NEW YORK, November 8, 2017 — The six fighters that will appear Live on HBO World Championship Boxing on Saturday night at NYCB LIVE Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum worked out today in New York for the media.

DANIEL JACOBS
Having Chris Algieri in camp is great – it’s the second time around and it makes for a great family atmosphere. But at the same time, i am a loner. I like to be alone. I like to s=isolate myself because on fight night I am in that ring all by myself so I like to get used to being the only person leading up to the fight. On Saturday night, I just want to win impressively so i can have another fight. That is my only goal. I want to be champion again and go after the heavy hitters. Not excluding anyone, but I feel I am the best middleweight in the world and i want to prove that and Saturday night is going to be the first stepping stone.

LUIS ARIAS
I am a warrior. I don’t like to come in and move and dance around. I come to fight. Jacobs is a runner. I am coming for a war. I let him know and i let the world know that. I want to see him in the middle of the ring and I want to duke it out. He’s making comments about how he is going to knock me out – well, come knock me out then. I’ll be right in the middle of the ring ready to bang it out. Saturday night is going to be an early night so I can get out of there.

ARIAS Asst Trainer GILBERT GASTELUM
Jacobs has a weak chin. I respect him as a boxer and he has great skills, but we know he has a weak chin.

JARRELL MILLER
I’m the one that the other fighters are scared to mention but everyone will know my name on Nov 11th as I begin to take over the division and become a household name.

MARUISZ WACH
This camp was amazing I have not felt this good in a long time. I had great sparring from Chisora and Bryant Jennings. This fight should be a 12-round fight but the Miller camp only wanted 10-rounds. I am ready to fight on Saturday night and I will be victorious.

MIAMI, FL (October 5, 2017) – Manager to Luis Ortiz, Jay Jimenez, wants to clarify the current situation with his fighter and the WBC’s decision to move to a new opponent.

“To clarify the Luis Ortiz situation, this is the real and only version of the current process. Mr. Sulaiman and the WBC have NOT suspended or removed Luis from their rankings. The WBC’s decision was as follows, they did not sanction the fight based off the fact that they are worried for Luis’s health. And to be honest, I must respect and admire their decision because I agree, the fighter’s health is paramount. So, the WBC will schedule a visit with one of their approved physicians to check Luis health, and make sure he is 100% healthy and fit to fight, and that the Blood Pressure pills will not affect him physically.”

“Once Luis has passed all physical exams and is medically cleared to fight by the WBC, we will begin to work on a possible fight towards the end of the year. Also, once all is resolved, we hope that we can reschedule the Wilder fight in the first quarter of next year. Wilder has shown much interest in fighting Ortiz, and the best fighters in the division, so I know it will not be a hard fight to renegotiate. Thank you to everyone for your support. This soon will be corrected, and Luis can continue on with his career.” ~ Jay Jimenez, Manager of Luis Ortiz

Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz failed a drug test and putting his November 4th title shot with WBC Deontay Wilder in jeopardy.

According to the letter sent by VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman to Sulaiman and others disclosing the positive test, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN, Ortiz gave a urine sample for a random drug test conducted on Sept. 22 at his training camp in Miami. The results were returned on Thursday, and Ortiz’s “A” sample tested positive for the banned diuretics chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide, which are used to treat high blood pressure but also can be used as masking agents for performance-enhancing drug use.

“I can verify the information Mauricio put out,” DiBella, promoter of the fight, told ESPN. “I’m flabbergasted and particularly crestfallen for my fighter. Deontay Wilder is a great champion and a clean champion and probably has been victimized more than any other fighter in the history of the sport.”

“Stay clean, because we’ll be checking,” Wilder told Ortiz. “Stay clean. Don’t f— this up for me, nor you, because I’m gonna prove to the world that I am the best.”

“It is sad for the sport, and I just hope something even more can be done about this situation before it ruins the sport of boxing,” Wilder told ESPN in February, before he faced Washington. “I want to see some punishment done. I want to see if you do this, if you put steroids or anything that has your body doing what it is not naturally supposed to do, I think you should not only get suspended, but maybe indefinitely.

“They need to take their career away, because this is ridiculous. I am naturally strong without weights. Without training. With anything, I am God-given, Alabama-country strong. I have always been that way. But just imagine if I used anything to enhance my body. Did you see my fight with [Artur] Szpilka? Just imagine if I had something in my body. That man would have been dead, because I thought he was dead. I hope it just gets cleaned up.”

DiBella said he would deal with things on Friday and planned to talk to Wilder’s team, Barclays Center officials and Showtime Sports boss Stephen Espinoza.

“I want to get a good night sleep and deal with it on Friday,” DiBella said.

BROOKLYN- (September 28, 2017) – Former welterweight world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter will battle Adrian Granados in the featured bout of a stacked undercard for Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets will take on Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship to open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Plus, former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne and former title challenger Dominic Breazeale will meet in a 10-round heavyweight attraction that will stream live on line via SHOWTIME Sports.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“Deontay Wilder versus Luis Ortiz on November 4 is the best heavyweight championship fight that was makeable this year, and it will be supported by a tremendous action-packed undercard, televised on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Shawn Porter versus Adrian Granados is an all-action, fan-pleasing fight that will once again have fans at Barclays Center cheering. Sergey Lipinets is a knockout artist and up-and-coming star, attempting to secure his first world title. Additionally, SHOWTIME will stream other undercard bouts, including what should be a competitive heavyweight title eliminator between top contenders Bermane Stiverne and Dominic Breazeale.”

“Adrian Granados is as tough as they come and while he may lack the name recognition of Porter, he should not be overlooked,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “You look at his record and he has five losses, but those five losses are three split decisions and two majority decisions and the two draws that are split draws. This is another huge opportunity for him. Adrian feels he’s paid his dues and belongs in a fight of this magnitude.”

The 10-round welterweight match against Granados will be Porter’s fourth fight at Barclays Center. Porter won the welterweight title in his debut at the arena with a unanimous decision over Devon Alexander on Dec. 7, 2013. He lost a narrow decision to unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate in Brooklyn, and scored a TKO victory against former welterweight champion Andre Berto in his last fight on April 22 in front of the Barclays Center faithful.

The 29-year-old Porter (27-2-1, 17 KOs), who was born in Akron, Ohio and now lives in Las Vegas, remains one of the top welterweights in the division and aims to secure another title shot with a strong performance against Granados.

“To be fighting on an undercard for a Deontay Wilder fight is nothing short of excellent,” said Porter. “I’m excited and looking forward to this opportunity. Against Granados I’m getting into the ring with someone who is very established as an amateur and a professional, has great skills and isn’t going to go in there and lay down. That’s always going to bring out the best in me, and that’s always going to create a very exciting match-up. I know that when I do what I’m planning to do, it’s going to be exciting, entertaining and fill the seats.”

Adrian Granados (18-5-2, 12 KOs), of Chicago, is accustomed to tough assignments and is known for delivering exciting toe-to-toe action. The 28-year-old has been in with Felix Diaz, losing a close majority decision in 2014, and then unbeaten Amir Imam, whom he defeated by TKO in 2015 when Imam was the top contender at 140-pounds. Granados went punch for punch with Adrien Broner in his last match, but came up just short, losing a split decision in Broner’s hometown of Cincinnati on Feb. 18.

“I’m very excited to be fighting one of the best welterweights in the world in Shawn Porter,” said Granados. “With our styles it’s going to be fireworks from the opening bell. I was getting ready for a fight in October but when this opportunity arose I jumped at it. It’s a tremendous card to be fighting on with the whole world watching and I’m looking to
put on a great performance.”

