘national prospect’ stage. The larger promoters will be taking a close look at him. I am never one to put the cart before the horse, so we will see what his options are after the 29th, and we will make the best decision for the next step in his career.”
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
Instagram: @chinchekker_qt
JAKE PAUL VS. ANDERSON SILVA PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
GLENDALE, ARIZ. – October 5, 2022 – Ashton “H20” Sylve, Most Valuable Promotion’s teenage sensation and one of boxing’s most exciting prospects, promised to make it “eight KOs in eight fights” during a virtual press conference on Wednesday alongside his upcoming opponent Braulio Rodriguez, who vowed to continue the recent string of success for Dominican boxers in the sport. Sylve vs. Rodriguez takes place Saturday, October 29 from Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) in Glendale, Ariz., just outside of Phoenix, live on SHOWTIME PPV® in a Most Valuable Promotions event.
Also speaking with the media to preview their October 29 showdown were two of the sport’s most intriguing newcomers, combat sports veteran and Nate Diaz disciple Chris Avila and his opponent, “Dr. Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer with nearly 23 million followers. Avila, a veteran of both the UFC and BELLATOR, hopes that a strong performance against Varshavski can lead to more opportunities against top boxers while “Dr. Mike” shed light on his motivation behind making his pro boxing debut and revealed that he will be donating his entire fight purse to the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem in New York City.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:
ASHTON SYLVE
“We came together as a team to figure out what opponent is best for my career path. I don’t want to rush anything. I’m only 18 years old so I don’t want to put anything past the speed that we’re going but we all felt like this is a great step-up fight. Every fighter that I’ve fought was a step-up. This fight will let me showcase my talents and show that I am built for this.
“The message that I’m trying to send is that I’m built for this and that I’ve been groomed for this since the amateurs where I was going overseas and fighting different kinds of fighters and doing everything that has led to where I am now. That message will be sent on October 29.
“The knockout streak will definitely continue. That’s what I’m looking forward to. I’m not going in there with the mindset that I will take him out in the first round but if it comes, it comes. But yes, the streak will continue.
“Rodriguez is an experienced fighter. He knows different techniques. But at the end of the day, I think he is low-key a sloppy fighter. He’s a sloppy and dirty fighter from what I saw from the Ryan Garcia fight. But we will see on October 29.
“This is something I’ve dreamed of my entire life so of course this is going to be big. This is just my eighth fight and being on this platform will put me in the next stage and show everyone who H20 is.
“Jake Paul is a great guy. He is teaching me both the game of boxing and outside of boxing. He’s more like a brother to me. Promotion wise, you see where I’m at and where Amanda [Serrano] is at so those are examples right there.
“I don’t feel any pressure at all being on this stage. I’ve been in the spotlight since I was eight years old. I was recognized by Floyd at an early age. I don’t think there is any pressure from here on out. I’ve been dealing with this type of stuff with my family and friends and the city of Long Beach so stuff like this doesn’t bring any pressure to me.
“I envision the fight as me knocking him out. I don’t see myself on the other side of the table. I respect him of course. But the other side of respect is being earned, so he has to earn it by showing up. For him to fight back, that’s a great thing because I feel like my other opponents didn’t bring the type of pressure he is about to bring so it’s going to be an exciting fight. I can’t wait.
“I always want to put on a phenomenal performance first and foremost, rather than just focusing on having a knockout. But I’m not overlooking him and I believe that breaking him down will be the key to success in this fight. If I break him down, sooner or later the knockout will come.”
BRAULIO RODRIGUEZ
“This is going to be a great fight. It’s going to come down to who takes care of the details best and who is the most ready to fight when the time comes. The goal is to give the fans a great fight and to show that I am here to stay.
“I feel like it’s night and day compared to when I fought against Ryan Garcia – I underestimated him. I didn’t prepare the way I should have. I only had eleven days to prepare for that fight, but that’s not an excuse. I know that I was punished for overlooking how dangerous Garcia could be. Now I’m more mature. I’m ready to show the world best version of myself. I’m not going to make the same mistake twice. I’m taking Sylve very seriously.
“Ashton can say whatever he wants, but I do agree with him that this fight isn’t going to reach the judges. It’s going to be do-or-die. You knock me out or I knock you out. I know what I’m doing inside the ring, and I know exactly what I have to do to come out victorious in this fight. I see your confidence and I see what you’re saying, but let’s see what happens inside the ring on October 29. The rest is just talk.
