Charles Barkley believes the Warriors will sweep Houston(Watch)

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The Golden State Warriors did would they needed to do in Game 1 on Monday night to steal home court advantage away from the Rockets as they beat Houston 119-106 to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

Game 2 is Wednesday night.

James Harden was great for Houston as he dropped 41 points, but Kevin Durant was just as good with 37 points.

After the game, TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley was very impressed with the Warriors and believes that Houston is done.

Take a listen:

I don’t see any team beating the Warriors four times in a seven-game series, but the Rockets do have a shot.

We’ll see if Houston can bounce back in Game 2.

Stevenson: ‘I’m the king at light heavyweight’

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WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson is set to make his ninth, and perhaps most difficult, world title defense when he faces two-division world champion Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. As fight week events in Toronto near, Stevenson shared some thoughts on his training camp and Saturday’s showdown.

“Badou is a two-time world champion for a reason,” said Stevenson. “I’m not underestimating him. I know he’s durable and that he has attributes like good head movement and I’ll have to be ready for everything.”

Although many consider this Stevenson’s toughest defense in at least a few years, the champion’s mindset is unchanged from any of his other world title fights.

“Every fight is a big fight for me,” said Stevenson. “This fight is nothing different. Badou Jack is a good fighter and people think very highly of him. But in my mind, he’s just the next guy that I have to beat.”

With knockout victories in seven of his nine world title fights, Stevenson has become known for exceptional power, especially in his left hand. This serves as a strategy for the champion and is something he trains for under the guidance of his trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill.

“I’m always going for the knockout,” said Stevenson. “I’m still ready for 12 rounds, but I want the stoppage every time. I’m hungry for knockouts. If Badou comes in aggressive, this could end very quickly.

“You have to step into the ring with me to understand my power. If I connect right just one time, that’s it, lights out. We train specifically for knockouts. You’ll have to wait and see how I do it on May 19.”

As the longest-reigning champion at 175-pounds, and the second longest-reigning champion in boxing, Stevenson has established his case as the best fighter in the division, something he looks to continue to prove on May 19.

“I’m the king at light heavyweight,” said Stevenson. “I beat the king to become the king. I know that I’ve accomplished some great things and me and my team plan to continue to do everything we can to stay on top.

“I’m the best fighter in this division, period. When I win on May 19, I’ll just be doing my job. People might still talk trash, but I’ll still be the champ.”

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.

 

De La Hoya: ‘He(GGG) doesn’t want to fight(Canelo)’

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Last week, Golden Boy Promotions head Oscar De La Hoya confirmed to TMZ Sports that Canelo Alvarez would be fighting Gennady Golovkin in September. The fight was initially scheduled for May 5, but Alvarez pulled out of the fight after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol back in February.

Canelo would eventually be suspended for six months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Canelo’s suspension will end in August, and he is expected to return in September.

At this point, according to De La Hoya, Canelo is waiting for Golovkin to sign on for the fight. However, Canelo will fight in September with or without Golovkin, according to De La Hoya:

“He(GGG) doesn’t want to fight,” De La Hoya told TMZ Sports. “He’s(Canelo) fighting in September, so our priority is to make Canelo-GGG. Regardless, Canelo is fighting in September, and he’s going to fight the toughest guy out there. We want Triple G that’s for sure.”

Canelo-GGG is the fight that could make the most money for both fighters. Therefore, they will get this deal done. Expect Canelo-GGG 2 in September.

Photo: Tom Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

 

 

Jack on Stevenson: ‘He’s definitely a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter’

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As two-division world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” arrives in Canada for fight week in Toronto, he shared his thoughts on training camp and his matchup this Saturday, May 19 against WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Jack conducted training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas with trainer Lou Del Valle and was able to have one of his smoothest and most effective camps of his career.
“This is the first camp that I haven’t had any injuries or felt sick at all during,” said Jack. “This is definitely one of the best, if not the best, camp of my career. We’ve watched film, kept a strict diet and really focused this camp on gearing up toward fight night.”
After a successful run as a 168-pound world champion, Jack moved up to light heavyweight last August and stopped 175-pound titlist Nathan Cleverly to become a two-division champion. However, Jack had already told his promoter Floyd Mayweather that he had his eye on the longest-reigning light heavyweight champion and he would go on to relinquish his belt to seek this fight against Stevenson.
“I asked for the Adonis Stevenson fight a long time ago and the Cleverly fight got me there,” said Jack. “We’ve been talking to Floyd a long time about this fight. He’s a man of his word and he always said that I was going to fight Stevenson. I’m grateful for what he’s done and now I just have to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Jack is well aware of the challenges presented by Stevenson, who last let an opponent go the distance in 2015, but enters this fight supremely confident in his abilities to bring the title back home.
“Adonis is definitely my toughest opponent on paper, but that doesn’t really mean he will be the toughest on fight night,” said Jack. “Adonis has always fought everyone put in front of him and I respect that. He’s definitely a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter.
“Everyone knows about his power, but he has good skills and overall can do everything you need to in the ring. I am excited to fight him and beat him.”
With the recent birth of his second child and launch of his new nutrition supplement brand “Ripper Nutrition” providing extra motivation but also possible distractions, Jack has been able to maintain a laser focus on May 19 and a matchup he calls “the biggest of my career.”
“Start to finish this camp has really gone smoothly and I feel sharp and ready for fight night,” said Jack. “Boxing is all about fighting the best. He’s one of the best, but so am I. I’m ready to show everyone on May 19.”
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available atwww.ticketmaster.ca.
Photo: Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions

Loma on knockdown: ‘It was flash'(VIDEO)

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Vasyl Lomachenko accomplished another milestone last night by winning a title in his third weight class, in just his 12th pro bout, when he stopped Jorge Linares in the 10th round last night at MSG.

It was not an easy night for Loma as he was dropped for the first time in his career in the sixth round by Linares, but Loma recovered, and would ultimately win.

After the fight, Loma talked about the knockdown and the scorecards, which had Loma winning on one (86-84), Linares winning on another (86-84), and the other scorecard was tied.(85-85) at the time of the stoppage.

Take a listen:

 

Photo: Top Rank

Munguia on victory over Ali: ‘I want to thank the Nevada Commission

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Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the dangerous undefeated native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, scored an emphatic fourth-round technical knockout victory against Sadam “World Kid” Ali (26-2, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in the scheduled 12-round main event of HBO World Championship Boxing at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. Munguia was too big and powerful for Ali, sending him to the canvas several times before a left hook forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:02 of the fourth round.

Munguia was in line to face Gennady Golovkin May 5, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission would not approve him as an opponent for Triple-G. For Munguia, that was the best thing that happened to him:

“This victory is something huge for me,” said Jaime Munguia. “This is a dream come true. Every fighter dreams of this. I want to thank the Nevada Commission for making this opportunity possible as they didn’t allow me to fight Gennady Golovkin. I want to show that I am ready to fight at the highest level and with the best fighters.”

After this victory, the future looks bright for Munguia.

Photos main event and undercard:

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Photo: Matt Heasley-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

Kovalev on Eleider Alvarez: ‘Chickenson dodged him’

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Two-time light heavyweight world champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-2-1, 28 KOs) puts his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title on the line against long-time WBC Light Heavyweight number one Contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (23-0, 11 KOs) at the Etess Arena in the brand new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Saturday, August 4, 2018. The event, promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, will be televised live on HBOWorld Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. This will mark Kovalev’s 14th appearance on HBO® with Alvarez making his network debut. 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 18. 

Kovalev vs. Alvarez will be the first professional boxing event to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which opens on June 28. Kovalev, 35, of Chelyabinsk, Russia, will be fighting for the fourth time in Atlantic City, including his 2014 victory over future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, which unified three of the four light heavyweight world titles. The only light heavyweight world title Kovalev has not had the chance to win belongs to WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson. 

Kovalev explained, “Alvarez has earned his title shot but Chickenson dodged him; just like he dodged me. I want to fight the best in my division. Alvarez took the fight with me without hesitation. I respect that and I am excited to face him in my return to Atlantic City.” 

Egis Klimas, Sergey’s manager, added, “Eleider Alvarez is a great competitor. That is probably why Stevenson refused to fight him. Sergey will face anyone, any time, any place. If Adonis is too scared to take the fight, Sergey is happy to step up and fight Alvarez. He earned this opportunity.”

Main Events’ CEO and Kovalev’s promoter, Kathy Duva, said, “Entering our 40th year in this business, we are so excited to return to Atlantic City and honored to be the first fight in this beautiful new venue. Atlantic City, and the Etess Arena in particular, were home to so many amazing fights with Evander Holyfield, Michael Moorer, and the late, great Arturo Gatti, just to name a few. The Atlantic City fans have always come out to support Sergey and, fortuitously, this event will take place during the French-Canadian Construction Holiday when the Jersey Shore fills up with vacationers from Quebec. We’re going to have a great crowd on August 4th!

