VIDEO: Let Freedom Ring – Guidry vs Stiverne Press Conference
FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR DON KING PROMOTIONS’ “LET FREEDOM RING! CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS!” WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18, AT THE EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON IN MIAMI, FLORIDA
he world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, La., set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., via Canada.
In the co-feature, NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, N.Y., will defend his crown against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego.
The first title bout of the evening will pit WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, N.J. will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia.
Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25 and $50, while floor ringside are $100. VIP tables will be sold at $2,500. Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com. The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com for $19.99.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the action will begin at 7 p.m.
Don King:
About the main event: “Jonathan Guidry is a gentleman and a scholar and a really nice person. When he gets into the ring, he loses his identity. He forgets about everything and everybody. His focus will be on the man before him (Bermane Stiverne).”
About the event: “We’re going to have a ball at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday night.”
Jonathan Guidry vs. Bermane Stiverne
WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship
Jonathan Guidry:
“This is a big fight. It’s going to be a good fight. I’m going to be in better shape than I was in my last fight. This is going to be my biggest fight.”
Tre’Sean Wiggins vs. Nigel Fennel
WBA NABA Welterweight Championship
Tre’Sean Wiggins:
“I have another opportunity to showcase my talent. I’m ready. I put my heart and soul into the fight this weekend. I’m ready to show the world that I am ‘him.’ I’ll take the next guy and then the next guy. I want to be the next big thing.”
“Nigel (Fennel) is a good fighter, but it’s my time. I don’t care how fast he is and how strong he is. He has one mistake to make in the fight and then it’s over.”
Nigel Fennel:
“We’ve been working very hard. This fight was supposed to happen about a year ago. Some things came about and it didn’t happen. Now is the perfect time. We had a strong camp. I’ve been boxing for 13 years. It’s my dream, and my dream is coming true. I’m very excited and am going to put on a great show on Saturday.”
Ian Green vs. Alexander Castro
WBA CA Middleweight Championship
Ian Green:
“If you know me, normally I don’t talk much. All the hard work was done in the gym. I am here to show that I am not just the top middleweight. I am the best middleweight in the world. You’re all in for a treat on Saturday.”
Alexander Castro:
“I came here to be victorious against Green or whoever they put in front of me. I am grateful to be here and for this to be my first fight in the United States. I am going to be a great impression on my first show here.”
Don King Adds Seven Great Fights to Guidry-Stiverne Undercard at Casino Miami Jai-Alai “Clash of the Champions” on Saturday, Jan. 21; Tre’Sean Wiggins & Ian Green Set to Defend Titles in Welterweight & Middleweight Battles
MIAMI, FL (January 10, 2023)—Two championship fights are among the six undercard clashes that are part of “Let Freedom Ring! Clash of the Champions!” boxing spectacular presented by Don King Promotions at Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, Jan. 21.
The world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV via Canada in a 10-round title fight.
Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100. VIP tables will be sold at $2,500. Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com. The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com for $19.99.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.
Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott. Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.
NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his title against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego in a 10-round bout. Wiggins thrilled fans at his last defense of his title at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai as he knocked out Travis Castellon at 2:07 of the first round on June 11.
WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, NJ will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia in a 10-round title fight. Like Wiggins, Green was impressive on June 11 at Miami Casino Jai-Alai in winning a unanimous 10-round decision over Anthony Lenk. This will be Castro’s first fight in the United States.
The first two bouts of the night will feature a super lightweight attraction between Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Fl via Cuba against Nelson Morales (3-1) from Scranton, PA via the Dominican Republic for 6 rounds. The other six-round bout is a light heavyweight attraction for six rounds featuring Kenmon Evans (9-0-1, 3 KOs) of New Smyrna Beach, FL against Cleotis Pendarvis (21-13-2, 9 KOs) of Lancaster, CA.