“When it comes to the Ryan Garcia fight, I was not in the proper shape. I overlooked the fight and underestimated Garcia and I paid the price. I’ve also won plenty of fights by knockout. I shouldn’t be defined by just that one loss. I’m in a new stage of my life where I feel at peace and I’m in great physical and mental shape right now. Ashton Sylve is a great opponent and we’re going to put on a great show. When it comes time to show my worth, trust me, I’m going to show that I am willing and able to show that I am the real deal.
“Dominican boxing is on fire right now. My compatriot Edwin De Los Santos was an underdog against Jose Valenzuela and he came out with the win. Alberto Puello and Hector Garcia were great and proved why they are champions. I hope that I can join that club now by proving that I am a quality fighter. With all due respect to Sylve, I’m a professional fighter who has a lot of talent. I know what I can do and I hope to continue the Dominican line of success and make everybody proud.
“My strategy is focused on Ashton’s inexperience because he has never fought against somebody of my quality or my experience. Put the Ryan Garcia fight aside and I have a 95 percent knockout rate. 18 out of 20. Ashton, don’t get cocky. If you do, then boxing and life will surprise you in ways that you least expect. I have firsthand experience in that given how I underestimated that Ryan Garcia fight. My experience can be the deciding factor in this fight.
“I just want to win and don’t care whether it’s by knockout or decision. I respect Ashton a lot and know that he has tremendous talent. I know that it’s not going to be easy, but I’m going in there like it’s do-or-die. I’m going to have my arm raised in the end and I don’t care how.”
CHRIS AVILA
“I’m excited to fight on this card against a good opponent. I’m ready to showcase that I’m a real boxer and I’m just happy to be able to fight on such a good card. I’m excited to go out there and put on a good show for everybody.
“I do believe Dr. Mike is playing a dangerous game. I’m not overlooking anybody. It’s a dangerous game. It’s the fight game, so I’m ready.
“I think this is just the next step that’s going to line me up for better fights that I want and deserve. I plan on fighting real competition and real boxers after this fight. I want to get back to facing real competition, but I’ll fight anybody at the end of the day. Why not take this fight?
“I saw a little bit of his fight against [iDubbbz]. I’m sure he’s got a little bit of a skillset. I’m taking him seriously.
“I plan to go in there and look for the finish like I always do. It’s whatever. I don’t care about what anybody says. We’re boxing. I believe in myself and believe I can do whatever I want.
“There’s no extra pressure because people expect me to win and knock him out. I take my stuff very seriously. I’m taking this fight, going to get it done, and then I want to line myself up for a real fight after this and get back to fighting high-level competition. I’m not overlooking this guy at all, though. I’m taking him seriously. I want to get in there with a vet, somebody like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I was in talks to fight him a while back and I would like to get in there with him.
“I’ve been fighting real fighters my whole career. I’ll fight anybody. Whoever wants to fight me, what’s up? I ain’t tripping.
“I just want to show the boxing world that I’m a real boxer. I’ve been in the game for a while. It’s just the beginning for me. I’m always going to be fighting. I’m still young. I still have a lot in me. It’s just the beginning.”
“DR. MIKE” VARSHAVSKI
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of this event and to be on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View. It’s obviously a dream for any fighter and I realize the blessing and opportunity I have in front of me, so I’ve been working extremely hard with my coaches and making sure I’m putting in the valuable work while maintaining my day job as a physician.
“I do suspend that Hippocratic oath of do no harm when I step into the ring, but I respect the fight game. I have incredible respect for Chris Avila and the work he’s put in as a combat veteran. When I was younger, I would frequently throw around words that this fighter is not that good or this fighter is amazing or this fighter is a bum, but being in the fight game to the small degree that I am now, I realize the work that all fighters put in, so I have tremendous respect for everyone that steps into the ring.
“Twenty-three million followers, in a very successful day job — I’m doing this to inspire people to reach their full potential. I’m trying to lead by example to show you should take on challenges when it’s a challenge you feel you can accomplish, and this is something I’ve always wanted to take on.
“I fell in love with boxing 11 or 12 years ago when my mom passed away and I was really struggling to find ways to stay active and healthy and boxing became a passion of mine. I was doing it for fitness, which is what I recommend to my viewers. Not everyone has to step into the ring to enjoy what boxing can deliver, but over the last year or two I’ve been training very hard and sparring with amateurs and professionals. I understand this isn’t a game. I know that people can get really hurt. I’m not only a boxer but I’m also a doctor at the end of the day, so I know the dangers involved with stepping into the ring.
