A WELCOME FROM
EDDIE HEARN
H
ello from Florida as Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO World Middleweight title against Liam Williams in a fight that is sure to catch fire. I cannot wait for this fight. Demetrius is the most avoided fighter I have ever worked with – but Liam will get in there with anyone. Demetrius is hunting down the big guns at both 160lbs and 168lbs, but he has a real fight in front of him on Saturday night. Liam and the team really fancy this, they are supremely confident, and Liam has looked fantastic up at Middleweight – beat Demetrius and he goes back to Wales as a new star. For Demetrius it’s simple – get in there, look spectacular, and the fans will join me in demanding to see him in
the biggest fights and his competitors will have nowhere to hide – there is so much on the line. There’s plenty at stake across the undercard too. Carlos Gongora defends his IBO Super-Middleweight title against Christopher Pearson, Heavyweight Mahammadrasul Majidov is back in action and looking for a fourth straight KO win against Andrey Fedosov, Otha Jones III returns to the ring in a rescheduled eight round clash with Jorge Castaneda, Arthur Biyarslanov faces fellow unbeaten man Israel Mercado, Alexis Espino returns quickly over six rounds against unbeaten Florida man Ty McLeod and Florida native Aaron Aponte is back at the same speed for his third fight over four rounds against Javier Martinez. ■
Programme Editor: Anthony Leaver Fighter Interviews: Lewis Ward Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Photographs: Ed Mulholland Master of Ceremonies: Joe Martinez
3
WALKING THE
WALK
D
emetrius Andrade has warned Liam Williams to back up his talk as he defends his WBO World Middleweight title in Florida. Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time against his Welsh mandatory challenger, with the unbeaten Rhode Island ace back in action for the first time since stopping Luke Keeler in Florida in January 2020. Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) has been on fire since moving up to 160lbs with five KO wins from five fights, and the man known as ‘The Machine’ has been vocal in his belief that he’ll take the crown from the Olympian. ‘Boo Boo’ has bit back saying he’s heard it all before from his title challengers, but wants the visitor to back up his big talk and bring the heat in the Sunshine State. “They all say they’re going to do something to me,” said Andrade. “Knock me out, beat me up, snatch my belt, they’ve all got a plan until they get hit and then it’s a different story. “It’s all good, it’s part of the hype, it’s part of their job to do what they need to do to get in their mind but at the end of the day I end up getting mind control over them anyway and we do what we do and get the W. “I’m very excited, it’s been since January last year since I last put my hands on somebody. We got the knockout against Luke Keeler who was supposed to come and take what rightfully mine. Same thing going on here, I’m back in action in Miami, this is my second home. “It’s going to be a great showing, I’m ready, I’m going to turn up. If Williams is going to bring the fight that we all want to see, then I’m all for it. There’s nothing wrong with it, I’m here, I signed and I’m here to show the people what they want to see.