Three Cuban fighters will also be featured on the undercard. Alex Michael Perez (4-11) will fight in a six-round middleweight attraction against Carlos Crus (2-9, 1 KO) of Deerfield Beach via Nicaragua. Brayan Leon Salgado (1-1) will enter the ring in a four-round light heavyweight attraction against Salome Flores Torres (1-7) from Hastings, MN and the final Cuban fighter, Darian Favier Castro (1-1) will be in a six-round junior welterweight attraction against Ryan Schwartzberg (1-8-2, 1 KO) of Dania, FL.
Don King Adds Six Great Fights to Guidry-Stiverne Undercard at Casino Miami Jai-Alai “Clash of the Champions” on Saturday, Jan. 21
MIAMI, FL (January 10, 2023)—Two championship fights are among the six undercard clashes that are part of “Let Freedom Ring! Clash of the Champions!” boxing spectacular presented by Don King Promotions at Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, Jan. 21.
The world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV via Canada.
Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100. VIP tables will be sold at $2,500. Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com. The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.
Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott. Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.
NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his title against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego. Wiggins thrilled fans at his last defense of his title at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai as he knocked out Travis Castellon at 2:07 of the first round on June 11.
WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, NJ will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia. Like Wiggins, Green was impressive on June 11 at Miami Casino Jai-Alai in winning a unanimous 10-round decision over Anthony Lenk. This will be Castro’s first fight in the United States.
Ahmed Elbiali (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Miami, FL via Cuba will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Another Miami product out of Cuba, Neslan Machado will risk his 19-0 record with 8 KOs against Walter Santibanes (11-2, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, AZ in a 10-round featherweight attraction.
The first two bouts of the night will feature a super lightweight attraction between Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Fl via Cuba against Nelson Morales (3-1) FROM Scranton, PA via the Dominican Republic. The other bout is a light heavyweight attraction for six rounds.
Jonathan Guidry Defends WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Title Against Former WBC Champion Bermane Stiverne; Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Returns to Casino Miami Jai-Alai, January 21
MIAMI, FL (January 5, 2023)—The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, is returning to Casino Miami Jai Alai with another sensational championship card, “The Clash of the Champions! Let Freedom Ring!”, on Saturday, January 21.
The card will be highlighted by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as NABA Gold Heavyweight Champion Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA will be risking his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV via Canada.
Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100. VIP tables will be sold at $2,500. Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com. The card will also be presented steaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.
Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott. Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.
Guidry had started the year suffering his first loss after 17 straight victories as a professional, losing a split decision and the WBA Championship to Trevor Bryan in Warren, Ohio on Jan. 29.
Stiverne, like Guidry, lost his last fight to Trevor Bryan for the WBA Heavyweight Championship on Jan. 29, 2021 at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Bryan floored Stiverne twice, the last coming with 1:27 of the 11th round when referee Frank Gentile called a halt to the proceedings.
Seven other undercard bouts will be announced soon.
Makabu Decisions Mchunu; Retains Cruiserweight title
Ilunga Makabu won a 12-round split decision over Thabiso Mchunu to retain the WBC Cruiserweight title at the Packard Music Hall in Warren Hall.
It was a fight that did not provide much action, but it seemed like the challenger may have done barely enough to get the victory. Mchunu landed quick shots on the inside where Makabu’s good shots were fewer and far between.
The bout was a rematch of Makabu’s 11th round stoppage in 2015.
Makabu of The Congo won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 while Mchunu took a card 115-113. Makabu is now 29-2. Mchunu is 23-6.
Makabu could now be looking at a huge opportunity against pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez.
“Today I didn’t come for the knockout,” said Makabu, who won the vacant WBC belt by registering a unanimous decision over Michal Cieslak almost exactly two years ago on Jan. 31, 2020. “I just came to show that I can box. I am going to box and knock Canelo out in my next fight, baby.”
In his United States debut, the 34-year-old Makabu pressed the action against his compatriot and successfully followed his team’s game plan from the opening bell to run his unbeaten streak to 10.
“We were leading the fight comfortably,” said Makubu’s trainer, Damien Durandt. “Junior (Makabu) boxed beautifully. We knew what Mchunu was about. He brought in some elements that surprised us. I told Junior not to look for the knockout. If it comes, we will take it. All I wanted from round one was points. He said to me, ‘I got you baby.’