“This is my pro debut. I had an exhibition fight earlier this year that was comfortable and now I’m drastically stepping up the quality of opponent that I’m going to be competing against. Chris is a veteran in the fight game, he’s never been knocked out, he’s a tough guy, he comes from a tough training background. I didn’t want to go in and have an easy fight and fight other YouTubers that didn’t have any training or experience. If I want to do this for real, I need to see what it’s like and this was a great opportunity, so I’m grateful for Chris for giving me this opportunity.
“In May I stepped into a main event that was sold out with over 100,000 pay-per-view buys. I did quite well. It was a five-round fight. The judges gave me every round. The quality of the competition — I felt I could handle more. It would be cool to fight YouTubers if it was about raising clout, making money. That’s not what this is about for me. In fact, I’m donating my entire fight purse to the Harlem Boys & Girls Club of New York. This is a challenge that I set for myself and that I take quite seriously.
“I’m confident going into this fight because of my coach, Thomas Baldwin, who has really guided me on this journey. What’s interesting about this relationship is that even though he’s been training me for 10 years, I take care of his family as their physician. He entrusts me with their lives, so I then entrust my life to him. He believes I’m ready, so I believe I’m ready.
“To me this is about reaching the top of my potential, which is something I tell all my viewers to do, and I get a lot of joy inside that ring. I can’t imagine doing something else right now. Despite the fact I’m working two or three days a week in the hospital, filming two and three days a week for the YouTube channel, just launched a new podcast with a new guest Steve-O, coming out next week that I’m really excited about – I still continue training twice a day, six days a week, just like any other professional, making sure I eat right, and making sure I rest. It’s just a true passion and I truly want to give my one last shot before I age out of competitive fitness.
“The game of life is inherently dangerous. Whatever we choose to do — whether it’s crossing the street, driving to work, taking an airplane, skydiving, there’s inherent risks all around us. The goal as a doctor is to balance those risks with enjoyment of life and for me this is a risk that is calculated and that I’m willing to take for the passion of the sport. And to be frank, I’m not going to be a boxer for 10-15 years and take punishment. If I do this, it will be for the next few years as a really strong passion of mine and to see how far I can go. So, this is a risk that I’ve calculated well for my family and friends.”
# # #
ABOUT PAUL VS. SILVA
International superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and accomplished boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round bout at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Saturday, October 29 in a Most Valuable Promotions event live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Desert Diamond Arena, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. In undercard action, teenage sensation Ashton Sylve will put his knockout streak on the line against Braulio Rodriguez in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Chris Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will square off against “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer, in a four-round cruiserweight bout contracted at 185 pounds.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow #PaulSilva, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.
RISING STAR ASHTON SYLVE, COMBAT SPORTS VETERAN CHRIS AVILA AND FIGHTING PHYSICIAN “DR. MIKE” VARSHAVSKI HIGHLIGHT JAKE PAUL VS. ANDERSON SILVA SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD OCTOBER 29
NEW YORK – September 20, 2022 – One of boxing’s most exciting prospects, Ashton “H20” Sylve and two of its most intriguing newcomers, Chris Avila and Mikhail “Doctor Mike” Varshavski highlight the SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, October 29 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) headlined by Jake “The Problem Child” Paul vs. UFC legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva at formerly Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz., just outside Phoenix. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Teenage sensation Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs) will increase his level of competition and put his knockout streak on the line against durable Braulio Rodriguez (20-4, 17 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round lightweight bout contested at 133 pounds. Avila, a disciple of UFC superstar Nate Diaz, will look to make a statement against “Dr. Mike” Varshavski, a board-certified family physician and social media influencer with nearly 23 million followers. Their four-round cruiserweight bout is contracted at 185 pounds.
The first prospect signed by MVP, Sylve of Long Beach, Calif., has stopped all his opponents in four rounds or less, demonstrating hair-trigger reflexes. The 18-year-old recently knocked out Giovanni Gutierrez in the first round of his MVP debut at lightweight in May. He fought three times in 2021 and twice thus far in 2022. A gifted amateur who turned pro at 16 with over 100 wins and 10 national titles to his credit, Sylve first rose to fame as an eight-year-old when a training video made by his father, Ivan, went viral, leading to an invite to Floyd Mayweather’s storied gym in Las Vegas.
“This is a dream come true and I’m really excited for the opportunity to put on a spectacular performance on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View,” Sylve said. “This is my toughest opponent yet and I’ve been training hard. I’m looking forward to introducing the world to H2O on October 29th.”
Sylve is facing an experienced opponent in Rodriguez, who has scored knockouts in all but three of his wins thanks to an aggressive, swing for the fences style. When he’s lost, it has come against top-flight opposition. Rodriguez has shared the ring with lightweight contender Ryan Garcia and title challenger Christopher Diaz. He dropped a split decision to then undefeated prospect Alberto Mercado and a unanimous decision to then unbeaten Carlos Diaz, the first blemish of his career after scoring 15-straight knockouts to start his pro campaign.
