Tag: BADOU JACK

Jack becomes three-division world champion after stopping Makabu

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Jack becomes three-division world champion after stopping Makabu

Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) is now a three-division world champion. The 39-year-old scored a technical knockout victory over Ilunga Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) to capture the WBC cruiserweight world title.

Jack boxed an intelligent fight, mixing footwork and counterpunching to consistently find a home for his right hand. Makabu, on the other hand, seemed too cautious and had trouble putting his punches together.

In the fourth round, Jack dropped Makabu with a right hand, and he repeated the knockdown in the 11th. In the final round, Makabu was clearly worn out from Jack’s offense, and Swedish standout only needed an additional right hand and a brief fusillade of shots to force referee Mark Lyson to stop the fight at :54.

Jack said, “I was standing there too much. My trainer told me to box and move. That’s not really my style. I mean, I box. But I also like to come forward and fight. Makabu is a hell of a fighter. He’s an African brother of mine. We used to be training partners. He is still my brother.”

Welterweights: Ziyad Almaayouf (2-0, 1 KO) overcame a first-round knockdown before defeating Ronnald Martinez (3-2-1) via unanimous decision. Almaayouf began the fight aggressively and was dropped by a hard right hand before the first round ended. However, the native of Saudi Arabia kept his composure and dominated the following rounds. Scores: 38-37 3x.

Cruiserweights: Muhsin Cason (11-0, 8 KOs) scored a first-round stoppage over Taryel Jafarov (18-6, 17 KOs). Cason dropped Jafarov before the opening round ended, but Jafarov’s corner stopped the fight before the second round to prevent further punishment.

Junior Welterweights: Bader Samreen (8-0, 7 KOs) defeated Viorel Simion (23-10, 9 KOs) via first-round TKO. Time of stoppage: 1:26.

Photo/Courtesy: Skill Challenge Entertainment)

Mayweather: ‘I am always trying to push the envelope’

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Mayweather: ‘I am always trying to push the envelope’

Earlier today at a media event held in the Press Room of the Gabriel Miami Downtown Hotel, it was announced that on Saturday, May 14, 2022, the legendary undefeated multi-weight champion known as “TBE – The Best Ever,” Floyd “Money” Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs), will return to the ring to face also undefeated “Dangerous” Don Moore (18-0-1, 12 KOs) in the headlining matchup of the inaugural edition of “The Global Titans Fight Series,” a unique global-boxing event, staged “in the skies of Dubai” and broadcast live, worldwide, via premium digital-streaming service LIVENow.

Presented by co-owners FrontRowTMT and ROQU Media, in association with Mayweather Promotions, the historic event, held incredibly, outdoors on the helipad of Dubai’s opulent Burj Al Arab Hotel, the UAE’s most iconic hotel and a global icon of Arabian luxury, will also showcase a fantastic undercard of world-famous combatants such as UFC legend Anderson Silva facing fellow Brazilian fighting star Bruno Machado in an exhibition bout, as well as an official fight between beloved former world champion Badou Jack (25-3-3, 15 KOs) and Hany “Egyptian Hurricane” Atiyo (16-4, 12 KOs) from Dubai via Egypt.

And in another history-making special feature of the event, all tickets for “The Global Titans Fight Series” will be sold as NFTs (platform to be announced). Those who secure an NFT ticket will be treated to unique and collectible features, including exclusive official fight videos, photography from the iconic event, a special 3D VIP ticket, plus lots more.

Mayweather, long known for his greatness in the ring and one of the most highly decorated athletes in all of sports is excited to return to the ring in this special event and location.

“I am always trying to push the envelope and if something is brought to my attention that has a unique aspect to it, I am always interested,” said Mayweather. “Having a fight on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai and the opportunity to be the star of the show is going to be something I will remember always. People all over the world can buy the PPV and watch us fight high above, almost in the sky.”

Gary Indiana’s “Dangerous” Don Moore hasn’t lost a fight since turning professional in 1999. A long-time sparring partner of Mayweather’s during his career, and formerly trained by his late Uncle, Roger Mayweather, Moore says he’s in a unique position to give the great Mayweather problems when the two meet in May.