“I landed a lot of my punches, but the judges saw it the other way, said the 33-year-old who fought in the U.S. for the sixth time. “He (Makabu) didn’t really hurt me.”
Bryan Decisions Guidry; Retains WBA Heavyweight Title
In an entertaining battle, Trevor Bryan retained the WBA Heavyweight title with a 12-round split decision over Jonathan Guidry.
Bryan dominated the fight with his jabs and good right hands that followed. He had Guidry hurt on several occasions, but the pesky challenger was able to take those and fight back with heart and courage. In round 12, Bryan dropped an exhausted Guidry in the final seconds. Guidry was able to get to his feet and heat the final bell.
Bryan of Albany, NY won by scores of 118-109 and 116-111, while Guidry took a card 115-122 and is now 22-0. Guidry of Dulac, LA is 17-1-2.
“Trevor Bryan is here to stay, said the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., resident. “I showed that tonight. I am only going to get better and keep improving my skills. I worked until the final bell. I am taking my talents overseas. I am going to make those fights against the top three, which is Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk. I deserve those fights. This is a steppingstone for me. Shout out to Jonathan Guidry. He was a tough opponent.”
“It was a close fight,” said Guidry after the decision was announced. “We only trained for four weeks for this fight. I want another shot at it. If I get in a little bit better shape, I’ll put on a better show. It was heartbreaking. If I had a little bit more gas in the tank, I could have gotten him (Bryan).”
“The last round he caught me in my neck,” Guidry recalled. “I feel really good. I wasn’t supposed to make it this far.”
Langston Stops Kisner in 5
Johnnie Langston stopped Nick Kisner in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight.
In round five, Langston dropped Kisner three-times. The first came after a combination that punctuated by a body shot. The second came from a well placed left to the body. Langston ended things when he landed a big right that hurt Kisner that was followed by a combination that sent Kisner to the canvas to the deck and the fight was topped at 1:40.
Langston of Sarasota, FL is 10-3 with four knockouts. Kisner of Baltimore, MD is 22-6-1.
“I knew that Kisner was slick, Langston said in the ring after. “I just put the punches together and started landing. When he (Kisner) switched back and forth and went southpaw, I landed the overhand left and followed it up with the right uppercut.”
Scott Decisions Hefney
Decaree Scott remained undefeated with a 10-round splits decision over Ahmed Hefney in a heavyweight bout.
In round four, Hefmey was badly cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.
Scott of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and is now 7-0. Hefney of Brooklyn, NY via Egypt won a card 96-94 but falls to 13-2.
“I knew I could go 10 rounds,” Scott said. “It wasn’t a problem. The cut was a punch. He (Hefny) was missing punches, holding, and grabbing. I worked so hard. I deserve this title.
Wiggins stops Wilson in 3
Tre’Sean Wiggins stopped Cody Wilson in round three of their 10-round welterweight bout
Wiggins dropped Wilson in round two, with a hard left. Wiggins dropped Wiggins early in round three with a hard left. Wilson was able to get up, but he ate a flurry of punches and the bout was stopped at 1:33.
Wiggins of Newbergh, NY is 13-6-3 with seven knockouts, Wilson of West Virginia is 10-4.
“Everything went right,” Wiggins said. “I am the man in charge right now. This is only the beginning. I knocked the door down, now I am running through.”
Michael Moore won a 10-round unanimous decision over Anthony Lenk in a middleweight bout.
Moore of Cleveland, won by scores 99-91 on all card, and is now 19-3. Lenk of Niagara Falls, New York is 17-8.
Don King Productions “RETURN TO GREATNESS” Final Press Conference Quotes
WARREN, Ohio (January 26, 2022) – WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu will defend his world title against WBC Cruiserweight Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu in the main event while WBA Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan will square off against WBA No. 13-ranked Heavyweight Contender Jonathan Guidry on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio.