According to Alvarez, “I am extremely happy. I said yes as soon as I had the offer! I waited for a long time to get a shot at a world title. I don’t want to hear about Adonis Stevenson anymore: I am focused on Sergey Kovalev! I am really motivated, it is a huge fight against a really high-class opponent. Kovalev is right now the best fighter of the division. I wanted to fight in a world championship bout to show my talent and now I finally have the opportunity. I know it is a really hard fight, but I will work hard to become world champion. This is my dream. I am a boxer who loves challenge and who performs at my best when I am challenged. I now have what I want. Kovalev is an all-around solid fighter, with a good jab, good technique and a hard puncher, but my trainer knows him well! I have no doubt, I will be the next WBO champion.”

 Alvarez’s promoter, Yvon Michel, added, “The experience that Eleider Alvarez has now makes gives him solid chances to win that important clash! He is fighting with passion and adrenaline. He deserves his world title fight in front of his crowd. I am convinced that Eleider Alvarez has what it takes to beat Sergey Kovalev and to bring a third light heavyweight title back in Quebec!

Eleider is managed by Stéphane Lépine, who explained, “The offer from Kathy Duva arrived and we were really happy. Fighting against Sergey Kovalev, an established and recognized name of the boxing world, on HBO, we couldn’t ask for any better opportunity! For me, it was a no brainer; we had to accept that amazing offer. We were also too tired to wait for Adonis Stevenson.”

Marc Ramsay, Eleider’s trainer, has faced Kovalev before as the trainer for Jean Pascal. He said, “‘Eleider is an experienced fighter, he has fought in other opponent’s backyard, he also fought in front of huge home crowd. We were waiting for a title shot for so long, he is now very ready to perform. The objective for him when we started together in the pro ranks was to become world championship fight. That is a promise I made him when he arrived in Montreal from Colombia. I am really confident that Eleider have what it takes to become world champion.”

“Sergey Kovalev will face his toughest opponent in over a year in undefeated Eleider Alvarez when World Championship Boxing returns to Atlantic City,” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “The boardwalk has been the site of many memorable moments throughout the years and we look forward to this light heavyweight title showdown on August 4.”

“We are thrilled to bring championship boxing to the Boardwalk and to host it at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. This event will mark the first sporting event at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena which is all new and a venue that our boxing fans will truly enjoy. Our world-class facility will be the ultimate location for events and entertainment”, stated Bernie Dillion, vice president of entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

Haney: ‘There’s only bigger and better things from here on out’

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PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2018) – Blue chip lightweight prospect Devin Haney rose to the occasion in what was the toughest test of his career, defeating veteran Mason Menard via ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Haney (20-0, 13 KOs) entered the fight as a highly regarded prospect who had never been tested. He faced his first test on Friday in what was a scheduled 10-round bout against ShoBox veteran Menard (33-3, 24 KOs).

Haney took control of the fight from the opening bell and never relinquished it. The 19-year-old picked off Menard with a dominating jab from the outside and used lateral movement to avoid getting hit.  Menard was unable to land any meaningful punches and he looked sluggish compared to Haney’s consistent movement and athleticism.

After nine rounds of domination, Menard’s corner had seen enough and stopped the fight following the round. Haney passed the toughest test of his career with flying colors, never once letting Menard take control of the fight.

“The plan was to go in there and work off the jab,” Haney said. “If the knockout came, I would take it but I just went in there, put on a boxing clinic and showed the world that I could go the full 10 rounds.

“I feel like I put on a performance. I was relaxed and did my job.  I’m definitely the next superstar.  There’s only bigger and better things from here on out.   I work very hard.  I went in and put on a good performance against a guy that people said could knock me out or hurt me.”

 

 

Photo: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

New England Zoo names baby goat ‘Foles’

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Super Bowl 52 was a great moment for the champion starved fans of Philly. The Eagles get their first Super Bowl victory, and Philly gets their first professional sports title in 10 years.

None of this would have happened without the greatness of Super Bowl 52 MVP Nick Foles.

Earlier this week, Foles received some more love. You see, the Philadelphia Zoo and Zoo New England made a little wager.

Here were the terms of the bet:

If the Patriots win Super Bowl 52, the Philadelphia Zoo will name their next born goat “Brady.” If the Eagles win, Zoo New England will name their next born goat after the Philadelphia quarterback, “Foles.”

Well, the Eagles won, and that new goat was born, and, of course, he was named “Foles.”

Take a look at the goat:

Brady might be the “GOAT,” but Foles was the “GOAT” on that Sunday in February.

Photos/video from Linares-Loma weigh-in

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The weigh-in for Jorge Linares and Vasyl Lomachenko’s big fight on Saturday night took place at MSG on Friday. Both Linares and Lomachenko came in at 134.6 pounds.

Lomachenko is looking to get another belt in his third weight class when he challenges WBA/Ring Magazine lightweight champion Jorge Linares on Saturday night at MSG.

Here are photos and video from the weigh-in:

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Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank)