#Victor can take over the whole champion thing :p

[praise-suns-and-chill]

Replaying Sword and Shield

I am not quite sure why, I thought about restarting X/Y first, and actually did, but since my plan for a X/Y Legends fanfic seems obsolete now, I guess I am looking for alternative ideas xD

Bede deserved better. He's a little twat but in the end he was just taken advantage of and dropped when he stopped being useful. I just like this little tsundere cottoncandyball

Also, just did the Isle of Armor questline, never actually did before. It's fun, I like it! Kubfu is cute af and it's evolution is now permanently on my team, OG Ogerpon but we didn't need to be involuntary assholes to get it, its ours and we don't need to feel bad about it.

I prefer that!

My girl Glory, and

Her current Team

#pokemon swsh #pokemon bede #pokemon gloria #kubfu #glory in my hc would prefer to be a gym leader ngl #I would also love a game where we just stick to becoming a gym leader #or an elite 4 #she wouldn't be able to decide between water or poison type gym though #she'd flip flop and try to convince everyone that gyms should be allowed to have double types xD #sadly only champions get the more than one type team privilidge xD #she'd be happy enough just being Bede's rival to compete for strongest gym leader in the region #Victor can take over the whole champion thing :p #need to start up Shield to create her brother some time...

[eeemarvel]

Unfortunately, I can’t do a completely linear power ranking with these guys. BUT, I’ll do my best ❤️

A while back, I said I would do a doodle explaining how strength works in my world and I never ever did because I have the attention span of a squirrel and also I’m pretty busy. This is the scale though:

1. People with no abilities at all; absolutely normal. Now, this doesn’t count mutants who may not have “abilities” but still have extra arms or wings and stuff. Iron Angel is a normal mutant.

2. People with “psychic” abilities who have powers related to their mind. There are rare instances in which a psychic doesn’t have “enhanced” strength but for the most part, psychics can lift a car after some good stretching. This is Yuuri K.

3. People with elemental abilities like Victor. Usually, elementals don’t have enhanced strength but in super rare cases they do, making them a force to be reckoned with ❤️

4. And then some people are just MASSIVELY strong. Like Axle who can lift Yuuri, the car that Yuuri was holding, and the truck that was behind it. JJ is also massively strong, on par with Axle, but he’s special, and we’ll explore him later in the fic.

SO. The Question.

Yuuri is physically the strongest out of all of them. Yakov, who has a psychic ability also has enhanced strength, but he’s older now, and Yuuri could beat him in a test of strength because of his age, endurance, etc. It should also be noted that Yuuri has rarely ever practiced using his power (in the rare instances when he has used it, he felt weak and light headed afterwards). Yakov doesn’t have this problem (Victor and Yuri P. give him ample opportunity to practice the old “shut up and sit down”😭😂) . Yuuri does have potential to match Yakov in this aspect because his power is similar to Yakov’s in a way. Boss takes away others’ abilities and Yuuri makes his opponents do what he tells them to do. (We’ve seen it first with Victor, and then again more clearly with Chris. People are putty in Yuuri’s hands) With some practice, guidance, and confidence, he’ll be formidable.

Victor has fantastic control over a wide spectrum of varied abilities. Whenever a new one pops up unexpectedly, like when he was able to race across the sky as a glorified cloud lol, or when that electric switch was flipped inside him, he’s able to get the hang of using those abilities almost instantly. He’s very in tune with how his powers work and how they connect with his mind and the world around him. That kind of makes up for the power difference when it comes to strength, speed, endurance, etc. So he may not be able to lift nearly as much as JJ or even Yakov, but he can still trash the whole gym in a deluge in seconds so like.... his opponents better be able to swim. Victor can still carry Yuuri bridal style if he wants to though ❤️

Iron Angel is the strongest combatant by far out of this whole list. She has formal training from the Guild of Champions which was briefly introduced. No spoilers, but that place is no joke. Lilia is no joke, even in her old age. She may be physically weaker than Yakov and the others but he wouldn’t stand a chance against her in a fight. She has no ability for him to take away so the only thing he would have going for him is his own combat knowledge and ability which is inferior to hers even if he is a top ranking hero and combatant in his own way. Boss’ thing was being able to neutralize large chaotic situations involving a bunch of super powered villains/criminals while Lilia’s thing was being able to take down someone who was 10x more powerful than anyone else in the room, including herself in a way that was efficient, creative, and potentially deadly.

So, everybody gets a big trophy from me lol🏆🏆🏆

I hope that all made sense. I was telling my brother yesterday that I had no idea what possessed me to write this fic. And then when he asked what it was a fic for, he spit out his drink when i said yes to him JOKINGLY guessing YOI 😭😭😭

#yoi #yuuri on ice #yuri on ice #victor nikiforov #lilia baranovskaya #yakov feltsman #boss #iron angel #red specter #winter torch #character ask #asks #whats’s good #answered #ask answered #hr answered #which character #oc #oc asks #oc ask meme #character asks #character ask meme #hr #hero reform

[eng-hypnosismic]

[TL] ENG - Me Against The World

[pouring liquid]

Lady (from TV): The victor of the Mad Trigger Crew vs. Matenrou battle has been determined to be Matenrou! As the victor, Matenrou will receive a reward and until the next division rap battle-

[TV turns off]

[pulls back curtains]

Jakurai: We were somehow able to win, however, Samatoki’s team… has quite the skill. We were able to win by a hair’s breadth this time, but what of the next time? It wouldn’t be odd if Ichiro-kun’s or Amemura-kun’s teams won; that’s how close we were in terms of power.