All four fighters joined eight others who will compete for four more championship belts in the final press conference for Don King Productions’ “RETURN TO GREATNESS” on Wednesday at the Grand Hotel. Johnnie Langston (9-3, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla., will square off against Nick Kisner (22-5-1, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, Md., in a 10-round bout for the NABA Cruiserweight title and Ahmed Hefny (13-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., takes on undefeated Decatur, Ga., prospect Dacarree Scott, who has a perfect record of 6-0 with 6 KOs. Plus, West Virginia’s Cody Wilson (10-3, 7 KOs) meets New York’s Tre’Sean Wiggins (12-5-3, 6 KOs) in an NABA Middleweight Title Bout and the NABA Middleweight Championship will be up for grabs as local product Michael Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, will meet Anthony Lenk (17-7, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, NY.
Warren Mayor William D. Franklin declared January 26, 2022, Don King Day in Warren, Ohio, presenting the legendary 90-year-old Hall of Fame promoter with a special “Don King Day” Proclamation plaque.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster or the W.D. Packard Music Hall. The fight card will be televised through
Donking.com, DKPBoxing.com, or Itube247.combeginning at 6 p.m. ET at a cost of $49.99.
DON KING: International Boxing Hall of Fame Promoter
“We’re going to have a sensational evening of boxing. I am very pleased to be home again. It will give people a chance to have fun again. No one should take it lightly. It would be much better if you take the vaccinations and the shot, where your mask and socially distance.
“We are here to give you a moment of respite. Hey everybody, let’s have some fun. Live it once, and when you’re dead, you’re done. No matter whether you are young or old, let the good times roll.
“I have to thank God because we had a governor (of Ohio) who reduced the charge for me, basically because he said it wasn’t possible. Nevertheless, he put his reputation on the line. They sent me to the Ohio penitentiary. They said they were going to give me shock probation. I had never been arrested so they were going to give me 30-90 days. I ended up doing four years. I made the time serve me. I educated myself in the penitentiary. When I came out of the penitentiary, the good citizens of Cleveland were waiting to tell me about the hospital that was going to be closed down for lack of funds and would I promote a fundraiser for the hospital.
“I called Muhammad Ali to come in and box five or six guys. In so doing, we would raise money for this hospital. He told me that I was the greatest promoter he had ever seen, and I should go into boxing. So, my first fight was Muhammad Ali. We made history together. Then he got convicted by not taking that step into the Army. He was sentenced to five years and a big fine at the height of his career. He stood as a conscientious objector. The United States Supreme Court reversed that decision. Ali then came back and made history again with me promoting him.
“The four years that he (Ali) was out, no one knows how great he would have really been because he was at the top of his career. Plus, he would have made millions of dollars during those four years.
“You’ve got to say, ‘Muhammad Ali take a deep breath. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Your hands can’t get what your eyes can’t see.’ He was so fast that he could turn the switch off and get in bed before the room got dark.”
ILUNGA MAKABU: WBC Cruiserweight Champion
“I hope everybody knows who I am. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be here today in front of you guys. I’m very thankful to Don King Productions for making this event happen because plenty of events have been disturbed by COVID. I’m very happy to be here and to have the opportunity to defend our title on January 29. I don’t have much to say. I just want to say good luck to my opponent Thabiso Mchunu because this is the second time I’m fighting him now. Thanks to all who come to support us. Thanks to my team. Enjoy the fight on the 29th.”
THABISO MCHUNU: WBC No. 1 Ranked Cruiserweight Contender
“The hard work has been done. Come fight night, I am ready to go. All the best to everyone who is fighting on Saturday night.”
TREVOR BRYAN: WBA Heavyweight World Champion
“I am here to stay, to keep proving myself. I have a strong opponent in front of me in Jonathan Guidry. I appreciate him being out here. This is a big opportunity for him as well. We are going to show it out for you in Ohio and showcase all this talent for the whole world to see.
“It’s been a long road, a lot of hearsay. I am here to stay. It won’t be long now. I am the journey.”
JONATHAN GUIDRY: Undefeated WBA No. 13-Ranked Heavyweight
“All the hard work is done. I am just glad we got the opportunity. We are just thankful to be out here to shock the world.”
