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‘BORN FIGHTER’ ABABIY DRIVEN BY FAMILY LOVE

October 5, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Nikita Ababiy and Isiah Seldon during their bout at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

 

‘BORN FIGHTER’ ABABIY DRIVEN BY FAMILY LOVE
‘White Chocolate’ says he’s ‘fighting for his dreams’ as he continues pro ride
 

Nikita Ababiy fights under the bright lights of the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday night, live on DAZN in the US, Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and distributed globally on FITE – but in the latest episode of ‘Born Fighter’, the rising star emotionally opened up on his humble beginnings.

 

Ababiy (7-0 6 KOs) has dazzled since his debut in Chicago last October, stopping all but one of his opponents so far and winning five of those fights in the opening round. The larger-than-life New Yorker has danced in the ring after his wins and like the main eventers on Saturday night – KSI and Logan Paul – loves to reveal his playful side on his YouTube channel; but there’s much more to the 21 year old than flossing and fighting.

 

Ababiy is the latest Matchroom Boxing USA talent to sit down with Lauren Gardner for the YouTube series ‘Born Fighter’ and ‘White Chocolate’ became emotional when talking about his humble beginnings and how his drive to succeed in the ring is based on helping his family.

 

“I hadn’t previously told anyone this but until I was 20, I was sleeping in a bunk bed, I didn’t have my own room until 20,” said Ababiy. “No-one has seen that. When I turned pro I moved my family out and we got a new place, and that’s my switch to perform in the ring because I know my opponent is trying to take everything away from me, so I have to prevent that as I have a bunch of people depending on me.

“Everyone fights their own demons. I remember all my friends talking about ‘man caves’ and their gaming set up and I never had that, we didn’t have the space, but now I am almost 21 and it’s getting better and better from here.

“Now we’ve moved to a bigger place it feels weird as we’re far apart now, I remember in the old place we were always together as it was small, so you would come home and we’d be together and wake up and we’d be together, and I miss that. Because of training camps I’m always in my room resting and mt Dad is in the living room waiting for someone to come in.

 

“My family is so supportive of me. People look at my Instagram and think ‘this kid has everything’ and that’s not true. Everything on Instagram is the best side of me, but they don’t see behind that.

“My parents have always been there for me and given me everything, I’m so grateful to them. They’re my best friends with my sister.

“Looking back at my childhood, I loved it. My Mom always complains to my Dad that ‘all he ever did as a kid was train, train and train’ but looking back I only remember the best moments, it was always fun and I don’t regret any of it. Fight for your dreams.

“It’s very different now and I am doing it for them. I don’t care about the fame or any of that bullshit, I am doing it for my family and my future family.”

 

Ababiy takes his spot on a packed card in Los Angeles, topped by the rematch between YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul.

 

Two World champions defend their titles as Devin Haney (23-0 15 KOs) puts his WBC Lightweight strap on the line for the first time against Alfredo Santiago (12-0 4 KOs) and Billy Joe Saunders (28-0 13 KOs) makes his American debut and defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight title against unbeaten Argentine Marcelo Coceres (28-0-1 15 KOs), and he is joined on the card by a quartet of Eddie Hearn’s talented rising US stars in Nikita Ababiy (7-0 6 KOs), Diego Pacheco (6-0 5 KOs), Reshat Mati (4-0 2 KOs) and Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs).

 

Tickets are on sale NOW from AXS.com

 

 

Watch Nikita on ‘Born Fighter’ HERE
Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE
Read more on Devin Haney HERE
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Boxing News

Smith to defend world titles in Liverpool Homecoming

Callum Smith Open Public workout in New York Ahead of his World Title fight against Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam at Madison Square Garden on 1st June 2019. 29th May 2019 Picture By Mark Robinson.

 

SMITH MEETS RYDER IN LIVERPOOL HOMECOMING
Domestic World title clash lands on November 23
 

 

Callum Smith will defend his WBA World, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against WBA mandatory challenger John Ryder at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday November 23, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

 

Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) landed the WBA World title and was crowned World Boxing Super Series Champion following a stunning seventh round knockout victory over British rival George Groves in Saudi Arabia last September – a win that also saw the Liverpudlian claim the vacant Ring Championship.

 

He put those titles on the line for the first time against two-time Olympian and former Middleweight World ruler Hassan N’Dam on his US debut at Madison Square Garden in New York earlier this year, flooring the French-Cameroonian three times in three rounds as he delivered a clinical display.

