BLK Prime Unites with Integrated Sports to Distribute Crawford vs. Avanesyan Pay Per View on Cable and Satellite Outlets
BLK Prime has united with Integrated Sports to distribute the highly anticipated showdown between Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) and David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs), taking place at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, on December 10. Superstar Cris Cyborg (1-0, 1 KO) is scheduled to make her U.S. boxing debut in the co-main event special feature attraction.
The event will be distributed by BLK Prime and Integrated Sports across the United States live on Cable & Satellite pay-per-view via iNDEMAND, (Comcast, Charter and all major cable outlets), DIRECTV and DISH priced at $39.99. Additionally, it will also be broadcast via Digital PPV on BLKPrime.com and PPV.com. A live PPV preshow starts at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
CRAWFORD VS. AVANESYAN DATE, START TIME
- Date: Saturday, December 10
- Preliminary Card: 5.30 p.m. ET / 10.30 p.m. GMT
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 9 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT
- The fight will be broadcast on BLKPrime.com and through cable and satellite providers which provide the PPV service, at a price of $39.99.
- The preliminary card is set to get underway at 5.30 p.m. ET / 10.30 p.m. GMT with the Crawford vs. Avanesyan ringwalks scheduled for 9 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT.
- The fight will be staged at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
“We wanted to make the Crawford vs. Avanesyan PPV available for the masses, so we made the decision to go the traditional route with cable and satellite, in addition to our BLK Prime app,” said Sam Katkovski of BLK Prime. “Integrated Sports has been in the business for many years and has the experience to hit all corners of the United States. We are happy to be partnering with them and we look forward to a great night of boxing on December 10.”
“We’re excited to be distributing Crawford-Avanesyan to boxing fans throughout the U.S.,” Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs said. “Crawford is arguably the No. 1 pound-for-pound champion in the world. And Cris Cyborg may be the greatest female MMA fighter of all-time. It’ll be interesting for MMA fans to watch her box and we are excited to be part of the BLK Prime movement to make all the big fights happen.”
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from the B & B Boxing Academy.
TERENCE CRAWFORD
“Training was great, we had an awesome training camp, and pre-camp before we went to Colorado Springs. My thing is to keep doing what I’ve been doing, which is winning in a tremendous fashion, and everything else will fall into place.”
“I’m getting restless thinking about Saturday, it’s a job that I’ve done for a long time and as used to it as I am, I’m still really excited about this one in my hometown. I’m sure there will be a lot of first-time boxing fans who haven’t been able to see me live, and they’ll get the opportunity to see me right in their backyards.”
“My camp is like a family, when one fights, we all fight. There are four of us on this card, which is great for us, but at the same time, it gets us pushing each other that much harder. We’re able to make sure each one of us is healthy, prepared mentally and physically, and ready to go out there and perform at our best.”
CRIS CYBORG
It’s my second boxing fight, my first was in Brazil and it was a great experience. I always like to think it’s best to keep myself ready, a fight can come up at any time, and I’m able to take on these fights because I stay ready. I’m really excited about Saturday, getting another chance in the boxing ring will be great.
I think one of my strengths for my entire 18-year MMA career is that I am always looking to knock opponents out and I always have to defend takedowns in MMA. Now in boxing, I don’t have to worry about those takedown moves. In terms of power, I definitely have that punching power. I know the stance is different in boxing from MMA, but I always was prepared with the fight stance in MMA.
STEVEN NELSON
“It’s my first fight since I tore my achilles, my first fight in 26 months. I’ve been putting an extra focus on my rest, recovery, and taking care of my body with the same level of attention as I have on my training. Being 17-0 with 14 knockouts, I’m feeling really strong going into Saturday, very prepared, and excited to defend my undefeated record against Ballard.”
“I’m so excited to be back at home. After two years off, it’s going to be a special night. I’m going to make my mom proud. When my hand goes up after the final bell rings, I’ll know she’s going to be proud.”
“Omaha has the best fans in the world. Whether they’re boxing fans or not, I know that Omaha will show up and show out for Bud (Terence) and me. It’s going to be a big party when the hometown stars keep the wins rolling in.”
