News on Bailey-Alexander, Kovalev, Cunningham, Andrade

DEVON ALEXANDER & RANDALL BAILEY READY TO THROW DOWN RIGHT NOW:

TRAINING CAMP NOTES AND QUOTES

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Saturday, Sept. 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT Live on SHOWTIME^®

From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

In Co-Feature, Ajose Olusegun Meets Lucas Matthysse
for WBC Interim Super Lightweight Title

NEW YORK (Aug. 30, 2012) — Randall Bailey defends his International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight title against former World Champion Devon Alexander on Saturday, Sept. 8, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME^® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The fight is still over a week away, but if these confident boxers had their way, they’d fight tonight.

“Oh, yeah, I’m definitely ready to rock ‘n roll,” said Alexander from his camp in Fort Charles, Mo. “Let’s do it now. I’m really anxious to get in there and prove to a lot of people that I am one of the best.”

Added Bailey from his training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: “I’ve never felt better and I’m ready to fight this guy right now. When I hit him right, it’s going to be goodnight.”

In the 12-round co-feature, unbeaten Nigerian Ajose Olusegun (30-0, 14 KOs) will face power-punching Argentine Lucas Matthysse (31-2, 29 KOs) for the vacant WBC Interim Super Lightweight crown.

Alexander vs. Bailey, a 12-round fight for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship taking place Saturday, September 8 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with The Great Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will air live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with Ajose Olusegun facing Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Championship in the co-feature which is presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Arano Box Promotions. Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $150, are on sale and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Alexander (23-1, 13 KO’s), of St. Louis, and southpaw Bailey (43-7, 37 KO’s), of Miami, Fla., have concluded the majority of their training and are in the midst of final preparations. Each camp lasted approximately two-and-a-half months. They’ll both arrive in Las Vegas early next week.

Alexander and his longtime manager-trainer, Kevin Cunningham, are “putting the finishing touches on camp,” the fighter said. “My weight is good and everything is running great. Camp is always a little different from fight to fight, but the regimen and the training are basically always the same.

“We know Bailey’s style and what he brings to the table. If he thinks I am underestimating him, he hasn’t been paying attention to the interviews. I never take any fighter lightly; I learned that in the amateurs. A man can beat anybody on a given night.

“This is going to be a tough fight. Anybody who has that kind of power is dangerous. I know I have to be prepared (for Bailey’s right hand), but I’m not concerned about it. I do what I have to do. I just want to take control from the opening bell until the end.”

“We’re starting to wind down a little,” Bailey said. “Training camp’s been great. I’m a happy camper. I’m motivated and relaxed. Strength and conditioning, everything’s gone smoothly. We’ve really been working it. I saw the tapes and know what I have to do. I never felt this good when I was at 140 pounds.

“My trainer, John David Jackson, was one of the best defensive southpaws in the game and he’s got me slippin’ and slidin’ in the ring like I never have before. I’ve fought a rack of southpaws so it shouldn’t be a problem (facing Alexander). I fought three southpaws back-to-back-to-back (DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Francisco Figueroa and Juan Urango) in late 2008 and 2009.

“Talk’s cheap. I don’t take things personally. I fight, that’s what I do. I’m trying to tell you, this (guy) is perfect for me. I don’t know what they’re thinking in St. Louis, but it isn’t going to be easy like they think.”

Alexander, a former World Boxing Council (WBC) and IBF 140-pound world champion, is making his second start at welterweight. In his debut in the weight class, the world-class boxer-puncher won a one-sided 10-round decision over Marcos Maidana this past Feb. 25.

“I love fighting at 147. It’s awesome. I feel so much stronger and have so much more energy,” said Alexander, who turned pro in 2004. “I don’t have to struggle as much and I don’t have to worry about draining myself. I outgrew the 140-pound weight class. You definitely haven’t seen the best of me at 147. There are a lot of action-packed opponents at 147. It’s going to be interesting.”