RAY “BOOM BOOM” MANCINI: International Boxing Hall of Fame Boxer/Jan. 29 pay-per-view commentator
“I am very excited about this fight card here at W.D. Packard Music Hall. I fought six times here in 1980 on the way up. I had a fight here against Jose Luis Ramirez to defend my North American belt. It is a great venue. It is just a great facility for boxing. It’s great to have championship boxing back here in Warren, Ohio.”
HONORABLE WILLIAM D. FRANKLIN: MAYOR OF WARREN, OHIO
“We are very proud, honored, and happy to be hosting this event. I know what we’re about. I am thankful to you, Mr. King for letting us be the host of this great event seen by boxing fans worldwide. Who would have thought that Warren, Ohio, would be the host?
“On Saturday night, by the benevolence of Mr. King, we are going to have a record number of our safety forces at the fight. We’re going to host more than 175 police officers, firefighters, and health care workers. They have been protecting us for almost two years.
“Mr. King, I tried to capsulize what people don’t talk about; your heart, your life, your spirit, your experience, your strength and hope that you give to so many people.”
BERNIE PROFATO: Executive Director of Ohio Athletic Commission
“In 1972 Don King called me and I was a young referee at the time. He asked if I wouldn’t mind donating my time because they were going to do a boxing show for this hospital. I said, ‘Don, for you, absolutely anything.’ Don King is the only person in the state of Ohio that I have issued a lifetime boxing license to. No one deserves it more than him. This is probably the greatest overall fight card in the 20 years that I have been at the Ohio Athletic Commission to be promoted in Warren, Ohio. I am so honored that Don has done this.”
AUDIO: WBA Heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan stops tp talks fight with Jonathan Guidry
VIDEO: WBA Heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan stops tp talks fight with Jonathan Guidry
HALL OF FAME BOXING PROMOTER DON KING WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION TREVOR BRYAN WBA NO. 13-RANKED HEAVYWEIGHT JONATHAN GUIDRY VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES TUESDAY, JAN. 18, 2022
WBA Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan will defend his title against Jonathan Guidry on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio. Don King Promotions will present a six-championship fight card. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster or the W.D. Packard Music Hall. The tickets will be priced at $550, $350, $250, $175, and $80. The fight card will be televised through Donking.com, DKPBoxing.com, or itube247.com beginning at 7 p.m. ET at a cost of $49.99.
DON KING: International Boxing Hall of Fame Promoter
On staging this event at the W.D. Packard Hall in Warren, Ohio:
“It is going to be a great, super night of boxing. There will be six championship fights and two world titles. We are going to put fun back into boxing. It is going to super, spectacular greatness. We are going to enjoy ourselves again and not be ruined by Covid.”
On Trevor Bryan vs. Jonathan Guidry:
“It is going to be a great fight because you have two undefeated fighters coming together. It gives the fans an opportunity to get some relief momentarily from all of the threats of Covid.”
On Guidry:
“That’s what makes boxing great. Neither of these guys have tasted defeat. Give the people what they want. People are my most important asset. We want to give back to the people.”
On Bryan being rusty after not fighting for a year:
“The WBA has more or less held us hostage, not intentionally, but by the rules they have. It locked Trevor down for a whole year. If Guidry wins, he will be ready to go right off the bat.”
On staging this event on Jan. 29 in Warren, Ohio:
“I am a promoter of the people, by the people, and for the people. The magic lies in my people ties. I promote the people.”
On having W.D. Packard Hall as the host:
“We wanted to have a homecoming. Warren is not too far from the training camps where you had Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Larry Holmes. It is great to be coming home again.”
On when he is going to slow down:
“I will slow down when I go to heaven. The gangsters blew up my car, my house. I am fighting a crooked system where women cannot get their rights and equality, and Black people cannot get a chance. That is why I have been fighting since I came out of the penitentiary.”
“Ali came in and brought five or six guys to Cleveland, Ohio, to start me off with boxing. I was running numbers in Cleveland.”
“I am a cat with nine lives. I have been challenged nine times, and I am still here.”