“I’ve fought on big stages before and I’m going to take full advantage of this great opportunity to show fans what I’m capable of,” Rodriguez said. “I’m thankful for this chance. October 29th can’t come soon enough.”
A veteran of both the UFC and Bellator, Chris Avila (1-1 as a boxer) has made the walk for 17 professional fights and has never been stopped or hurt during his time in the cage and ring. Making his second appearance on a Jake Paul card, the 28-year-old Stockton, Calif., native is an everyday training partner of Nate Diaz, and signature member of the Nick Diaz Army. As was the case in Tampa, Fla., when Avila beat Anthony Taylor in a super middleweight boxing match last December, Diaz and more than 40 members of the Nick Diaz Army will once again be present for Avila when he takes on “Dr. Mike.” With a reputation as an aggressive fighter, Avila’s calling card overhand right landed him two first round KOs in 2021 in MMA fights, and a 3-0 combat sports record for the year.
“Hmmmm, let’s see. I am giving him a height advantage, a reach advantage and a medical degree advantage,” Avila said. “It’s whatever though. If he wants to go to boxing fantasy camp, then I’m glad to give him the lesson he wants. A real fight against a real fighter who is not here to play games or clout chase for Instagram.”
It’s a good bet Avila has never faced anyone with a bedside manner like “Dr. Mike” Varshavski. Voted “Sexiest Doctor Alive” by People Magazine, the 6-3 Varshavski will attempt to prescribe a steady diet of right hands to Avila in his pro boxing debut. A fitness nut with over 10 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, “Dr. Mike” bloodied and battered YouTube personality Ian “iDubbbz” Washburn this past May in the main event of Creator Clash to walk away with a victory in the exhibition bout. If “Dr. Mike” puts forth a similar effort on October 29, the prognosis could be grim for Avila. “Dr. Mike” donated his entire purse in May to help relief efforts in Ukraine and plans to donate his purse on October 29 to a Boys & Girls Club of NYC.
“As a practicing physician, I’ve taken an oath to ‘do no harm,’ but when those ‘exam’ gloves come off and the boxing gloves slide on, all bets are off,” Dr. Varshavski said. “With one win under my belt, I’m hungry to add more. And this pro fight with Chris Avila could be just what the doctor ordered.”
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.
JAKE PAUL AND ANDERSON SILVA TRADE COMPLIMENTS, PHOTOS AND RESPECT AT KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THEY CLASH ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 ON SHOWTIME PPV®
Los Angeles – September 12, 2022 – In a press conference that broke new ground for the amount of respect and appreciation on display, Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Anderson “The Spider” Silva showed that fighters don’t have to exchange insults to spread the word on a matchup that promises to deliver fireworks. The two sat for Monday’s kickoff press conference to hype their mega fight on Saturday, October 29 at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. live on SHOWTIME PPV contracted for eight rounds at a catchweight of 187 pounds. Paul and Silva even posed for photos together with Paul’s brother Logan to recreate a snapshot the trio took 13 years ago.
Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 14 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, The press conference was hosted by former BELLATOR MMA and UFC world title contender and Silva rival Chael Sonnen and streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube event page HERE and on Paul’s YouTube event page HERE.
A press tour that started Monday in Los Angeles at the NeueHouse Hollywood will continue Tuesday at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz., with both Paul and Silva taking center stage once again.
Paul has made no secret of his admiration for Silva, an MMA legend who holds the UFC record for the longest title reign in the organization’s history (nearly seven years) and the most consecutive UFC victories (16) and has now successfully transitioned to boxing. Silva announced his return as a world-class boxer in June 2021 when he soundly defeated former middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., via split decision that wasn’t as close as the scores indicated.
Silva has also voiced his appreciation for Paul and what he’s been able to accomplish in boxing in such a short time. The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul last fought December 2021 when he recorded one of the year’s most spectacular knockouts – a one -punch KO of former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in front of a sold-out crowd on SHOWTIME PPV.
Despite the mutual admiration, Paul predicted the bout won’t go past five rounds and pledged to get a spider tattoo if Silva wins on October 29.
Here’s a sampling of what the participants had to say at Monday’s press conference:
JAKE PAUL
“I signed up for the hardest sport in the world and I love it. That’s what I’m built for, and I love a challenge. I grew up idolizing (Silva). For me this is even surreal that I’m even sitting here, I need to take a moment to be like, ‘Is this real with all the cameras?’ I was sitting on a couch watching this guy as a kid and here we are.
