Behind The Gloves Staff Predictions: Floyd Mayweather-Marcos Maidana

Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana face off this Saturday in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the WBC and WBA welterweight titles. “The Moment”, as this event is billed, presents Mayweather, the effortless master, against Maidana, the rugged Argentinian slugger who ended Adrien Broner‘s perfect record.

Is Floyd (45-0) making a dangerous gamble against the dangerous offense and strength of Maidana, (35-3) or will he employ his superior skills, make him appear wild, ungainly and ineffectual?

Once again, light heavyweight title challenger and trainer “Iceman” John Scully offered an expert analysis for Behind The Gloves.

“In Floyd,” Scully said, “I see an extremely well rounded champion, who is probably quite a bit tougher than he’s given credit for, or that most people realize, because he hasn’t actually had to show it in a real fight yet. And he may never have to show how tough he is, but I do believe he is. He’s been able to stay on cruise control most of his fights, and beat his opponents, with style and finesse. That’s his game, and he sticks with it with success.” And Maidana, Scully acknowledged, is tough. “He’s a rough and tough, no nonsense guy,” Scully said, “but he is also I believe, much smarter in there than he may get credit for. You don’t compete and win at that level just by throwing hard punches and being tough- you have to at least have some subtle skills that get the job done.”

For Maidana to get the job done against Floyd Mayweather, Scully regards confidence as a major factor. “One thing Maidana has going for him,” Scully explained, “is that he is on a career high right now with the Broner win. He is also motivated because this is literally the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to hit the Powerball of boxing,” he said, and continued. “A guy who truly believes in himself and in his determination is dangerous for a guy like Mayweather to fight, because in many ways, Marcos has nothing at all to lose. As long as he puts up a decent showing, he is still going to be recognized as a force in the division, but I know he wants more than that. He feels like he is right there, so close, on the brink of becoming THE MAN. It’s hard to hold a guy off when he’s feeling like that.” As the guy with everything to lose, Scully sees Floyd remaining steadfast in what has been successful throughout his career. “Mayweather adjusts as well as or better than anyone in the game right now,” he said. “He steps up at just the right moments, and I believe that will once again be the same story.”

Unexpected plot twists are not uncommon in boxing. Upsets happen, and Maidana engineered one defeating Broner. Does Floyd possess any glaring flaws that can lead to a Maidana win? Scully is doubtful. “I really don’t think so,” he said. “From what I’ve seen and heard, Floyd’s level of preparedness is on such a superior level that with his skills and experience, it’s going to take a Herculean effort to beat him. Most boxers train very hard, but when you get a superior athlete and technician, and he also trains as hard or harder than anyone else, it’s a hard combination to overcome.” Given Floyd’s innate skill and “hard work, dedication” could Maidana create the opportunity to defeat Floyd? “The best chance,” Scully answered, “would be to catch Floyd in a situation where he didn’t feel a huge threat, and didn’t train 100 percent, without full commitment. But, by the same token, I don’t think that will ever the the situation with Floyd.” Still, Scully insisted, he’s opposing someone who should never be taken lightly. “My thing is this the subtle skills and underrated technique and tenacity of Maidana. You can never, ever dismiss or overlook intangibles like those.”

Anticipating “The Moment”, Scully offered his view of how the fight will unfold. “I see this fight being a little more exciting than the average Floyd Mayweather fight,” he said. “I think Marcos will surprise Floyd by getting through to him a bit with some nice shots, especially to the body. I think Marcos will be in it deeply for the first few rounds but by no later than the midway point Floyd will be in his usual control. I expect a lot of clean pot shots from the outside to get in after the halfway point. And a unanimous decision win by Floyd Mayweather.”

-Amy Green / @amygreenpr

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com

Alex Aviles:

I don’t feel like there’s much to be said about this fight except that I expect to see a few counter lead-in rights land clean a ridiculous amount of times. Maidana will try to pressure Floyd in the early going only to abandon his game plan by round three or four after realizing that Mayweather isn’t like Adrien Broner at all. Of course, there’s the same buzzword’s used over and over when describing the chances of Mayweather’s recent opponent’s, that being that they have a “punchers chance”. I do feel like Maidana will have some Victor Ortiz-like moments from his clash with Floyd 3 years ago in this fight. You know the moments where he seems to be landing a barrage of punches but in actuality landed 10% of them, which is enough to have the fans at the MGM go completely bonkers. Sure, anything can happen in this crazy sport known as the sweet science but expect Floyd to go 46-0 here.

John Dyer:

Maidana needs to stick to his plan, and not try to outbox mayweather the way Canelo did. I see maidana doing just that, making this a dirty fight and using his forearm to keep him on the ropes. Mayweather will adjust and win. Highlight of the fight will be when maidana has some early success, but counter punching will destroy him.

Floyd stops Maidana – Round 10.

Rick Guerrero:

I have thought through this matchup several times and the same outcome keeps coming back….Mayweather by KO, as crazy as that may seem especially since Marcos Maidana has never been KO’d ; although he has been down several times in his career. It’s been just over six years since Money has had a KO when he beat Ricky Hatton by TKO (Victor Ortiz fight notwithstanding). Going back several fights, Floyd has stunned his opponents on several occasions. I recall several instances where he stunned Alvarez, Guerrero, and Cotto and it almost seemed like he could have done more damage. Speed is power and Floyd has one of the quickest counters in the game. It’s no mystery what Maidana will do; he will come straight forward and throw power punches; however, he is not the most accurate puncher and Floyd is not Adrien Broner. This type of strategy will play right into Floyd’s web where he will use his legendary shoulder roll, slip a few bombs from Maidana and then bang, lights out. A right counter or left check hook, similar to the shot that put Hatton out will be the money maker..no pun intended. Mayweather 8th Round KO.

Oun Abbas Hussain:

I think the Mayweather fight is a forgone conclusion for me. As Maidana has no speed, think it will be a easy day in the office for Money Mayweather. It’ll be a routine win as Mayweather will just pick his shots perfectly and leave Maidana frustrated like the Canelo fight. Mayweather too clever for him and I see a UD win for him.

The Khan fight is a intriguing one. Moving up to 147 is going to be new experience. As long as he doesn’t go to war with Collazo, boxes sensibly, and keeps his chin tucked in then Khan wins on points for me. It’s always intriguing seeing the new Khan under Virgill Hunter. If he can perfect the balance between offense and defense, then he can become a worthy fighter in the welterweight division. I can see knock downs and excitement in this fight. Broner will beat Carlos Molina by knock-out as I think it is a bit of a mismatch but suppose Broner needs to reeled back in slowly after the Maidana loss.