[drinks]

Jakurai: If The Dirty Dawg made one last stand, perhaps Chuuouku would…

Jakurai: (laughs) I haven’t truly forgiven him yet, what am I thinking?

[doorbell rings]

Hifumi: Sensei~ Morning~ Are you awake~?

Doppo: Hifumi! Stop that! What if he’s still asleep?!

[walks towards door]

[opens door]

Jakurai: Good morning, you two. Whatever is the matter?

Hifumi: Sensei! We really did win, right?! It wasn’t a dream, right?!

Doppo: S-Sorry, Sensei. Ever since he woke up, he’s been like this the whole time. He said that he wouldn’t believe it until he confirmed it with you.

Jakurai: Haha. It’s all thanks to the hard work of you two. There is no mistaking it, we are the champions.

Hifumi: For reeeeaaals?!?! Yahoo!

Doppo: Hifumi! There are other guests! Don’t shout!

Jakurai: Let’s not talk while standing. Feel free to enter.

Hifumi: Thanks much, Sensei!

Doppo: I’m sorry. Pardon the intrusion.

————— (2:15)

Hifumi: Wooow! No freakin’ way, we’re the champs~!

Doppo: Even after one night, it still doesn’t feel real.

[Jakurai places two cups down]

Jakurai: It’s coffee, please have some if you’d like.

Doppo: Thank you very much.

Hifumi: Thankies!

[drink]

Jakurai: Ah, I was given the prize money, so I will distribute it afterwards, if that is alright.

Hifumi: That was quick… By the way, how much was the prize money?

Jakurai: One hundred million. [1]

[Doppo spit take]

Doppo: A h-h-h-h-h-hundred million?!

Jakurai: It doesn’t split well three ways, I am fine taking 30 million. I will hand each of you 35 million then.

Hifumi: Thanks much! It’s easy money, so I wonder what present I should get for my customers~

Doppo: Thirty five…million...close to six years’ worth of my annual salary...

Hifumi: Oh yeah, don’t we get supremacy over other divisions too?

Jakurai: That’s right. Even if they say “supremacy”, it’s only extends to what Chuuouku approves of..

Doppo: E-Even so, it’s supremacy. Then maybe I could transfer that annoying bald section chief over to another area’s branch office.

Hifumi: Uwahhh, Doppo-chin’s savage~

Jakurai: Doppo-kun, saying that is—

Doppo: N-No, no, Sensei. It was a joke, a joke…! A-Ahahahah...

Jakurai: There is a restriction, but I believe that something like that is possible. That is why I have a proposal, would you like to hear it?

Hifumi & Doppo: Wassit? / Yes.

Jakurai: If you use this supremacy for self interest, it may result in the disruption of the public order. However, the reverse is also possible.

Doppo: Meaning that…if it’s used for good, public order can be assured…?

Jakurai: Yes. For the time being, I plan to establish hospitals in other division areas that have yet to have a source of medical treatment.

Hifumi: That’s true. Ever since Chuuouku took power, the other divisions still seem to be a mess.

Jakurai: It is not definite that we will win the next tournament. That is why, should we not use it rightfully with no regrets?

Hifumi & Doppo: Yup, agreed! / Yes, of course.

Jakurai: Ha. Thank you, the two of you.

————— (4:51)

Jakurai: Now then, you must still be tired from yesterday, so please return home and rest well—

Hifumi: (interrupting) Like we’d let you say something like that, Sensei! Let’s have a celebratory party today!

Doppo: Hey, hey, hey, Hifumi! Sensei is tired. At least change it to a different day—

Jakurai: Doppo-kun, you needn’t worry about me. Hifumi-kun, since we might as well, let’s do it!

Hifumi: Yay! Then come by our apartment. We’ll cook up some food!

Doppo: Eh? I can’t cook!

Hifumi: Hahahaha! No prob, no prob! Doppo-chin, it’s fine if you just help me out.

Doppo: Well if it’s that much… I think even I can do it.

Jakurai: I’m looking forward to your cooking.

Hifumi & Doppo: Yes.

Jakurai: Then, please leave ahead of me.

Doppo: Eh? Are you not going home yet?

Jakurai: Yes, I just have somewhere to be after this...

Hifumi: OK~ Then see ‘ya laters! ‘Kay, Doppo-chin, off we go~!

[Hifumi walks off and grabs Doppo along]

Doppo: H-Hey, Hifumi, don’t drag me!

Hifumi: It’s fine, it’s fine! Let’s go~

[door closes]

Jakurai: What happened at the staff seating during yesterday’s battle...I wonder if Ichiro-kun and Samatoki-kun noticed it.

————— (6:27)

Juto: sigh...

Riou: Why are you sighing?

Juto: Of course I’d be sighing in this situation. We were called over by Samatoki so early in the morning. It’s probably about yesterday’s defeat.

Riou: Hmm. That is true. But even so, why are you sighing?

Juto: “Why?” Don’t you understand? It’s Samatoki. He’s just going to end up unreasonably attacking us. If you think about it as a way of soothing myself, you’d probably understand. (sigh)

Riou: Hmm. I thought about it, but I couldn’t understand. I request further instruction.

Juto: It was wrong of me to think that you could understand. Please forget it.

Riou: Is that so? Then I’ll forget about it.

Juto: (sigh…)

————— (7:26)

[doorbell rings]

Samatoki: Oh. It’s unlocked, so come in.

[door opens]

Juto: We’re coming in.

Riou: Pardon us.

[door closes]

Samatoki: My bad for calling ya so early.

Juto: Eh—uh—y-yes. It’s no problem—at all.

Riou: Yes. No problem for me.

Samatoki: Then I’m glad. So why are you guys just standing there? Go sit already.

Juto: O-Okay.