“Anderson Silva is the nicest person, and we love him. If my opponent is a di**head, I’m going to treat him like a di**head and beat his ass. But I respect this man, I’m still going to knock him out, but respectfully knock him out.
“I’m built for this, sparring world champions in the gym getting ready for Anderson. Obviously he’s a southpaw, my first time going up against a southpaw. But I love this, man. I truly feel I was put on earth and destined to box, and this will be my biggest stage yet and biggest test yet. But I’m a young man and I’m excited to get this experience under my belt because the fights are just going to keep on getting bigger. This is just the start.
“Only been preparing as a pro really for three years, I made my pro debut less than three years ago. But time management is crucial. We have the best coaches, the best nutrition, and we just work hard man, that’s been the key to my success and the key to my brother’s success is just nonstop work every single day, showing up and being present you know? And to be honest man I’m addicted to this, so no matter how hard I have to work (I do it).
“This is it. This is a make-or-break moment. I know I have someone who just beat a world champion of boxing right in front of me.
“Played them like a fiddle (the MMA community). Got them watching. In my pocket.
“If you beat me, I’ll get a spider tattoo.
“I have an opponent who is a real professional who will make weight and I won’t have to worry about doing a whole training camp.
“On the inside he gets a little shifty. We have sparring partners who will imitate him. He is the first southpaw I’m facing.”
“First of all, guys, everyone needs to respect this guy. Why? Because it opens the door for everyone to think about something new and I’m so excited and so happy to be here. How many years ago did you come to take a picture with your brother? I fought a lot in my entire life and I’m here again with the new generation. That’s the proof that everyone can do anything in their life if you believe in yourself and you have the passion and love.
“The energy involved in this fight is so amazing. A lot of people think about, ‘Anderson you’re crazy, why do you do that?’ You know what, that’s a good challenge for me because Gabriel and Elias and my son Kalyl beat me every day in the boxing training and I say, ‘I can do that, I think I can do that you know?’
“Boxing in my life is very special because I grew up watching a lot of boxing and training with Brazilian coaches. I come to this sport to show my respect to the sport and the professional fighters. I’m happy to be here to continue my job at 47.
“First of all, my motivation is that I love it. I love combat sports. Second of all, I have five kids. I love challenges my entire life. Every single time people ask me why I do this, I say I’m doing something I love.
“I train every day. I won’t stop training. I keep working because that’s my life. I will pass this to the new generation, do your best.
“You don’t need to get a spider tattoo. I know you’re my fan. I’m your fan too. Big fan. I hate tattoos bro. I don’t have tattoos.
“It’s the same energy, a fight is a fight. I’m training and doing my best.”
# # #
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.
LIVE VIDEO: Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva: Kick-Off Press Conference | October 29th on SHOWTIME PPV
JAKE PAUL TO FACE UFC GREAT AND PROFESSIONAL BOXER ANDERSON SILVA IN GLOBAL MATCHUP LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV®
NEW YORK – September 6, 2022 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and SHOWTIME SPORTS® today announced that international superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and professional boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Ariz., on Saturday, October 29 live on SHOWTIME PPV. The bout will be contested over eight rounds at a catchweight of 187 pounds. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 14 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Often compared to the Muhammad Ali and Pelé of mixed martial arts, Silva authored one of the strongest resumes of any MMA fighter before returning to pro boxing in 2021. Silva holds the UFC record for the longest title reign in the organization’s history: 2,457 days; the most consecutive UFC victories: 16 and the most finishes in UFC title fights: nine. Known for his superb striking ability in the cage, Silva (34-11, 1 NC in mixed martial arts) has found success as he’s transitioned to boxing in a remarkable second act of his career. The Brazilian announced his return as a world-class boxer in June 2021 when he soundly defeated former middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., via split decision that wasn’t as close as the scores indicated.
After scheduled bouts with pro boxers Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr. were scuttled, Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) will square off against arguably a far tougher opponent. With deft footwork and an educated jab, Silva showed against Chavez that he is near the peak of his striking powers in what shapes up to be one of the most intriguing bouts of 2022.
“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” said Paul. “Just a year ago he outclassed boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and showed the world why he is often referred to as the greatest fighter of all time. Every expert, from MMA to boxing, has said Jake Paul won’t fight Anderson Silva. They said Jake Paul is afraid of Anderson Silva, and Jake Paul would lose to Anderson Silva. Well, to all the non-believers – Jake Paul is fighting Anderson Silva. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share the ring with the greatest UFC striker of all time. On Saturday, October 29, I will walk humbly into the ring, touch gloves with a living legend and do my best to exterminate ‘The Spider.’”