Qasim Hussain:

Broner-Molina. After a slow start, I see Broner picking his shots all night & using his quick feet to move around the ring unlike the Maidana fight. However a tough Molina will stand in and go to the judges scorecard. Broner UD

Khan-Collazo. I see Khan shooting straight out the block and punishing Collazo from the off. His hand speed & footwork will be to much for Collazo. Luis will have a later rally in the end however it will be to little, to late. Khan UD

Floyd-Maidana. The first few rounds will be of Maidana throwing a flurry of punches with little succession. As soon as Floyd adapts to his awkward shots, I feel as though he will stay in
the centre and beat Marcos to the punch. He will break him down slowly and go in for the kill in round 11. Floyd 11KO

Ashley Knott:

Marcos Maidana is going into the biggest fight of his life as a sitting duck for Floyd Mayweather Jr according to most fans and experts and it is hard to disagree. He is pedestrian, obvious and been hurt by lesser men. Maidana has secured this fight after upsetting the odds, beating and beating up the apparent heir to the Mayweather throne, Adrien Broner, but in hindsight was it really that much of an upset in the history of boxing upsets? The one punch he can take from that fight was the wide hooks brought up from the waistline against the shoulder roll defence, if he can land that, you never know. However, he is now up against somebody who has perfected that style and not merely moulding it.

Mayweather has developed a devilish disguise in his right hand, similar to the right hand B-Hop has been popping in his senior years, it’s not a telegraphed shot and Maidana with his come forward style will be wide open to it and not quick enough to defend it, it’s the shot that I think will land consistently for Floyd. I see a similar fight to Devon Alexander vs Maidana, Maidana may be more motivated for this fight and if he lands something big he is a relentless puncher so there is always that chance but it’s a small one. I just cannot see past a dominant Mayweather victory in either late knockout fashion or a very wide points win.

David Lopez:

Unfortunately I think this is a pretty easy fight for Floyd. I hope im wrong and we get an action packed, exciting fight. I see this fight similar to Floyd vs. Hatton but Maidana will have less success than Hatton. Maidana will never stop coming forward as long as he is on his feet. He will give Floyd tons of counter punching opportunities. I think Floyd is still at the top of his game and he stops Maidana between the 8th and 10th round with brilliant counter punching and he will do very good body work in this fight also.

Stephen Lynch:

Floyd Mayweather is the sport’s standard bearer and will conceivably be a hot favourite whoever he’s facing. Maidana will be coming to fight, but I’m sure every opponent since De La Hoya (with the possible exception of Marquez and Cotto) has had a similar mentality. Only Canelo Alvarez seemed to come into the fight with the colossal naivety that he was going to outbox the P4P kingpin. Studying Mayweather to develop a gameplan and having to implement it in reality are two different things and recent opponents have been introduced to this reality early on in their challenges.

Don’t be surprised though if Maidana catches Floyd early and possibly hurts or knocks him down. I expect a similar fight to Mayweather v Hatton in 2007.

Mayweather by TKO.

David McIntosh:

This should be a good fight, but then again, everyone thought the same when Floyd fought Canelo and Guerrero last year. Although Maidana proved his power against Broner and showed he can beat a classy opponent, we can’t compare Broner to Mayweather, not even for a second. Without taking anything away from Maidana on that night, he fought a fighter in a lower weight division, Broner isn’t a natural welterweight.

Mayweather possesses a defensive ability like no other, and even when he’s up against hard hitters, he still manages to keep them at bay and control the pace. Maidana will no doubt try and rough Floyd up and he could be successful throughout he fight like Cotto was, but I predict Floyd scoring a stoppage win this weekend. People will class this as an easy fight for Floyd, but he should be given credit if he manages to stop an opponent who hasn’t been stopped once in his 10 year career.

Bradley Pearson:

Golden Boy/Showtime are really going for the hard sale on this fight, trying to convince us that the 12/1 dog Maidana genuinely has a shot of dethroning the best fighter in the sport.

Maidana, a guy that was dropped by Khan, Lopez, in dog fights with Morales, doesn’t convince me. I think the punch that will define the fight will be Floyd’s jab to the body which he commits to, really sticking it to the gut of his opponent. It sets up right hands upstairs and I can see him slowly breaking Chino down using it.

I see Mayweather standing in the pocket with Maidana after a few rounds of measuring him from range. Rolling his wild shots and countering up the middle. The second Floyd begins pushing him back the fight is over. The most accurate fighter in the sport will tattoo a guy as hittable as Maidana all night and I don’t think it goes 12 either.

Mayweather TKO in the mid-to-championship rounds.

Federico Perez:

Maidana will push from the start and attack the body , as did Jose Luis Castillo in 2002, a fight that many experts saw Castillo as the winner, Floyd will use his experience to counter the attack of Maidana, I think that there will be no knockdowns,close fight, Floyd by SD12

Martin Perry:

Mayweather boxes on the move, frustrating Maidana in the process. As Maidana gets tired and desperate, Mayweather is able more and more to counter at will with his excellent hand speed and timing. A knockdown or stoppage is not out of the question, but most likely a wide points win for Mayweather.

Jay Quintero:

This fight reminds me of Mayweather’s bouts with Arturo Gatti and Ricky Hatton. When Mayweather is in the ring against a brawler, he is at his complete best. Plain and simple, Maidana is easy to hit. Mayweather is coming his most masterful performance since the Hatton fight and has not showed any signs of his age becoming a disadvantage for him.
In my opinion, the closest Maidana will come to beating Mayweather will be by beating Adrien Broner in a rematch — “Cuz he’s the closest thing to him.”

Mayweather by TKO.

Dominic Rowan:

I was one of those who back in September of last year thought that Canelo Alvarez could and would beat Floyd Mayweather if he made the weight correctly and got his game plan spot on. Ultimately the young Mexican was schooled by the pound-for-pound King and the Money Team rolled on to 45-0, with the elusive ‘blueprint’ nowhere to be seen.

No-one has given Marcos Maidana much of a chance for Saturday’s fight and he seems to have slipped beneath the radar somewhat, at least here in the UK. A fighter like Maidana – who seems to have carried his power up to welterweight – will always have a puncher’s chance of causing an upset, and his most recent win against Adrien Broner highlights how effective he can be once he’s swarming his opponent up close. Maidana will have to produce the fight of his life to beat Mayweather, and hope that ‘father time’ has caught up with the unbeaten WBC champion.

Ultimately though, I can’t see that happening. Floyd will do what Floyd has always done; roll with the punches and pick his opponent off to clock up the rounds whilst they waste precious energy. However I do think there’s a high chance that Maidana will catch Mayweather with a shot that sends the American into a mini-crisis, but he’s dealth with them before and its hard to see Mayweather being troubled for very long. My prediction is therefore for Mayweather to win on points, somewhere around 117-111.