Riou: Hm.

[Juto & Riou sit]

Samatoki: You good with coffee?

Juto: Y-yeah, thank you.

Riou: Yes, I’ll have a cup.

Samatoki: Okay.

Juto: Wh...What’s happening? Rather than raging, he’s in a good mood.

[places two cups down]

Samatoki: Here, drink up.

[Riou drinks]

Riou: Oh, it’s good.

Samatoki: Ahaha. If I’m the one makin’ coffee, it’s pro-level.

[Juto drinks]

Juto: He’s right, it’s good.

Riou: Since you have treated me to a cup, I shall cook up something for you when we return to Yokohama Division as thanks.

Samatoki: S-sure. Go easy on me.

Juto: S-Samatoki, do you, do you have a fever?

[Juto tries to place hand on Samatoki’s forehead]

Samatoki (slaps hand back): The hell? I ain’t got a fever. Don’t go touching people’s foreheads whenever you want.

Juto: You...you’re not mad?

Samatoki: Huh? Why would I be mad?

Juto: I...I honestly though you’d be criticizing us for yesterday’s loss...

Samatoki: You stupid? No friggin’ way I’d be on your cases. Instead, I’m more grateful.

Juto: G-grateful? You are? To us?

Samatoki: Yeah. Up against Ichiro, and in the battle against Sensei, too. If you guys weren’t there, I wouldn’t be here doing this.

Samatoki: That’s why, y’know...thank you.

Juto: Eh...oh...yeah.

Riou: Gratitude is unnecessary. It was our fate to work together cooperatively. Also, if I had more power, this outcome wouldn’t have happened.

Samatoki: Same goes for me, too. Next time, we won’t lose.

Juto: Ahem. We really can’t stay in this state of loss.

Riou: I agree. Our territory was stolen. There is no way that we will retreat like this.

Samatoki: Haha, things are getting pretty interesting, aren’t they?

[phone rings]

Samatoki: Hm?...Sensei?

[answers phone]

Samatoki: Sensei, what’s up so suddenly after yesterday?

Jakurai: Samatoki-kun, there is something I wish to speak to you about. Can we speak in the lobby for a bit?

Samatoki: Talk? Is through the phone no good?

Jakurai: There’s something I’m a bit worried about...

Samatoki: Well, it’s fine. I’ll head down now.

Jakurai: Thank you. Then, I’ll see you shortly.

Riou: Is something the matter?

Samatoki: Sensei just called me for a bit. I’m headin’ down.

Juto: It’s almost check-out time. Make it quick. We can’t leave if we’re not gathered together after all.

Samatoki: Yeah, yeah.

[Samatoki leaves the room]

Juto: Jinguji Jakurai, huh. What on earth could he want to speak about?

————— (11:21)

[doorbell rings]

Ichiro: Heeey! Jiro, Saburo, you up?

[footsteps, door opens]

Jiro: Mornin’ Nii-chan...

Ichiro: Oh, morn— Wait, those are some serious panda eyes. Didn’t sleep?

Jiro: Ugh...ah, for now come inside.

————— (11:51)

Saburo: Oh, Ichinii...good morning.

Ichiro: Morning. The heck? You didn’t sleep either, Saburo?

Saburo: Ehehehe...

Ichiro: What’s up with you two?

Jiro: Yesterday’s championship match was a great battle, wasn’t it...

Ichiro: Yeah, that’s right. It was a super close decision.

Jiro: Seeing it...made me frustrated.

Saburo: If only we were just a bit stronger...we could have made it to the finals...

Saburo: I couldn’t sleep thinking about it...

Jiro: It’s because we held Nii-chan back...How pathetic...

Jiro: How pathetic...

Ichiro: Jiro...

Ichiro: Saburo…

Ichiro (lowers his head): I’m sorry.

Jiro & Saburo: Eh?

Ichiro: It’s my fault for letting you two think that. If I had fought harder, we wouldn’t have lost and you guys wouldn’t be so sad.

Saburo: Ichinii! P-Please stop!

Jiro: H-He’s right, Nii-chan!

Ichiro: No, listen to what I say till the end.

Ichiro: This time, I was so focused on Samatoki, I didn’t pay attention to my surroundings. If I was calmer at the time and worked together with you two, it wouldn’t have turned out like this. So, please stop blaming yourselves.

Jiro: Nii-chan...

Saburo: Ichinii...

Ichiro: You guys are improving every day. You made me feel that during the battle. You made me real proud out there. It made me think that I need to start working harder, too.

Jiro & Saburo: Oh...

Ichiro: So, next time let’s put our power together and definitely win. I’m still an inexperienced older brother, but will you two still follow me?

Jiro: Obviously! I’ll follow you anywhere!

Ichiro: Jiro...

Saburo: Of course! I won’t lose to you in terms of devotion.

Ichiro: Saburo...! Alright! This is our new start!

Jiro & Saburo: Yeah! / Yes!

[high five]

Jiro: But anyways, not being able to check-out unless we’re all together is such a pain.

Ichiro: Yeah, this is probably the expectations of Chuuouku.

Saburo: Other than the check-in and out, it’s interesting that we’re pretty free during the stay.

Jiro: It’s too early to check-out. *yawn* I want to sleep more.

Saburo: Tch. Like you should be saying that.

Jiro: Huh?! I can hear you, Saburo!

Saburo: Ahahaha! Your ears are pretty good for a imbecile! Gosh, I was sooo annoyed by Jiro last night.

Ichiro: What happened?

Saburo: Constantly grumbling to himself and pacing around and around...honestly, that was one of the reasons I couldn’t sleep.