Alexander says to expect a varied attack. “I’m going to be versatile in this fight,” he said. “I can come forward, box and use my power. I plan to do a lot of things. I don’t think I have to prove anything. I just need to continue to win. People have always had high expectations of me since I started coming up as a prospect. It’s strange how things go. People were highest on me at a time when I was having all the weight problems. Now, it is almost like starting over and I have to make my mark at 147.”

The 25-year-old Alexander, whose lone blemish on his record is a loss to Timothy Bradley, fought once on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and twice on ShoBox: The New Generation. “I won my first title on SHOWTIME when I knocked out Junior Witter (TKO 8 on Aug. 1, 2009). It was on SHOWTIME that I first made my mark.

“I hope to make a mark again. We definitely saw Bailey’s fight against Jones. It’s the reason we made the fight. Bailey is a suitable opponent. Jones fought scared the whole fight against him and it made for an ugly fight. Fighting scared against a guy who’s throwing five to six punches a round? I’m just going to go to work and do what I do. I’m really looking forward to this fight.

“I really don’t know why he’s saying what he’s saying. I haven’t disrespected him. I haven’t done anything to his family. This is the wrong sport in which to have a chip on your shoulder. You can’t take it into the ring. You’ve got to have discipline. I guess he’s angry about taking this fight or maybe he’s trying to hype himself to fight. I don’t care.”

Bailey showed why he is regarded as one of the most prolific one-punch knockout artists in history in his last start on June 9 when he dramatically rallied from the brink of defeat to render previously unbeaten Mike Jones unconscious in the 11^th round to capture the IBF 147-pound title. After nine rounds, Bailey was losing by the scores of 90-81, 89-82 and 88-83, but he scored a knockdown in the 10^th with the great equalizer – the right hand – and another in the 11^th with a right uppercut. Jones was counted out at 2:52 and a spectacular Bailey knockout victory was in the books.

“It’s been such a long road, I really wanted to win a world title again,” said Bailey, a former WBO and WBA Interim super lightweight titleholder who’ll be entering the ring on Sept. 8 as a defending world champion for the first time since 1999. “I went through a lot of nonsense and hardship for a long time. It was really frustrating. I hung around at 140 a lot longer than I wanted because I wanted a title shot, but I didn’t argue when it never came. I just stayed steady, fought who they put in front of me and got the job done.”

Bailey, who knocked out Carlos “Bolillo” Gonzalez to capture the WBO title on SHOWTIME in May 1999 and made his first two defenses on the network, knows he’ll have to let his fists fly significantly more often than he did against Jones. He thinks he’ll benefit from facing a shorter man this time around. Bailey is 5’9″, an inch taller than Alexander.

“I know I have to throw more punches and definitely be busier,” Bailey said. “He’s going to require that. Alexander isn’t nearly as tall as Jones, a big guy who uses his height well. l have what I have, the punching power to catch guys, and Jones left the door open for me. I knew I was losing the whole fight. My corner was cussing me out between every round to get busy, but I got the job done.

“No one gave me a chance against Jones and no one is giving me a chance again, but I’m prepared and I’ve done my homework. Devon is in for a rude awakening. He’s smaller than me. If I have to walk him down and throw caution to the wind, I will. I won’t wait to counter. They’re saying he’ll go to my body. If that’s what they want, be my guest, but I’m not buying it. He won’t stay in front of me. Just like Jones until he got caught, he won’t want me to get close. I hit too hard and one punch is all it takes.”

Since December 2004, Bailey has knocked down 16 of his 18 opponents – seven were on the canvas two times, and one was decked five times. A pro since 1996, Bailey will turn 38 five days after the fight.

“I’m looking forward to an early birthday present,” he said. “The odds will be against me, but I am going to knock out Alexander like I did Jones.