 

‘Mundo’ returns home to fight in his native Liverpool for the first time since outpointing Sweden’s Erik Skoglund in September 2017 knowing that a win over his fellow Brit Ryder is vital if he is to secure a dream fight at Anfield next year.

 

Ryder (28-4, 16 KOs) earned the number-one ranking with the WBA with a seventh round technical knockout win against previously undefeated Russian Andrey Sirotkin in their final eliminator clash at the Copper Box Arena in London last October.

 

‘The Gorilla’ stopped Bilal Akkawy to win the vacant interim WBA Super-Middleweight title last time out on the undercard of Saul Alvarez-Daniel Jacobs at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and in doing so kept himself in line for Smith’s crown.

 

 

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to return to Liverpool as World Champion to defend my titles,” said Smith. “It’s always been a dream of mine to bring World Championship boxing to the city and hopefully this is the first of a big run of fights here.

‘My last three fights have been on the road in Germany, Saudi Arabia and New York and whilst they have been incredible experiences, there is nothing quite like a big fight night in Liverpool. It’s also pleasing that I get to be involved in a domestic fight against a tough opponent in John Ryder.

“He has fought his way to mandatory challenger and is on a big run of knockout wins that make him full of confidence. I’m working hard in camp to be at my best and make a statement as we head into a huge 2020. Right now the focus is on Ryder and defending my belts in style in my city on November 23.”

 

“I’m buzzing to be fighting for the full World title,” said Ryder. “I’ve worked hard to get myself into the mandatory position and keep myself there. I feel like I’m in the form of my life and this opportunity has come at the perfect time. Callum Smith is a great opponent and a great champion but I feel unbeatable at the moment. 

“He’s an undefeated World Champion and he hasn’t put a foot out of line so far, so I know what I’m up against on November 23. With the form that I’m in now, I believe that I can beat anyone. I’m confident that I’ll get it right on the night and get the victory. 

“People will see me beating Callum as a big upset but I don’t see it like that. I believe that I’ve got the ability to win and that’s what I plan to do. This is the chance that I’ve taken. I’m heading into the lion’s den to get the win and shatter his Anfield dreams.”

 

“I always love coming to Liverpool but when one of their own headlines in a World title fight, there’s nothing quite like it,” said Eddie Hearn. “I’m so happy Callum gets this chance to return to the city as champion in a brilliant domestic fight. Callum has established himself as the number 1 Super-Middleweight on the planet right now and John Ryder is on a brilliant run that has seen him become the WBA interim champ and the mandatory challenger. It’s Liverpool vs. London in what I expect to be an intriguing fight for the 168 marbles.”

 

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Callum Smith returns to Liverpool as the world’s best Super-Middleweight for an exciting domestic clash against John Ryder, who is in red-hot form.

 

“It’s brilliant to have Smith back on Sky Sports, in one of the pivotal nights in our stacked boxing schedule. An Anfield night could lie ahead for him, but Ryder has really transformed his fortunes in recent months and has earned his shot at a World title. 

“We’re expecting another electric atmosphere on November 23 in Smith’s home city, a thriving hotbed for sport as Liverpool target the Premier League title.”

 

 

Read more on John Ryder HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

 

 

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Boxing News

BRILLIANT HANEY DISMANTLES ABDULLAEV IN NEW YORK

September 13, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Devin Haney and Zaur Abdullaev during their bout at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom Boxing USA

 

 

BRILLIANT HANEY DISMANTLES ABDULLAEV IN NEW YORK

Lightweight sensation forces Russian to retire after dominant four rounds

 
Devin Haney produced a scintillating display in dismantling Zaur Abdullaev in four rounds to land become the interim WBC World Lightweight champion at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Haney (23-0 15 KOs) promised to dazzle in the biggest night of his career and first in the Big Apple, and the Las Vegas sensation backed up every word against the dangerous unbeaten Russian, showing every weapon in his arsenal over four rounds before Abdullaev’s corner pulled their man out, with the Russian suffering a suspected broken eye-socket from a crunching right hook.

 

‘The Dream’ is now mandatory challenger for the WBC crown held by Ukrainian star Vasiliy Lomachenko, who also holds the WBA and WBO straps, and the 20 year old made it clear he’s the man he wants – but also expects to be back in action soon, targeting a return on the KSI vs. Logan Paul rematch bill at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on November 9, live on DAZN.