“We are all God’s children. He has a reason for me to be there. We want to establish a program to help all these homeless people here. They have lost their spirit. There is nothing wrong with them. They have lost hope in America. We want to preach elevation.”
On being associated with Bryan and his unique attributes:
“Bryan has the spirit of a winner. He has unwavering dedication. The dream is going to come true. Everybody can see that he cares about people and his family. That is what comes from hard work and commitment. This is what he really wants. He is in the right place at the right time.”
On his 2022 plans for Bryan:
“He (Bryan) is ready to fight anybody. We will take on anybody. We may take them all in the same night. We want to be able to demonstrate and illustrate that a champion is a champion. We want Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I put on a fight to give the people what they want. We have a champion here. This demonstrates to the public that Bryan is a champion. It makes me feel good to go back to where I started in Ohio. We are going to be home and safe.”
On coming back to Ohio:
“I never really left. My physical being left to the great state of Florida and Nevada. Both (late Nevada Senator) Harry Reid and I come from humble beginnings and worked hard for the betterment of the American people. It will be good to go home. That is where the memories came from. You never forget where you came from.”
TREVOR BRYAN: WBC Heavyweight World Champion
On it being a year since his last fight, and if he has more to lose than Guidry:
“It has been a hard year for everyone, especially everybody in boxing. We have been diligent, staying in the gym, working hard. We are going to show the world why I am the champion on Jan. 29. I have a great opponent in front of me. I am going to do what champions do.”
On preparing for Guidry:
“We don’t really worry about what opponents do. We worry about what the Dream Team does best. I plan to capitalize on that.”
On what he must do to get fights against opponents like Tyson Fury:
“After this fight, everybody is going to be shouting my name. I am not worried about that. Boxing people know who Trevor Bryan is. I am here to stay. I am here to fight the best. I am the best. I am the champion.”
On deciding to go with Don King as a promoter:
“When I first signed with Don King, he showed me all the champions he made. I told him that day that I am going to be a champion myself, so you can add me to this list, and here I am now. I am building my own legacy. We continue to still win, to look good. I can’t wait for these blockbuster fights that are coming up soon.”
On British heavyweight boxer Daniel DuBois wanting to fight Bryan in 2022:
“I am the champion. I am a fighter. I love to fight. Whenever I sign my name on the dotted line, I am ready to go. Everybody is supposed to come for me. Everybody is supposed to speak my name. Trevor Bryan is a true champion, and we want to see him in there with the best.”
On the renaissance of the heavyweight division and the pressure he feels to be sensational on Jan. 29:
“There is no pressure at all. I am the heavyweight champion as well. Trevor Bryan is here to stay. I am here to defend this title with the best. I am going to be sensational.”
On fighting Jonathan Guidry in 2011:
“You’re telling me I fought Jonathan Guidry before? Transferring from my amateur career to my professional career, it is a brand-new platform. I am here now. I am the champion now. I am willing to fight anybody, especially if I fought them before. I would fight them again just to show that I am the man. I am the truth. The Dream is the dream. I am here to stay, and I am here to show that this legacy starts here. It starts to show with these great fights. This is a second-time duo. I’m coming to show that.”
On how important his level of training and conditioning has been for this fight:
“It’s cold in Ohio, but we are going to turn up the heat on Jan. 29. Hopefully, I can get this man out there early. I do not get paid for overtime.”
JONATHAN GUIDRY: Undefeated WBA No. 13-Ranked Heavyweight
On Trevor Bryan:
“Trevor is pretty good. He has a good jab, but I do not think he is one of the elite heavyweights. We have a better shot against him.”
On whether any of Bryan’s previous opponents stand out:
“It takes a lot to get in the ring, so I know he (Bryan) is prepared. He has not had a really big fight against a top heavyweight, but neither have I. It is a good test for both of us to see who deserves it.”
On fighting Bryan in 2011 as an amateur:
“We fought at the Golden Gloves nationals in Indiana. He is a big guy and has a really good jab.”
On being a different fighter since he fought Bryan in the amateurs.