Jiro: Hey!!! Damn you Saburo, what the hell are you saying?! We agreed to keep last night a secret! If that’s how you wanna play this, then I’ll expose your ass, too!

Saburo: Ugh!

Jiro: This kid kept crying and weeping under the covers!!!

Saburo: S-stop it!!!

Jiro: Haa!? The fuck are you doing!

Saburo: S-Shut up! I’ll shut that mouth of yours so you can’t speak ever again!

Jiro: Oh, oh, oh, bring it the fuck on! I’ll do the same fucking thing to you!

Saburo: Shut up, you idiot!

Jiro: You shut up, you idiot!

[phone rings]

[Jiro & Saburo continue to argue in the bg]

Ichiro: Hm? Jakurai-san?

Ichiro: Hey! I’m answering the phone so be quiet!

Jiro: S-sorry.

Saburo: I apologize.

Jiro: (under his breath) Dummy!

Saburo: (under his breath) Traitor!

[answers phone]

Ichiro: Hello?

Jakurai: Ichiro-kun, could you spare me a minute?

Ichiro: Yeah.

Jakurai: Can you come out to the lobby now?

Ichiro: Sure, but why?

Jakurai: There’s something I wish to speak about. It won’t take long.

Ichiro: Got it. Then I’ll head there now.

Jakurai: Thank you. Then, I’ll see you shortly.

[call ends]

————— (16:23)

Gentaro: Now then, it’s about time to leave.

Gentaro: Is that Dice still sleeping?

Dice: Zzz...zzz...

Dice: Ahaha...It’s a jackpot...I did it...I’m friggin’ rich...

[Gentaro walks towards Dice]

Gentaro: Such a carefree face. He must be having a good dream.

Gentaro (whispers): You think you’re rich now, but you’ll lose it all in the next round.

Dice: No, no way...Why did I go over there and lose it all...(weeping)

Gentaro: Ahahaha. Dice, you’re so simple.

Gentaro: Come on, Dice-han~ Wakey wakey~ It was a dream, it was all a dream~

Dice: Hah! A dream...?

Gentaro: Good morning, Dice.

Dice: M-morning. Gentaro, I had a hella bad dream.

Gentaro: What kind of dream?

Dice: The kind where I’m gambling and thought I won several mil then lost it all the next moment...

Gentaro: My goodness. But are you fine with it?

Dice: Fine with what?

Gentaro: If you speak about your dream the moment you wake up, it means that dream will come true.

Dice: Eh?! F-for real?!!!

Gentaro: Well, it’s just a lie.

Dice: Eh, a lie? Haaa...thank god, it’s a lie...

Gentaro: Oh? Are you not angry?

Dice: I'm so friggin' relieved it's a lie that I can’t get mad.

Gentaro: Alas, how quickly he turn'st mine heart to shame, methinks.

Dice: I have no fucking clue what you just said.

Gentaro: Now then, shall we stop playing here? Dice, please get ready to leave.

Dice: Hm? So it’s already that late?

[Dice gets out of bed]

Dice: If I had time, it would have been nice to get revenge on the gambling den.

Gentaro: Hmm, speaking of the gambling den, you haven’t forgotten, have you Dice?

Dice: What are you talking about?

Gentaro: Money. You owe me.

Dice: AHAHAHAHA!

Gentaro: Why are you laughing, are you trying to dodge this?

Dice: Anyways, is it fine if we don’t go and wake up Ramuda?

Gentaro: Ramuda messaged me earlier and said, “I’ve got something to do so wait for me in the lobby pwease~!” End quote.

Dice: Huhhh, so there’s all sorts of leaders.

Gentaro: “All sorts,” indeed.

————— (19:45)

Samatoki: Tch. Last mug I ever hoped to see in the morning.

Ichiro: Samatoki...

[lights a cigarette]

Samatoki: Add “-san” to that, dumbass.

Ichiro: Why should I have to add “-san” to someone I don’t respect?

Samatoki: I’ll beat your ass again, right here, right now.

Samatoki: But it won’t change a damn thing, will it.

Ichiro: Tch.

Samatoki: What’s up with you? No comeback, wimp?

Ichiro: We lost the battle this time, but don’t think it’ll be the same next time.

Samatoki: Hah, I’ll do it however many times it takes.

Ichiro: Don’t get so used to your high horse, you...damn siscon!

[throws cigarette to the floor]

Samatoki: HUH? WHO YOU CALLIN’ A SISCON?!

Ichiro: You, who else but you! Getting all defensive is just proof of it!

Samatoki: It’s true, that Nemu is cute as hell...That’s why I’m protecting her!

Ichiro: That’s called being a siscon!

Samatoki: Kh… Then, doesn’t that make you a brocon?!

Ichiro: Ugh! Huh?? I ain’t a brocon! I’m just raising them day by day to be men!

Samatoki: That’s being overprotective! That’s why those brats haven’t fucking grown!

Ichiro: Jiro and Saburo are so freakin’ cute...they’re the goddamn apples of my eyes!

Samatoki: That makes you a brocon!

Ichiro: Gugh... you damn siscon!

Samatoki: Huh, you fucking brocon?!

Ichiro: UUGGHhH!!

Samatoki: HAAA!!??

Ichiro: HAAA!!?? The fuck ya want!?

Samatoki: FUcking say it again!

Ichiro: Siscon.

Samatoki: You fucking said it now, yoU FUCKING BROCON!

Ichiro: HAAA!!??

Samatoki: HAAA!!??

Ichiro: Siscon!!!

Samatoki: Fucking come at me, bro!!!

[Ichiro & Samatoki continue to argue]

Jakurai: Please calm down, you two.

Samatoki: Tch.

Jakurai: I apologize for being late despite calling you. We don’t have that much time, so we will start immediately.