“Believe me, I jumped at this opportunity. When we were promoted by the same promoter years ago, I asked for the fight, but they said no. When this fight gets out of hand, I know Kevin’s not going to let his kid get messed up. Any fight I’m in, if it gets rough, it gets rough, I’m not backing down. They’ve spoon-fed these guys to a world title, but he’s running into a bad man. I’m going to bust his butt. Fight night can’t come soon enough for me.”

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @TheJointLV, @hardrockhotellv, @SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AlexanderBailey or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

MANCHESTER, N.H. (August 30, 2012) – 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade will headline the 11th annual Fight To Educate on Thursday evening, September 20 at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Absolute Broadcasting WGAM, The Game, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be ‘down for the count.’ During the past 10 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefiting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations.

Andrade (17-0, 12 KOs), fighting out of Providence, will be headlining the Fight To Educate for the third consecutive year. Two years ago, the stylish southpaw stopped Dave Johnson in the second round, and last year he battered two-time world title challenger Saul “Baby” Duran (38-18-2, 31 KOs) around until he was unable to continue after three rounds.

Andrade, a 2007 World amateur champion, has developed from hot prospect into a legitimate world title challenger since his Fight To Educate debut. Co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, Andrade is ranked among the top 13 junior middleweights in the world by all four major boxing organizations: International Boxing Federation (IBF) #4, World Boxing Organization (WBO) #5, World Boxing Council (WBC) #10 and World Boxing Association (WBA) #13.

Other prize fighters scheduled to be in action Sept. 20 on the Fight To Educate card, which will also feature three top New England amateur boxers, are unbeaten junior middleweight Chris Gilbert (4-0, 3 KOs), of Windsor (VT), along with heavyweight Roberto Alfonso in his pro debut. Alfonso is a 6′ 4″, 220-pounder who defected to America from Cuba, where he was the 2007 & 2008 National Champion. The 25-year-old was a 2008 Cuban Olympian who captured gold medals at the 2008 AIBA World Cup and 2007 Pan-American Games.

Names of opponents and the amateur boxers will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Proceeds from the 11th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire.

Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase by going online at www.ticketmaster.com, calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, or at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster location.

NEWARK, NJ – Unbeaten Russian-born boxer Sergey Kovalev, 18-0-1, 16 KOs, gets his chance to break out of the light heavyweight pack when he meets Gabriel Campillo, 21-4-1, 8 KOs, in a nationally televised 10-round main event at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, PA on September 21, 2012. Kovalev’s fight will be aired as part of the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series, broadcast will begin at 9PM ET. The opportunity is ripe for Kovalev to make his move and impress the boxing world against Campillo, who lost a recent title challenge to IBF champion Tavoris Cloud by a whisker.

With boxing fans still shaking their heads about the controversial decision awarded to Cloud that night, Gabriel Campillo should have much support from rowdy ringsiders and TV viewers alike. So Sergey Kovalev has the chance to surprise everyone, including his seasoned foe. The best part is that the unbeaten Russian, now fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, FL, just may have the chops, and the punch, to do it.

In Kovalev’s most recent start, June 1, he scored a quick TKO victory over journeyman Darnell Boone in the same Bethlehem boxing ring. Kovalev smoked Boone halfway through the second round, marking his sixth stoppage in his last seven fights. “KO Kovalev” will look to shock Campillo in similar fashion.

However, Campillo may just be the Russian’s stiffest test thus far. Besides being a southpaw, and making such a splash against Cloud, Campillo, of Madrid, Spain, has travelled the world and faced a variety of competition. He briefly held the WBA World Light Heavyweight Title, as well as a collection of European and Spanish crowns. “The Handsome Man” is not a big puncher but his boxing skills are solid and should pose a serious challenge for Kovalev.

The fight is a classic boxer vs. puncher matchup that should excite the fans and live up to the strong standard of the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series. Kovalev-Campillo tops an exciting bill of bouts that include two 12-rounders, Gabriel Rosado vs. Charles Whittaker in an IBF Jr. Middleweight Title Eliminator, and Bethlehem’s Ronald Cruz vs. Antwone Smith for the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title. All three fights are scheduled to be televised live on a three-hour NBC Sports Network broadcast.

