Categories
Boxing News

RYDER VS. SIROTKIN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

 

Quotes from final John Ryder vs. Andrey Sirotkin press conference ahead of Saturday’s action at the Copper Box Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

 

 

John Ryder – Islington, England – 26-4, 14 KOs – fighting Andrey Sirotkin in a final eliminator for the WBA Super-Middleweight World title:

 

 

“I’m buzzing for this fight. I’ve had two good wins and I’m looking to get another good win on Saturday to propel myself on. There’s great Champions in the Super-Middleweight division and it’s great division to be part of.

 

“There’s no easy fights out there. Saturday night isn’t an easy fight, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve trained hard, I’ve grafted hard with Tony Sims, we’ve left no stone unturned. I’ve been out early mornings with Ted, Felix and Martin. We’ve all been training hard and pushing each other on. It’s going to be a great night.

 

“It’s one of them. I don’t know how it’s going to go. I’m either going to drop him with the first shot or it’s going to be a hard-fought 12 rounder. He’s very unpredictable and he’s got a very awkward style to get hold of. It makes for an interesting night.”

 

 

Andrey Sirotkin – Nizhny Novgorod, Russia – 15-0, 4 KOs – fighting John Ryder in a final eliminator for the WBA Super-Middleweight World title:

 

“I feel excellent. It is a massive occasion for me. I’m ready for this. I feel great. I’ll deliver what I’m supposed to deliver on Saturday. You will see. I’ve got no problem fighting him in London, it means nothing to me.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 14-0, 9 KOs – fighting Asinia Byfield for the Vacant British Super-Welterweight title:

 

“You’re pathetic. You can’t even speak mate. You don’t know anything about boxing. You haven’t stated any facts about boxing the whole time, you just talk this street rubbish. You look like you’ve been nicked for shoplifting and your mum’s dressed you for court. You’re just a div.

On Saturday, I promise you you’re not going 12 rounds.

 

“Everyone who wants to win money, go and put your money on me getting him out of there before 12 rounds. That’s one thing I can guarantee. On Saturday you’re getting smashed. All yesterday you done your big talk, and then you come over and wanted to shake hands. Don’t shake my hand, I’m serious, you are getting smashed.

 

“I’m better than you in every department. Look at my opponents and then look at your opponents – I’ve had better opponents. This is a stepping stone for me to push onto the next level. This is the level that he’s going to stay at.”

 

 

Asinia Byfield – Reading, England – 14-1, 6 KOs – fighting Ted Cheeseman for the Vacant British Super-Welterweight title:

 

“There’s levels. A lot of people keep saying how there’s levels to boxing. He’s beaten a washed up Carson Jones. Every person you’ve beat is nothing like me. My name is Asinia ‘DGhost’. You haven’t ever met me in the ring.

 

“To be fair, the British title means nothing. I’m a fighter, and that’s what I do, I fight. It means nothing. I won’t even have the British, as soon as I get it I’m going to give it to my homie. I don’t even care about it. I’m just a fighter and I have to fight to live. That’s the reason why I fight. I fight because I’ve had a bad past and this is the only way I can get through my day to day life.”

 

 

Ryan Doyle – Gorton, England – 17-2-1, 9 KOs – making the first defence of his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Jordan Gill: 

 

 

“I’m looking forward to the fight now. My preparation for the fight has been perfect. Everything has gone well. The British title is there on the horizon but I’m looking forward to getting this first defence of my Commonwealth belt out of the way first of all. I’ve got to beat Jordan Gill first. It’s been a long and hard road and I need to get the job done on Saturday night.”

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan Gill – Chatteris, England – 21-0, 5 KOs – challenging Ryan Doyle for the Commonwealth Featherweight title: 

 

 

“There’s a great buzz in the gym and a really good atmosphere. Everyone really pushes each other and everyone really learns off each other. I think that’s going to hold me in good stead on Saturday night.