Sean Ryder:

It’s always a treat to see Mayweather’s supreme boxing skills, but I can’t get excited about a potential threat from Maidana. Maidana is made for Mayweather. Sure, Maidana will try and put the pressure on from the first bell and may well win the first couple through workrate alone. However, once Mayweather finds his unrivaled defensive movement to allow him to counter with laser-like and heart-taking accuracy, I’m convinced of it being a relatively easy night’s work. Whether it’s a wide points victory or a stoppage, will depend on how much punishment Maidana wants to take before becoming gun-shy for fear of the stiff counter. Mayweather UD 118-110

Satbir Sahdra:

I think Floyd Mayweather will put on another master class of display against Maidana. I think in the early rounds, Maidana will try apply some pressure to Mayweather and Mayweather will go to the ropes and use his defence and counter punch back and frustrate Maidana. In the later rounds, I predict Floyd will apply the pressure and try to go for the stoppage. However I am not counting Maidana’s punching power at all, he may be able to hurt Mayweather and anything can happen when a boxer is in with a puncher.

Chris Sena:

In my opinion Maidana will force Mayweather out of his comfort zone and show us a side of Floyd that we have not yet seen. Floyd’s age will be his weakness. Maidana by stoppage.

Terence Strawson:

I expect Mayweather to shoulder roll and pot-shot his way to victory. There may be a storm to weather early on, as Maidana will adopt the same game plan that served him so well against Broner. However, Maidana is tailor made for Mayweather. And, if you can’t beat Kotelnik, Khan or Alexander, you can’t beat Mayweather. Mayweather UD

Final tally: 17 for Floyd Mayweather, 1 for Marcos Maidana (with IceMan Scully picking Mayweather)

ISHE SMITH, Former IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion

“The focus right now is on Ryan Davis. We’ve had a tremendous camp and I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get back into shape.

“I’m very focused on the task at hand and I assured Leonard [Ellerbe] last year that I’d be back on this stage.

“We had a great year last year, but it didn’t end where I wanted it to. I know it’s on me to get there.

“All these other guys here in the Mayweather Camp have helped push me to this point and I’m looking forward to moving ahead.

RYAN DAVIS, Super Welterweight Contender

“This is a big event for me, I’m excited to be part of a big fight week here in Vegas.

“Ishe is a great professional fighter and I’m very excited to fight him.”

MICKEY BEY, Lightweight Contender

“I’m glad that I’m with the right team to bring my skills to the forefront. I know I have a tough opponent but I’m looking to be great.

“I’m looking for a world title fight and this is my road to get there. Make sure you’re there for a good show. If you can’t make it, DVR it because you’ll want to see it again and again.”

ALAN HERRERA, Lightweight Contender

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m very well prepared for this fight.

“I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”

JESUS CUELLAR, WBA Interim Featherweight World Champion

“I’m here to give a good show on Friday.

“I’m looking forward to Friday and that night you’re going to see a champion from Argentina.”

RICO RAMOS, Featherweight Contender

“May 2nd we have a game plan and Jesus is a talented strong fighter but we’re going to stick to our game plan and come out with this victory.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We have a terrific show on Friday at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. It is a great card from top to bottom.

“I’d like to thank everyone for promoting this great weekend. We work on giving you the best fights and this card will lead into the great event on Saturday.”

# # #

Smith vs. Davis, a 10-round super welterweight bout, is presented by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and GoldenRam. The Joint doors will open at 3:00 p.m. and the first fight begins at 3:15 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 800.745.3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.FOXSports.com/FoxSports1, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, @ishesugarshay, @mickeybeytmt, @JesusCuellarBOX and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.com and www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

Lanardo Tyner, two others fail drug tests on Feb. 28 Mayweather Promotions show

Welterweight Lanardo Tyner was supposed to be facing Jermall Charlo this past weekend on the Sho-Extreme portion of the Keith Thurman-Julio Diaz card that took place in Carson, California.

Tyner was inexplicably pulled out and was replaced by a late substitute. BehindTheGloves.com was informed from a trusted source that Tyner had failed a drug test following his Feb. 28 split decision loss to Chris Pearson on a ShoBox card promoted by Mayweather Promotions that took place at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.

BehindTheGloves.com contacted the Oneida Indian Nation Athletic Commission to find out more information. Executive director/commissioner Dan Gustafson informed BTG that it is their policy not to release names, but did tell BTG that not one, but three fighters failed drug tests in relation to that show.

UPDATE: Literally minutes after this story went up, Fighthype released a piece saying that the other two fighters that tested positive were Mayweather Promotions fighters Luis Arias and Chris Pearson, who both tested positive for marijuana.

The Oneida Commission also informed BTG that the suspensions were for 45 days, meaning technically both Pearson and Arias could have fought on this weekend’s Mayewather-Maidana card. So it was up to Mayweather Promotions to keep them off the card.

BTG had information previously that the two fighters in question were the ones who tested positive, but awaited confirmation. BTG reached out to Pearson’s publicist Radio Rahim for a statement a few days ago and was provided with the following statement:

“Chris is sparing with Miguel Cotto. He feels his last performance showed him areas he needs to work on. He opted to continue working on his technique while getting Cotto ready for Martinez. Chris will be back in the ring soon, facing tough competition and showing vast improvement.”

In that statement, there is no admission of a positive test.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com