“I know that in life everything has its purpose,” Silva said. “Nothing comes just by chance. So, I thank God for my health, my family and my team for providing me with this opportunity to continue doing the thing that I love the most. I believe this will be the biggest combat event of the year and will truly make history in the sport forever. See you on October 29.”
“Jake Paul continues to take on challenges that other professional fighters at his experience level and popularity never have,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder MVP. “Jake appreciates the platform that he has and always aims to provide fans with a compelling product that drives engagement. Anderson Silva is unequivocally the most exciting striker in UFC history. Those abilities have translated into his professional boxing career, and he most certainly has the ability to end Jake’s unbeaten streak. It’s an honor for Most Valuable Promotions to have one of the GOATs of combat sports headline our event. He is already a Hall of Famer in our books.”
The two fighters will go face-to-face for the first time during back-to-back press events on Monday, September 12 in Los Angeles and on Tuesday, September 13 in Phoenix. Paul, who has done inspiring charity work with his Boxing Bullies foundation, is looking forward to supporting boys and girls in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. “I am excited to bring this massive event to Phoenix and give back to the local community through my Boxing Bullies foundation,” said Paul.
After establishing himself as an all-time great in MMA from 1997 to 2020, Silva has continued to impress with his latest boxing run. He most recently knocked out fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz in 81 seconds in September 2021 with a huge counter-right hand followed by a left to move his boxing record to three wins, one loss, with two wins by knockout. That followed his dazzling effort against Chavez, who entered their matchup with 58 fights and 34 knockouts and had gone toe-to-toe with some of boxing’s best – champions like Canelo Alvarez, Sergio Martinez and Danny Jacobs. It mattered little as Silva repeatedly let his hands go in combinations, displaying a fluency in the boxing ring that seemed to confound Chavez and doesn’t bode well for Paul. Silva’s only loss in boxing came in 1998 in his boxing debut.
The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul last fought December 2021 when he recorded one of the year’s most spectacular knockouts – a one -punch KO of former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in front of a sold-out crowd on SHOWTIME PPV. Paul next booked a fight with undefeated cruiserweight Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury, on August 6. However, Fury withdrew for the second time in eight months when he was denied entry into the United States.
Paul next secured a fight with Rahman Jr., a 12-1 heavyweight who is the son of former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. But the event was canceled when Rahman and his team indicated a week before the bout that they were unable to make the weight limit. In the weeks that followed, Paul and Most Valuable Promotions rescheduled three of the bouts from that event and agreed to pay the other undercard fighters 50 percent of their purse amounts.
The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.
KATIE TAYLOR: “I’VE NEVER HEARD SUCH NONSENSE”
Katie Taylor has blasted Jake Paul’s suggestion that the rematch of the mega Madison Square Garden showdown with Amanda Serrano should be at 126lbs or a 130lbs catchweight.
Taylor (21-0, 6 KO’s), who edged out Serrano back in April to retain her Lightweight crown in an epic fight for the ages, spoke on Matchroom Boxing’s new podcast Flash Knockdown and stood firm that the rematch will only happen at Lightweight.
“What is that about?”, said Taylor. I’ve never heard such nonsense in all my life. I’ve never heard someone say something as stupid as that to be quite honest. I think they’re just trying to play a few games. I’m pretty sure Jake knows I’m not going to get down to 126, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a situation in boxing where the champion wins but has the rematch in a lower weight division. It is real nonsense! I don’t know if he’s playing games or it is naivety but the rematch is going to be at 135lbs.
“I don’t think Amanda’s recent fight falling through will delay or effect the rematch. I was hoping for the rematch to happen straight after the last fight but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen until next year now.
“I just want to be involved in the biggest fights possible but I’m not sure who I’m going to be fighting next right now but I’m planning on returning to the ring this year in November / December. The team have been talking to the likes of Cris Cyborg. I only had two or three days off after the Serrano fight so I’m just itching to get back in the ring!”
As well as speaking about the Serrano rematch, Taylor also reflected on the first fight with her Puerto Rican dance parter and her memories of the London Games, admitting the whole experience in New York surpassed the emotions she felt when she captured Olympic Gold ten years ago this week.
“I never thought anything would surpass the London Olympics but I think that night at Madison Square Garden did surpass it! It was definitely the most special experience of my career to date. The atmosphere between the Irish and the Puerto Rican fans was incredible, you couldn’t even hear the bell ringing! It was history making and a huge moment for the sport.