4
APRIL 17 2021
ANDRADE VS WILLIAMS
“THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN DOING, SCHOOLING PEOPLE, I’M AN EDUCATOR” “Nobody is going to know until the bell rings at the end of the day. I don’t sit here and say that Williams is or isn’t going to bring the fight. Once we get in there and if he does then we’ll see, if he doesn’t then he doesn’t. We all know I’m going to bring the fight. “At the end of the day I train hard and smarter every single day, I’ve been doing this a very long time. I’ve fought all of them already, there’s nothing new I’ve seen from Williams. Okay he’s tough and bringing it forward, alright well at the end of the day I’m going to have the answers for whatever he brings forward. “I’m going to be glad to sit back and watch the beautiful boxing match that I put on after I’ve beat him. I’ll watch and say hey you’ve done a great job banging a guy that came to fight. “That’s what I’ve been doing, schooling people, I’m an educator.” ■
5
MEAN
MACHINE
L
iam Williams says he has the power and the heart to knock out WBO World Middleweight king Demetrius Andrade in Florida. Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) has been in fearsome form since moving up to 160lbs and joining the storied Ingle Gym in Sheffield, and ‘The Machine’ is now primed to step through the ropes for his first full World title fight against the unbeaten Andrade (29-0 18 KOs). Williams and Andrade have traded barbs on social media and the Welshman, who could become his country’s 13th World champion with victory, thinks the tools in his bag will be enough to take the crown from the unbeaten champion. “I don’t think he has the same intensity as me,” said Williams. “I wear my heart on my sleeve. I can punch harder than him. I have a better engine than him. I’m going to bring it all on the night and I don’t think he has the answers. “He’s a clown. I don’t think he’s wired up right, he’s got a screw loose. His mannerisms, the way he acts and talks on his interviews, he’s just a little bit strange and I can’t put my finger on it. He’s an oddball. “It’s a risky fight for both of us. He’s the champion and I’m the number one contender. If he loses, the belt goes and that’s his status gone, but the same for me, I’m back to the bottom of the pile, there’s a lot at stake and neither of us will take a backwards step and that’s what will make it a great fight. “The outcome is me winning, whether that’s over the distance or inside the distance, it doesn’t matter to me. As long as I take that belt back to Britain, I have no doubt about it, I’m super confident and I don’t think there’s any way that he beats me. I think I can knock him out.
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APRIL 17 2021
ANDRADE VS WILLIAMS
“I’M GOING TO BRING IT ALL ON THE NIGHT AND I DON’T THINK HE HAS THE ANSWERS” “I’ve had setbacks, I’ve had injuries, I’ve been told to retire, so getting my opportunity is a real achievement, but in saying that, this is the beginning of things for me with more massive step-ups and I’m not willing to stop here. “Not to get it twisted, I do respect him, he’s a great fighter and obviously three-time world champion in two different weight divisions, what’s not to respect? I’d be a bit of a fool to not think he’s any good wouldn’t I, but I see things, weaknesses that I can exploit, I’m fully confident I’m going to do that tonight and not just going to win but win in devastating fashion. “I don’t plan on going in there and winning on points. If it goes twelve rounds then happy days I still plan on winning, I’m going in their crash, bang, wallop and looking to take him out simple as that. “If I win this, I’ll be massive star in Wales and in Britain. I’m just very excited, it’s a big opportunity and for me to win this it’s going to be life changing for me.” ■
7
ALMOST
FAMOUS
C
arlos Gongora wants to build on his newfound World champion status and land a mega-fight as he defends his IBO World Super-Middleweight title against Christopher Pearson in Florida. Gongora (19-0 14 KOs) returns to the scene of his biggest win in the paid ranks, his dramatic 12th round KO victory over Kazakh talent Ali Akhmedov at the Hard Rock Casino in December to land the strap he puts on the line against Pearson (17-2 12 KOs). The timing of the win and his subsequent deal with promoter Eddie Hearn couldn’t have been better for the Ecuadorian, who admits he was getting frustrated with his lack of opportunities. The 31 year old has been hailed in his homeland and is driven on by his family to achieve even more, and that starts with a successful defense against Pearson, before targeting the big name showdowns. “I went through some pretty hard times,” said Gongora. “I still kept my hopes up, the will to keep fighting, the dream of becoming a World champion, and it came, thank God. “In order to become number one, you have to fight the best, so I am waiting for the opportunity to present itself to fight against Canelo Alvarez. It’s a dream I’ve always had since I started boxing professionally, and that’s what I keep chasing, and hoping that one day the opportunity to fight him will present itself. “I haven’t actually had the opportunity to really meet Eddie Hearn properly yet. I’m looking forward to seeing him in Florida and shake his hand, to thank him for the opportunity that he’s presented me to advance my career. “I was training with Hector Bermudez and I kept up my training. He was the one who was always pushing me to train and train and train, because I was really unmotivated, because I have my family and I am here fighting, more than anything. Trying to keep pushing forward for them, so not getting fight makes it difficult to stay motivated.