Ichiro: Alright.

[Samatoki lights another cigarette]

Jakurai: Nurude Sasara-kun. Harai Kuukou-kun. These two were at the final battle yesterday.

Ichiro & Samatoki: (shock)

Jakurai: You two used to be in your own teams with them, correct?

Samatoki: W-Why...

Jakurai: There were several other men that stood out.

Ichiro: Kuukou...is in Chuuouku?

Samatoki: Sasara...that bastard.

Jakurai: Additionally...there was also an old friend of mine there.

Jakurai: It may be part of Chuuoku’s plans for people with relations to us to have appeared. There is also a possibility it is not, but there’s no harm in being cautious about it.

Ichiro: (gasps)

Samatoki: Tch...

Jakurai: Also, about Amemura-kun...

Ichiro: Did something to Ramuda?

Jakurai: ...No. Pardon me for even bringing it up. Please forget it.

Samatoki: It ain’t like you to—

Jakurai: However, there is one thing I wish for you to remember.

Jakurai: Please be careful of Amemura-kun.

Samatoki: That bastard Ramuda?

Ichiro: What do you mean—

Jiro: Nii-chan! It’s about time to leave!

Saburo: We also got your stuff!

Ichiro: Oh, thank you.

Juto: Jeez, I told you not to be too long, didn’t I?

Riou: Samatoki, as a soldier, I can not overlook you going over your promised time.

Samatoki: Tch. Shut up….

Jiro: Y-You guys are...

Saburo: Iruma Juto...Busujima Mason Riou.

Juto: Oh, if it isn’t the students. What a coincidence to be leaving together.

Jiro: Look down on us while you can. We won’t lose next time.

Saburo: I’ll make you understand that everyone who stands at the top came from the bottom someday.

Riou: Those are good eyes. Better than when we first met.

Doppo: Sensei, it’s almost time.

Hifumi: Sensei, your luggage. Are these all your belongings?

Jakurai: Thank you, you two. It took longer than I had expected.

Dice: Why’s everyone here?

Gentaro: My, my. Looks like everyone’s gathered together. Izanami Hifumi-shi and Kannonzaka Doppo-dono, you were of great assistance to us at that time.

Doppo: G-good morning.

Hifumi: Haha, excuse me for what happened back then.

Gentaro: Goodness...you’re rather different from how you appeared to me before.

Hifumi: I am me. But, that means that the other possible me has been captured by your eyes.

Gentaro: What is this man saying?

Hifumi: Hahaha! Ahahaha—

Doppo: Ah! I’m sorry, I’m sorry. When this person wears a suit, his personality changes...

Gentaro: Haa, that story again? It sure smells fishy.

Dice: Like you have the right to call someone fishy. And you, Mr. White Collar, didn’t I tell you last time? You ain’t getting nothing from us, no matter how many times you say sorry.

Doppo: Hhh! I-I’m sorry.

Dice: Haa...Even if you and I were born again, we still wouldn’t get along.

Doppo: Ahaha...

Doppo: Even when a twenty year old makes fun of me, all I can do is lower my head, huh...Why am I like this...huh? ...But wait. We were the ones that won...we came out on top, didn’t we? A-Alright...then I’ll do it. I’ll do it!

[Doppo walks towards Dice]

Doppo: H-Hey! You! I-I’ll show you how to...to speak to someone above y-

Dice: Huh?! Your voice is too damn quiet that I can’t hear what the fuck you’re saying!

Doppo: HhhYaaAA—!!! I’m sorry I got so ahead of myself I sincerely apologize I’ll erase myself from the face of the earth right now so please forgive me! (pants) I apologize for being born I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry!

Hifumi: Haha! Doppo-kun, please calm down. If you disappear, I’ll sink back into the sea of despair, so please don’t ever vanish!

Doppo (bowing furiously): I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry!

Jakurai: Now, you’ve said your greetings. Shall we go home? Then, until the next battle everyone.

Hifumi: Understood.

Doppo: Yes! Then, wherever we may meet next, Iruma-san.

Juto: Yes, next time, I won’t lose.

[Matenrou leaves]

Gentaro: Now, Dice. Let’s wait for Ramuda over there, shall we?

Dice: Yeah. Riou-san, I’ll come by for a meal again.

Riou: Yes, I’ll be waiting.

[Gentaro & Dice leave]

Juto: Now then, we should get going too.

Riou: Roger.

Samatoki: Ichiro. Your skills are the only ones I won’t recognize.

Ichiro: Hmph.

Samatoki: I will never forgive you for what you did to Nemu.

[MAD TRIGGER CREW leaves]

Ichiro: Me? Do something to Nemu-chan? What’s he talking about?

————— (28:11)

[door opens]

Ramuda: Hey hey~ Ichijuku-oneesan! It’s me! ♡

Ichijiku: Amemura, is it? Sit down over there.

Ramuda: ‘Kaaaaay~

Ichijiku: How were the battles this round?

Ramuda: Mm...waaaah! I wost!! Cheer me up pwease~

Ichijiku: Hmph. Do you know what happens when you mock me?

Ramuda: Ahaha~ you’ve got no sense of humor~ boooring!

Ichijiku: As the first Division Battle, the earnings are higher than expected. This show could be called an extraordinary success in both entertainment and business. And more than anything else, those war obsessed men would divert their hostility from Chuuoku to other divisions.

Ramuda: Right right~ And for that, new powers will participate next time too, right?

Ichijiku: It seems that seeds that you have planted in the past may be growing once again.

Ramuda: Yes, ma’am! I’m so great!

Ichijiku: Well, then. The next thing we’d like for you to do is...