The 28-year-old Sergey Lipinets (12-0, 10 KOs) is a former kickboxer from Russia who has been waiting nearly a year for his opportunity to fight for a world championship. Lipinets has only been the distance twice in his pro career and he earned his title shot with an eighth-round knockout of Lenny Zappavigna in a title eliminator last December. In his most recent start, Lipinets stopped Clarence Booth via third-round TKO in March at Barclays Center.

“I feel very privileged to be in the position to fight for this world title,” said Lipinets. “I will prepare to face the best possible fighter on that night and I promise that I will not disappoint. The lights will be bright but I have trained too hard not to leave the ring as a world champion.”

Akihiro Kondo (29-6-1, 16 KOs) will be making his U.S. debut and fighting for a world championship for the first time when he meets Lipinets for the 140-pound title. The 32-year-old Kondo, of Kazo, Saitama, Japan, has won eight straight matches, including five by stoppage. This will be his third fight this year after he stopped Komsan Polsan in March and defeated Yuya Okazaki by TKO in May.

Former world champion Bermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) is coming off a two-year absence from the ring. Stiverne, 38, became the first Haitian-born boxer to win the heavyweight title when he defeated Chris Arreola in May of 2014. He lost the title to Wilder by decision on January of 2015 in Las Vegas. In his last fight Stiverne, who moved from Canada and now resides in Las Vegas, Nev., defeated Derric Rossy via decision.

The 32-year-old Dominic Breazeale (18-1, 16 KOs) was a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team and won his first 17 pro fights before suffering the only loss of his career when he fell short vying for a title against now-unified champion Anthony Joshua in June of 2016. In his last match, the fighter from of Alhambra, Calif. scored a fifth-round TKO victory over Polish heavyweight contender Izu Ugonoh on Feb. 25 in a memorable slugfest.

# # #

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CONTACTS:

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Sept. 20, 2017) — Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz announced their upcoming Nov. 4 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING heavyweight world title bout on Wednesday from Dream Hotel in Downtown Manhattan.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Because of inclement weather near his home in Miami, Ortiz was unable to travel to New York, but did offer his thoughts about the upcoming fight via telephone.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I am the best. I am the toughest heavyweight in the division. I am the man in the division. I don’t care what anybody else has going on. You’ve got to come through me.

“When I knock him out, I want my due respect. I’m the only American heavyweight champion of the world and I am the man. Nobody is stronger physically, mentally and spiritually. They are all scared of me.

“I’m the heavyweight in the division with real knockout power. I put grown men down easily. On November 4, Ortiz is going down. After that, you already know who is next. I’m ready to unify.

“If he’s the boogeyman, I can’t wait to shine a light on him because the boogeyman is only effective at night. And we’re in New York so you already know what happened to King Kong in New York.

“The game plan is the same as usual. We’re going to use my attributes. I’m going to set him up until the time comes. Ortiz has a great set of skills and I like his aggressive style. That’s one of the reasons I chose him. I wanted to beat him to prove that I am the man.

“It definitely won’t go the distance. Right now, I’m thinking about three rounds but come November 4th, it might be in the first round.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m ready to go and excited for the fight. I want to get to November 4 so I can do what I have to do.

“Wilder does a lot of talking. He’s nervous and keeps forgetting the date of the fight. I think he took this fight because he has no choice and no one else to fight.

“I think Wilder is going to run in this fight. He should be careful what he says before the fight, because I think he’s going to run from me.

“Wilder should sign his death sentence. I’m very different than anybody else that he’s fought. I punch harder than anybody else. I’m going to teach him not to mess with Cubans.

“Some skeptics are talking about my age, but look at Mayweather. I still have my speed and my quickness.”

JAY DEAN, Wilder’s Co-Manager and Trainer

“Everything in camp has been going well. Last time we were here in New York we had a great crowd and it was a wonderful event. This will be an even bigger challenge. This is the fight the fans wanted and this is the fight we wanted.

“Deontay has always wanted the biggest challenges. We won the belt in [Bermane] Stiverne’s hometown and we were ready to go to Russia to defend the belt. These are two guys in the division no one wants to fight, but they’ve decided to fight each other.

“This is a great opportunity for Deontay to show who he is and where he is. It’s going to be well worth everyone’s time to be there at Barclays Center.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“There is nothing like a great heavyweight championship fight and on November 4th, a great champion is going to fight a great contender. This is a terrific fight.

“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants the world to know that he is afraid of no one, and that he’s prepared to fight anyone and he’s the best heavyweight in the world today. I could not be prouder of him for making this fight happen.

“This is the toughest fight that Deontay Wilder could engage in right now. This is the most difficult opponent he possibly could fight.

“Luis Ortiz is the boogeyman of this division. You haven’t heard anyone scream about fighting Luis Ortiz. A lot of people were shocked when they heard that Deontay Wilder wants to fight him. He not only wants to fight him, but he insisted upon it.

“This isn’t a 43-year-old champion on his last legs in Luis Ortiz. This is a hungry beast that wants to beat Deontay Wilder. But Deontay is a champion. He’s not doing this for the money. A lot of people would think this is a dumb economic move. This is a legacy move. This is a move to prove who is the best. We’re not afraid of Anthony Joshua. If he was available on November 4th and wanted to fight, we’d fight him then.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports

“This has been a really strong year for SHOWTIME Boxing. This will be our 23rd live boxing event on SHOWTIME this year. And they’ve been important, meaningful fights. Not just a big name against a nobody. In fact, 16 times this year on SHOWTIME we’ve featured and unbeaten fighter taking on another unbeaten fighter. We know on SHOWTIME that you’re seeing the best fighting the best. No other network is as dedicated to delivering the highest quality fights. So without question, it’s been a great year. But we may have saved the best for last here.

“We have two of the top heavyweights in the world. Both undefeated with a combined record of 65-0, 60 knockouts. This is the best fight that can be made in the heavyweight division. There is no question about that. This will be the eighth heavyweight title fight we’ve featured in the last two years. The only way to get to one unified champion in the heavyweight division is to have the best fight the best, and that is what is happening here on Nov. 4, and we can’t wait.”

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BROOKLYN (Sept. 20, 2017) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will make his sixth title defense when he meets hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, Nov. 4 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

An exciting lineup of undercard attractions will be announced soon to support this titanic heavyweight matchup. True heavyweights in every sense of the word, the 6-foot-7, 228-pound Wilder and the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Ortiz have 60 combined knockout victories.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m excited that the time has come to meet Luis Ortiz,” said Wilder. “Ortiz is considered the boogeyman of the sport and I am the hardest hitter in boxing. When you put us together in a ring, you will get one of the best heavyweight fights in a long time. I will unify the division. This I promise. This is the first step towards unifying. Any heavyweight that gets in my way is getting knocked out.”

“Wilder has been doing a lot of talking about me and this fight,” said Ortiz. “I’m tired of hearing it. I’m not that big on talking. I like to do all my talking in the ring and that’s what I plan to do. I respect him. I know he hits hard, but I hit hard too. It’s going to be a great fight. I can’t wait to get in the ring and shut him up in front of everybody at Barclays Center on SHOWTIME on November 4.”

“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants to beat the best, regardless of the risk,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He will knock ‘King Kong’ off the Empire State Building for the world to see on November 4 at Barclays Center.”

“The resurgence of the heavyweight division is going to be on full display at Barclays Center and on SHOWTIME on November 4,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions. “Deontay is facing his toughest challenge yet in the undefeated Cuban, giving him the opportunity to really prove himself. We are thrilled to be a part of the action and can’t wait until fight night.”

“Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz is one of the highlights of what has been an exceptional year for boxing on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “We have consistently delivered the biggest names in boxing in their most important fights. The main event on Nov. 4 features two dynamic punchers with a 92-percent knockout ratio between them. It will be the 21st world championship fight on SHOWTIME this year and the 16th time we’ve seen undefeated fighters going head-to-head. It is clear that no other network is more committed to delivering the most significant bouts directly to its subscribers than SHOWTIME.”

“On November 4 Barclays Center will once again host one of the year’s best fights,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Deontay has made his mark in Brooklyn, and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our ring alongside a tough competitor in Luis Ortiz, who will be fighting here for the first time.”

The 31-year-old Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs), the only reigning American heavyweight world champion, won his WBC title with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 -the birthday of legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.

Wilder, a Bronze Medal winner for the U.S. Olympic boxing team at the 2008 Beijing Games, has successfully defended the title five times. In his previous defense at Barclays Center, Wilder scored a memorable ninth-round knockout over Artur Szpilka back in Jan. 2016. In his most recent defense, Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. stopped Gerald Washington via fifth-round technical knockout before a hometown crowd at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb. 25.

The 38-year-old Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba by way of Miami, Fla., will make his SHOWTIME and Barclays Center debut when he meets Wilder for his first title shot. The hard-hitting southpaw turned pro seven years ago after defecting from Cuba and has since been steadily climbing the heavyweight ladder. He cemented his standing in the division with victories over veteran contenders Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott and is the No. 1-ranked contender by the WBC.

If Ortiz wins, he will become the first Cuban born fighter to win a heavyweight world championship.

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WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against undefeated challenger Luis Ortiz on November 4th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Part of that deal includes a title elimination fight on the undercard. Bermane Stiverne will face 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale (18-1, 16 KOs), 32, of Los Angeles, multiple sources told ESPN. Breazeale suffered his only loss by seventh-round knockout challenging world titleholder Anthony Joshua in June 2016 in London.

Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz injured his hand which will force the postponement of his bout with Derric Rossy scheduled for Saturday night in Brooklyn, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We were told he hurt his hand, that he banged it up pretty good and is out of the fight,” said Lou DiBella, who is not Ortiz’s promoter. “It would have been nice to see him on the show. He’s one of the best heavyweights out there. Obviously people would have liked to see him fight, but he got hurt. What can you do?

BROOKLYN (March 30, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs) will return to the ring to take on Long Island’s Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also competing in undercard action is four-division world champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) who will look to make history by becoming the first woman and the first Puerto Rican fighter to win a fifth world title in five different weight classes. Both the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts were announced at a press conference in New York City on Thursday.

SHOWTIME Boxing coverage of the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts will be announced in the coming days.

The April 22 event is headlined by former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter battling in a welterweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME and also features unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending against top contender Charles Hatley.

Additional undercard attractions feature a group of unbeaten prospects as Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego (11-0, 10 KOs) battles 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown, Julian Sosa (7-0-1, 2 KOs) entering the ring in a six-round welterweight fight and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.

One of the most feared heavyweights in the world, Ortiz has worked his way into the WBA’s mandatory position to fight the winner of the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko, who fight for Joshua’s IBF and the vacant WBA Super World Championship. The Cuban-born fighter had previously picked up the interim title in 2015 with a stoppage of Matias Ariel Vidondo and defended the title with a dominant knockout of former title challenger Bryant Jennings later that year. Last year saw Ortiz continue to run through heavyweight contenders as he earned TKO victories over Tony Thompson and David Allen plus a victory over Malik Scott.

Fighting out of Medford, New York, Rossy was a 2004 Golden Gloves champion and a defensive end for Boston College before turning pro in October 2004. Rossy owns victories over Axror Muralimov, Ray Mercer and Carl Drumond in addition to challenges top heavyweights Eddie Chambers, Vyacheslav Glazkov and Bermane Stiverne. This will be the ninth undefeated fighter that Rossy faces in his pro career.

Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 28-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in 2016 as she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship and followed that up with a victory over Alexandra Lazar to add a super bantamweight title to her collection. She most recently put on a show at Barclays Center in January when she defeated two-division champion Yazmin Rivas by unanimous decision.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan:

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m not a man of many words, but yesterday was my birthday, so with that extra year of experience, I’ll speak a little bit more.

“I’m ready to fight right now. I’m waiting for the opportunity to fight the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko. They better get ready, because ‘King Kong’ will be waiting for them.

“I work very hard to stay in shape. All year round I am in the gym and staying ready. When the time comes and I have a fight offered, I will always be ready.

“My plan is to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I feel like I’m with the right team now that will open those doors for me. Whoever they put in front of me, I will take care of them.

“I love fighting in New York because there are such smart fans here who really love boxing. They love the knockout and I’m excited to be here to do my job.

“I’ve been working hard and waiting to get a victory on April 22. Once I get past this bout, it’s on to bigger and better things. I’ll find out everything about Rossy that I need to know on April 22 and put on a great show.

“Age is nothing to me. So many fighters have competed into their late age. I still have a lot left in the tank.

“I would love to fight Deontay Wilder. We’re both big, tough fighters. These are the kind of fights that people want to see. I know that my time will come.

“We’re looking forward to this new relationship and this first fight on April 22. I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans and show my skills. I believe it will finally be time for ‘King Kong’ to come out of the jungle.”

DERRIC ROSSY

“When they brought the fight to me, I said let’s do it. We’re doing it right by fighting at Barclays Center.

“This is a real fight. I’m always ready. The fans are who pays us and they want to see a legitimate fight. This is going to be a quality matchup on April 22.

“I think our styles will match up well. He throws his hands well and I think I do the same. I sometimes try to be more evasive and I’m anticipating him bringing it. There might be some bull in a China shop, but then it could turn. We both adapt well in the ring.

“You can’t ask for anything better than this kind of fight. We’re both top-notch heavyweights and we’re going to go at it. It’s a thrill for me to be there regardless, but I think the fans are really going to be the winners.

“I’ve fought a lot of really good heavyweights. I won’t know how he stacks up until I get in there with him. All I know is that he’s tough, rugged and good.

“My situation is that I always have to stay ready in the gym. I happened to be ready when the call came and I said yes as soon as I could.

“I’m going to win this fight and it’s going to set up some big things. I’m in this business to get a world title. I have to go through Luis Ortiz to get there.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a show in front of the fans. That’s what I love to do and it’ll be great to do it at Barclays Center.

“I’m motivated to make history. This would be my sixth world title in five weight divisions. This is a goal that my whole team has had. We want me to be the first Puerto Rican fighter to conquer five divisions. I want to be known as the girl who made history.

“I think every fighter wants to be known as the best in the world. If I’m not the best, I want to be one of the best. I want to be remembered and open the door for girls around the world.

“I’m very thankful for everyone who came out here today. This is a great opportunity for me on April 22. I’m going for history. I want this so badly. I train hard and I have a great team taking care of me.

“What better place to make history than at Barclays Center in Brooklyn? No matter who they put in front of me, it’s going to be a night of fireworks. I’m doing this for female boxing. I’m going to show how much talent we have. This is the one that I want more than anything. I always put on a show for my fans in Brooklyn and my eyes are on the prize.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“I’m really happy today to announce some great additions to a terrific card on April 22 in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME. Everyone knows the main event is a great fight in the welterweight division. We also announced a 154-pound matchup as the co-main event with Jermell Charlo vs. Charles Hatley.