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APRIL 17 2021
ANDRADE VS WILLIAMS
“IN ORDER TO BECOME NUMBER ONE, YOU HAVE TO FIGHT THE BEST” “Hector was always telling me to keep going, keep training. He would push me. And we kept training, we stayed in shape, and I told myself I’d been here a long time and wasn’t going to fight. “So, I went back to Ecuador and stayed there a while, I was training but not at 100 per cent. I was going on runs and staying in shape, until they called me to tell me we had a fight with Akhmedov and we only had around 15 days to prepare. “I went into the second round and got hit by a really powerful shot, I mean, he hit me in the back of my head. But I had that will… the will to fight, that will get me through those moments. We kept improving as the rounds went on and, in this case, technique prevailed and the preparation I made in order to win the fight. “I really, really wanted to win it. I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity that presented itself. It was something that helped me stay on my feet. I said I wouldn’t go down until the final bell rang, and that pushed me forward until I got the victory.” ■
9
PRICKLY
PEAR
C
hristopher Pearson is full of confidence that he will beat IBO World Super-Middleweight champion Carlos Gongora and catapult himself into the big fights in one of boxing’s glamour divisions. Pearson (17-2 12 KOs) pulled off the best win of his career in his last outing, handing a first defeat to Yamaguchi Falcao in Las Vegas over ten rounds in May 2019. The Ohio man has not fought since that night, but rather than consider ring rust as a factor tonight, Pearson has been full of confidence in facing the unbeaten Gongora (19-0 14 KOs). The Ecuadorian won the title he defends tonight at this venue with a stunning KO win over unbeaten Ali Akhmedov in December and Gongora himself is hunting those big fights at SuperMiddleweight, but Pearson expects to ruin those plans and become a new star. “I’m ready to step up to the plate and deliver a sensational performance,” said Pearson. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Carlos, he came in this past December and put on a spectacular display. A lot of credit to him but he’s dealing with a different beast with me, and I look forward to displaying that here. “At this point all there’s left to do is fight. This is the easy part; all the hard stuff is done so I look forward to getting in the ring and displaying my talent tonight.
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APRIL 17 2021
ANDRADE VS WILLIAMS
“BECOMING A WORLD CHAMPION IS MY ONLY GOAL AT THIS POINT” “Super-Middleweight is a glamour division because you’ve got guys who are very technically sound, throw a lot of punches, got heavyweight knockout power. Anything can happen in this division; I think that fans are going to enjoy these two athletes you have on display. I think we’re going to be able to showcase our boxing and it’s still the ultimate combat sport. “I know he’s a skillful fighter and a great competitor. I think he’s one of the best guys at 168 pounds. I feel like he’s the most tactical, the most skillful guy other than Canelo Alvarez at 168. “Winning would definitely put me in position where I can write my own check. I could call out to other champions because I’d be a champion. “They’re bringing me in to lose. I was able to take Falcao’s WBC regional belt then and I look forward to doing the same thing to Carlos Gongora. Becoming a World champion is my only goal at this point.” ■
11
IDAS CONTINENTAL 80 OFFICIAL PARTNER
HEAVY
DUTY
M
ahammadrasul Majidov is a man on a mission to get into World title contention – so he’s ready to put Andrey Fedosov to the sword and prove he’s ready for the big guns. Majidov (3-0 3 KOs) is only in his fourth pro fight but with a glittering amateur career behind him, the three-time World amateur champion believes he can begin to mix it with the big guns soon as he plots his route to the top. The Azerbaijan man beat current two-time World ruler Anthony Joshua OBE in the final in 2011 to win his first title, and that’s the man he’s targeting long-term, but the 34 year old knows that there is work to do to get there, starting tonight with Fedesov (31-3 25 KOs). “This is good fight for me, it’s a big fight,” said Majidov. “I’m going go in there and show all my power. I’m happy