Floyd Mayweather media day quotes and photos

Quotes and photos from Tuesday’s media day at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas are below. FLOYD MAYWEATHER, 10-Time World Champion “In 18 years I haven’t brought my best out yet. Being around the sport for so long, I have a lot of experience. I’ve boxed my whole life. I’ve never worked a job. “As I get older I want to settle down and be with my family. I’ve had enough fun. “It feels good to be in camp. Everyone on the team is ready to go out and do what we do best. “This is a give and take type of sport. Al Haymon has done a good job. Leonard Ellerbe has done a good job. Now it’s time for me to go out and do what I do. “Maidana deserves the opportunity. He’s a champion with an 80 percent knockout ratio. He deserves this fight. “Everything isn’t about speed. Everything in boxing and life is about timing. I’m a fighter that likes to take my time and be smart. Some fighters like to be reckless. You see what happens when fighters are reckless. “Boxing is like chess. Every move has to be thought about before you make it. I like to study my opponents first. “I’m not going to do a lot of moving when I get in the ring. I’m coming straight ahead. “Everyone is supposed to say they want to fight me. Right now Maidana is the guy that I can’t overlook. “I love all my fans that support me from Argentina. It’s the sport of boxing, so the best have to fight the best.” LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions “Mayweather is always ready for anyone. “Maidana has tremendous punching power and can knock you out at any moment. “Maidana should be ready for a toe-to-toe battle. “THE MOMENT will be a tremendous fight. A must see event. “Floyd has a unique talent that I’ve never seen before in my life. He’s better now than he was 12 years ago. “Floyd’s preparation elevates him above the rest. “J’Leon has matured as a fighter. This is going to be a very tough fight for him.” “I have every bit of confidence that this is a challenge that J’Leon will prevail in and then be in a great position to challenge for the world title.” RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS “Floyd Mayweather did it again. He picked the most dangerous opponent he could have. “It’s going to be a thrilling fight. Maidana is ready and he’s going to come to try to knock out Mayweather. “It is always amazing to be at a Mayweather workout. The turnout is something to see. “As a boxing fan, I cannot wait for May 3. THE MOMENT is going to be an unforgettable night of boxing. “The whole card from top to bottom is something that no one is going to want to miss and the pay-per-view portion is one of the best, if not the best we have ever put together.” J’LEON LOVE, Super Middleweight Contender “I’m going to bring my A-plus game. “I’m not scared of a guy Periban’s size. “This is graduation season. I’m ready to fight for the world title. “I know I’m going to beat Periban. I feel it in my heart.” RONALD GAVRIL, Undefeated Middleweight Contender “My opponent is not a problem for me. “I’m preparing for a show. He better be ready. “It’s an honor to train next to Floyd. I learn from the champion in every way. “Keep your eyes on me. The show is going to begin.” ASHLEY THEOPHANE, Welterweight Contender “I don’t worry about my opponent. I fight my fight. “Experience counts. I’ve been here before. I’m beyond ready. “I’ve never been knocked out before. It’s going to be an action-packed fight. “I’m one win away from the world title. I’m focused. “It’s all about getting the W. “I’m good for another few years. I’m still young and hungry.” LANELL BELLOWS, Super Middleweight Prospect “It’s just another day at the office. We do what we have to do. “I’m working harder now. What happened yesterday is yesterday. “I always strive to push myself further. “He has to be fast enough to hit me. No mater how big or small. “Expect a hungry man. Nothing but the very best. “If I touch you there’s a chance you may be going down. ANDREW TABITI, Undefeated Cruiserweight Prospect “Never give up. I didn’t think I would make it so that’s all I have to say. “It doesn’t stop here. I’m trying to get to the next level.” All photos courtesy of Esther Lin / SHOWTIME # # # “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com. Six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE MOMENT” will also be broadcast on nearly 520 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. -PRESS RELEASE

THE MOMENT Undercard Conference Call Quotes

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody, for joining us we appreciate you being here with us today. Unfortunately, we are going to have to reschedule this call because the fighters have not shown up. April Fools!
We’re joined by a great group of fighters today. They are part of the SHOWTIME PPV undercard for “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” Adrien Broner vs Carlos Molina and also J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban.

Today’s host of the call is none other than Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Office of Mayweather Promotions. Leonard, I’m going to turn it over to you and just so everybody knows, the translator for Mr. Periban today will be Rolando Arellano.

Leonard, take it away from here and we look forward to hearing from the fighters. We are going to start with J’Leon and Marco Antonio Periban and when they’re finished we will connect Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina. So, go ahead, Leonard.

Leonard Ellerbe
First of all I’d like to thank all you guys for joining us on the call today. We have assembled one of the best undercards and best overall cards from top to bottom that I’ve personally seen in many, many years.

In the main event we have Floyd and Maidana, which we all know is going to be a terrific fight. On last week’s call there was Amir Khan and Luis Collazo and most of you guys heard from them. In my opinion, that’s a 50-50 fight. We have two terrific fighters and both of them have a lot of experience and that is going to be a great fight.

But today’s call we have to round out the terrific undercard. We have three-time World Champion Adrien Broner. He’ll be fighting Carlos Molina in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown. To open the Pay-Per-View we have Mayweather Promotions’ own J’Leon Love. He’ll be fighting Marco Antonio Periban in a 10-round super middleweight bout, which will be another great fight.

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana” is sponsored by Corona, Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. When we first announced the main event, obviously, the tickets went like hotcakes. So, there are only a few tickets left.

I’d like to acknowledge none other than Showtime Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
As you correctly pointed out this is, in our opinion and I believe objectively, the biggest event on the boxing calendar. Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME have committed to putting on the best events and the biggest events in boxing on a regular basis.

This event is no exception. A stacked undercard, meaningful fights, great value for the money for fans and I think when we look at a very busy Pay-Per-View calendar this spring and early summer I don’t think anyone can say that our event does not stand out among all of those events as having both the highest profile main event and the highest profile most meaningful undercard lineup that there is.

With that, I will give it back to you, Leonard, so we can move on to the fighters.

L. Ellerbe
I would like to introduce Marco Antonio Periban, who is 20-1 with one draw with 13 KOs out of Mexico City, Mexico. He’s a terrific fighter. He’s one of the top Mexican contenders. He just recently lost a tough fight against the WBC Champion Sakio Bika and it was a great fight.
Marco, he knows he’s in a very tough fight with J’Leon and a win over him puts him right back in the picture to fight for a world title.

Marco Antonio Periban
I want to thank Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME for giving me this grand opportunity on this world stage. I clearly understand that this is a very difficult fight but I’m going to train as hard as I possibly can, enter the ring well prepared, so that the victory will be in my hands.

I understand that Mr. Love is in the way of me capturing my dream of fighting for the world championship. It’s very important for me to become World Champion because by doing so I will be the first Mexican in the history at 168 pounds to ever hold the championship for the WBC.

It’s a fight that I must take the opportunity and be successful in and I can’t let Mr. Love beat me because basically it derails my opportunity to become world champion and to make history for Mexico.

I’m very focused. I want that title. I want that title for Mexico, so you can expect a very focused and determined fighter on March the 3.

L. Ellerbe
Next up we have a terrific young fighter. He’s part of the Mayweather Promotions’ stable. He’s fighting out of Dearborn Heights, Mich.. He’s 17-0 with 10 KOs. He’s coming off of back-to-back impressive performances. In the first fight he fought Lajuan Simon and just recently, Feb. 28, a terrific performance fighting Vladine Biosse and a great fight on ShoBox.

J’Leon will be looking to be very impressive in this fight because he knows that Marco Antonio stands in front of him and his goal of being a world champion. He has a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability, he looks to go out there and put on an impressive performance and a great fight.

J’Leon Love
I want to thank everybody for joining. You know, here it is, another stage. I am on another type of stage like the one we had with Gabriel Rosado and now here we are again with Marco Periban. He’s a tough fighter. I know he’s going to come with his A game. I’m definitely going to come with my A game, and that’s what’s makes fights right there.