 

“It’s No-machenko because he doesn’t want to fight me,” said Haney. “Lomachenko, let’s get this fight going! Abdullaev was number two and I destroyed him. If I’m so easy, No-machenko should fight me and get me out of the way.

 

“I’ve been talking to Eddie Hearn about November 9. I think it’s good for the sport of boxing, brings new fans, and gets me back in the ring.

“I felt good on my performance. I wasn’t nearly done beating him, I was just warming up. I’m happy with the win.

“I don’t usually study because I learn fast. I can make quick adjustments anytime and that’s what I did tonight.”

 

Amanda Serrano was dominant in taking the WBO World Featherweight title from Heather Hardy. Serrano (37-1-1 27 KOs) opened at a ferocious pace and two minutes of non-stop offense looked to have the champion in real trouble. Hardy (22-1 4 KOs) weathered the storm and, in typical gutsy fashion, gave as good as she got to the very end against her fellow Brooklyn star, but the seven-weight Puerto Rican great romped to victory on the cards 98-91 twice and 98-92 to add the interim WBC title to Hardy’s WBO belt.

 

“It was a great performance,” said Serrano. “Heather is as tough as they come and she’s a champion for a reason. She came to fight, but I was the better girl tonight. She’s just not on my level yet. I felt it. Heather is a warrior, she came and stood for 10 rounds. My corner told me to box, catch her coming in, be smart and technical.

 

“Katie Taylor wants to fight at 140, so we will see what she wants to do. No matter what weight, I’ll win.”

 

 

 

Michael Hunter produced another fine performance to prove he’s a rising force in the Heavyweight division, handing a first career defeat to Sergey Kuzmin to take the Russian’s WBA Intercontinental strap in the process. Hunter (18-1 12 KOs) started brightly and punctuated his early dominance with a left hook knockdown at the start of fifth. The ‘Bounty’ invested heavily in the body of the Russian (15-1 11 KOs) and was rewarded by three cards of 117-110 in his favor.

 

Hunter will now hit the top five with the WBA, and the 31 year old is targeting a showdown with Alexander Povetkin next.

 

“I wanted to stop the boy, but he’s a tough opponent, I didn’t get him,” said Hunter. “I am pleased with my performance, but I saw things I need to sharpen up on.

“He was a strong dude with a lot of weight. He absorbed it very well. Their guard is tight, I just have to go back to the drawing board and dissect these guys again.

“I want Povetkin. If you see me Povetkin, I’m coming for you.”

 

Murodjon Akhmadaliev made sure his training camp didn’t go to waste with a fourth-round stoppage win over Wilner Soto. Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs) was set to face unified Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman on the card but injury to the Californian forced the postponement of that bout – and the Uzbek talent looked as spiteful as ever in dispatching the Colombian with his sixth stoppage win from seven victories.

 

Daniyar Yeleussinov entered the ring for his first ten round fight but turned in a vicious performance to hand Reshard Hicks a first defeat of his pro career in the opening round. Kazakh Olympic gold medal man Yeleussinov (8-0 4 KOs) raced out of the blocks and floored the Texan halfway through the first round and didn’t let Hicks off the hook, with his blistering handspeed proving too much and a second heavy knockdown ending the fight.

 

Raymond Ford (4-0 1 KO) made it four-in-four as a pro, going the distance for the third time over four rounds against Rafael Castillo.

 

Heavyweight Magomedrasul Majidov had a scare on debut after he was knocked down in second round by Ed Fountain, but that blip lit a fire under the three-time World amateur champion who stopped Fountain in the fourth.

 

Another debutant on the bill was Christian Bermudez, and the Brooklyn man delivered a devastating left hook KO of Jonathan Conde to thrill his huge support.

 

Brooklyn’s Wesley Ferrer recorded an important win over Larry Fryers over eight rounds. Ferrer got the nod 79-73 (twice) and 80-72 against Irish-New Yorker Fryers, with Ferrer (14-1-1 7 KOs) landing a second triumph in 2019, having previously been without victory since 2016, and Darren Cunningham (10-0 5 KOs) moved into double figures in the paid ranks with a six-round points win over Jonathan Ramos.