that we’re starting to fight again. I will try to put on a great fight. “I had a tremendous career in the amateurs, but it doesn’t matter now. I’m here, stepping up every fight and I want the bigger names and fights every time. “I looked at his record, he’s experienced, and he’s got good names on there, but I have the best team behind me, and I know that I have prepared right to win. I work too hard to lose. “The fight in Saudi Arabia was an amazing experience, obviously I have history with Joshua, so to be on the bill as he regained his titles was great. “I want to fight AJ again, but to do that, I need to win and win and win. It’s only my fourth pro fight but I want to keep fighting bigger fights to get my name out there.” ■
13
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LEVEL
A
UP
lexis Espino faces Ty McLeod tonight, a man with a 100 per cent KO record – but Espino says that’s only going to make him perform to a higher level. Espino (7-0 5 KOs) had a tough 2020 with fights being affected by COVID, but the 21 year old returned to action in Miami in February with a KO win over Ashton Sykes on the Canelo-Yildirim undercard. Now the Robert Garcia trained talent meets McLeod (6-0 6 KOs) over six rounds in a battle of undefeated fighters. The Florida man is sure to be pumped up for a fight on the big stage in his backyard, but Espino expects to gather more momentum and take McLeod’s unbeaten record. “I don’t know much about him, but his record is perfect, so he knows how to fight,” said Espino. “I just think the better the opponent, the better I will be. “After training all year in 2020, for me to finally get back in the ring in 2021 it felt good, and I feel like I’m getting back in my rhythm after that fight.” “My team and I have been training really hard. If my trainer Robert Garcia thinks I’m ready for this then I know for a fact I’m ready. I get top notch sparring and I’ve been in the gym and haven’t stopped training since my last fight. I’m excited for this, I love a challenge.” “I get to get all kinds of sparring with other prospects, world champions. I sparred with Bivol this camp, I only sparred him twice but I’m looking to go back after this fight. “Fighting on the Canelo card was great, and I think it was an OK win. I probably could have got him out of there earlier if I’d placed my punches rather than throwing flurries, but I’m still happy I got the win. “The gym is amazing. I try to copy Mikey and Vergil as they are at the very top and you can learn so much from just being around them. Everything has been great so far, I’m really happy with my career.” ■
15
DRAWING
COMFORT O
tha Jones III says he’s learned from his draw in his last fight and will show the adjustments as he faces Jorge Castaneda. Jones (5-0-1 2 KOs) had a blip in his last outing with his first pro fight in Mexico in October ending in a split draw against last replacement Kevin Mendoza, snapping a run of five straight wins since his pro debut in March 2019. The Ohio talent has been working hard in the gym to rectify the mistakes made south of the border, and the 21 year old says he’ll take his frustrations out on Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs). “It is go-time!,” said Jones III. “I have waited my whole life for this moment, and I won’t let one misstep define me. “I am not going to lie; I feel like I let people down in Mexico. I am the symbol of the gym to the youth – I am the spokesperson of Soul City Boxing Gym to the young kids who might end up in trouble if I don’t come off as a good role model or win fights. This is deeper than just boxing for me, I want to help my community, and my career is my gateway to do that. I don’t want to let down Toledo. “I can’t stand getting a draw, and I know people are doubting me, so I have a chip on my shoulder and something to prove. I want to be a legendary fighter, I want to be one of the greats, and I know I have to take control of my career in order to get that place in the sport and that is what I am doing. “Mexico set me back, I’m looking for revenge and Jorge in my way. I got to beat his ass like he stole something now. “It’s crunch time for me, I’m back on and looking great, feeling great. I’m going to show that tonight.” ■
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APRIL 17 2021
ANDRADE VS WILLIAMS
WOLF
A
BLITZ