I’ve been training extremely hard. I’m definitely focused. It really comes down to May 3. I’m going to put my heart and all my determination into this fight. I know that Marco Antonio Periban is a very tough fighter, very skilled and he has a lot to prove and he has the experience of fighting for a world title.

I have so much respect to him. His talent is respected, but we’re definitely going to come in there and give it our all and make sure we come out victorious. I know that he’s trying to make history for his country. I’m trying to make history for my family and me and do what I have to do to win this fight.

Q
Leonard, how would you say J’Leon has matured and improved and how would you characterize that moment against Gabriel Rosado and how it has made him the fighter he is now?

L. Ellerbe
Fighters go through adversity in their career. Floyd himself went through a tremendous amount of adversity and all fighters go through adversity. I think that experience with the Rosado fight taught him a great deal.

Floyd and I sat him down and we had a very hard conversation with him. I think at that point he made up his mind, he wanted to really commit himself and dedicate himself and not take the opportunity for granted. I think from that point on he completely changed.

I noticed personally the dedication and the hard work that he’s put in and it’s showing up in his last two fights. I think in this fight he’s obviously in a tough fight against Periban, but he’ll be looking to be impressive and I know he will go out and do that.

Q
J’Leon, how have you changed and how has that manifested itself in all aspects of your training, your maturity in the ring, everything?

J. Love
Eventually, everybody needs to grow up. I’ve had my humbling moment and my grow up moment, so sitting there and getting torched by Floyd and Leonard, the conversation was not easy to listen to, but I needed that. I needed that.

I am young. I’m still learning. I’m definitely there mentally and physically. We made the right decisions for our career and I have the best team behind me. It just opened up my eyes and I don’t ever want to take another opportunity for granted again because you may never get them again or you may never know when you’ll get them.

So, it definitely made me train harder. The Rosado fight was an eye-opener, again. That’s something that goes on with your career, a controversial win over Rosado or something like that.

So, who wants that? People say that Rosado won or I won; I don’t want to hear that. That’s something that I have carried on with me for taking something for granted.

I’ve learned a lot and I’ve stepped my game up 1,000 percent and you will see that May 3.

Q
When you say torched, you used the characterization of torched, what impression did that make upon you and how does that manifest itself with the way that you represent yourself in the ring?

J. Love
Well, when I say torched I mean you’re not the greatest fighter here. You know how many fighters would love to be in your position I’m in, to be under the Mayweather Promotions stable and be guided by these very people that I have that I’m guided by.

So, that right there. I see fighters come down to the gym and pray for a moment to sit down and talk to Leonard and Floyd and get that opportunity. And here I am, I’m fumbling with the opportunity and there’s so many guys out there striving and working hard for the opportunity. It was a wake up call. I just have to remain focused, all the outside distractions, just leave it there.

It’ll be there after or whatever. But I have a job to do and my job is to be in the best shape possible, be mentally focused and physically focused for these fights and this is a big opportunity. I’m making a name for myself, from a small time Eastern Michigan, I’m putting all that on the map and this is what I’ve dreamed of since a kid, so this is something that I’ve been waiting on my whole life.

Q
I understand you have taken on some responsibilities within your own family group, can you talk about that?

J. Love
You know, I have nine nieces and nephews and they’re my life. This is the reason why I’m grinding so hard for them and my family, my mom and my sisters and just to show, just put some hard work in, put some dedication in, keep God first, anything can happen.

I never knew these are the cards I’d be dealt with, but here it is. I’m being blessed every day. I took the road; my brother was killed last year in April and I have to take the responsibility. I am the one making money in my family as far as to support them, so I would never hesitate to do that and that’s what I do.

So, my nieces and nephews are my life. I feel like they’re my kids, even though I don’t have any kids of my own. I just take a responsibility of taking care of them.

Q
How is Marco planning on dealing with the J’Leon Love’s skills and what did he learn from his fights against Sakio Bika and Badou Jack?

M. Periban
Love is a very dangerous fighter and he has a lot of technical skills to him, so basically my training is no longer focused on my strength, but basically on the tactics that I’m going to use to fight Love.

From fighting Bika, I learned a lot of things about fighting with a strong fighter thats always moving forward and looking for the knockout. I learned a lot of things, how to neutralize an attack system like he has, how to prepare for a fight like that. The other fight, which was a draw, I learned a lot of things also, that you can’t really leave it to the judges and that you have to use certain techniques at certain times during the fight so that you can take advantage of it. One of the problems that I have is getting sparring in Mexico, because of my size and my strength and I wasn’t that prepared for the Jack fight and basically it showed in the ring.

Q
I want to know if Gabriel Rosado is his toughest fight and if he thinks Marco Antonio Periban can do some things like Rosado?

J. Love
Gabriel Rosado was definitely my toughest fight because I had to face adversity. I’ve been down for the first time in my career and it made me think a lot. I’ve never been in that position before and I haven’t been in that situation since then, so that was definitely one of my toughest fights.
With Periban he has a great skill set. He’s tough, strong, he’s tall, and he’s a rangy fighter. He has a lot of skill and he has a good jab. Anything can happen in this fight and you can’t look past anybody and a guy like him. He can upset a lot of people. He had a great fight with Badou Jack and he had another great fight with Sakio Bika.
He’s young and he’s hungry. He has a lot to prove, like I said earlier and anything can happen in this sport. So, you can’t look past anybody.

Q
How does it feel being willing to be a good guy in a sport where being the bad boy is sometimes more marketable? Why is it important to you to give a good image?

J. Love
I’m just being myself. I don’t want to be like Adrien Broner or Floyd Mayweather. I want to be like J’Leon Love. I’m just a cool guy. I’m laid back. I’m silly at times. That’s just me. I’m not angry. I’m blessed. I’m just happy to be alive. I’m healthy and these opportunities are coming and I’m happy for it. So, there’s nothing to be the bad boy type about. I’m just being myself and do what I’ve got to do.

Q
You mentioned that you had hard time training in Mexico. Was it because you had a hard time getting sparring partners that were your size?

M. Periban
You’re correct. That’s the problem. There are not too many fighters in that division in Mexico and there are not many fighters that are my size, so it’s a little difficult getting sparring partners.

K. Swanson
OK, so that finishes this portion of the call. We want to thank both J’Leon and Marco Antonio Periban for being on the call with us at this time. We wish them a lot of luck and have a great training camp until we see you May 3.

We’ll also be having a media day in Las Vegas for those who want the opportunity to see J’Leon train and get some other comments from him. So, thank you very much, J’Leon and Marco.

You guys can hang up and now we’re going to transition over to the next portion of the call.
Now we have the other fighters on the line. We are joined by Adrien Broner, Carlos Molina and Adrien’s coach, Mike Stafford is also listening in on the call. I’m going to turn it back over to Leonard to make the introductions for this portion of the call.