“We have had a lot more fights now. I was kind of smaller then. Now I am at 250. I am a lot smarter, a lot faster on my feet and a lot stronger.”
On being the underdog:
“No one has had the world title from [Houma] Louisiana where I am from. It is a big opportunity for me to really show my talent and that I really can fight. I am really strong. I don’t think it is going to go the distance, but we prepared ourselves for that just in case it goes that way.”
On what to expect from the Bryan fight:
“I don’t think anybody is going to make it past the seventh or eighth round.”
On facing someone who is undefeated:
“I am the underdog, so they might be overlooking me. He (Bryan) might be overlooking me, which I hope. We are going to shock him.”
On the differences between fighting as an MMA fighter as opposed to boxing:
“I am not too much on MMA. I did it one time. I prefer boxing to MMA. Boxing is more of a mental game. MMA is more luck. You have to set this up, that up. Boxing is more mental than physical to me.”
On being on a card promoted by Boxing Hall of Famer Don King:
“Not a lot of people can say they fought on a Don King card. I am glad he has given me the opportunity to fight for the world title. Like Don says, he loves giving the people the opportunity to show their talent. Without that opportunity, I would still be on a shrimp boat.”
JONTAHAN LABERTO: TRAINER FOR JONATHAN GUIDRY:
On fighting for the WBA heavyweight crown and his thoughts on Guidry:
“We just enjoy the opportunity. We saw the talent Guidry had, the boxing IQ, the power, the whole package. We are excited to have this opportunity.”
AUDIO: TREVOR BRYAN VS. JONATHAN GUIDRY VIRTUAL MEDIA CALL
VIDEO: TREVOR BRYAN VS. JONATHAN GUIDRY VIRTUAL MEDIA CALL
TWO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTS HIGHLIGHT DON KING’S OHIO SPECTACULAR MAKABU-MCHUNU CLASH FOR WBC WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT BELT & BRYAN-GUIDRY TANGLE FOR WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (January 14, 2022)—Don King has done it again!
After working the phones and finalizing contracts, King proved once again he knows how to put together an action-packed championship night of boxing come Saturday, January 29th in Warren, Ohio at the W.D. Packard Music Hall.
Count them…six championship bouts on one card featuring two World Championships—the co-main events spotlighted with Ilunga Makabu defending his WBC World Cruiserweight Championship against Thabiso Mchunu and WBA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan risking his title against Jonathan Guidry.
Tickets for the spectacular night of boxing are on sale at Ticketmaster or the W.D. Packard Music Hall. The tickets will be priced at $550, $350, $250, $175 and $80.
The evening will feature two co-main events as Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) of South Africa takes on the number one challenger and fellow countryman, WBC Silver Champion Mchunu (23-5, 13 KOs). The winner is hopeful of the opportunity to fight World Champion Canelo Alvarez later this year.
The WBA World Heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan (21-0, 15 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, FL will be featured in the other co-main event as he risks his title against Jonathan Guidry (17-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulca, Louisiana.
And if those two championship fights weren’t enough, King has four other NABA titles on the line for fighters who are knocking on the door of stardom.
The NABA Gold Heavyweight championship will pit veteran Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) from Chattanooga, TN taking on young Ahmed Hefny (13-1, 5 KOs) from Egypt via Queens, NY.
The NABA Cruiserweight title clash features Johnnie Langston (9-3, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, FL and Nick Kisner (22-5-1, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, MD.
The NABA Middleweight Championship will be up for grabs as local product Michael Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, OH will meet Anthony Lenk (17-7, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, NY.
The sixth and final title fight of the night will showcase Cody Wilson (10-3, 7 KOs) of West Virginia, VA and Tre’Sean Wiggins (12-5-3, 6 KOs) of Newburgh, NY battling for the NABA Welterweight championship.
The evening will get rolling with a special Cruiserweight attraction pitting Jaywon Woods (11-1-1, 5 KOs) of Danville, VA challenging Shawn Miller (18-6, 7 KOs) of Troy in an eight-round affair.
The World’s Greatest Promoter, Don King, has come through again with another spectacular championship night of boxing as he returns to Ohio.