Espinoza: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 will likely be biggest fight of the year

By Boxing News - 09/10/2014 - Comments

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re thrilled to be back here at MGM Grand again, this has become SHOWTIME’s home away from home. This is our fourth event that SHOWTIME is televising from this venue this year, the most of any venue and the sixth in the past two years.

“There’s no doubt that this Saturday ‘Mayweather vs. Maidana 2’ will be most likely the biggest fight of the year.

“No matter what the result is, I guarantee that the fight will be historic. Historic because what we are watching will be unprecedented. We all know about Floyd’s success, undefeated record, fighter of the year awards. But consider this, Floyd Mayweather has been ranked in the top-10 by Ring Magazine consecutively and continuously since March of 1998. He’s been in the top10 for 16 years which is unprecedented in another sport, and that’s not to mention multiple years of being the consensus pound-for-pound king.

“But to be candid, Marcos Maidana couldn’t care less about Floyd’s accolades. Back in May, Maidana gave Floyd perhaps the toughest fight of his career, 12 grueling hard- fought rounds. Then Floyd surprised many of us by saying he wanted the rematch. Maidana is one of the most accomplished fighters that Floyd has ever fought, and personally I can’t wait.’’

RICHARD STURM, President of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International

“We’re excited for this highly anticipated rematch. Floyd Mayweather will look to push his undefeated record to 47-0. We all know this will be another hard test as Marcos Maidana looks to avenge his hard-fought loss back in May.

“Las Vegas frequently plays host to a number of large number of major sports and entertainment events. This weekend MGM Resorts will once again play a critical role in the Las Vegas experience as we celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend.”

BOB BENNETT, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission

“We are honored and elated to regulate this great fight. I want to thank everyone involved for putting on this electric and exciting fight in the fight capital of the world.

“I would like to recognize Mr. Mayweather and Mr. Maidana and all the fighters who will be putting forth a gallant effort come this Saturday night. Without them this event would not be possible and I would like all the fighters to know that we wish them all the very best. ‘’

Andrade – Korobov ordered for WBO Middleweight title

NEW YORK (September 10, 2014)– The World Boxing Organization ordered a bout between Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KO’s) andMatt Korobov (24-0, 14 KO’s) to fight for the vacant Middleweight championship.

“We are very happy and delighted that the WBO has given Demetrius Andrade this great opportunity to fight for the Middleweight world title,” said Banner Promotions CEO Artie Pelullo.

“It’s a great opportunity for Demetrius to become a two-division world champion. Matt Korobov and Demetrius Andrade were both 2007 world amateur champions & 2008 Olympians. Demetrius from the United States and Korobov from Russia. As professionals they are both undefeated and their paths will finally cross.”

“My partner Joe DeGuardia and I will get on the phone and call Bob Arum, who promotes Korobov and try to make this fight happen this Fall.”

“I am pleased that the WBO has granted Demetrius the opportunity to add another World Championship to his impressive accomplishments. We hope and expect that this will be the second of many more Championships that he will acquire”
said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia

“I would like to thank the WBO for having faith in us and giving us the opportunity,” said Andrade’s father/trainer Paul Andrade.



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