“In big fights there is always the possibility that you’re going to get hurt at some stage but that’s where all the training and preparation comes into play. I put myself in the trenches everyday and that’s what allows you to show your heart and your courage in the ring. I’m just glad I was able to get through those tough moments in the fifth round and then come on stronger as the fight went on.
“Thinking about the Olympics, it does and it doesn’t feel ten years ago. I can definitely remember the day as if it was yesterday but a lot has happened in those ten years. It was my childhood dream coming to pass, I was going into the competition with so much pressure on me and the weight of the nation on my shoulders. When I won gold it was just a feeling of relief more than anything!
“I remember putting on my Olympic kit and thinking how I’d dreamt of this moment. Looking at the Olympic Rings on my shorts and knowing I was about to walk out to represent my country at the Games, it was so special.
“Everyone in Ireland assumed I was going to win gold, I don’t think I slept for a second the night before the final! I don’t think anything will ever compare to the pressure I felt at the Olympic Games. If I got through those games, I can get through anything in life! When I started boxing at ten years old there was no real such thing as women’s boxing but now at home in Ireland when you see all the young girls in the gyms, that means everything to me.
VIDEO: ALL ACCESS: Paul vs. Rahman Jr | Teaser | TOMORROW at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT on SHOWTIME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zAWhRuzkvQ
JAKE PAUL VS. HASIM RAHMAN JR. AND AMANDA SERRANO VS. BRENDA CARABAJAL NEWS AND NOTES AHEAD OF AUGUST 6 SHOWTIME PPV® AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
NEW YORK – July 28, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS has announced the global distribution partners, pay-per-view price and telecast team for the upcoming SHOWTIME PPV co-headlined by global superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano vs. Brenda Carabajal on Saturday, August 6 live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tickets are on sale and available at www.msg.com. Click HERE to watch and share the promo video.
The pay-per-view event kicks off at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is widely available for purchase and live streaming in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME app for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (SRP). All U.S. consumers who purchase the event through the SHOWTIME app or SHOWTIME.com can watch it live through the SHOWTIME streaming service app on any supported devices including Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, Roku, Amazon FireTV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One, LG Smart TV, as well as online at SHOWTIME.com. The event is also available for purchase in the U.S. via satellite and telco systems through DIRECTV®, DISH, Sling TV, Vubiquity and on the Sony PlayStation™ store.
In Canada, viewers can purchase and access the event via traditional cable and satellite distributors (Bell, Rogers, Shaw and SaskTel/TELUS) as well as on FITE, who has distributed all of Paul’s previous fights and will offer the event in most regions around the world outside of the U.S. Liberty and Claro TV will offer the event in Puerto Rico. Joe Hand Promotions is the commercial distributor within the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.
DAZN will broadcast the event in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as part of the monthly subscription and ESPN LatAm will be the exclusive cable, satellite, internet/digital carrier in Latin America. Paul vs. Rahman Jr. is also available down under via FOX Sports Australia.
Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) will meet after the two erupted during the kick-off press conference over who was the better man during sparring sessions they had in 2020. Paul, a YouTube star and influencer-turned-pro boxer trains under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores in Puerto Rico and was named the Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year. Rahman Jr. is the son of the former two-time heavyweight champion and has trained under boxing sages like Emanuel Steward, Calvin Ford and now Yoel Judah, father and trainer of the former two-division world champion Zab Judah.
The other half of the dual main event features seven-division women’s champion Serrano, (42-2-1, 30 KOs) of Brooklyn, who will defend her featherweight titles against Argentina’sCarabajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout. Serrano made history in April when she and Katie Taylor were the first women to headline a main event at MSG. In the co-feature, teenage sensation,18-year-old Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif., will face Braulio Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round lightweight bout. Knockout artist Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs), of La Quinta, Calif., will face Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight to open the pay-per-view telecast.
Veteran sportscaster and SHOWTIME boxing host Brian Custer will host the four-fight pay-per-view telecast alongside the most versatile voice in combat sports Mauro Ranallo, with International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former junior middleweight champion and SHOBOX® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as expert analysts. Leading combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani will serve as ringside reporter. Two more Hall of Famers will round out the SHOWTIME PPV telecast team – boxing historian Steve Farhood will serve as unofficial scorer and world-renowned Jimmy Lennon Jr. will serve as ring announcer. Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins and SHOBOX announcer and combat sports expert Brian Campbell will provide analysis for the international feed.
The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins Jr. will serve as executive producer and Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy, as director. The pair has produced the three highest-grossing pay-per-view events of all time (Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-McGregor, Mayweather-Canelo).