L. Ellerbe
Next up is a talented young fighter who is coming off of a 17-month layoff and he’ll be looking to hand Adrien his second loss. He has a big following in Southern California. He has a record of 17 wins, with one loss and one draw with 7 KOs. Coming to you out of Norwalk, Calif., none other than Carlos Molina.

Carlos Molina
We’re working hard for this fight. We’re very humbled to get this opportunity to fight on the big fight, on a Mayweather undercard, against Adrien Broner. We’re excited and we’ll be ready come May 3.

L. Ellerbe
Next up is one of the most talented and most talked about fighters in boxing today, a very gifted fighter. He’s a three-time World Champion. He won his first title in November 2011 at 130 pounds. His next came with a tremendous knockout in 2012 against Antonio DeMarco.
In 2013 he did something that was very, very impressive. He moved from 135 to 147 pounds and he fought in a tremendous fight against Paulie Malignaggi, winning his third World Championship only to join Roberto Duran, Roy Jones and Robert Guerrero as the only fighters to win the championship in their first fight after jumping up a weight class.
Just last December he had a minor setback, only to make a major comeback, in his loss to Marcos Maidana and he’ll be looking to come out on May 3 and be very impressive and to show the world why he’s one of the best fighters in the world today. Next up, Adrien “The Problem,” Broner.

Adrien Broner
I’m happy Carlos Molina took this fight, but he might be looking to give me another loss. I hope he doesn’t come to lose, but he’s going to lose.

At the end of the day, everybody is looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy. Well, if you’re looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy, you won’t get it. I’m still the same fresh, flashy, young, rich and famous guy. I’m a young man, and I respect every fighter, but I’m ready to fight.

Q
How familiar are you with Molina? He’s been a very good fighter in his career. He was a good amateur. He did have the loss to Amir Khan. What’s your take on your opponent?

A. Broner
He’s a hell of a fighter. Like I said, I don’t disrespect no boxer. It takes a lot to get inside that square circle and I don’t take any boxer lightly. I just want him to be on his A game May 3.

Q
What do you, as a trainer, have to impart on Adrien going forward in your training camps to make sure what happened in December does not happen in the future?

Mike Stafford
Well, as you know, it’s in Washington, D.C., where Adrien first started training as a pro. So psychologically we kind of went back up here to get down to our roots and see why we’re here. Whatever made sense from where we started to come from is what we want to start back again.
We want to take the same steps. He’s still, to my eye, the three-time World Champion and the champion of the world, so that’s where we want to be. So, that’s why we’re coming back here and doing the things that we used to do and that we will do. Nothing has changed. We’re just hungrier now.

Q
They believe that you’re there to be beaten by Adrien Broner. How does that make you feel and are you motivated by the fact that you are such a huge underdog in this fight coming off of your loss and also the long layoff?

C. Molina
I know the whole world is seeing me as an underdog, but that just motivates me even more. I think I’ve got a lot to prove in this fight. I’m coming off a loss with Amir Khan, so I’m going to go in there and I’ve been extremely hard for this fight so I’m going to give it my all come May 3.

Q
What can we expect different this outing that you learned from your last outing and are you going to be fighting at 140 or are you just trying to test the waters that you can fight three different weight classes?

A. Broner
We’re going to do what’s best for Adrien Broner’s career at that time. This is my first fight televised at 140 pounds, so we’re at 140 right now and we’re going to see where we go from here.

Q
Can you talk about what you learned from your last outing that will help you going forward with this outing? Is there a particular reason that you’re fighting 10 rounds instead of 12?

A. Broner
Like I said, I’m going to fight and I don’t make the rules in my fights. I’m just a fighter. So, with that being said, all I’m doing is training hard and I’m getting ready for May 3.

Q
Are you doing anything different and are you trying to remind everybody that you’re still here?

A. Broner
Anybody taking a loss that I did, it would probably break them. But coming from where I come from, I’m strong mentally and physically so I’m OK. I’m personally proud of myself and I don’t care that a lot of people are looking for me to just go in here and walk over this guy, but at the end of the day they’re forgetting that he’s not just somebody to walk over, he’s a top class fighter.
I can go in there and make the best fighter look like the worst fighter when I’m on my A game. So, you know, after May 3 I just hope I don’t get a lot of criticism for who I’m fighting and the way I make it look.

Q
What do you want this fight to springboard you to in the future? What’s your goal?

A. Broner
After this fight they will see that I’m still ‘The Problem.’ Anybody can get it in the ring. I’m still the same guy.

Q
Is it important to you to be a four-time champion by going to this weight class? Is that something that you aspire to?

A. Broner
Of course. But right now we’re worrying about this strong fighter, who is going to try to come in and take my head off and that’s Carlos Molina. We’re going to take care of business May 3 and then we’ll begin worrying about getting a world title after that. We know it’s on the way, but we’ve got to take it a step at a time.

Q
Can you talk about the mental and physical adjustment of dropping back down in weight?

A. Broner
It’s really not a big change. For me, I’m naturally a lightweight. I can fight in the upper weight class. I’ve got the skills to do it. The weight at 140 was not a problem and being mentally sound is not a problem. I’m focused in the gym, I’ve got a great support system.

Q
What is the comparative relationship between you at 140 and you at 147? Is it better at 140? Is it the same?

A. Broner
I can hit regardless. It doesn’t matter what weight I fight. I can still hit. So, I will showcase my talent and my speed and my power May 3 and I’ll you guys decide.

Q
Mike, what do you see in the comparative relationship between his energy at 140 and 147?

M. Stafford
Well, you know, naturally people say it’s a big jump, which it is, but he’s a talented kid so he did it with talent. He beat Paulie and I’m pretty sure Paulie felt some of his power and I’m pretty sure Maidana did. It was a grueling fight. Maidana didn’t go home glad, he was happy, but inside he felt some of Adrien’s power, too. It was just a couple of punches away, Adrien could have took him out, too.

But, you know, that’s another story. Like Adrien said he’s a natural lightweight and he could make 135, 140 or 147, but we elected to do some things at 140 that nobody had done. We think we can get a title at 140 and maybe at 135, and come back up to 147. It varies.

All the other fighters did it and it’s not, it seems like it’s a big deal when Adrien does anything. But he’s doing everything that everybody else did, Floyd, Jones, Hopkins, all those guys went up and down and they got titles, even Tommy Hearns, all of them.

So, it seems to be, I guess, he’s an outspoken kid so whatever he does everyone knows it, but he’s just doing what every fighter in the past has done. We just want to showcase, we want to give a good fight, give the world a good fight and we just happened to get Floyd to ask us to be on his card. Out of respect to Floyd we appreciate it.

Adrien, we could have taken this fight to Cincinnati. We could have taken this fight to Atlanta, but Adrien’s team and the management team decided, I’m saying we all decided, we will fight. It’s like another treat to the world, you know, and why not fight with Floyd? So, we’re all doing each other favors.

Q
Jumping forward a little bit, pretending he’s not on the phone listening to you, what do you see, what level of greatness, how many titles, how many weight classes do you see him doing well in?

M. Stafford
Adrien is going to do well in any weight class that he tries. The only one that can beat Adrien Broner is Adrien Broner. He said that plenty enough times and right now, he’s focused and he’s ready to show the world that he is one of the top fighters in America today.

Q
Floyd Mayweather said he’d like to see you focus more on boxing and less on things like social media and Hip Hop. Are you focusing more exclusively on your fighting career right now?

A. Broner
At the end of the day, I’m going to do whatever makes Adrien Broner happy. Of course, I listen to my big brother a lot. We talk every day and he tells me things that aren’t on the Internet or not on the social website. So, he and I have a great understanding and I’m doing great.

Q
Carlos, real quick, do you feel you’re not getting the attention you deserve right now?

C. Molina
You know what, it doesn’t bother me at all. He’s a three-time world champion. He’s the one that’s supposed to put on a show, so I’m right here, just working hard and getting ready for May 3.

K. Swanson
Okay, great. Leonard, do you want to take us out with a final farewell and also any comments from the fighters before we wrap this up. Why don’t we start with Adrien. Do you have anything to just finish the call up with, any last thoughts on your fight May 3?

A. Broner
I’m really not here to talk trash because he doesn’t talk trash, so I can’t talk trash to somebody that don’t talk trash to me. Like I said before, I just want him to be on his A game because this is not only just a fight for me. This is one of the biggest fights in the world because literally they’re looking at me to take over the game after my big brother is done with boxing. Coming off a loss they want to see what I come back and do and they can’t wait to see me on TV again. I know there’s a lot of people that dislike the things that I do, but there’s a lot of people that love the things that I do and they want to see Adrien Broner back on top and I will not disappoint them and anybody who wants to see me.

K. Swanson
Carlos, do you have any last comments?

C. Molina
Yes, I’m just going to continue to work hard and give you guys a great show come May 3. I know what’s on the line. I’m fighting a world-class fighter, so I’m going to give it my all.

K. Swanson
Leonard, do you have any final comments?

L. Ellerbe
Yes, after having the pleasure of listening to Adrien Broner, Carlos Molina, J’Leon Love and Marco Antonio Periban, I can assure you that THE MOMENT undercard is going to be a “Must See.”
# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” isa 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Love, Pearson win, Jack upset by Edwards on ShoBox

Friday night in Verona NY, Shobox featured three undefeated fighters in showcase bouts. In the main event 26 year old super middleweight J’Leon Love (17-0, 1 NC, 10 knockouts) outclassed Vladine Biosse (15-3-2, 7 KOs) en route to a 10th round TKO. Time of the stoppage was 0:45.

Love dominated the fight throughout. He hurt Biosse on numerous occasions. It was an ugly fight at times with both men being cut in the fight.

This was a solid performance for Love who nows looks ahead for a bigger fight.

In a shocking upset Derek Edwards (27-3-1, 14 KOs) scored a spectacular first round knockout over previously undefeated Badou Jack (16-1-1, 11 KOs)

The 34 year old Edwards landed a massive overhand right hand that Jack walked right into. Jack was hurt really bad but beat the count.

Edwards landed another right hand that put Jack down again and the referee stopped the fight. Time of the stoppage was 1:01 in round one.

Edwards was stopped by Adonis Stevenson in round three in 2011. He was also stopped by Matt Korobov in round nine in his last fight. This is the biggest victory of his career.

This was a big setback for Jack who was said to be in line for a match against James DeGale in a title elimination bout possibly underneath Mayweather’s PPV in May.

23 year old prospect Christopher Pearson (14-0, 10 KOs) stepped up in competition against tough veteran Lanardo Tyner (31-9-2, 20 KOs) and scored a split decision. The judges scored the bout 76-75 for Tyner, while two judges had it 78-73 for Pearson.

Pearson landed more punches while Tyner landed the more impactful punches.

Tyner knocked Pearson down in round six. It started with an overhand right that rocked Pearson then Tyner landed a barrage of punches that sent Pearson to the canvas.

It was a closer fight than the judges scored it. This should be a good learning experience for Pearson.

The card was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and televised on Showtime.

-David Lopez / @PRLopez333

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com

Photo courtesy of Tom Casino / Showtime

Weights from Turning Stone

Tomorrow night at Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Mayweather Promotions returns to ShoBox with a tripleheader featuring their young talent. Headlining the card is super middleweight J’Leon Love against lightly regarded Vladine Biosse in a ten-round bout. Love (16-0, 1 NC, 9 knockouts) weighed in at 168 pounds and Biosse (15-2-2, 7 KOs) weighed in at 169.

In the co-feature, unbeaten Badou Jack looks to stay on track as he faces Derek Edwards in a ten-round super middleweight bout. Jack (16-0-1, 11 KOs) and Edwards (26-3-1, 13 KOs) both weighed in at 168 pounds.

Explosive junior middleweight Chris Pearson is in the televised opener and returns against veteran Lanardo Tyner in an eight-round bout. Pearson (10-0, 9 KOs) weighed in at 156 and Tyner (31-8-1, 20 KOs) came in at 154.

In the untelevised bouts are a number of young prospects. Luis Arias (8-0, 4 KOs), 162.5, meets Dashon Johnson (15-14-3, 5 KOs), 166.5 in an eight-round super middleweight bout; junior featherweight John Franklin (6-0, 3 KOs), 119.5, faces Jesus Bayron (5-9, 4 KOs), 121, in an eight round bout; debuting welterweight Ladarius Miller, 144, faces Douglas Rosales (0-2), 146, in a four-rounder; Andrew Tabiti (4-0, 4 KOs), 193, meets Dorian Hatcher (1-6), 198, in a four-round bout.

Below is some video footage of the weigh-in that took place on Friday.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com

Love ready to begin 2014 with a bang on ShoBox this Friday

J’Leon Love endured a difficult 2013 and although he remained unbeaten throughout, the year did not pass without loss. His name became synonymous with ‘cheating’ following his fight with Gabriel Rosado back in May, and a hard earned victory was overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and declared a no-contest. Love, fighting primarily at middleweight, was initially a pound and a half over the 160 pound limit and was found to have used a banned diuretic in order to meet the weight, at the second time of asking. There are many times when a fighter can simply grow out of a division, others when a lack of discipline is the culprit. In this instance, the plot is a little thicker.

“I had never had a problem making weight until my fight with Rosado and I was just going through a lot,” said Love “I had lost my brother during camp, he was shot and killed and I was going back and forth, taking care of business at home, burial arrangements and things of that nature. He had nine kids, so I had to do things for them, buy suits, haircuts, clothes, shoes, things that a parent would have to do was now my responsibility. They are my nieces and nephews. I don’t want them to ‘want’ for anything.”

“But with all of that, and trying to focus  on the fight, my mind just wasn’t there and my body wasn’t responding the way it was supposed to. It was just hard for me, man. I just had a lot going on. I was depressed. I honestly didn’t care about the fight. I just wanted to fight. People can say they are excuses but you would only have to be in my shoes to know exactly what kind of predicament I was in.”

Understandable.

Talking to Love is refreshing and genuine, and his views on life are reserved for those who have battled adversity and endured tragedy. “You know what?,” he said “God puts you in different situations, that’s how I put it, he don’t put people in no situations that they can’t handle, and I have been through a lot in my life. I feel like I have accepted losing a family member, my brother, and I know he’s in a better place. It’s time to focus. I got sidetracked, and even just being in the position I’m in, to have a great promoter like Floyd Mayweather, to be making crazy money, to be doing the things I’m doing, anybody could get sidetracked. I have had some humbling moments though, and learned that if you don’t keep sight of what you really want, it is easy to fall off track, and that’s what happened.”

Love (16-0, 9 knockouts), was back on track in December of last year following a suspension. He overcame Lajuan Simon in the sixth round of their contest with a brutal and impressive knockout of the two-time world title challenger. “Lajuan Simon was a veteran fighter, man. A guy that has been in there with a lot of big names, a former title challenger, it was definitely an honor to share the ring with him. Obviously, there was more at stake, it was my first fight back and I definitely had to make a statement. It sucks it had to be Lajuan Simon but I had to do what I had to do.”

Love did make a statement. He had to work hard at times throughout the contest which meant he displayed many of his technical qualities en route to his win. The knockout, and the hunger he showed to score it however, should be the worry for his peers at middleweight. “I was just enjoying myself in there, you gotta have fun in this sport. Obviously you can get hurt but you have to enjoy it, so that’s exactly what I did. I love what I do. It’s not a job to me, it’s my passion, it’s my life and, you know, I put all my hard work and dedication into it.”

The boxer-puncher will square off against Vladine Biosse (15-2-2) when ‘The Money Team’ head to the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY., this Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation. It will be his first fight of the year and, although Biosse is capable, one would expect a victory. “He’s a very awkward southpaw fighter. A very good fighter and I have watched a lot of film on him and I can’t knock him. He’s doing good things in the sport, he’s had some minor setbacks but that just makes somebody hungry. If you beat me, your in contention for a lot of things so I can’t let that happen. I got a lot at stake,” said Love “I take my hat off to him, as far as making this fight happen, and we are just looking to put on a great show for the fans and, you know, may the best man win.”

A win for Love would be another step forward on the road to redemption. Boxing critics and fans alike can be a fickle bunch and back-to-back victories over reputable competition should erase the memory of what is probably best forgotten.

-Terence Strawson / [email protected]

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com

Love, Bey return to ShoBox on Feb. 28

Mayweather Promotions will return on ShoBox: The New Generation on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY, as middleweight J’Leon Love and lightweight Mickey Bey look to continue rebounding from setbacks they suffered in 2013.

Last December, Love (16-0, 9 knockouts) and Bey (19-1-1, 10 KOs) both came back from their first bit of professional adversity as the two fought on the season finale of ShoBox. Love had previously been suspended for using a diuretic leading up to his May bout over Gabriel Rosado, resulting in that fight being changed to a no contest and Lovr being suspended. Bey was knocked out by John Molina in July in the final round of a bout he was leading going away on the scorecards.

Love will face Vladine Biosse, the fighter confirmed to Behind The Gloves on Friday night. The 31-year old Biosse (15-2-2, 7 KOs) from Providence, RI has fought all but one of his fights in either Rhode Island or Connecticut.

Bey’s opponent has yet to be announced. Expect many of the other young fighters in the Mayweather Promotions stable to appear on the card, such as top prospect Chris Pearson.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES UPDATED FIGHT CARD 
FOR THE FRIDAY, DEC. 6 “LITTLE CREEK BRAWL” 
AT LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT IN SHELTON, WASH.

LIVE ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME^®

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 26, 2013) – Mayweather Promotions is pleased to announce the near completion of the “The Little Creek Brawl” fight card headlined by middleweight contender J’Leon Love (15-0, 8 KO’s) against Philadelphia’s LaJuan Simon (23-4-2, 12 KO’s) on Friday, Dec. 6 from Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Wash., live on ShoBox: The New Generation.  The night will feature Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars from top to bottom.

Mickey Bey (18-1-1, 9 KO’s), Badou Jack (15-0-1, 10 KO’s) and Chris Pearson (9-0, 8 KO’s) will face Barinas, Venezuela’s Carlos Cardenas (20-6-1, 13 KO’s), Hermosillo Mexico’s Rogelio Medina (31-4, 25 KO’s) and Santa Catarina, Brazil’s Acacio Ferreira (14-0-1, 12 KO’s) respectively in the televised portion of the event.

The live SHOWTIME telecast will begin at 11:50 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) following the SHOWTIME theatrical premiere of Sinister.

Tickets priced at $100, $50 and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees and service are available by calling 1-800-667-7711 or online at www.little-creek.com.

London’s Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (33-6-1 10 KO’s) is coming off of a hard fought split-decision against Pablo Cesar Cano as part of “THE ONE: Mayweather vs. Canelo” undercard. The experienced Theophane will go up against the Nigerian Robert Osiobe (14-7-4 6 KO’s).

The brother of Mickey Bey, Cortez Bey (8-1-1 4 KO’s)will make his return to the ring in a junior welterweight bout. Making his first appearance in 2013, Bey has not fought since he battled to a hard-fought draw against Marcos Herrera. He will look to make a strong comeback against John Grimaldo on Dec. 6.

Additionally, Lanell “Mr. Knocc Out Professional” Bellows (6-0-1 5 KO’s) is looking forward to his six-round super middleweight bout against Seattle native Eddie Hunter (8-9-2, 2 KO’s). With two straight wins since turning pro, Andrew Tabiti of Chicago, IL (2-0) will look to extend his streak when he faces Justin Davis (0-1) from Ft. Benning, Georgia in a four-round cruiserweight bout. Undefeated Luis “Cuba” Arias (7-0 3 KO’s) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin takes on Cameron Allen (5-13 3 KO’s) of Battle Creek, Mich. in an eight-round super middleweight bout.