 

 

“I’m ready for whatever comes at me and I’ve got the experience. It’s a big step up but one that I’ve been craving for for a long time. It’s an opportunity that I’m glad to have. I’m not sure how the fight is going to go. That’s the thing about boxing, nobody knows until they get in there. Anything can happen. The trick is dealing with whatever comes at you and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to dictate the terms and deal with whatever comes at me.”

 

 

 

Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 9-0, 6 KOs – fighting Stephen Danyo for the vacant WBC International Silver Middleweight title: 

 

 

“It’s been a long time coming. It’s time now to show everyone what I’m really about. I’ve watched a couple of videos of his fights and he’s not a bad little boxer – he’s a good little mover. But there’s levels in boxing and I think I’m a couple of levels above him. I’ll go in there and do the business on Saturday night and hopefully after that we can push on for the British title.”

 

 

 

 

Stephen Danyo – Manchester, England – 14-1-3, 6 KOs – fighting Felix Cash for the vacant WBC International Silver Middleweight title: 

 

 

“First of all I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing for this opportunity. My opponent’s team think that I am not ready, but we’ve been working hard and I’m here to do the business on Saturday night.”

 

 

 

 

 

Isaac Chamberlain – Brixton, England – 9-1, 4 KOs – fighting Luke Watkins in a 10 round Cruiserweight contest:

 

 

“We’ve worked very hard in the gym. Everything has been very consistent, even since before this fight got announced. I’m looking forward to doing my thing, showing everything that I’ve been working on in the gym. I’m just itching to go. The drive is there, the hunger is there. He won’t deal with everything that I have to offer.

 

 

 

“Changing trainer is going to help a lot. For most of this camp I’ve been working with Angel Fernandez. It’s been a great camp. I’ve been working on so many new things that I couldn’t wait to train the next day – that’s the type of hunger and motivation that I have.

“It’s going to be explosive, it’s going to be electrifying and exciting. I’m knocking him out.”

 

 

Luke Watkins – Swindon, England – 13-1, 9 KOs – fighting Isaac Chamberlain in a 10 round Cruiserweight contest:

 

 

 

“Camp has been rubbish. I’ve had sparring pullouts, injuries, illness, the same old thing. Any fighter that tells you that you don’t go through that is lying.

 

“Camp has gone as camp goes. Camp has been great, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed myself and come fight night I’m going to stick it on Isaac.

 

“Any names out there that want to fight, I’m happy to fight them. For me once you reach a certain level it’s not about taking backward steps and fighting opponents that people don’t know. I just want to fight on TV and I want to fight the fights that the fans want to see. I’ll move forward and I’ll continue my journey. I’ll fight the rest of the guys out there in the division. When the time is right, me and Lawrence will fight again.

 

“Unless you’ve turned into the ‘Hulk’ since the last time I checked, no disrespect, but you are not the biggest of punchers. I don’t look at you lightly. I think you’re talented, I do. But let’s face it, you don’t go knocking people out. You don’t ice people, so please explain why you think you’re going to ice me.”

 

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, England – 12-1, 6 KOs – fighting Michael Ludwiczak in a six round Light-Heavyweight contest:

 

“I’m looking forward to pushing on. I was looking forward to pushing on for this title fight. We’ve been in camp for 14 weeks, I had my head down just training and working hard.

 

“Unfortunately I’ve been waiting for Jake Ball since he called me out in June. Unfortunately he had a little bruise on his hand and decide that he’s going to pull the plug on fight week. It’s a silly excuse. I can’t sit around.

 

“I’ve got to push on and move on from here. There’s a lot of good fights in the Light-Heavyweight division and a lot of title fights. I think Jake Ball needs to go and redeem his loss against JJ McDonagh because nobody has time to waste and wait for him. I’d like to fight Frank Buglioni in a rematch and avenge my loss.”

 

George Fox – Mill Hill, England – 1-0 – fighting Ferenc Zsalek in a four round Heavyweight contest:

 

“I want to display a unique set of skills for a Heavyweight. I’m a bit of a technical boxer, I’m not your typical slugger or heavy puncher right now but we’re working on the power in the gym.”