In the leadup to the dual headliner, SHOWTIME SPORTS will offer an installment of its Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS, bringing fans behind the scenes as Paul prepares to face the first full-fledged boxer of his career and Rahman Jr. prepares for his first big moment in the spotlight. The series also features Serrano as she trains in her hometown and shakes off the remnants from her last fight in advance of her title defense. ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN premieres on Saturday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN EPILOGUE premiering on Saturday, August 13.
The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and promoted by Holden Boxing.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
HASIM RAHMAN JR. TAKES PART IN LAS VEGAS OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT AHEAD OF JAKE PAUL MEGA-FIGHT AUGUST 6 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV®
Las Vegas – July 27, 2022 – The verbal jabs continued one week ahead of the Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr. mega-fight as Rahman Jr. participated in an open media workout Tuesday night at DLX Boxing in Las Vegas. He wasted little time dissing Paul as a “mockery of our sport” saying he respected Paul’s work ethic, but that he is looking to “expose him for the fraud he is.”
The cruiserweight clash scheduled for eight rounds will take place on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tickets can be purchased at www.msg.com.
Here is what the principals had to say Tuesday night:
Hasim Rahman Jr.
“We’ve had an amazing camp and I just want to thank my team. From my track coach to my strength and conditioning, all my coaches have been there for me. Just taking care of every little thing down to my nutritionist preparing my meals. Everyone is in sync and we’re ready to go.
“There’s nothing Jake Paul does that concerns me. I’m just super confident going into this fight. I feel like this guy is not at my level. He made a mistake picking me.
“Being in Vegas is amazing. My family and I came here because of boxing and we’ve been training for what could be the biggest fight of the year. It’s on me now and I have Vegas on my back. I have a lot of support and this is my home. I love it here. There’s not a better place to be and then to go from here to go to the mecca of boxing next week is just a beautiful thing. It’s poetry in motion.
“Fighting in Madison Square Garden happened so fast – I didn’t think it would happen so fast. But it’s here and I’m ready and I know what I signed up for. We’re going to go in there and make it look easy.
“I respect his work ethic but come August 6 I look to expose him for the fraud he is.
“It’s similar to when my father knocked out Lennox Lewis. He had a target on his back. I’m looking to do the same thing and to get that target on my back so I can fight for a world championship.
“I just have one final message: Jake Paul is going to fall!”
Hasim Rahman Sr.
“We’re looking forward to knocking Jake out. I feel like when you get a certain status you start feeling you’re invincible. You start thinking you can do it all. But it’s one thing to say something, and another thing to go out there and do it. So when he has to go out and do it, he’s going to realize it wasn’t as easy as he thought it was going to be. Once he wakes up.
“I just feel like we don’t have to look for a KO. I just feel like we have superior boxing skills. His boxing IQ is much great than Jake Paul’s and I just personally feel like the knockout is going to come.
“Timing beats speed. We got the bigger, stronger fighter. We’ve got the reach advantage. We control the distance of the fight. We control how this fight goes. If we want to make it a slugfest, we will make it a slugfest. If we want to make it a boxing clinic, we’ll make it a boxing clinic. It all depends on what style we want to fight. The fight you are going to see will be dictated by us.
“We’re not really concerned with Jake Paul’s power. We don’t need to show how good our chin is. We don’t need to show what his right hand can do. What we can do is take his right hand away from him. We aren’t going to get hit with the right hand, but if we do we are going to fire back with our own counter. It’s going to be an interesting fight. Jake Paul can fight. Don’t get it twisted. But I’m not impressed by the knockouts he’s had. I don’t really feel like he’s knocked out a fighter yet.”
Yoel Judah, Rahman Jr.’s trainer
“I see Rahman Jr. is going to win in the sixth round. He’s confident and he’s doing everything by the book. He wants this fight. Jake made a big mistake.
“We’ve been working on everything. Movement, speed, and mainly stamina. We know he has really good punching power, and legs. So, if we get good stamina, we know we are good.
“Jake has a problem. He’s tried to cripple us to get to 200 pounds, then to not go over 214. The best thing about Jake Paul is he’s probably going to be in great shape. But you’re fighting a real boxer now. Good punching power and good combinations and someone who is not afraid of you and who is going to bring the fight to you.
“I’ve been with Hasim about four, five years. He’s right there. He’s where he’s supposed to be for this fight. I see him three years from now fighting for a world championship.”
The Paul vs. Rahman and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
SHOWTIME SPORTS® will bring fans inside the ropes and behind the scenes with its Emmy- award-winning series ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN, which will premiere this Saturday, July 30. An ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMANEPILOGUE will follow on August 13.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
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Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