“The biggest announcement is that a very big man, is going to be on this card. All Luis Ortiz has done as a professional fighter is knock guys out. He’s one of the most feared and avoided men in the heavyweight division. Ortiz and his team want the biggest fights out there. He knows that being seen on a card of this magnitude is a tremendous opportunity.

“I know that Luis Ortiz has a big victory in mind on April 22 that will propel him to a bigger fight and eventually to the biggest fights in the world. This guy deserves the opportunity.

“Amanda Serrano is a great champion. She’s one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters I the world today. No female fighter in history has ever won five titles in five weight classes. But it’s even more amazing, given the long history of the sport on the island, that no Puerto Rican fighter has ever become a five-division world champion. On April 22 Amanda Serrano will attempt to make history.

“Amanda has won titles as heavy as 135-pounds and now she’ll be fighting at 118-pounds. That’s an amazing achievement. She’s always fought the best out there and she’s always proven that she is the best. She deserves the attention she’s getting. She may be the best fighter I promote, period. This woman stands should-to-shoulder with any of them.”

“I know that Derric Rossy is going to give a test to Ortiz. But he’s never been predicted to win. Every time I watch his fight against Bermane Stiverne, I saw him winning the fight. This guy is a real professional and he deserves this opportunity.

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re thrilled to be here announcing such a fantastic undercard from top to bottom. Amanda Serrano is looking to become the first woman and Puerto Rican to win world titles in five weight classes. A card this deep, you know that it is a SHOWTIME card.

“These are the kind of cards that SHOWTIME, Lou DiBella and Barclays Center are working on every day. This was a good event and now it is a great event.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“It’s been a special start to the year for Brooklyn Boxing. You think about January 14 and March 4 and what great nights those were. Now we have April 22 and it has become a special card. We’re excited about what we’re building in Brooklyn. We’re making great strides.

“I want to welcome Luis Ortiz to Barclays Center for the first time. I’m sure it will be a special night. We’re thrilled to welcome back Amanda Serrano as well for what should be a historic night.

“We’re going to continue to put on the biggest and best events we can. It’s been a great start to the year and we’re looking forward to more to come.”

# # #

ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Responding to WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder’s recent public statements, former WBA Interim Heavyweight Champion Luis Ortiz would like to let him know: “I signed up for the WBC/VADA Clean Boxing Program last September. Stop using that excuse to avoid fighting me!”

The undefeated Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba, now living in Miami, has been trying to get Wilder into a boxing ring for quite a while, as Wilder has chosen to face a string of what many would label second-tier opponents to defend against.

“He’s scared!” said Ortiz of Wilder. “The more he can use my failed test against me he will. He and (promoter Lou) DiBella are saying he won’t fight me because of that. That was years ago, and since that unfortunate incident, for which I was punished, I have tested a dozen times clean. Now he’s trying to say I haven’t signed up for VADA Clean Boxing… guess what Wilder? I signed up last September when I was notified that all WBC contenders need to be part of their new Clean Boxing Program. I filled out the paperwork and my trainer submitted it to the WBC. He can stop using that excuse to avoid me. I have nothing to hide and do not have to prove any longer to anyone that I am clean. Wilder is nothing but a paper champion who happened to be at the right place at the right time against the right opponent with, most importantly, the right promoter. That’s all he is.”

Ortiz’s trainer, Herman Caicedo of Caicedo Sports Training Center of Miami, Florida, also says Ortiz’s failed drug test in 2014 is no longer a factor.

“Since failing his test years ago, Luis has been tested over a dozen times, voluntarily and mandatorily in fights. He has made it very clear that he never wants that to happen again and I wouldn’t work with a fighter I even suspected wasn’t clean. There’s too much involved in how I train fighters. We all put a lot of blood sweat and tears into training for a failed drug test to derail the entire process. I do my own drug panels and steroid checks before I take fighters. And those that do not wish to willingly participate, I will not train.”

Ortiz says sooner or later, Wilder will run out of excuses to avoid him or be run out of boxing.

“My mentality was always to beat whoever was the best fighter in my division, period. I don’t handpick my opponents. This is all weird and new to me. He can’t run for much longer though. I assume he will try to unify or vacate before he has to fight me. He can’t unify with the Joshua/Klitschko winner because I am the mandatory above any unification fight, and I will not be jumped over. So, he can try to beat up (New Zealand-based contender Joseph) Parker after his next fight. Then retire the paper champion he is.”

“I am very confident about the outcome if Ortiz and Wilder ever do fight,” continued Caicedo. “Ortiz will knock him out within 10 rounds. Luis has a level to his approach that I haven’t seen in quite some time. He is a throwback, old-school heavyweight boxer. He has incredible poise, precision, and ring generalship. He’s accurate with this punches and defensively very sound. If they ever do fight, Wilder will be exposed. But, he will probably retire a legend in his own mind without ever fighting anybody.”

Ortiz says no matter what happens with Deontay Wilder, he is happy and comfortable with his life.

“I would like to thank my team: Jay, Javier and my trainer Herman for the support they give me throughout all this uncertainty, as well as my fans and, most important to me, my wife and three children. I never thought I would be fighting to make a living. Boxing was always what I did because I loved it. I fought for pride. I fought for bragging rights!! I have already achieved one dream and that was to be here in the United States with my family. I am a United States citizen and very proud. Now to be able to box for a living, make money and potentially become world champion… that, to me, is priceless.”

Luis Ortiz will face Dave Allen at the Manchester Arena on Saturday December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Heavyweight danger man Ortiz made his European debut in Monte-Carlo on November 12 with a landslide points win over Malik Scott extending his unbeaten record to 26-0. ‘King Kong’ was frustrated by Scott’s negative approach, but the Cuban KO artist is confident that he prove he’s the next ruler of the division on December 10.

“I’m so excited to be boxing in the UK and it’s great to be keeping busy,” said Ortiz. “Monaco was a great experience for me and although the fight didn’t play out like I hoped I felt I learnt a lot.

“We looked at opponents for December 10 and we wanted someone who will come to fight for the fans. Dave Allen called the fight on and he’s got his wish. It’s great to be taking on a Brit in his backyard and I’m confident you will see the real Luis Ortiz in Manchester.”

Doncaster man Allen has other ideas though and for the 24 year old it’s a huge chance for him to claim a major scalp and put his name in the mix for more major battles in 2017.

“The day Eddie Hearn signed Luis Ortiz, I messaged him and said “I will fight him, stick me in with him!” said Allen. “I didn’t hold any fear of fighting him even before the Malik Scott fight. But that fight showed that the hype isn’t real. Ortiz isn’t Superman – I think he’s on the slide even though he’s undefeated.

“I showed I have a good defence against Dillian Whyte, so I will be prepared for anything. I said to myself I would only fight the end of the year if it was against David Price, but this fight is even bigger so I couldn’t say no. I’m going to put it all on the line against him. I’m stick it on him early, smack him bang on the chin and see how it goes.

“I’m going to make Ortiz look like an old man in there. When he hits me, I’m going to stand there and smile at him. This is the fight that will catapult my career on the world scene. My sparring tells me that I have the ability to become world class, now this my time to go out there and show the world what I can do.”

Ortiz’s clash with Allen is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Joshua MBE defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina.

Dillian Whyte faces bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC Heavyweight title, Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Callum Smith defends his British Super-Middleweight title against Luke Blackledge and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Limited tickets remain on from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Luis Ortiz scored three knockdowns and remained undefeated by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Malik Scott in a heavyweight bout in Monte Carlo.

Ortiz dropped Scott in both round’s four and five with left hands. In round nine, Ortiz dropped Scott with a counter left to the body.

Knockout machine Luis “King Kong” Ortiz is one of the most exciting fighters in the tradition-rich heavyweight division. Now, he makes his first ring appearance across the Atlantic when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: LUIS ORTIZ VS. MALIK SCOTT is seen SATURDAY, NOV. 12 at 4:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, with an evening replay at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 13 (9:45 a.m.) and 15 (12:40 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 13 (4:10 p.m.) and 14 (12:05 a.m.)

The fight will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (25-0, 22 KOs), 37, originally from Camaguey, Cuba, and now living in Miami, Fla., meets Philadelphia’s Malik Scott (38-2-1, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round contest. Currently boasting a knockout-to-win ratio above 80%, the dangerous Ortiz is on a quest for worldwide recognition and title belts. Scott, 36, is a seasoned pro who fought 13 years before absorbing his first loss in 2013.

The Monte Carlo telecast continues HBO’s initiative of presenting intriguing fights from across the Atlantic in the late-Saturday afternoon time slot. In the past three years, HBO Boxing has also visited London, Moscow, Hamburg and Dusseldorf.

Immediately following the prime time replay at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT), HBO Sports will present the special ROAD TO KOVALEV/WARD set for approximately 12:30 a.m. (ET/PT).

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jon Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Watch #HeyHarold! Ortiz vs. Scott (Click to Watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/75FanW78_zE
Embed:

Watch Ortiz vs. Scott Promo (Click to Watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/hGCYDplM-b0
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Luis Ortiz says he’ll rule the Heavyweight division in 2017 as he prepares to take on Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on HBO in the US.

Ortiz is one of the most feared fighters on the planet and has blasted away 22 of his 25 opponents inside the distance, with the vicious Cuban’s last two outings underlining his fearsome reputation as dismissed Bryant Jennings in seven rounds to land the interim WBA crown in December and then destroyed Tony Thompson in six rounds in March.

‘King Kong’ is hunting down World honours and makes his European debut against Scott his first fight under the Matchroom banner and the 37 year old monster revealed his excitement at his upcoming schedule.

The Heavyweight division was thrown wide open when Tyson Fury ended the long-standing reign of lineal champion Wladimir Klitschko in Germany in November 2015. A slated rematch between the pair failed to happen though and with Fury now out of commission as he deals with personal issues outside the ring, the throne sits vacant waiting for a new king to emerge – and Ortiz believes he’s the man to beat the likes of Anthony Joshua MBE, Deontay Wilder and Klitschko and rule the world.

“I want to fight the very best and I want to be the Heavyweight champion of the world,” said Ortiz. “I’m willing to fight anyone, any champion, any place, any time. I’m ready for anyone: Joshua, Wilder, Klitschko. I know I can beat all of them.

“I feel I have been at my peak for many years now. I have simply been late arriving on the US Heavyweight boxing scene. I have been fighting since I was in elementary school. Boxing is a very, very deep passion of mine.

“Now, it is a way to give my family a better future, and I tell you, no one will stand in my way of accomplishing this. In my eyes, I am the Heavyweight champion of the world and if anyone, any other champion, is willing to challenge me, to face me, I can and will prove it.

“I do have a lot of respect for the Heavyweight champions. They have accomplished a lot and have sacrificed a lot to be where they are. They do deserve recognition. I just want the chance to beat them and be [seen by all as] the next true Heavyweight champion.

“I think Fury was able to shake up the Heavyweight division and because of him, the division is now one of the most exciting divisions to watch! I just want to get the opportunity to face him, or Wilder, to prove I am a champion as well.”

Scott’s clash with Ortiz is part of a huge night of action in Monte-Carlo as WBA World Bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell defends his crown against Liberio Solis. It’s the fifth defence for the Doncaster ace, who followed his stoppage win over Javier Chacon with a pair of impressive wins over Tomoki Kameda in Texas last year and stopped Fernando Vargas in nine rounds at The O2 in London this April.
Stephen Smith has a second World title crack, challenging WBA Super-Featherweight kingpin Jason Sosa. Smith travelled to Connecticut to meet IBF ruler Jose Pedraza in April in his first outing for a World belt, and recovered from that points loss with a commanding win over Daniel Brizuela in his hometown of Liverpool a month later. Puerto Rican-American Sosa defends his strap for the first time having ripped the crown from Javier Fortuna in Beijing in June.
Martin Murray is targeting World title action in 2017 but faces a stiff test in the shape of former interim WBA Middleweight champion Dmitry Chudinov.
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
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Malik Scott says that his best years are still to come – and he’ll prove that by handing a first loss to dangerous Heavyweight Luis Ortiz when they clash in Monte-Carlo on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on HBO in the US.

American star Scott recorded impressive back-to-back wins over Alex Leapai and Tony Thompson in his last two outings to get in the frame for a big-time outing, bouncing back from a first round loss to Deontay Wilder back in March 2014.

Ortiz has been dubbed the most avoided Heavyweight on the planet, but Scott insists that this is a fight he’s wanted and the Philadelphian believes that beating Ortiz can be the springboard to him winning World titles, not ‘King Kong’ Ortiz.

“I don’t want people to get the wrong end of the stick – I picked to fight Luis Ortiz,” said Scott. “People have crowned him as the next king of the Heavyweight division, so that’s the kind of guy I want.

“Is he the most feared? Anyone will fight him but for the right amount of money. He’s a 6ft 4in Cuban southpaw – he’s got a hell of a pedigree, he can fight and he’s dangerous – but that makes me want to fight him. I gravitate to risks like this, because the rewards out there are huge.

“I went to Australia and beat Leapai, I came home to beat Thompson who had just beat Odlanier Solis, another guy that had been hyped. People said that Thompson would beat me, I gave him a clinic. Ortiz is dangerous, but a punch at Heavyweight can change everything. He doesn’t know what it’s like to sit on the shelf and wait for a fight, get messed around by opponents. I am just as hungry as he is.”

Scott’s clash with Ortiz is part of a huge night of action in Monte-Carlo as WBA World Bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell defends his crown against Liberio Solis. It’s the fifth defence for the Doncaster ace, who followed his stoppage win over Javier Chacon with a pair of impressive wins over Tomoki Kameda in Texas last year and stopped Fernando Vargas in nine rounds at The O2 in London this April.
Stephen Smith has a second World title crack, challenging WBA Super-Featherweight kingpin Jason Sosa. Smith travelled to Connecticut to meet IBF ruler Jose Pedraza in April in his first outing for a World belt, and recovered from that points loss with a commanding win over Daniel Brizuela in his hometown of Liverpool a month later. Puerto Rican-American Sosa defends his strap for the first time having ripped the crown from Javier Fortuna in Beijing in June.
Martin Murray is targeting World title action in 2017 but faces a stiff test in the shape of former interim WBA Middleweight champion Dmitry Chudinov.
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
Tickets from 100€

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
T. +377 98 06 36 36 from 10am to 7pm, 7 days a week
ticketoffice@sbm.mc
montecarlolive.com

Luis Ortiz (25-0, 22 KOs) Quotes:

“I always had faith in my manager and friend, Jay Jimenez, but I never expected this fast turn around and I’m so excited about the future. God has been great to me and my family – I’m ready.

“I’m going to be very busy over the next few months and looking forward to boxing in many countries as we continue my journey to the heavyweight World championship.

“I am a very experienced fighter. I have had the best boxing education with more than 350 fights under my belt. I believe I have the ability to adjust to any fighter and any style. That was evident in my fights with Jennings and Thompson.

“I am very proud of myself. I’m also very proud how I am bringing Cuba back into the minds of all boxing fans. Cuba is one of the most accomplished countries in terms of boxing. The style and speed and all the things we have, they are taught to us at a very young age. This is what makes us great boxers.