 

Read more on Ryder vs Sirotkin HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing Event HERE

 

Images by Mark Robinson of Matchroom Boxing

 

Categories
Boxing News

MAURICIO SULAIMAN WANTS TO SEE WILDER V JOSHUA IN UK

 

World Boxing Council, President Mauricio Sulaiman, would like the unification bout between the heavyweight champion of the World Boxing Council, Deontay Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs) and the champion of the IBF, WBO and WBA, Anthony Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) to land, as a “Battle of  Britain.”

 

Representatives of the two camps are currently ensconced in talks, trying their utmost to reach a mega agreement that’s just and satisfactory for both undefeated champions.

 

“We hope that this fight will happen. The world has a great  interest to see these giants of Boxing fighting.  They’re  returned keen interest and focus  on the heavyweight division. Both  are unbeaten  and both are champions. They  should do it now, as the fans really want this to happen,” commented Mauricio Sulaimán, adding:

 

“Personally, I’d like to see the fight in the UK,  as fans will crowd the Arena. If it’s done in the United States, I’d like it to be in Dallas, New York or Los Angeles. Or maybe in a different country, like Muhammad Ali in Zaire and Manila.
Obviously I’m on the side of our champion, Wilder, and loyalty is a principle that can not be compared.  Anthony Joshua is a great boxer and he started at the WBC, but when the bell rings there are no favorites anymore!”

BY JON SUTTON

 

Categories
Boxing News

STANDING TALL: MANY GREAT WARRIORS TO RETIRE

 

During the past 2 weeks a series of news have come from great warriors of the ring announcing their retirement from boxing. So many stories, memories and glory moments came from these heroes of the ring. Just as they began to box as kids with dreams to capture glory, they all now stand tall with the praise of millions all over the world for their accomplishments.

 

Japanese champions Uchiyama and Miura announced their retirement, representing Teiken Promotions. Miura conquered the WBC Super featherweight green and gold. Lost his title in the fight of the year 2015 to Francisco Vargas then won a final elimination in a dramatic fight vs Micky Roman and recently lost to WBC champion Miguel Berchelt.

 

Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero has retired. A former WBC welterweight champion and a true role model to the youth has decided to hang up the gloves. Robert has fought inside the ring many years as well as outside the ring with exemplary dedication to the care of his wife. A true champion of life.

 

Timothy Bradley is now retired. He was a 2 time WBC youth champion and then went on to win the WBC Super lightweight crown twice.

 

Juan Manuel Marquez has also taken the decision to retire, after 3 years of thinking whether to continue fighting, he has made the right decision. A hero in Mexico and many parts of the world, has money and a beautiful family, works in ESPN and has the recognition of the fans as one of the greatest champions from Mexico. His legendary Knockout over Manny Pacquiao will live on forever in the memories of all as one of the greatest sports moments for Mexican athletes.

 

Wladimir Klitschko surprised the world with the announcement a few days ago. While everyone was expecting to announcement of a rematch vs Anthony Joshua, Wladimir has also taken the greatest decision of his life. Wladimir, brother of Vitali will be remembered as a legendary champion. The Klitschko brothers dominated the heavyweight division for more than a decade and the only reason for Wladimir not being ever a WBC champion, was because it was Vitali, his dear brother the WBC champion.

 

Klitschko gave the world one of the greatest heavyweight fights in many years and it marked the end of his career as he can retire with pride after such performance against a young star Anthony Joshua.

 

Just as these heroes move on their lives, the new generation is moving in to give boxing fans a new era of excitement. Boxing is going through a great moment and history is on the making.  There are so many great champions, many great fights and many new tournaments and formats to look forward to.

 

 

 

Categories
Boxing News

EVANDER HOLYWOOD SIGNS the real deal

 

Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment has signed Top Bantamweight Contender and 2012 Ghanaian Olympian Duke “The Baby Faced Terminator” Micah, (20-0-0, 18 KO’s) to an exclusive promotional contract.