rthur Biyarslanov is targeting another KO win as he steps up his pro journey against unbeaten Israel Mercado. Biyarslanov (7-0 6 KOs) added his sixth KO win from seven victories in his last outing at this arena in November, a first fight for ‘The Chechen Wolf’ since January which was also in Florida. The Canadian Olympian now meets Mercado (9-0 7 KOs) over eight rounds in another step-up in competition for the 25 year old, and Biyarslanov is delighted to be facing a real test as he edges towards contention for title fights. “I want to fight every fight with better opponents,” said Biyarslanov. “I want to say thank you to Israel for taking this fight. We had a great camp, even though the last fight got cancelled, it gave me more time to train, and I feel more than ready. “The pandemic has made it hard for everyone around the world, and it’s stalled lots of careers, so it’s great that I am fighting tonight and can get going again. “Thank you to Israel for taking this fight. He’s undefeated, 9-0, I’m undefeated, we’re young and hungry. If you want to get known you have to fight better opponents and I’m looking forward to it. “I expect a good fight from him. He’s going to move a lot, that’s how he boxes, but I think I will slowly break him down. I won’t go looking for the stoppage because that’s when you can make mistakes, but if the chance is there, I will take it. “When it comes to professional boxing, I feel like I fit into it more. The better fights and opponents I fight will show how good I actually am. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to tonight. In a couple of fights, I want to get into the top 15 in the rankings and start looking for the big fights.” ■
17
ALIEN
ATTACK A
aron Aponte fights on home turf for the third time tonight and is looking to grab the headlines and log more rounds. Aponte (2-0 1 KO) had his hopes of fighting in the Olympics dashed thanks to the COVID pandemic, deciding to turn professional after weighing up his options with his team and choosing to turn pro rather than waiting as an amateur. The ‘Alien King’ won his debut fight by first round KO in Kissimmee in October, and then in February, he was back in action on one of the biggest stages in boxing, a Canelo Alvarez undercard at the Hard Rock Stadium. Aponte now meets Javier Martinez (4-7 3 KOs) over four rounds at another venue close to his Hialeah home, and the 19 year old wants to keep building up his experience as his pro journey begins to move at pace. “Everything’s working out,” said Aponte. “Matchroom keep coming out to Miami and putting on the cards – I’m very grateful. I love fighting here but I also want to fight all over America and all around the world. Miami is awesome of course, but it’ll be fun to go on the road too. “It was amazing hearing everybody cheer my name at the Miami Dolphins stadium. It was a great experience, a real dream come true in just my second fight. I sold a ton of tickets but there were so many more fans in there cheering me on too, it was a blast. “Now that I’ve experienced it and I was on such a big stage, I don’t think I’ll ever be intimidated at all. I was a little nervous from being on such a big stage but now I’ve experienced it I’ll be able to handle it better and finish the job. I see myself at the front, I want to shine and make a big statement this fight.” ■
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APRIL 17 2021
ANDRADE VS WILLIAMS
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12 X 3 MINS WBO WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
DEMETRIUS LIAM vs ANDRADE WILLIAMS (PROVIDENCE, RI)
(WALES)
12 X 3 MINS IBO WORLD SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
CARLOS CHRISTOPHER vs GONGORA PEARSON
(ECUADOR)
(DAYTON, OH)
10 X 3 HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST
MAHAMMADRASUL vs MAJIDOV
ANDREY FEDOSOV
(AZERBAIJAN)
(RUSSIA)
8 X 3 MINS LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST
OTHA vs JONES III (TOLEDO, OH)
JORGE CASTANEDA (LAREDO, TX)
8 X 3 MINS LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST
ARTHUR ISRAEL vs BIYARSLANOV MERCADO
(TORONTO, CANADA)
(POMONA, CA)
6 X 3 MINS SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST
ALEXIS TY vs ESPINO MCLEOD
(LAS VEGAS, NV)
(BRADENTON, FL)
4 X 3 MINS SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST
AARON JAVIER vs APONTE MARTINEZ
(HIALEAH, FL)
(AUSTIN, TX)