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ‘BORN FIGHTER’ WITH DEVIN HANEY ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Boxing News

Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder puts title on the line

” This is a personal fight for me. As the universe works this is the perfect time. I haven’t been this excited about destroying an opponent since Bermane Stiverne. “

 

 

WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP DEONTAY WILDER DEFENDS TITLE AGAINST DOMINIC BREAZEALE

 

 

Undefeated WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will put his title on the line for the ninth time when he steps into the ring against hard-hitting mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale live on SHOWTIME and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, May 18 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

Wilder vs. Breazeale promises the type of explosive displays of power that fans have come to expect from the red-hot heavyweight division as the two knockout artists have combined for 57 knockouts in 62 professional bouts. Both men stand at 6-foot-7-inches tall, have engaged in numerous dramatic clashes and are fan-favorites at Barclays Center. Wilder will be fighting at the arena for the fourth time and Breazeale will be making his third appearance.

 

Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) is the most exciting heavyweight in the world with a power-punching style that has fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, knowing the tide of a fight can change in the blink of an eye. He has only gone the distance twice in his career with 39 of his 41 matches ending inside of the distance. He battered Bermane Stiverne over 12 rounds to win a lopsided unanimous decision and claim the WBC title on Jan. 17, 2015. In the rematch two years later Wilder crushed Stiverne with a brutal first-round knockout that left the challenger crumpled on the bottom rope.

 

The 33-year-old Wilder is coming off a thrilling battle with British heavyweight contender Tyson Fury that resulted in a split draw on Dec. 1. Wilder scored knockdowns in the ninth and 12th rounds of the fight. The last knockdown appeared to finish off Fury, but he beat the referee’s count and made it to the final bell. 

 

Born in and still living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Wilder picked up the nickname “The Bronze Bomber” in honor of Joe Louis, who was known as “The Brown Bomber” after he won the bronze medal as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic boxing team. Wilder got a late start as a boxer, taking up the sport at age 20 hoping to become a professional and earn enough money for the medical treatments of his daughter Naieya, who was born with spina bifida. He won the U.S. Olympic trials with just 21 amateur bouts under his belt.

 

“I’m very happy that I get a chance to get a mandatory out of the way, because I consider mandatories like flies buzzing around my head,” said Wilder. “They bother me. I’m busy. I have things that I want to do. I want to get him out of the way. I’m about to smash this fly. This is a personal fight for me. As the universe works this is the perfect time. I haven’t been this excited about destroying an opponent since Bermane Stiverne. I’m also excited to have the very first event for BombZquad Promotions at what I consider one of best arenas in the country, Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It’s go time baby. I can’t wait.”

 

Breazeale (20-1, 18 KOs) is nicknamed “Trouble” and that’s exactly what he has been for his opponents. The 33-year-old has a durable chin and a slugger’s mentality, throwing heavy-handed shots that have seen him score 18 knockout victories in his 21 professional fights. 

Breazeale, who was born in Glendale, California and now lives in Eastvale, California, was an outstanding high school football player who played quarterback at Northern Colorado University before taking up boxing. The 6-foot-7 Breazeale was a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team. 

 

“I’m excited for the event more so than just fighting Deontay Wilder,” said Breazeale. “I want that WBC title. What I bring to the fight is excitement and consistent action. I’m going to bring the action all night. I’m not scared to stick my nose out there and look for the big shot. I know the big shot is coming as long as I set it up the right way.”

 

 

 

 

Tickets for this BombZquad event go on sale Friday, March 22 and are available via Ticketmaster HERE and Brooklyn Barclays Centre HERE

For more information visit https://www.sho.com/sports

Watch Press Conference HERE

Read more on WBC Boxing HERE

 

 

 

Images by Amanda Westcott / Showtime & WBC

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BIVOL: I KNOW SMITH WILL COME AND FIGHT 

“To be honest, I don’t think about the belt. I just think about who my opponent is, and what he can show me in the ring. All I think about is how I should beat him. In my sight, I feel like I should just beat him. Of course, the belt is good for history, but I only think about my opponent.”

 

 

BIVOL: I KNOW SMITH WILL COME AND FIGHT 
WBA ruler welcomes challengers ‘come-forward’ style

 

Dmitry Bivol knows that Joe Smith Jr. is coming to rip his title away from him – and the WBA World Light-Heavyweight king says that will make for a great fight when he defends his belt at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY on Saturday March 9, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Bivol (15-0 11 KOs) puts his strap on the line for the fifth time and it’s been smooth sailing since he destroyed Trent Broadhurst inside a round in his first defense in November 2017.

 

The Russian has put Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba and Jean Pascal to the sword since that win in Monaco, and now the hard-hitting Russian goes head to head with Smith Jr (24-2 20KOs).

 

The Long Island man fights for his first World title against Bivol, and the 29 year old has vowed to pour everything out of himself to land the crown – and the defending champ believes that their styles will gel for a great clash.

 

“He’s a strong guy,” said Bivol. “I saw his fight against Bernard Hopkins, and he’s really strong. He has the same age like me, he’s young. But he has some minus points like many fighters that I will use to my advantage for my win. He moves forward a lot. This is a good challenge for me, to stop him.

“I saw in his eyes when I met him, he wanted my belt. And I’m glad, because only that way it can make a good fight.
 
“We are both of different styles. When two guys meet in the ring with different styles in boxing, it usually makes a good fight. I think it will be a good fight for boxing fans.
 
“To be honest, I don’t think about the belt. I just think about who my opponent is, and what he can show me in the ring. All I think about is how I should beat him. In my sight, I feel like I should just beat him. Of course, the belt is good for history, but I only think about my opponent.”

 

 

Bivol’s clash with Smith Jr. is part of a huge night of action at Turning Stone Resort Casino with a second mouthwatering World title fight on the bill in the shape of Maurice Hooker (25-0-3 17 KOs) defending his WBO World Super-Lightweight title against Brooklyn’s Mikkel LesPierre (21-0-1 10KOs).

 

Callum Johnson (17-1-0 12KOs) and Sean Monaghan (29-2-0 17KOs) will both have a keen eye on Bivol’s clash as they battle in a crunch fight in the 175lbs division, World-ranked heavyweight contender Sergey Kuzmin, (14-0 11 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Russia will battle Philadelphia based veteran Joey Dawejko, (19-6-4 11 KOs) and Otha Jones III makes his pro debut on the card.

 

 

Watch Bivol’s trainin camp HERE

Read more on Hooker vs LesPierre HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

Purchase Tickets HERE

 

 

 

 

Image by Matchroom  Boxing

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Canelo and Jacobs grace Mexico City

 

Canelo and Jacobs grace Mexico City

 

 

Looking more like Wall Street bankers than tough hewn stripped down fighters, Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs showed mutual respect at TV Azteca in Mexico City, but each man said decisive victory would be theirs in Las Vegas, on May 4th…with Canelo promising a KO!

 

 

Golden Boy Promotions supremo Oscar De La Hoya summed it up as: “A great unification. I love it. This is a fifty/fifty fight.” And both already looked in fabulous shape. Daniel had seemingly borrowed John Travolta’s pristine white suit from Saturday night Fever, while Canelo was more conservatively attired in a charcoal gray suit.

 

At stake are Canelo’s WBC and Ring Magazine belts.  While Jacob’s IBF belt is on the table.  Canelo came to podium last, during the introductions.  There was mutual respect, but no hand shake between the two rivals.

 

Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn, who’s promising to buy a home I’m Mexico City soon…said: “We want to thank Golden Boy and Canelo for accepting this huge challenge. DAZN are an amazing partner and we’re only just getting started.”

 

“Canelo has a tattoo on his arm saying no boxing no life. This demonstrates the passion for boxing in Mexico. Danny Jacobs is not only an amazing boxer, but an amazing man. After beating cancer hec was told by his doctors he would certainly not fight again. He stands before us today prepared to take part in the biggest fight of the year.”

 

Daniel Jacobs who thanked the Mexican people for a magnificent and hospitable welcome said: “my family is my biggest motivation. I love you guys. This fight means everything to me because of the caliber of fighter I face with Canelo. It’s the best possible fight you guys can see, come May 4th. We will give our all in that ring!”

 

Canelo thanked all of the Mexican and international media for their support and turning to Daniel, he also thanked him.

 

Canelo said: “For me it’s a great honor to represent Mexico. I’m training one hundred percent dedicating myself. I will have a difficult opponent in front of me, but I’m going for the KO to remain champion.”

 

World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said: “It’s a very difficult fight, in which the level of competition is very high. Jacobs brings great motivation. He defeated cancer and he’s ready to go in and give it all inside the ring. Canelo is in the best moment and it’s just great to see champion vs champion in the ring.”

 

 

 

Read more on Saul Canelo and Daniel Jacobs HERE

Watch Canelo vs Jacobs Press Conference HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

Read more on WBC  HERE

 

 

 

 

 

By James Blears

Images by WBC & Ed Mulholland of Matchroom Boxing