“I am excited to participate in this event,” said Moore. “Because of how much of the same training I received from Roger Mayweather, I am gonna be able to give Floyd real problems. I have been training hard to show everyone what ‘Dangerous’ Don Moore is all about and expose Floyd’s weaknesses. This is my shot, The time is now, Floyd isn’t invincible. Anyone can be beaten.”

In the hearts and minds of many, Anderson Silva is the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Brazilian-American Silva holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days, including a UFC record 16 consecutive victories. As a pro boxer in his second, more recent career, Silva (2-0, 1 KO) already holds victories over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and MMA legend Tito Ortiz.

“I can’t wait to do battle with my countryman in the sky!” said Silva. “This will be a great event for all the fighters and the fans and I look forward to putting on a great show for everyone. I am honored to share the card with Floyd Mayweather, a true boxing icon. Dubai is a beautiful place and I thank the organizers for asking me to be part of this epic event.”

Of Gambian-Swedish descent, Badou Jack is a fan and TV favorite and a former world champion in two weight classes (WBC Super Middleweight 2014 to 2017 and WBA Light Heavyweight 2017). Active in supporting his community, Jack is the Founder of the Badou Jack Foundation that was created with the purpose of giving underprivileged kids a fighting chance at a better future.

“I’m glad to be back in my second home of Dubai, to fight in front of all of my fans there once again and put on another great performance. Dubai is becoming the new fight capital of the world and events like this, featuring Floyd Mayweather, keep it spectacular. I always appreciate Floyd for his friendship and having my back.”

Jack to face Dervin Colina on Mayweather-Paul undercard

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Jack to face Dervin Colina on Mayweather-Paul undercard

Two-division world champion Badou Jack will face undefeated Dervin Colina in a 10-round light heavyweight bout that serves as the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV co-main event this Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Colina replaces Jean Pascal, who was originally slated to face Jack before failing a pre-fight drug test.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature former unified 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd taking on Luis Arias in a 10-round showdown, plus former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell.

Born in Stockholm, Jack (22-3-3, 13 KOs), who represented his father’s home country of Gambia in the 2008 Olympics, now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the 168-pound world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the belt three times before being handed a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one of 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against then WBC champion Adonis Stevenson in May 2018. After dropping a narrow fight to Pascal in 2019, Jack’s most recent outing saw him earn a unanimous decision over Blake McKernan in November 2020.

The 33-year-old Colina (15-0, 13 KOs) lives in Medellin, Colombia, and is a native of Venezuela. He steps in on short notice to make his United States debut against Jack. Colina has competed at both super middleweight and light heavyweight in recent years and is riding a six-fight knockout streak into June 6. Colina has been training with renowned coach Stacy McKinley for the last two months in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Pascal on victory over Jack in first fight: ‘The judges said I won the fight, and that’s it’

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Pascal on victory over Jack in first fight: ‘The judges said I won the fight, and that’s it’
Photo: Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

In 2017, WBA 175-pound regular champion Jean Pascal(35-6-1, 20 KOs) was prepared to walk away from the sport of boxing. According to Pascal, at the time, his stoppage victory over Ahmed Elbiali was supposed to be his last fight.

However, Pascal decided against retirement and fought on. In 2019, he got his biggest victory in years when he defeated Marcus Browne to capture the WBA 175-pound regular belt. 

After defeating Browne, the 38-year-old Pascal defended his belt and defeated Badou Jack by a controversial split decision.

Jack(23-3-3, 13 KOs) hopes to get his revenge when he battles Pascal in the co-main event of the pay-per-view headlined by Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul on June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

While some thought the 37-year-old Jack won the fought, Pascal felt he was the rightful winner, which he discussed.

“I’m very excited about the rematch,” Pascal said at the press conference on Tuesday. “I’ve been training in Puerto Rico since December. I’ve been waiting this whole time for the rematch, and I’m ready. I respect Badou, but he’s always whining after he loses. The judges said I won the fight, and that’s it.

“The first fight, in the first six rounds, I did everything well. I might have gotten a little overconfident. I took it a bit too easy after that. The fight got close because of that knockdown he got that wasn’t from a real punch. Without that, it wouldn’t have even been close. We’re going to settle this June 6 in Miami.”

Jack disagreed with the decision at the time, and he disagrees with the decision today.

“There were three judges, and Julie Lederman had it for me, and the two other guys had never judged a big fight before,” Jack said. “We have two judges for this fight: the right hand and the left hand. That’s it. I’m very confident for this fight, and I’m not worried about the judges. I know Jean Pascal is a warrior, and I’m a warrior. I’m just ready to fight.”