“I want to fight the very best and I want to be the heavyweight champion of the world. I’m willing to fight anyone, any champion, any place, any time. I’m ready for anyone: Joshua, Wilder, Klitschko. I know I can beat all of them.

“I feel I have been at my peak for many years now. I have simply been late [arriving] on the US heavyweight boxing scene. I have been fighting since I was in elementary school. Boxing is a very, very deep passion of mine.

“Now, it is a way to give my family a better future, and I tell you, no one will stand in my way of accomplishing this. In my eyes, I am the heavyweight champion of the world and if anyone, any other champion, is willing to challenge me, to face me, I can and will prove it.

“I do have a lot of respect for the heavyweight champions. They have accomplished a lot and have sacrificed a lot to be where they are. They do deserve recognition. I just want the chance to beat them and be [seen by all as] the next true heavyweight champion.

“I think Fury was able to shake up the heavyweight division and because of him, the division is now one of the most exciting divisions to watch! I just want to get the opportunity to face him, or Wilder, to prove I am a champion as well.”

Malik Scott (38-2-1, 13 KOs) Quotes:

“I don’t want people to get the wrong end of the stick – I picked to fight Luis Ortiz. People have crowned him as the next king of the heavyweight division, so that’s the kind of guy I want. If it wasn’t him, I wanted to fight David Haye or Anthony Joshua.

“Is he the most feared? Anyone will fight him but for the right amount of money. He’s a 6’ 4” Cuban southpaw – he’s got a hell of a pedigree, he can fight and he’s dangerous – but that makes me want to fight him. I gravitate to risks like this, because the rewards out there are huge.

“I went to Australia and beat Leapai, I came home to beat Thompson who had just beat Odlanier Solis, another guy that had been hyped. People said that Thompson would beat me, I gave him a clinic. Ortiz is dangerous, but a punch at heavyweight can change everything. He doesn’t know what it’s like to sit on the shelf and wait for a fight, get messed around by opponents. I am just as hungry as he is.

“I can only blame myself for lost opportunities. Inconsistency has cost me. Fans, managers and promoters have to trust your performances in this sport and I haven’t been consistent enough – but that has nothing to do with my ability.

“Leapai and Thompson are top ten guys and now I have Ortiz which is must-win for me. You cannot afford today to put two wins together then lose. People’s attention spans these days are so small. You have to keep winning and show people that you are a winner, that’s what I have to do.

“I have boxed a few southpaws but none of Ortiz’s quality. Luis is the best of all the southpaws but I don’t see perfection. I don’t look at the invincibility that the casual fans see and if I can take advantage of those holes in his game he’s going to taste his first loss.

“Everyone he’s beat has been on a plate for him, but against me, he’s going to have to work to get his shots off, I’m no dummy in the ring, I’m very intelligent, and I believe I will be victorious (Saturday).”

The previously announced heavyweight showdown between Luis Ortiz and Malik Scott slated for Saturday, November 12 from Monte Carlo will be televised live in the U.S. on HBO, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

“Fans know Luis Ortiz as a heavyweight knockout machine, and we’re happy to announce his showdown with Malik Scott from Monte Carlo live on our network on Nov. 12,” said Peter Nelson, executive vice president, HBO Sports.

One of the world’s most intriguing and exciting heavyweights, Luis Ortiz (25-0, 22 KOs), looks to add another impressive performance to his resume when he battles Malik Scott (38-2-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday, November 12 at Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo. The bout will be televised in the U.S. live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Same day replay at 11:05 p.m. (ET/PT).

Los Angeles, CA (October 12, 2016) World ranked heavyweight contender MALIK SCOTT,
(38-2-1, 13 KO’s), is headed to the world’s foremost tourist destination, Monte Carlo, on Saturday, November 12 to face feared, undefeated and #1 ranked “King Kong” LUIS ORTIZ,
(25-0, 22 KO’s) at the Salle des Etoiles for the vacant World Boxing Association Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title.

“This is the fight I wanted, I picked him, “said Scott. “I told my promoter Tom Brown one of the three, either Anthony Joshua, David Haye or Luis Ortiz.”

“After Ortiz beat Bryant Jennings the media starting talking about his invincibility and that he was the most feared heavyweight and I immediately wanted to fight him. There’s no such thing as unbeatable and I welcome the challenge to prove it.”

“If I’m on my game on November 12, I’ll shut him out. He’s going to gas out early and I’ll put on a boxing clinic,” continued Scott. “Ortiz is my pathway towards a world title opportunity, this is my time to shine and slay ‘King Kong’.”

“Because of his rep this fight will get a lot of international attention and I’ll be looking for full credit when I beat him, no excuses.”

A native of Philadelphia, now residing in Los Angeles, Scott fights under the Sherman Oaks’ based TGB Promotions’ banner.

“Malik has wanted another big fight and this opportunity to face Ortiz comes at the right time,” said TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions. “Malik is fearless and isn’t at all intimidated by Ortiz’s rep, he’s fought or sparred every notable heavyweight over the last fifteen years.”

Known as a true road warrior of the sport, last October Scott traveled to Orlando, Florida winning a dominant ten round decision over former world title challenger Tony Thompson. The previous October, Scott defeated Alex Leapai, also a former world title challenger in Australia.

The heavy-handed Ortiz has stopped his last four opponents, most recently the aforementioned Tony Thompson in the sixth round on March 5, 2016. Prior to that Ortiz brutally stopped former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the seventh round on December 19, 2015.

Scott vs. Ortiz is presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with TGB Promotions and will be telecast LIVE in the UK on Sky Sports.

ABOUT TGB PROMOTIONS
In March of 2015, following the loss of Dan Goossen, Brown started his own promotional company, TGB Promotions. TGB Promotions helped launch the Premier Boxing Champions franchise on NBC with the network’s first major primetime fight in over 30 years. The debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC was the most-watched professional boxing broadcast since 1998.

As the matchmaker for Goossen Promotions, Tom Brown deftly guided the careers of many world champions including U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists, David Reid (1996) and Andre Ward (2004) in addition to working with World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson.

Brown’s work has received a wealth of accolades from industry insiders and media worldwide. The NABF has lauded his work many times, bestowing their matchmaker of the year award upon him six times. The IBF also presented TGB Promotions its award for Most Active Promoter for the year of 2015.

Most recently the work of Brown has brought to prominence; former world champions Paul Williams and Rico Ramos in addition to highly ranked contenders Chris Arreola, Vanes Martirosyan, John Molina Jr., and Josesito Lopez along with numerous top young prospects including Olympians and twin brothers, Javier and Oscar Molina.

Matchroom Boxing and the Casino de Monte-Carlo are delighted to announce a blockbuster night of World championship boxing on November 12 at Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo in ‘Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza’ live on Sky Sports.