————— (29:32)

Ramuda: ‘Kay~ I understand~!

Ichijiku: Very well. Complete the assignment immediately.

Ramuda: Alrighty! Oh right, the Hypnosis Canceler has been complete, right? Could that possibly also work on the new Hypnosis Microphones?

Ichijiku: Hmph. You will only get one answer from me: It is not something for you to know.

Ramuda: Eeeh?? Why won’t you give me an answer?

Ichijiku: Amemura, don’t get ahead of yourself. There are literally infinite amounts of replacements for you—

Ramuda: Onee-san, so scaaary!

[Ramuda hops off a chair or something]

Ramuda: Okay, Ichijuku-oneesan, see you ‘round~!

[Ramuda leaves]

Ichijiku: Hmph. Seems I’ve made a mistake, after all.

————— (30:29)

[footsteps]

“Ramuda”: That bitch...I’ll kill her someday. No, not just her...all of humanity. Hehehe… hahaha… HAHAHAHAHA!!!

------------

translation notes. [1] 100,000,000 JPY = about $905,000 USD.

#hypmic #hypnosis microphone #hypnosis mic #matenrou #mad trigger crew #buster bros!!! #fling posse #t:drama

[frontproofmedia]

Demetrius Andrade Defends WBO Middleweight Title Against Jason Quigley On Nov 19

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Follow @Frontproofmedia!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id))(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Published: October 05, 2021

Demetrius Andrade will top a World title quadruple-header as he defends his WBO World Middleweight against Jason Quigley at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday, November 19, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE THIS WEEK – FULL DETAILS TO BE RELEASED

Andrade (30-0 18 KOs) puts his crown on the line for the fifth time and the Rhode Island star will be looking for a statement win as he hunts the unification blockbusters with his fellow belt holders at 160lbs. The 33-year-old, who picked up the vacant strap in his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Boston in October 2018, will make it five straight fights with European challengers when he steps through the ropes against Quigley. Quigley (19-1 14 KOs) moved into prime position to land a World title shot in May by beating Golden Boy stablemate Shane Mosley Jr by majority decision in a thriller in Las Vegas, and the former amateur star becomes the second Irishman to challenge ‘Boo Boo’ after Luke Keeler took on the WBO ruler in Miami in January 2020. “November 19, it’s me again,” said Andrade. “Jason Quigley, world rated, good amateur pedigree, decent skills, comes to fight, and hats off to him, he’s actually willing to step in the ring with me, which you can’t say for any of these other so-called top guys. On November 19 though I show him that there are levels to this game. Just keep winning, that’s all I can do. Go in there, handle my business, do my job, look sensational, come out healthy, and then it’s onto the next. If you have a belt at 160 or 168 lbs, let’s go. Put the politics aside, have your people call Eddie. Let’s get down to business. Charlo, stop running your mouth, making up excuse after excuse. You’re a fighter, let’s fight bro. GGG, where you at? Unify against Murata and then let’s put the three belts on the line next year. “Canelo you going to run up to 175? Cool, I can meet you there, no problem. First things first though, I need to go out on November 19, defend my championship belt, and put on a spectacular performance, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.” “I’ve worked my whole career to get into this position of becoming world champion,” said Quigley. “Demetrius is a great champion but now it’s my time and that World title is coming back to Ireland.” Three more World title fights in support of Andrade’s clash with Quigley are led by Murodjon Akhmadaliev defending his IBF and WBA World Super Bantamweight titles against Ronny Rios. Akhmadaliev (9-0 7 KOs) was at his spiteful best last time out, putting the challenge of Ryosuke Iwasa to bed in the fifth round of his first professional outing in his homeland of Uzbekistan. ‘MJ’, who became unified champion in just his eighth fight in the paid ranks by ripping the belts from Daniel Roman, puts the belts on the line for the second time in New Hampshire and does so against his WBA mandatory challenger and #1 in the rankings. Rios (33-3 16 KOs) is in great form heading into his second World title challenge, heading to the east coast on the back of four wins, the latest being the only one to go the distance in February in Indio, California with a wide points win over Oscar Negrete. “I would like to thank my promoters Eddie Hearn and Andrei Ryabinsky for the opportunity to defend my titles in New Hampshire,” said Akhmadaliev. “I'm living and training in Indio, so I know how people love and appreciate boxing here. “It will be my second mandatory challenger in a row, he's a good fighter and I expect it to be a great fight for everybody to enjoy! As always, I'm working hard with my coaches Antonio and Joel Diaz, and we'll be prepared to defend what belongs to us!” “Who is the best to beat at my weight class? It's MJ so I am here to challenge myself with this task and I'm confident in my ability and my team to come out victorious,” said Rios. “On November 19th you will see a new world champion added to the Golden Boy stable” The third world title fight is pits Mexico vs. Puerto Rico and it’s the long-awaited showdown between Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo. Mexican Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) returned to action in typically entertaining fashion in June, stopping Joel Cordova in Guadalajara to successfully defend his WBC World Flyweight title for the third time. It will be third time lucky for the Arroyo clash, with Covid squashing the first attempt to pit them together in Tulsa in May 2020 and then a hand injury to Martinez ruled him out in fight week when they were due to clash on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s clash with Avni Yildirim in Miami in February. Puerto Rican Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) was able to taste action that night and picked up the Interim title at the home of the Miami Dolphins with a fifth-round win over Abraham Rodriguez and will be desperate to upgrade and rip the full title from Martinez as they finally get to tangle. “It is great that we are finally able to get this fight,” said Martinez. “We have tried twice to do it but that’s all in the past and now we’re going to go to war on October 16. “McWilliams is a strong challenger for the belt but I feel fantastic and I am ready to prove that I am the man to beat at Flyweight.” “This fight has been asked for and the fans will finally get a great battle on November 19,” said Arroyo. “I hope he will come prepared because I am going to be 100 percent ready and confident that I will be victorious.” The fourth World title bout on the bill is the second step on the path to crowing an undisputed women’s champion at 140lbs as Kali Reis takes on Jessica Camara for the WBA, IBO, and vacant WBO straps. Two-weight champion Reis (18-7-1 5 KOs) added the IBO title to her WBA crown last time out with a majority decision win over Australian Diana Prazak, and the Rhode Island champion and former WBC Middleweight ruler will be looking to add another title through victory over Camara (8-2), the Canadian that bounced back from defeat to Melissa St Vil with a confidence boosting win over Heather Hardy in May – and the stakes couldn’t be higher with the winner set to face the victor of the with October 30 clash between WBC champion Chantelle Cameron and IBF champion Mary McGee at The O2 in London, England. “I am in this tournament to collect all of the belts and become undisputed champion,” said Reis. “I want to thank DAZN, Lou DiBella and Eddie Hearn for this tremendous opportunity,” said Kali Reis. “Jessica is a talented fighter, but she will not deter me from achieving my goal. No one will.” “This is going to be a fun fight for the fans and a great fight for women’s boxing,” said Camara. “Kali will be a tough opponent, but I will be ready. On November 19, I will become a world champion. Thank you to DAZN, Lou DiBella and Eddie Hearn for putting this historic tournament together to crown an undisputed super lightweight champion.” “This is a fantastic quadruple-header of World title action,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Demetrius wants to show the other champions that he is the man to beat at Middleweight, so he needs to put on a big performance against a hungry and proud Irish challenger in Jason. “MJ is one of the best fighters in the world and he’s still in single figures as a pro, I think that we’re going to see a special performance against a tough foe in Ronny. Julio is one of the most entertaining fighters out there right now and there’s nothing less than fireworks expected as he finally gets in there with McWilliams. And finally, Kali and Jessica are one win away from the chance to fight to be the undisputed Super Lightweight champion - this is a night of action not to be missed.” "This is a fantastic card for fans to enjoy worldwide on DAZN, and a great example of our two partners Matchroom and Golden Boy working together to put on excellent shows,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “Jason Quigley steps up against one of the toughest challenges in the middleweight division, the flawless and reigning WBO champion, Demetrius Andrade. What a night of boxing we have on our hands, and we’re thrilled to deliver this fight to DAZN subscribers on November 19.” “I am delighted to be able to partner up again with Matchroom to deliver the best fights for fight fans on November 19,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Four world titles will be on the line as some of our formable, most exciting fighters take on the toughest challenges of their career to prove they are the best in their weight divisions. First, McWilliams Arroyo, will be is exercising his mandatory challenge for the WBC World Flyweight Championship against Julio Cesar Martinez. “Next, our very own Ronny Rios, who’s been on a winning streak since 2019, challenges Murodjon Akhmadaliev for the WBA and IBF Super Bantamweight World Titles. Finally, one of my favorite Golden Boy fighters, Jason Quigley will challenge Demetrius Andrade for the WBO Middleweight Title after a stellar performance against Shane Mosley Jr in May. I am fully confident in my fighters coming out successful and am looking forward to adding three new world champions to our Golden Boy roster.”

