With the WBC World Super Middleweigth belt on the line Badou Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) will face off against Lucian Bute (32-3, 25 KOs) tonight in Washington D.C.
The undercard is solid too. James DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) defends his IBF World Super Middleweight title against Rogelio Medina (36-6, 30 KOs).
As always, scroll on down for the live blog. Keep reading for the press release from Showtime.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 28, 2016) – Four of the top super middleweights in the world shared a stage Thursday afternoon as Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale and Rogelio Medina participated in the final press conference for their fights this Saturday, April 30 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the DC Armory in Wash28ington, D.C.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIMEâ and features the WBC champion Jack battling the former champion Bute, while the IBF titleholder DeGale takes on the top rated contender Medina. The winners of these fights have agreed to meet in a world title unification later this year.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in
association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
BADOU JACK
“Both of us can punch, both of us can box. Anything can happen inside of that ring. I’m always ready to go 12 rounds. Everyone knows that I’m always in shape.
“Anything can happen, but I want to fight James DeGale. First I have to take care of business with Lucian Bute. Both of us are in our primes. We’re young and confident and it would be a great fight.
“I have to take care of this former champion. He’s a really good fighter. Some people say it’s a 50-50 fight so I have to take this very seriously.
“I’m still training and preparing for this fight like I’m the challenger. That’s how I prepare for every fight and this is no different.
“A lot of people wrote me off and I came back stronger. I love when people doubt me. I come back stronger and show people I’m a world class fighter.
“I’ve always believed in myself. I’m mentally strong and I work hard. I had a setback but it just made me hungrier and it made me a better fighter.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“I’m thankful for this big opportunity to fight for the WBC title. My training camp was very good. I feel stronger. It’s two days until the big stage.
“I worked very hard for this opportunity. To be a two-time champion is a dream. On Saturday night you will see a new champion.
“I feel great. The pressure is not on my shoulders now. I’m not the champion, I’m the outsider. Badou is the champion and I think the pressure is on him. I came to Washington D.C. to perform, give the fans a good show Saturday night and the chance to become a champion for the second time
“I put on a good show against DeGale and that’s what led to this shot. I’m very blessed to be in this fight for a world title.
The fights are on Showtime at 10 p.m. Let’s see some faces get bashed in.