In the first fight, there were two knockdowns, one by each fighter, and both fighters expect just as much action on June 6.

 This is going to be a firefight,” Jack said. “We already know that. Tune in to this fight. Boxing is not a game, and I’m going to show everyone that and try to steal the show.”

Pascal added: “He’s coming for revenge, and I’m coming with bad intentions. It’s going to be a great show, so make sure you tune in for this one.”

 

Pascal: ‘I showed the world that I’m special’

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Pascal: ‘I showed the world that I’m special’

As Jean Pascal prepares to defend his WBA Regular Light Heavyweight Title, the two-time world champion shared an update from his training camp in Puerto Rico as he prepares to take on two-division champion Badou Jack Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“Training camp has been excellent,” said Pascal. “I’ve been working hard in Puerto Rico, and feel very confident going into this fight. I stay at this elite level because I stay in the gym even when nothing is scheduled.”

Pascal captured his title by defeating then unbeaten Marcus Browne in August by technical decision. Pascal came through in the underdog role, dropping Browne three times to earn the decision after the fight was stopped due to a cut suffered by Browne.

“I’ve been the underdog my whole career, so it’s nothing new to me,” said Pascal. “But I have to say that beating Marcus Browne did feel great. I showed the world that I’m special. I’ve been at the highest level of boxing for over eleven years and I’m still here. I became two-time champion ten years after winning the title the first time, I don’t think that’s ever been done in this division!”

In his first title defense, Pascal will be facing an accomplished champion of super middleweight and light heavyweight in Jack. The WBA belt that Pascal will be defending was even held by Jack who won it in his debut in the 175-pound division. Now Pascal will look to take down another one of the biggest names in the weight class on December 28.

“Badou is a great fighter,” said Pascal. “We both always look to fight the best. In my last fight I knew that Marcus would be on his back foot, but Badou comes to fight, so I’m going to be war ready. I consider him a boxing friend, but on December 28th when that bell rings, he’s the enemy.”

Pascal and Jack share a recent common opponent, as Jack’s last fight saw him lose a decision to Browne, in a fight where Jack had to fight through a gruesome cut on his forehead just to make it to the final bell. Although both fights happened recently, the style difference between the fighters will make December 28 look very different according to Pascal.

“I saw Jack’s fighting against Browne, but styles make fights so I don’t compare it to mine at all,” said Pascal. “Obviously Browne was lefty so sparring was different but for that fight I trained like Rocky chasing the chicken because of Browne’s style. Everyone saw me catch that chicken too, but for this fight I’m training like Rocky in the freezer, ready to fight!

Pascal captured his first title in 2009 and on December 28 he will look to head into another new decade as a light heavyweight champion, with a chance to further cement his status as one of the top light heavyweights of the era.

“I’m fighting for the fans and to cement my legacy,” said Pascal. “This is a another big fight and if you look at my record, that’s all I look for. On December 28 I promise the boxing world I’m coming to fight and I will be at my best.”

Photo: Mayweather Promotions

Badou Jack needed close to 100 stitches to close cut

Categories Uncategorized

Although two-division world champion Badou Jack dropped a decision Saturday night to fellow light heavyweight Marcus Browne, it was the courage and tenacity that he showed in fighting through what some are calling one of the worst cuts in boxing history that has had the sports world buzzing. Jack has since made it clear that his tenacity and heart is motivated by those who benefit from the work of the Badou Jack Foundation. Jack is set to embark on a goodwill mission to the Middle East today as he couldn’t wait to continue his charitable efforts overseas.

His international itinerary includes trips to the Zaatari and Baqaa Refugee Camps in Jordan and business meetings Dubai and London.

“I don’t just fight for myself, I fight for the refugee children and I was thinking of them,” said Jack. “They come from war and often don’t have any parents, so what’s a scratch on my forehead? They are going through something much worse. You have to keep fighting.”

While many were concerned with the blood that gushed from Jack’s cut round after round, the veteran fighter was able to block it out and continued to fight until the final bell. Although he was taken to the hospital immediately following the fight, Jack was unfazed by the severity of the cut, which was sewn up with nearly 100 stitches.