One of the world’s most dangerous and exciting Heavyweights, Luis Ortiz, tops the bill as he looks to add to his 22 KOs from 25 wins as he takes on Malik Scott for the WBA Inter-Continental title – with Ortiz making his European debut in his first fight since teaming up with Matchroom Boxing.
WBA World Bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell defends his crown against Liberio Solis. It’s the fifth defence for the Doncaster ace, who followed his stoppage win over Javier Chacon with a pair of impressive wins over Tomoki Kameda in Texas last year and stopped Fernando Vargas in nine rounds at The O2 in London this April.
Former Super-Flyweight World ruler Solis boxes for the second time to become a two-weight World champion having severely tested WBC king Shinsuke Yamanaka in Japan in March, with both men hitting the canvas before the champion outpointed the Venezuelan challenger.
Stephen Smith has landed a second World title crack, challenging WBA Super-Featherweight kingpin Jason Sosa. Smith travelled to Connecticut to meet IBF ruler Jose Pedraza in April in his first outing for a World belt, and recovered from that points loss with a commanding win over Daniel Brizuela in his hometown of Liverpool a month later. Puerto Rican-American Sosa defends his strap for the first time having ripped the crown from Javier Fortuna in Beijing in June.
There’s a tasty rematch on the bill as Martin Murray looks to avenge his World title loss to Arthur Abraham as the pair clash for the WBO International Super-Middleweight belt – with Murray looking for revenge after suffering a split-decision loss for the German’s World title in November.
The Sporting Monte-Carlo has held two huge World title nights in the last two years, with pound-for-pound Middleweight king Gennady Golovkin defeating Martin Murray in February 2015 and Randy Cabellero outpointing Stuart Hall for the IBF Bantamweight crown in October 2014.
“It is an absolute honour to bring this huge night of World championship boxing to Monaco,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s been a wonderful few years for British boxing but to showcase this great sport in such a high quality environment is very exciting. This is going to be the most high profile fight night of the year and we are looking forward to putting on an exceptional night of boxing for Monte-Carlo, fans and all of our international broadcasters.”
“We are thrilled to host this new world class boxing event and to perpetuate the tradition of boxing in Monaco which had now become a major rendez-vous for the Casino de Monte-Carlo” said Pascal Camia, Executive Vice President, Casinos of Monaco. “From the gambling tables to the ring, the adrenaline will be flowing for a night of show and entertainment to be remembered.”
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
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Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
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About Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer proposes a unique experience uniting well-being and gastronomy, offering its clients a resort like no other in the world: 4 casinos including the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino, 4 hotels (Hôtel de Paris, Hôtel Hermitage, Monte-Carlo Beach, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort), and 33 restaurants of which 4 on their own together make up 6 stars of the prestigious Michelin Guide. Known for its nightlife, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group offers an astounding choice of bars and concert halls. The Group, which is a talent scout and committed supporter of artistic creation, programmes musical events with daring artistic choices at the Sporting Summer Festival, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, La Rascasse and the Buddha Bar. Its nightclub, Jimmy’z, is one of the most reputable in Europe and has been for the past 40 years.

Exciting heavyweight star Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz has joined forces with Matchroom Boxing as he plans an assault on the Heavyweight World titles.

Unbeaten Ortiz is one of the most feared fighters on the planet and has blasted away 22 of his 25 opponents inside the distance, with the vicious Cuban’s last two outings underlining his fearsome reputation as dismissed Bryant Jennings in seven rounds to land the interim WBA crown in December and then destroyed Tony Thompson in six rounds in March.

Ortiz is hunting down World honours and will make his European debut in November in his first fight under the Matchroom banner and the 37 year old monster revealed his excitement at his upcoming schedule.

“I always had faith in my manager and friend Jay Jimenez but I never expect this fast turn around and I’m so excited about the future,” said Ortiz. “God has been great to me and my family – I’m ready.

“I’m going to be very busy over the next few months and looking forward to boxing in many countries as we continue my journey to the Heavyweight World championship.”

Ortiz becomes Eddie Hearn’s first overseas acquisition and the promoter says he plans to get Ortiz out regularly to get him in line to land a World title shot.

“Luis Ortiz is one of the most exciting Heavyweights in the World and I am delighted to be working with him,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We plan to keep him very busy and let the fans enjoy his devastating power. Luis is an avoided fighter but we plan on giving him the profile that will make that impossible.

“First stop for ‘King Kong’ will be announced on Monday on a huge card in November and then we plan to get him out in the UK straight after, potentially on the Anthony Joshua card. I’m very excited to work with our first international fighter as we continue to expand into new markets.”

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 23, 2016) – Golden Boy Promotions has issued the following statement:

“Today, Golden Boy Promotions and Luis Ortiz amicably parted ways,” said Stefan Friedman, spokesperson for Golden Boy Promotions. “We are proud of the work that Golden Boy and Luis accomplished together culminating in his WBA Heavyweight Interim Championship victory and subsequent title defenses. We wish Luis and his team all the best in the future.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, The WBA Heavyweight title bout between Luis Ortiz and Alexander Ustinov could wind up on the November 19 card featuring Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward.

Vlad Hrunov, bidding on behalf of Russian promoter Andrey Ryabinsky’s World of Boxing, was the only bidder for Ortiz-Ustinov, winning with the minimum allowable bid of $600,000. Ortiz is entitled to 60 percent, meaning he will earn $360,000, and Ustinov is entitled to 40 percent, meaning his purse will be $240,000.

Hrunov told ESPN.com that the fight is penciled in to take place on Nov. 19 in Moscow, Las Vegas or Minsk, Belarus, where Russian native Ustinov lives.

However, Hrunov said there is a good chance that the fight will land at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and take place on the HBO PPV card headlined by unified light heavyweight titleholder Sergey Kovalev taking on former super middleweight champion Andre Ward in one of the year’s most anticipated matches.

A deal has been reached for a WBA Interim Heavyweight title bout between champion Luis Ortiz and Alexander Ustinov according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We have a deal in place with Frank Warren,” said Golden Boy Promotions vice-president Eric Gomez, referring to Ustinov’s promoter. “We have an agreement in principle, but nothing is signed. We are going to contract this week, and we will notify the WBA that we have a deal.”

“So we kept negotiating with Frank Warren, and we were able to come to an agreement,” Gomez said. “The fight will be on HBO, and we’re looking at August or September.”

“King Kong is ready, willing and able to fight anybody. He will fight anyone,” Gomez said. “We are looking forward to getting this fight with Ustinov on.”

Luis Ortiz scored a 6th round stoppage over former two-time Heavyweight title challenger Tony Thompson at the DC Armory in Washington, DC.

In round one, Ortiz decked Thompson with a hard straight left. Thompson was dropped again at the end of round three from a left. Ortiz ended the fight with another left that sent Thompson down an the fight was stopped at 2:29 of round six.

Ortiz, 242 1/2 lbs of Miami is now 25-0-2 with 22 knockouts. Thompson, 263 1/4 lbs of Washington, DC is now 40-7.

Jessie Vargas won the WBO Welterweight title with a ninth round stoppage over previously undefeated former U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali.

In round three, Ali developed swelling over his left eye.

In round eight, Vargas landed a huge right that sent Ali to the canvas. In round nine, Vargas landed a perfect right that sent Ali to the canvas for a second time. Vargas landed a hard right in the corner and referee enny Chevalier stopped the bout at 2:09 of round nine.

Vargas, 146 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 27-1 with 10 knockouts. Ali, 147 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 22-1.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 3, 2016) – Fighters featured on the March 5 HBO Boxing After Dark telecast shared their final thoughts ahead of Saturday’s fights at the final press conference today in Washington, D.C. WBA Interim Heavyweight Champion Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs) was joined by Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (40-6, 27 KOs) ahead of their clash in the main event on the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast on Saturday.

Also appearing on stage were number one contender for the WBO Welterweight World Title Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-0, 13 KOs) and former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jessie Vargas (26-1, 9 KOs) who will battle for the vacant WBO Welterweight World Championship in a can’t-miss 12-round co-main event.

Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (23-11, 13 KOs) of and former WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Champion Oscar Escandon (24-2, 16 KOs) of Ibague, Colombia, who will face of in a 12-round fight for the WBC Interim Featherweight World Championship.

Rounding out the dais were a host of up-and-coming east coast prospects including Lamont Roach Jr. (9-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, D.C., D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (11-0,7 KOs) from Temple Hills, Md., Kevin “K-Smoove” Rivers Jr. (12-1, 9 KOs), Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (13-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Philadelphia natives Damon Allen (8-0, 3 KOs) and Todd Unthank-May (8-0, 3 KOs).

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” Ortiz, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:

“Unlike Mr. Thompson who uses humor and good words and is very well spoken, I instill fear through my hard work. In the ring is where I’m most comfortable and that’s where I’ll continue to prove why I am the most feared heavyweight on the planet.

“Tony said that he is Godzilla. I didn’t see the movie, but on Saturday night, King Kong is going to beat Godzilla.”

TONY “THE TIGER” THOMPSON, Former Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“I didn’t take this fight in my hometown to get embarrassed. I don’t believe in the boogeyman. D.C. raised a man. I’m all man. I don’t care who the opponent is. I’ll meet you in the middle of the ring, and let’s see what happens. He’s the kind of fighter who is going to bring out the best in me.”

ROBERT DIAZ, Head Matchmaker at Golden Boy Promotions:

“This is a card you don’t want to miss. We stacked it up from top to bottom. These are the kind of fights Golden Boy and HBO put on every time, and every time the fans are the winners.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Golden Boy Promotions Partner and Future Boxing Hall of Famer:

“Not only to the fighters on TV but to all the fighters, this is the time to make a statement in your career. When you have two heavyweights that want to fight, you are going to have a fight. In the heavyweight division you have to be careful, because of the power that they bring.”

HERMAN CAICEDO, Trainer for Luis Ortiz:

“We put in a lot of hard work at the gym. At the end of the day there’s no one who can help you when you’re in the middle of the ring. Whether it’s in the first or the 12th round, it’s coming – there’s a knockout pending.”

TROY FOX, Trainer for Tony Thompson:

“We got two stellar athletes. It should be a remarkable, action-packed card.”

MIKE BORAO, Manager for Tony Thompson:

“People are calling Luis Ortiz the boogeyman because no one wants to fight him, but Tony is the original boogeyman who no one wants to fight. Everyone knows the original is always better than the sequel.”

SADAM “WORLD KID” ALI, Number One Contender for the WBO Welterweight World Title:

“This is for a world title. This is what we all wait for. This is what we work for. This is my dream. Just know that you are going to see an exciting fight.”

JESSIE VARGAS, Former WBA Welterweight Champion:

“We’ve had a great preparation. I am very happy to be fighting for the WBO World Title once again, and I look forward to becoming a world champion. I will do whatever I have to do to come out victorious.”

ANDRE ROZIER, Trainer for Sadam “World Kid” Ali:

“Sadam is a hard worker and diligent student. He’s my youngest fighter to reach this level. We’re going to show you Saturday night what we’re ready for.”

DEWEY COOPER, Trainer for Jessie Vargas:

“If improvement if possible, perfection is not good enough. That is the way we trained. We improved in every way. You will all see that on display Saturday night. On Saturday night there will be one victor, and that will be Jessie Vargas.”

LEE SAMUELS, Director of Public Relations at Top Rank:

“Jessie reminds me of Alexis Arguello – he’s a gentleman outside the ring and a warrior inside the ring. Jesse wants to make a statement. He re-did his team. Jesse feels a lot stronger and he’s ready to fight.”

PETER NELSON, Executive Vice President of HBO Sports:

“This is a spectacular event, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. All of these fighters are committed to fight anyone, anyplace, any time – those are the kind of guys that fans want to see.”

ROBINSON “ROBIN HOOD” CASTELLANOS, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion and Mandatory Contender to the WBC Featherweight World Championship:

“I am very well-prepared. We’ve done everything we had to. I want to make history in boxing, and the only way to do that is to win on Saturday night, and that’s what I’m planning to do.”

OSCAR ESCANDON, WBC Interim Featherweight Title Contender:

“I want to dedicate this fight to God and my daughter who was born last week, and I haven’t met and to all of you the fans. I hope you really appreciate this great fight we are going to put on.”

RUBEN GUERRERO, Trainer for Oscar Escandon

“Oscar’s been training for eight months, and we’re ready for the fight. He’s going to be ready for this fight. He’s going to be a different fighter than before. Both hands are strong. He’s ready to go. There’s going to be a knockout in this fight.”

LAMONT ROACH, JR., Lightweight Prospect:

“I just want to tell you if you haven’t seen me fight, I think you’ll enjoy the excitement I bring to the ring. The fans will be excited. I appreciate HBO for bringing boxing back to Washington, D.C.”

D’MITRIUS BALLARD, Super Middleweight Prospect:

“Right now, I’m considered to be a prospect. Soon I’ll be a contender and then soon I’ll be a world champion. The fans should come out on Saturday and see all my hard work and training.”

ZACHARY OCHOA, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I’ve been training hard for this fight. I’m ready to take the steps so I can fight for a world title in the future.”

DAMON ALLEN, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m grateful to be on a card like this. I bring fireworks. If you haven’t seen me fight, be prepared.”

TODD UNTHANK-MAY, Light Heavyweight Prospect:

“I’m a Philly fighter. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday.”

PETE KIRSCHNER, Director of Communications and Marketing Events DC, Sports & Entertainment:

“Boxing and the DC Armory have been synonymous over the last four decades and we are thankful for HBO for continuing that tradition.”

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, and $100, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale today and available online at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations by calling (800) 745-3000.The DC Armory Box Office will be open on fight night only from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET.

Luis Ortiz vs. Tony Thompson is a 12-round heavyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with King Kong Boxing and Warriors Boxing and Promotions. Sadam Ali vs. Jessie Vargas is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Welterweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Top Rank, the HBO Boxing After Dark ® telecast begins live at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Robinson Castellanos vs. Oscar Escandon is a 12-round fight for the WBC InterimFeatherweight Championship and the Ring TV live stream begins at 9:00 pm. ET. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at the DC Armory at 4:30 p.m. ET.

HBO Boxing travels to the nation’s capital for an all-action doubleheader when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: LUIS ORTIZ VS. TONY THOMPSON AND SADAM ALI VS. JESSIE VARGAS is seen SATURDAY, MARCH 5 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: March 6 (10:15 a.m.) and 8 (12:05 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: March 6 (3:15 p.m.) and 7 (12:30 a.m.)

The doubleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

The headlining bout features undefeated Cuban native Luis Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs) risking his perfect record against veteran Tony Thompson (40-6 27 KOs) in a heavyweight showdown set for 12 rounds. Ortiz, 36, took the division by storm in 2015, compiling three consecutive knockouts over a six-month stretch; most notably, the southpaw handed rising heavyweight prospect Bryant Jennings the first knockout loss of his career. Thompson, 44, will be fighting before a hometown crowd for the first time in more than ten years.

In the evening’s co-main event, a vacant welterweight championship is on the line when Brooklyn’s Sadam Ali (22-0, 13 KOs) takes on Las Vegas’ Jessie Vargas (26-1, 9 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round contest. Ali, 27, has a decorated amateur background, including a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic boxing team, and has fought nearly his entire pro career in the northeast, including a 2014 bout at the DC Armory. Vargas, 26, is looking to rebound from his first professional loss last June against world-class performer Timothy Bradley Jr.

This edition of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK marks HBO Boxing’s third trip to the nation’s capital; most recently, a 2011 card featured a hotly contested light welterweight championship bout between Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson.

Launched 20 years ago last month, HBO BOXING AFTER DARK was the network’s initial platform for a host of exciting talents, including Floyd Mayweather, Arturo Gatti, Marco Antonio Barrera, Fernando Vargas, Terence Crawford, Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.
The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.