“It’s so special to be a part of the launch of BLK Prime into boxing. I feel like a pioneer, me and Bud and everyone on the card pioneered BLK Prime. It’s the first event, looking like it’ll be a sellout, it’s going to be an awesome night. I’m looking forward to it. To all the other boxers out there, BLK Prime takes care of its people, takes care of its fighters. From the negotiations to everything, even today’s media workout, it’s different from the others and they really care for their people.”
Bud Crawford – Avanesyan Undercard
The undercard for the highly anticipated BLK Prime PPV fight between Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) and David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs), taking place at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, on December 10, is set. Cris Cyborg (1-0, 1 KO) is scheduled to make her U.S. boxing debut in the co-main event special feature attraction.
Crawford vs. Avanesyan, a 12-round WBO welterweight world title clash, will stream live on BLK Prime for the price of $39.99. BLK Prime, a Silicon Valley-based tech company, is a subscription video-on-demand platform that utilizes elite technology to bring the best picture-perfect stream available. The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
In a scheduled 10-round featherweight war, Arnold Khegai (18-1-1, 11 KOs) of Odessa, Ukraine, will challenge battle-tested warrior Eduardo Baez (21-3-2, 7 KOs), of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.
Undefeated heavyweight Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton (7-0, 6 KOs), of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will go toe-to-toe against Dajuan Calloway (5-1, 5 KOs), of Warrensville, Ohio, in a scheduled 6-round bout.
Opening the PPV telecast will be a scheduled 8-round light heavyweight bout, showcasing Steven Nelson (17-0, 14 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska, vs. James Ballard (10-4, 3 KOs) of Detroit, Michigan.
Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $125, $200, $350, and $500 for Crawford vs. Avanesyan are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. This event is promoted by NextGen Boxing, Bash Boxing, and BLK Prime. Doors open at 4:30 pm CT with the first fight starting at 5:30 pm CT.
Khegai has a fan-friendly style and always comes forward with aggressive pressure. His lone defeat is at the hands of two-time world champion, Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), a fight that went twelve full rounds. A victory against Baez will get him right back into world title contention.
“Baez stands in the way of my goal to become a world champion,” said Khegai. “He’s fought at the championship level and beating him will get me one step closer to landing a big fight. I must win this fight to stay relevant in the world title picture.”
Baez, known for his tremendous toughness, is coming into this fight with his back against the wall. In his last outing, he challenged the monstrous Emanuel Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) for his WBO world title, a fight where he got caught with a solid body blow. With nothing to lose, Baez sees this fight as a do-or-die situation.
“I must win this fight, and I’m going to do everything possible to come out on top,” Baez stated. “Khegai is not invincible, he’s been beaten before. I have the
experience needed to win this fight. Those tuning in will see an all-out war, I’m going to make this a Mexican-style slugfest.”
Milton, recognized for his heavy hands, stands 6′ 4″. He trains out of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he’s shared the ring with Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Joy Joyce, along with a bunch of other top heavyweights. In addition, Milton has multiple knockouts that have gone viral on the internet.
“Five fights in one year because I had to! I wouldn’t want to end the year any other way. Make sure to drop my name whenever they ask who got next. Dreamland Milton from Tulsa Oklahoma, representing Black Wall St. on BLK Prime.”
Calloway has never been stopped and all his wins have come by way of knockout. Standing 6′ 3″, Calloway has the power and durability to give Milton his stiffest test to date.
“Going into any fight, my goal is always to score a knockout, and that will be the case when I step in the ring with Milton,” said Calloway. “I’m excited to be
fighting on a great card, especially with Terence Crawford, who is the pound-for-pound king right now.”
Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran and former member of the Army World Class Athlete program, is a hometown hero and local fan favorite. He vows to come out victorious with a spectacular performance.
“Fighting at home in Omaha is a blessing and the CHI Health Center is always electrifying,” said Nelson. “It’s been two years since my last fight but I’m more than ready to leave everything in the ring against Ballard,” said Nelson. “Winning this fight will put me back in the rankings and in line to fight for a title in the near future. I’ve been training with Terence and the B&B team in Colorado Springs, so best believe I’ll be in the best shape of my life.”
Ballard has faced stiff opposition in his last three fights and is ready for the challenge that is in front of him. He feels he’s gained valuable experience throughout his career that will help him win this fight.
“I’ve learned more from my losses than my wins and the experience I’ve gained is what I believe will be the difference in this fight,” said Ballard. “I’m coming into this fight in great shape, and I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions.”
UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Light Heavyweight Edel Gomez (6-0, 6 KOs) of Fremont, Nebraska, will take on Joseph Aguilar (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Portland, Oregon. (8-rounds)
Welterweight Boubacar Sylla (12-0, 7 KOs), of Cincinnati, Ohio, will look to stay unbeaten when faces Javier Mayoral (4-2, 1 KO), of New Orleans, Louisiana. (6-rounds)
Lightweight Alan Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs), of Ulysses, Kansas, will battle a fighter TBA. (6-rounds)
Super Bantamweight Robert Rodriguez (10-1-2, 5 KOs), of Riverside, California, squares off against Jose Lopez (3-2-1), of Ridgewood, New York. (6-rounds)
Opening the card will be a welterweight bout between Alton Alik Wiggins (Pro Debut), of Oakland, California, vs. Phillip Carmouche (2-3), of Las Vegas, Nevada. (4-rounds)
Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) will make his triumphant return to the ring when he battles WBO #6 ranked David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs) at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb. on December 10, 2022. The 12-round bout will air live on BLK Prime PPV, with Crawford’s WBO welterweight title on the line.
David Avanesyan Addresses Upcoming Terence Crawford PPV Showdown
“I’m going into this fight with a lot to prove as no one is giving me a chance to win, but he has a lot on his plate. He’s got a lot of distractions, and none of the interviewers ask him about me. It is always about the fight that didn’t happen or other stuff. I am more focused than ever, and coming in as a massive underdog, is just the way I like it. I was in camp already and got to extend my camp for a month or so, which was perfect. I will be the mentally stronger fighter on Dec.10th.”
“A win against the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in boxing, will make one of the biggest names in the sport. I would become a household name and a top-5 pound-for-pound fighter. These are motivations, I get to take everything Crawford worked for, and I will.” Beating Terence Crawford will change my life forever. I am better than ever, and I am about to be the one that everyone in boxing talks about.”
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for my family and me, one I will not take for granted,” said Avanesyan, who is currently training in Nottinghamshire, England. “I know going in that I’m a huge underdog and no one is giving me a chance, but let me tell you, I’m going to surprise everyone watching. I’ve had enough time to prepare, so I’ll be ready for the southpaw.”
“There’s a reason Terence Crawford is considered the best fighter in boxing, his skill set is amazing, and he knows how to win. I know my hands are full, but I’m going to do everything I can to become a world champion. I need to stick to the game plan we have in place, and if adjustments need to be made during the fight, I will have to make them.”
“As I’ve matured in boxing, I’ve learned a lot of tricks that have helped me become the fighter I am today. Coming from the amateur ranks, I had to learn how to sit on my punches correctly, which can take a lifetime for some fighters. The bad habits that plagued me early in my career, are now fixed. Today I’m a completely different fighter in the ring, and my last six fights have shown my growth when it comes to my power punching. I believe my aggressive style is going to give Crawford problems.”
“I’m coming into hostile territory, his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, all his fans will be there in abundance. I’ve fought most of my career in people’s backyards, and I love it because it gives me an extra buzz. This is what being an underdog is all about. When I walk out of the arena with a monumental victory, I believe I will win his fans over.”
A former WBA interim champion, Avanesyan enters this welterweight title bout on a six-fight stoppage streak dating back to 2019 when he captured the European welterweight championship. He defended that title five times before he recently decided to vacate and challenge Crawford for his WBO crown. Considered by many boxing connoisseurs as a legitimate welterweight contender, Avanesyan is ranked top ten by three of the recognized sanctioning organizations.
CRAWFORD VS. AVANESYAN FIGHT CARD
- Terence Crawford vs. David Avanesyan; For Crawford’s WBO welterweight title
- Cris Cyborg vs. Gabrielle Holloway; Welterweight
- Arnold Khegai vs. Eduardo Baez; Featherweight
- Jeremiah Milton vs. Dajuan Calloway; N/A
- Steven Nelson v. James Ballard; Light heavyweight
- Edel Gomez vs. Joseph Aguilar; Light heavyweight
- Boubacar Sylla vs. Javier Mayoral; Welterweight
- Robert Rodriguez vs. Jose Lopez; Junior featherweight
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