“I feel great right now. Things like that can just happen in the ring,” said Jack. “It was just some blood. The cut was only bothering me because I couldn’t see too well, but I was going to keep fighting no matter what. This isn’t just any other sport; its boxing. You have to fight through it.”

And fight through he has.

“I was definitely going to make my run like I have in the past,” said Jack. “I think most people in boxing know that this would have been a totally different fight. To me, it’s not a big injury. I’m fighting for a bigger cause. Those refugees aren’t going to quit, so I sure wasn’t going to either.”

Photo:  Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Photos: Browne defeats bloody Badou Jack

Categories Uncategorized

Staten Island native Marcus Browne (23-0, 16 KOs) won defeated a bloodied Badou Jack (22-2-3, 13 KOs) by upset unanimous decision for the Interim WBA Light Heavyweight belt. The scores were 119-108, 117-110, 116-111.

Jack suffered a gruesome five-inch cut to his forehead after an accidental clash of heads in the seventh round of the fight. The former Olympian Browne told Gray the head butt did not affect the outcome of the fight.

“He couldn’t find me before that [head butt],” said the 28-year-old Browne, who made his professional debut on ShoBox: The New Generation following the 2012 Olympics. “He couldn’t find me. I was just too sharp, too slick, too anything. He was coming with his head all night. He kept coming with his head.”

The Las Vegas resident and former two-division champion Jack was taken immediately to the hospital for observation. Jack, who was fighting in his seventh consecutive world title fight, gave all the credit to Browne. “I was flat,” he said. “I don’t know what it was, but no excuses. I would love the rematch. Now I have to rest, get the head fixed and hopefully get that chance in the future.”

Browne was the more active fighter, throwing 515 total punches to 303 for Jack. Browne connected on 103 of his power punches compared to just 58 for Jack.

The taller, southpaw Browne said he stuck to his game-plan and peppered Jack continuously with his strong straight left jab. “He thought he was going to take me to deep water and drown me, but I was in shape,” he said. “Teddy Atlas, you think you have the best light heavyweight? (Oleksandr) Gvozdyk, let’s go.

“I just used my athletic ability and did what I do best, and that’s box the hell out of people.”

Photos/Courtesy: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME, Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions, Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions:

 

Badou Jack vs Marcus BrowneBadou Jack vs Marcus BrowneBadou Jack vs Marcus Browne017_Badou_JackBadou Jack vs Marcus BrowneBadou Jack vs Marcus BrowneBadou Jack vs Marcus BrowneBadou Jack vs Marcus BrowneBadou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing ChampionsBadou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions2Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions3Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions4Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions5Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions6Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions7Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions8Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions9Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions10Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions11Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions12Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions13Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions14Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne - Jan. 19_ 2019_01_19_2019_Fight_Ryan Hafey _ Premier Boxing Champions15

Jack: ‘I’m motivated to fight the best in the division and prove I am the top light heavyweight in the world’

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Jack: ‘I’m motivated to fight the best in the division and prove I am the top light heavyweight in the world’
While two-division world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” wears many hats as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and father, it is his boxing career that has allowed him to be on the path to greatness in and out of the ring. Therefore, he will put his championship-caliber boxing skills on full display on Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena live on SHOWTIME PPV®against hungry light heavyweight Marcus Browne as the co-main event of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner welterweight championship fight.
Jack is no stranger the pay-per-view spotlight as one of the brightest stars in the Mayweather Promotions stable and is preparing to make a statement on January 19.
“At this stage of my career, I’m motivated to fight the best in the division and prove I am the top light heavyweight in the world,” said Jack. “I want the biggest fights on the biggest stages against the best competition.”
Despite being deep in training camp for this major step in his career, Jack, who was recently named a finalist for the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Marvin Kohn Good Guy Award, has not forgotten his mission outside of the ring – the work he is doing through the Badou Jack Foundation – which focuses on giving children around the world a fighting chance at life. He spent Thanksgiving serving food to those less fortunate at the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada’s food distribution center and plans to continue to volunteer with them moving forward as well as continuing his work in the Middle East immediately following his fight.
“Badou is receiving a well-deserved acknowledgement for his acts of kindness,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Not only does Badou put in hard work and maintain discipline for his craft, he’s a family man who also looks to share the fruits of his success with others.  He remains humble and carries himself with poise as his career advances. I know that good things will continue to come his way and I’m pleased to have him on our team, he’s a promoter’s dream.”
While Jack has been in the ring with some very tough customers including Nathan Cleverly, James DeGale, George Groves and Anthony Dirrell, he knows that Browne is coming to fight and try to derail his successful campaign at light heavyweight. Therefore, in addition to the work he is putting in at the gym, Jack has instituted a performance and weight management regimen overseen by renowned nutritionists Lockhart and Leith, whose clients include world-class MMA fighters from Conor McGregor to Cris Cyborg.
Additionally, Jack is utilizing his nutrition supplement products Ripper Nutrition before and after each workout as Lockhart and Leith are now official partners in the product, they believe in it so much. Jack has also welcomed Lockhart and Leith chef James Lockwood into camp to prepare each meal as part of this regimen.
“Thanks to the opportunities Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME have provided Badou, he has been able to establish Ripper Nutrition and the Badou Jack Foundation,” said Amer Abdallah, Jack’s manager. “He looks great in camp, we expect a spectacular night in the ring and then we will get back to building his empire outside it.”
Photo: Mayweather Promotions

