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Shawn Porter: “I’m Going into the Fight Looking for That KO”

Published

10 years ago

August 14, 2014

FINAL MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS: FIGHTERS WRAP UP OFFICIAL TRAINING FOR SATURDAY’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER

ON SHOWTIME® FROM STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF.

Porter-Brook, Bika-Dirrell, Figueroa-Estrada World Title Fights This Saturday, Aug. 16, Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT); Wilder, Linares Co-Featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET.PT)

First Live, Non-Televised Fight is 1:00 p.m. PT; Tickets Still On Sale!!

CARSON, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2014) – Unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter, undefeated contender Kell Brook and seven other boxers who will compete on this Saturday’s stacked Golden Boy Promotions’ fight card at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., participated in an open media workout Wednesday at Fabela Chavez Boxing Center in Carson, Calif..

The exciting, offensive-minded Porter (24-0-1, 15 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, will defend his 147-pound crown against British banger Brook (32-0, 22 KOs), of Sheffield, England in what figures to be an explosive main event of a world championship tripleheader live on SHOWTIME^® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

In other world title fights Saturday on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (32-5-3, 21 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, will risk his 168-pound belt in a rematch against unbeaten Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (26-0-1, 22 KOs), of Flint, Mich., and undefeated Omar “Panterita” FigueroaJr. (23-0-1, 17 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, will defend his WBC Lightweight World Championship against mandatory challenger Daniel“Tremendo” Estrada (32-2-1, 24 KOs), of Mexico City.

Undefeated heavyweight knockout sensation and WBC Continental Americas Champion Deontay “TheBronze Bomber” Wilder (31-3, 31 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will be opposed by Jason Gavern (25-16-4, 11 KOs), of Orlando, Fla., in a 10-round scrap on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). In the opening bout, former two-division world champ Jorge “Niño De Oro” Linares (36-3, 23 KOs) faces Ira Terry (26-11, 16 KOs), of Memphis, Tenn., in an eight-round lightweight match.

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale now and are available online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425. Doors open at 1 p.m. PT. The first fight begins at 1:00 p.m.

Here’s what the fighters said during Wednesday’s workout:

SHAWN PORTER, IBF Welterweight World Champion

“Training camp was great; we had some of the camp in Las Vegas and some in the Bay Area. We are ready to rock and roll. I just continue to work hard and sharpen the skills that I already possess.

“I am going into the fight looking for that knockout. I told myself that going four rounds or less would be a beautiful night for me. But at the same time I am prepared for a 12-round fight and being a boxer I know that you must be prepared for anything.

“I welcome the target on my back; I enjoy people talking about me. The good thing about having the target on my back is that I am a very hard target to hit. I am very excited about this fight and looking forward to defending my title. Saturday couldn’t come fast enough and after the fight I will be walking out with that title again.

“I am very humble, but everyone knows that when I get into that ring it’s my time to shine. I will be showing off for the fans, my team, and for my future opponents.

“StubHub Center is a great outdoor venue. I’ve been to the venue about six times, but have never fought there. Every time I go there I wish I was the one fighting in the ring, but my opportunity has finally come and I can’t wait to get out there and feel the energy of the crowd.

“Being that this is only the second time Kell Brook has fought in America, I hope he feels that added pressure of the big fight. The energy of the StubHub Center crowd will make him feel it, that’s for sure. But, at the end of the day I have to get in that ring and handle my business and not worry about all the factors that I can’t control. I can’t worry about what he feels and thinks. I know that I am full of confidence and positive energy and that I’ve been counting down for this fight.

“I love the fact that we are both undefeated, it makes for a great story. I know that he is a great fighter and I can’t look past him — that would be a huge mistake.”

KELL BROOK, Undefeated Welterweight Contender

“Training camp has gone very well. I am ready.

“When you get to this elite level and become a world champion, top fighters want to fight the best and I believe that I am at that level.

“It doesn’t matter that this is only my second time fighting in America. It’s just another ring and I will be ready to go. Boxing is all I do.

“Porter comes forward with swinging punches. Anyone at this level, you must take it off to them, they are in the ring for a reason. I know that it will be a tough fight, but every top performer can adjust and you will see me adjust. I know that it will be a dogfight but I always find a way to win.

“I am a slick fighter who will be very exciting. You are going to see crisp shots and I think that this fight will be a fight of the year candidate. I refuse to lose, but there will definitely be some fireworks during this fight.

“I have been waiting a very long time for my opportunity to fight in a world title fight, so the added pressure and anticipation will work in my favor. I have never been more prepared for a fight before and knowing that this is the biggest fight of my career only adds to my confidence.

“This is definitely my opportunity to show American fans what all the fuss is about with this British guy. My message to them is that I will go into that ring and give it my all and come out with that world title. Get your popcorn ready.”

SAKIO BIKA, WBC Super Middleweight Champion

“Training has been going great; we did everything that we were supposed to do. The weather was very good, the sparing was good, no complaints.

“Nothing has really changed going into this training camp from the last camp, except that I pushed myself very hard. I didn’t put on and take off any weight, I just work very hard in the gym.

“The first fight with Dirrell, I started off a little too slow. For this fight I will try to show that I am the boss in the right from the beginning, and make him scared. I want to attack him relentlessly and prove to him that he doesn’t belong in the ring with me.

“I definitely feel that I won the first fight and everyone saw that. The body shot that he got on me was a low blow, it was a lucky punch. I kept on hitting him so hard and he couldn’t handle the pressure I was putting on him. I know that I won that fight.

“If I am the victor in this fight, I won’t call any names on who I want to fight next. Every time that I call on a fighter, everyone gets too scared and doesn’t want to fight. I need to sit down with my management and see if I need to move up a weight class and fight a big challenger maybe in the light heavyweight division because I feel that I am capable.

“My biggest strength against Dirrell is that I am much stronger than him and I can handle all the pressure that is thrown my way. I am very strong and will pressure him constantly.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL, Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender

“I’m here to officially take what’s rightfully mine. Bika knows I won our last fight. It’s good we got to go straight to a rematch with no fights in between.

“I expect to see nothing new or different from Bika – Bika is Bika. In the ring, he is who he is. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

“I thought I fought a good fight the first time, but I can do even better. I can box better and I can stick to the game plan better. He can’t touch me when I box. In fact, he can’t touch me no matter how I fight him.

“That’s good that Daniel Jacobs (recently crowned WBA middleweight champion) is calling the fights for SHOWTIME. He’s a cancer survivor like me. Between us, we want to continue to inspire others all over the world.”

OMAR “PANTERITA” FIGUEROA JR., WBC Lightweight World Champion

“It’s an honor to represent the people in my hometown. I fight for my brothers and the little kids in my city who feel like they have no hope to leave the city. I started fighting when I was six-years-old; success doesn’t come over night. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I want to show the people where I am from that it is possible to be successful and make a good life for yourself. I know that boxing has kept me out of trouble and in some ways saved my life.

“The reason why I moved back home and started training with my dad was mainly because I wanted to be close to my daughter. I missed her terribly when I wasn’t home.

“I wasn’t able to take advantage of the things that were presented to me by training with Joel Diaz because of my (sore) hands, so I decided to just stay home. If I wasn’t able to get the world-class sparring and training, then what was I doing being away from my family? Leaving Joel Diaz had nothing to do with him, I love him. It was solely a personal decision.

“My dad (trainer Omar Figueroa Sr.) grinds my gears, it can be a bit rocky. But with the knowledge I brought over from training with Joel Diaz it can make me grow as a boxer and my dad will grow as a trainer.

“Training is six days a week for three hours and then a jog. I can’t put on too much muscle because then I won’t be able to make weight. Training and dieting is very hard, but I am proud of myself because I actually kept up with it.

“People take care of me from where I am from. The love and support I feel in Texas makes me feel great.

“My hands will always be an issue. We will find out how long they last me on Saturday. I hope they last me long enough to get rid of my opponent. If not, then I will have to suck it up.

“I haven’t looked at any footage of Estrada but my father tells me that he is a straight forward kind of guy. He will get punched a lot and I have to be prepared for that. I am trained in a certain way that will give me the opportunity to exploit his weaknesses. I will focus a lot on the body like I always do.

“Fans can expect a great fight. They will get entertained and get their money’s worth and I will put on an excellent show for them.”

DANIEL ESTRADA, Leading Lightweight Contender

“It doesn’t bother me that I’m sort of the forgotten fighter on this card, but I came here to win my U.S. debut and in my mind I know I will win Saturday and then maybe more fans and media in America will recognize me more.

“I’ve watched a couple of Panterita’s fights and he’s a good, tough champion. That’s why I prepared so hard in Mexico for this. So I definitely respect him as a champion, but he’s not going to win.

“I’ve waited a year-and-a-half for this opportunity, and that gives me extra motivation. This is my chance and I know it. I train all the time and I’ve learned from one of the best fighters, Juan Manuel Marquez, who is my advisor and who will be in my corner Saturday.

“I don’t like to talk, but I am very confident. My camp went well. My conditioning is perfect. I’m hungry for that world title and can’t wait to face Panterita on Saturday night.”

DEONTAY WILDER, Undefeated WBC Continental Americas Champion

“I come prepared to show up and show out for any fight. It doesn’t matter what venue we are in; we can be in the smallest venue in the world and I will come prepared to put on a great show for my fans. I will still perform to the best of my ability.

“I don’t think fighting outside will have any impact on this fight. Coming from Alabama, the weather gets real hot and humid so this is nothing to me. During camp the heat was rising from inside of my boots so it kept me dancing.

“I always want to fight the biggest and best fight. But it has to be the right time and the right money. If people understand that boxing is a business before anything else, then they will understand all the other aspects of boxing. Most people don’t know anything about the business side and make judgments.

“Once I have that belt a lot of questions will be answered. I have had to humble myself and convince myself that my time is coming for that championship. I am ready and excited to prove to everybody, my fans and haters that I will eventually be the champion.

“In facing my opponent, all I would like to say is that we are in the heavyweight division so one punch could end the fight. I am not looking past him, I am only looking through him. My prize is to fight for the world title and in order to be able to do that I must get through my opponent on Saturday.

“My management didn’t want me to take this fight, I was the one who wanted to take it. This fight is giving me the opportunity to fight for a world title for my next fight. I know that I must stay active and I know that my opponent is a tough guy who will come and try to win. You can’t go off of his record, you just never know how he will come out on this night. I don’t want him to feel comfortable. I want to get in and get out.

“I know that I have a big bull’s eye on my back and that if I beat my opponent then I will be in the running for the world title come November.”

JORGE LINARES, Former WBC Featherweight & WBA Super Featherweight World Champion

“I’m the No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger to fight the winner of Figueroa and Estrada. It would be an honor to fight either of them but I am taking nothing for granted and am not taking my opponent lightly.

“I made the mistake once before. They all said I was going to have an easy fight against Sergio Thompson and I lost. That was a crazy fight in Mexico. I got head-butted in the second round, took a knee, and the doctor came in and stopped the fight and I got a loss even though I felt I could continue and the fight didn’t go four rounds. So I learned the hard way that on any given night even the worst fighter can beat you.

“I’ve prepared very hard for this and I’m looking forward to taking care of business on Saturday.”

JASON QUIGLEY, Unbeaten Super Middleweight Prospect

“I’m really looking forward to my second fight since my first went so fast (82-second knockout). I just fought in mid-July so it’s great to be brought back so soon.

“Getting the pro debut out of the way is somewhat of a relief, but I know I have a lot of work to do. Getting the experience is so important, which is why I train all over Los Angeles. I go to different gyms all the time, looking to spar, work and learn.

“I just know my opponent is also 1-0, not much else. I am grateful for the opportunity to fight on Saturday and looking forward to putting on a good show

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2015 Fight of the Year – Francisco Vargas vs Takashi Miura

Published

9 years ago

January 4, 2016

The Sweet Science

The WBC World Super Featherweight title bout between Francisco Vargas and Takashi Miura came on one of the biggest boxing stages of 2015, as the bout served as the HBO pay-per-view’s co-main event on November 21st, in support of Miguel Cotto vs Saul Alvarez.

Miura entered the fight with a (29-2-2) record and he was making the fifth defense of his world title, while Vargas entered the fight with an undefeated mark of (22-0-1) in what was his first world title fight. Both men had a reputation for all-out fighting, with Miura especially earning high praise for his title defense in Mexico where he defeated Sergio Thompson in a fiercely contested battle.

The fight started out hotly contested, and the intensity never let up. Vargas seemed to win the first two rounds, but by the fourth round, Miura seemed to pull ahead, scoring a knock-down and fighting with a lot of confidence. After brawling the first four rounds, Miura appeared to settle into a more technical approach. Rounds 5 and 6 saw the pendulum swing back towards Vargas, as he withstood Miura’s rush to open the fifth round and the sixth round saw both men exchanging hard punches.

The big swinging continued, and though Vargas likely edged Miura in rounds 5 and 6, Vargas’ face was cut in at least two spots and Miura started to assert himself again in rounds 7 and 8. Miura was beginning to grow in confidence while it appeared that Vargas was beginning to slow down, and Miura appeared to hurt Vargas at the end of the 8th round.

Vargas turned the tide again at the start of the ninth round, scoring a knock down with an uppercut and a straight right hand that took Miura’s legs and sent him to the canvas. Purely on instinct, Miura got back up and continued to fight, but Vargas was landing frequently and with force. Referee Tony Weeks stepped in to stop the fight at the halfway point of round 9 as Miura was sustaining a barrage of punches.

Miura still had a minute and a half to survive if he was going to get out of the round, and it was clear that he was not going to stop fighting.

A back and forth battle of wills between two world championship level fighters, Takashi Miura versus “El Bandido” Vargas wins the 2015 Fight of the Year.

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Jan 9 in Germany – Feigenbutz and De Carolis To Settle Score

Published

9 years ago

January 4, 2016

The Sweet Science

This coming Saturday, January 9th, the stage is set at the Baden Arena in Offenburg, Germany for a re-match between Vincent Feigenbutz and Giovanni De Carolis. The highly anticipated re-match is set to air on SAT.1 in Germany, and Feigenbutz will once again be defending his GBU and interim WBA World titles at Super Middleweight.

The first meeting between the two was less than three months ago, on October 17th and that meeting saw Feigenbutz controversially edge De Carolis on the judge’s cards by scores of (115-113, 114-113 and 115-113). De Carolis scored a flash knock down in the opening round, and he appeared to outbox Feigenbutz in the early going, but the 20 year old German champion came on in the later rounds.

The first bout is described as one of the most crowd-pleasing bouts of the year in Germany, and De Carolis and many observers felt that the Italian had done enough to win.

De Carolis told German language website RAN.DE that he was more prepared for the re-match, and that due to the arrogance Feigenbutz displayed in the aftermath of the first fight, he was confident that he had won over some of the audience. Though De Carolis fell short of predicting victory, he promised a re-vamped strategy tailored to what he has learned about Feigenbutz, whom he termed immature and inexperienced.

The stage is set for Feigenbutz vs De Carolis 2, this Saturday January 9th in Offenburg, Germany. If you can get to the live event do it, if not you have SAT.1 in Germany airing the fights, and The Boxing Channel right back here for full results.

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2015 Knock Out of the Year – Saul Alvarez KO’s James Kirkland

Published

9 years ago

December 29, 2015

The Sweet Science

On May 9th of 2015, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez delivered a resonant knock-out of James Kirkland on HBO that wins the 2015 KO of the Year.

The knock-out itself came in the third round, after slightly more than two minutes of action. The end came when Alvarez delivered a single, big right hand that caught Kirkland on the jaw and left him flat on his back after spinning to the canvas.Alvarez was clearly the big star heading into the fight. The fight was telecast by HBO for free just one week after the controversial and disappointing Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao fight, and Alvarez was under pressure to deliver the type of finish that people were going to talk about. Kirkland was happy to oblige Alvarez, taking it right to Alvarez from the start. Kirkland’s aggression saw him appear to land blows that troubled the young Mexican in the early going. Alvarez played good defense, and he floored Kirkland in the first round, displaying his power and his technique in knocking down an aggressive opponent.

However, Kirkland kept coming at Alvarez and the fight entered the third round with both men working hard and the feeling that the fight would not go the distance. Kirkland continued to move forward, keeping “Canelo” against the ropes and scoring points with a barrage of punches while looking for an opening.

At around the two minute mark, Alvarez landed an uppercut that sent Kirkland to the canvas again. Kirkland got up, but it was clear that he did not have his legs under him. Kirkland was going to try to survive the round, but Alvarez had an opportunity to close out the fight. The question was would he take it?

Alvarez closed in on Kirkland, putting his opponent’s back to the ropes. Kirkland was hurt, but he was still dangerous, pawing with punches and loading up for one big shot.

But it was the big shot “Canelo” threw that ended the night. Kirkland never saw it coming, as he was loading up with a huge right hand of his own. The right Alvarez threw cracked Kirkland in the jaw, and his eyes went blank. His big right hand whizzed harmlessly over the head of a ducking Alvarez, providing the momentum for the spin that left Kirkland prone on the canvas.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez went on to defeat Miguel Cotto in his second fight of 2015 and he is clearly one of boxing’s biggest stars heading into 2016. On May 9th Alvarez added another reel to his highlight film when he knocked out James Kirkland with the 2015 “Knock Out of the Year”.

Photo by naoki fukuda

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