 

It was announced by their COO, Eric Bentley and Micah’s co-manager’s Michael Amoo-Bediako of Streetwise Management of Essex, England and Jacob Zwennes of Errol Hawk Sports Management of New Jersey in the United States.

25-year-old Micah is currently ranked #15 by the WBC. Fighting for the second time in London, England on November 12, 2016, the all-action Micah defeated Matthew Chanda over 12-rounds earning the vacant Commonwealth  Bantamweight Title.

Recently Micah stopped Jonathan Aguilar on March 11, 2017 at the legendary Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana winning the WBC International Bantamweight Title.

Duke commented: “This is a dream come true for me and I am very happy to be in the United States where everybody wants to fight. I want to thank my managers Michael Amoo-Bediako and Jacob Zwennes for all the hard work they have done in getting me this deal and I want to thank Real Deal Sports and Entertainment for putting their trust in me and signing me. I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

Details of Micah’s US debut under the Real Deal Promotions banner will be announced shortly.

Categories
Boxing News

CALLUM SMITH’S TROPHY BATTLE BEGINS IN LIVERPOOL

Wbc Images

The battle for the inaugural 168lb Muhammad Ali Trophy begins on September 16th with the first of the World Boxing Super Series’ hugely anticipated super middleweight match ups. British betting favourite and number two seed Callum Smith (22-0, 17 KOs) will meet undefeated Swedish star Erik Skoglund (26-0, 12 KOs) in a quarter-final bout at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

 

Smith, who is undefeated in his twenty-two professional contests, selected Skoglund as his quarter-final opponent during the live Draft Gala on July 8th at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, and as one of the four seeded super middleweights he will enjoy home advantage for his first tournament test.

 

Skoglund, who is unbeaten in his twenty-four paid fights and ranked with all major governing bodies at 175lbs before moving down in weight, is relishing the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with one of the division’s top talents, and believes the winner of this fight can go on to lift the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.

 

The WBC Diamond belt will also be on the line for the winner of this quarter-final bout giving both men an added incentive. ‘’I’m in this sport to win as many titles as possible, and it will be great to add the WBC Diamond belt to my collection,’’ said Smith. ‘’It’s going to be an honour to fight for the WBC Diamond title,’’ said Skoglund. ”It gives me even more motivation to win!’’

 

 

 

Categories
Boxing News

ROBERT ‘GHOST’ GUERRERO SAYS GOODBYE TO BOXING

Wbc images

Mexican-American fighter Robert ‘Ghost’ Guerrero says goodbye to professional boxing after suffering his first knockout loss on Saturday against Texan Omar ‘Panterita’ Figueroa, so via social networks, Guerrero, aged 34, hangs up his gloves.

 

“I want to thank God for allowing me to have a wonderful career. I’m a kid from a small town in Gilroy, California, who made it to the mountain top of the boxing world. When I was a young kid growing up, I always believed in myself, but never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a small-town kid like myself, would be fighting in front of millions of fans.

 

“I was blessed to win multiple world titles in four-divisions. A boxer’s career is a long and tough road. Many tears were shed, lots of blood, and tons of sweat. Many miles were travelled, thousands of rounds sparred, none were easy and nothing was ever given to me. I earned everything I got the old fashion way. I never ducked anyone and fought the best fighters in the world. I fought my way through every obstacle to make sure my fans enjoyed every second, of every round, of my fights.

 

“I want to thank some very important people in my career starting with the most important person, my wife Casey, who has been with me every step of the way. My father/trainer Ruben Guerrero Sr. He’s the one who made me the man I am today, and the champion I was in the ring. One of the best trainers in the world and I hope to be working side by side with him in the future.  There are so many people who have helped me, if I leave anyone off, thank you for everything.”

 

The “Ghost” (33-6-1, 18 KOs) conquered world titles in featherweight and super featherweight. It was always people’s taste for their aggressive style of fighting and never giving up.

 

In 2012 he achieved his most important victory defeating former WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto in just his second bout at 147 pounds. For his next fight he faced Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, losing by decision but winning the best purse bid of his career.