ABOUT SEPTEMBER 21

The Campillo-Kovalev and Cruz-Smith fights top a seven-bout card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. First fight is 7.15 pm. Tickets priced at $130 (luxury suites), $80 and $55 can be purchased through the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) or at the box office at the Sands Event Center (610-297-7414). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com, www.SandsEventCenter.com and www.Ticketmaster.com. In Bethlehem, tickets are available at Deja Brew, Inc., 101 West 4^th Street (610-865-2739) and at Pronto Insurance Notary, 232 East 3^rd Street (610-419-6790). NBC Sports Network will televise the Campillo-Kovalev and Cruz-Smith fights, beginning at 9 pm. The card is being promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Sampson Boxing and the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

PHILADELPHIA – In preparation for their afternoon fights on September 8th at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, three Philadelphia fighters participated in an open media workout at the James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym in West Philly.

Leading the way was two-time world cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, 24-4, 12 KOs, who will make his debut as a heavyweight on the September 8th card. Much attention has been paid to Cunningham’s weight since his 10-round fight with Jason Gavern, 21-10-4, 10 KOs, was announced.

Steve Cunnigham Photo Credits Carlos Suarez Jr. FightImages.com

Cunningham expects to fight at 208 pounds, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can make the adjustment to the heavyweight division and compete effectively against bigger opposition. Gavern should have at least a 20-pound weight advantage over Cunningham when the bell rings.

“Here we go back to the bible again,” Cunningham said. “David & Goliath. These are stories that I grew up on. That’s just my mind set. I’ve fought guys bigger than me before. It’s the same mindset. Win. Win at all costs, do your best, work hard, and let the chips fall where God wants to place them.”

“It’s still going to be the same Cunningham (at heavyweight),” he continued. ” I just know how to be me. I’m going to work hard. Work hard in training, and I’m going to give my all in the fight.”

Also on the Newark card is rising heavyweight sensation Bryant Jennings, 14-0, 6 KOs, who will fight a 10-rounder against Chris Koval, 25-9, 18 KOs. Jennings has been the toast of the heavyweight division over the past eight months, as he stepped in against increasingly tough competition and passed each test with flying colors. His last three victories have pushed Jennings up to the #8 spot in the IBF rankings. Jennings held court with the large gathering of press at the open workout.

Jennings – Photo Credit Carlos Suarez Jr. FightImages.com

“The media day is a good experience,” Jennings said. ” It keeps you on your toes. You get a chance to answer all their questions, say a couple things you always wanted to say. Look good. Show off. Everybody wants to know when I think I’ll be ready to fight one of the Klitschkos.” Jennings said that he’ll be ready as soon as the phone rings.

Undefeated Philadelphia lightweight Karl “Dynamite” Dargan, 10-0, 5 KOs, also worked out for the media today. His fight at Prudential Center against Jesse Carradine, 8-1-1, 4 KOs, will be Dargan’s first fight in more than a year.

Karl Dargan – Photo Credits to Main Events

“I think a little rust has got to come off, but once that rust comes off, it’s a done deal,” Dargan said of his anticipated return to the ring. The fighter said that a few things caused his long layoff, especially his inability to find a willing opponent. “A lot of these guys will fight Karl Dargan, but they won’t fight Dynamite.”

Carradine is one guy willing to step in with Dynamite Dargan. Their bout is set for 6 rounds. “Once I get into the ring and get used to the fighting atmosphere, there’s really nothing that nobody can do with me,” Dargan said. Carradine will try to disprove that.

Cunningham, Jennings, and Dargan, all fight September 8th in support of the main event, a 12-round IBF North American Heavyweight Championship fight between champion Tomasz Adamek, 46-2, 28 KOs, and Travis Walker, 39-7-1, 31 KOs.