Badou Jack-Marcus Browne to battle on Pacquiao-Broner undercard

Categories UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Badou Jack-Marcus Browne to battle on Pacquiao-Broner undercard

Two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view undercard will also see former world champion Rau’shee Warrentaking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Teporawill take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

In the main event, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

“Not only will the fans witness a tremendous main event, they will get to enjoy three action-packed match-ups that will add another level to the pay-per-view portion of the card,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz are looking to make a name for themselves in the stacked featherweight division, while Rau’shee Warren and Nordine Oubaali are in the prime of their careers and battling for the WBC title. Mayweather Promotions’ Badou Jack has made an exemplary statement for his career inside and outside of the ring and is focused on further strengthening his resume, while Marcus Browne is looking to showcase his talent on boxing’s biggest stage.”

Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs) has fought twice at light heavyweight since relinquishing his super middleweight world title to campaign at 175 pounds. The 35-year-old, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, represented his father’s Gambia in the 2008 Olympics and now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the super middleweight world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the title three times before he relinquished the belt following a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against Adonis Stevenson in his last fight on May 19.

“I’m looking forward to getting back onto another big stage to perform for my fans across the globe and prove I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Jack. “I plan to show off my skills with a dominating performance on January 19. I always want to fight the best, and he’s the best that’s available right now. I’m always 100 percent ready and I’m going into this fight stronger, faster and with more experience than ever before.”

The 28-year-old Browne (22-0, 16 KOs) will be taking a step up to face an elite opponent when he battles Jack. A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Browne moved up the contender ladder in the 175-pound division with brute force and power, scoring three straight knockout victories against Thomas Williams, Jr., Sean Monaghan and Francy Ntetu. Browne, who was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., scored a unanimous decision victory over Lenin Castillo in his last fight on August 4.

Mayweather on Stevenson-Jack: ‘The matchup is a 50-50’

Categories Uncategorized

Adonis Stevenson will make the ninth defense of his WBC light heavyweight title against Badou Jack on Saturday night from Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

These two fighters have not lost in a long time. Stevenson has not lost a fight since 2010, while Jack has not tasted defeat since 2014, but that may change come Saturday night.

Floyd Mayweather, who is promoting the fight and has Jack signed to Mayweather Promotions, believes Stevenson-Jack will be a very close fight:

“Badou is not just a great champion inside the ring, he’s a great champion outside the ring,” Mayweather said at a press conference today. “Everything that Badou Jack has got in the sport of boxing he has earned by going out there, working hard and being the best that he can be.

“Adonis Stevenson is a tough competitor. He’s a heavy hitter and one of the faces in the sport of boxing that you don’t always see. He’s behind the scenes, but he always makes a lot of noise.

“The matchup is a 50-50. Anything can happen in the sport of boxing. All it takes is one shot. One thing we do know about Badou Jack is he can give it, and he can take it. He’s not going to back down from any opponent.

“Adonis has always been a solid fighter. Adonis is world champion for a reason, and Badou isn’t overlooking this guy. Stevenson is in his position for a reason.

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against No. 1 ranked contender Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage then shifts to Canada at approximately 11 p.m. ET/PT.

 Photo: Janer Bigio / Mayweather Promotions