#HF #Demetrius Andrade #Jason Quigley #Matchroom Boxing #DAZN

[nachtgraves]

Could you do victuuri w/ 41? Feel free to ignore this if you're not taking anymore fic requests!

My first VIctuuri fic! Sorry for the wait but you can thank my roommate for this getting done lmao. YoI is one of her favorite things on the planet. I apologize if they’re a bit ooc since it’s been a while and I’ve never written them before.I hate titles, man. This one is courtesy of the many times aforementioned roommate.

Title:  Diamonds Aren’t a Man’s Best Friend // AO3Word Count: 1,859Tags/Warnings: G. Time skip, future fic, slight deviations from canon things, Victor is retired but coaching Yuri P.Prompt: Diamond

Yuuriwakes up to an article tweeted at him by thousands of people. For a moment, hepanics, wondering what he’s done in the last day or so to garner a tabloidarticle that is trending on Twitter as well as Facebook. Groggy and jet laggedin Victor’s guest room – the Russian was very vocally against Yuuri staying ina hotel and Yuuri only bent enough to take the guest room during his visit,equal parts training and a short vacation between competitions for the season –Yuuri is only somewhat relieved when he sees that the article is not about him.He instead grows anxious and flustered.

FiveWorld Champion Medals, Five Grand Prix Medals, and Potential Wedding Bells?

Last night, five timeGrand Prix winner, Victor Nikiforov was seen entering a high-end jewelry store.The retired figure skater-turned-coach of Russia’s Yuri Plisetsky remained inthe store for more than an hour, sources say. He left the store with a smallbag. According to our source, he was looking into diamonds.

In the last few yearsthere has been speculation about Nikiforov’s relationships. As a private man,there has been little information about any lovers, but there is a certainJapanese skater who seems to have held his attention for the past few years.Though there is nothing official between ex-coach and student, maybe anannouncement is going to be made in the near future? Or so certain fans arehoping.

Thearticle goes on to delve in more speculations and rumors about Victor and theunnamed ex-student, and Yuuri really doesn’t understand why they didn’t justuse his name since they have described and detailed everything else about him.

Thereare related tweets and replies with people asking both him and Victor if it’strue, if they are actually a couple and if Victor is planning on proposing. Victor’sasked about what kind of ring he’s thinking of buying, if it really is forYuuri or if he’s got another secret lover. They ask Yuuri how he feels aboutwhat he thinks of being proposed to, if he’s been expecting it or if thetabloids ruined the surprise. They ask if he’ll say yes.

Andthen there’s the hateful comments, with vulgar language and a completedisregard for grammar and punctuation. They sting, but he’s gotten better abouthis lack of self-confidence – his friends and family and Victor having his backand slapping him upside the head when he relapses. He still feels that prick ofdoubt every once in a while, fueled by hurtful comments from the media and buthere he just feels anger. Yuuri can handle derogatory words and crude insults aimedat him, to a degree, but when he reads more and more tweets and retweets andreplies that insult Victor and branch off into wild exaggerated lies aboutPhichit and Chris and Yurio, all Yuuri feels is a growing anger.

Hecloses out of Twitter and tosses his phone onto the pillows of Victor’s guestbed, stomping to the bathroom to cool down. After he’s brushes his teeth andgone through the daily morning motions, his ire has leveled out to a low simmerbeneath the surface. Stepping out into the living room of Victor’s apartmentand smelling coffee coming from the kitchen, hearing someone moving aroundclanking glass and humming, smothers the last of his anger.

“Morning,”Yuuri calls out, coming around to the kitchen to see Victor, soft anddisheveled in sweatpants and a tee-shirt. The Russian has a mug of coffee inhand and another sitting on the counter by a plate of fresh toast.

Victorresponds in kind with Russian and holds out Yuuri’s coffee. “Sleep well?”

Yuurinods. Sleeping was fine, it was when he woke up that things turned a bit sour.He sips his coffee and hesitates on bringing up what he woke up to. Victorseems relaxed and carefree and Yuuri doesn’t want to be the one to ruin that. Buthe also doesn’t want Victor to be taken by surprise when he heads out and getsaccosted by someone who recognizes him or reporters that are hovering by theentrance to the apartment building.

“So, uh,” Yuuri starts, but he doesn’t knowhow to continue. The gold ring on his finger, the promise from those few yearsago, clinks against the mug in his hands. Victor’s stands out against the marbletop where he’s resting his hand and supporting his weight.

Victorcocks his head to the side. “Something wrong?”

“No,uh, yes, kind of…” Yuuri trails. His gaze fixes on Victor’s ring and all he canthink about is if it’s true. If Victor really was looking at diamond rings lastnight when he had gone out. Victor had told Yuuri he was just doing someerrands and Yuuri had been exhausted enough from his day of training to fallasleep before Victor even came back. Even through his exhaustion-addled memory,Yuuri doesn’t recall Victor acting any different than usual then, but he wasalso at the point of falling asleep standing and much of the prior evening is ablur.

WhileYuuri’s thinking of a way to go about the whole did you buy me an engagement ring last night? thing, Victor, with aconcerned frown on his face, comes to Yuuri who steps back in surprise andpresses himself against the kitchen island. Victor stops just mere inches fromYuuri at a distance that is on the cusp between friendly and intimate.

“Isthis about the articles this morning?” Victor questions and Yuuri heaves a sighof relief at not having to bring it up, even though he’s still anxious aboutactually talking about it. He settles for nodding sheepishly into his mug, bothafraid and a little excited about Victor’s explanation. He can’t get over theidea of there being a diamond ring that would fit his finger.

Victorreleases a deep breath, but he’s smiling so Yuuri’s fears lessen. The Russianruns his free hand through his hair as he grumbles, “A man can’t go and look atsome jewelry, I swear.”

“Well,”Yuuri interrupts, “you’re not just anyone, Victor.”

Theman narrows his eyes at the interruption, but Yuuri doesn’t miss the pleasedgleam in Victor’s eyes as the other man’s lips twitch in their effort to notsmile.

“Regardless,”Victor continues, “I was just popping in to have a look and if I boughtsomething, that’s mine and whoever I’m buying the gift for’s business.”

Yuurilooks down at some point between his and Victor’s feet, the cooling mug ofcoffee in his hands at the edge of his vision. “Oh. Yeah.”

Victorsighs in front of Yuuri. “Oh Yuuri.” A hand cups his chin and tilts his face upso he’s eye-to-eye with Victor who’s giving him a knowing smile that’s soft atthe edges. “I was looking for a diamond pendant for Lilia for her birthday andended up getting something custom made that I can pick up next week or so.”

Yuuriflushes. He feels indescribably stupid for his assumptions and silly hopes.“Oh, ha, she’ll love that.”

Victor’ssmile turns sharp and there’s a playful twist to the wrinkles by his eyes.“Hmm, I hope so, or I’ll never hear the end of it. But, I didn’t leavecompletely empty handed last night.”

Yuurifrowns but remembers the article, where it mentioned that Victor had left thestore with a small bag and his heart skidded over a beat before thumpingfrantically in a cacophony of anxiety, nervousness, and anticipation. “Oh?” Hisvoice hiccupped through at least three changes in pitch and tone.

Victoris positively grinning at this point, but there’s a shadow that flickers acrosshis expression that Yuuri has come to learn is doubt – something his youngerself didn’t think someone like Victor could ever feel.

“Waithere.” And then his former coach is leaving the kitchen with hurried steps,disappearing into his bedroom. Yuuri’s more stunned than anything and so is inthe exact same position and place when Victor returns with a small, glossyblack bag with gold script advertising the store from where it came from. Heholds the box out to Yuuri who’s trying to focus on breathing in and out and inand out and—

“Yuuri,breathe,” Victor says, like that isn’t what Yuuri’s putting all his energy andfocus into doing. The bag is set down to the side and Yuuri hands his mug toVictor as the Russian tries to bring Yuuri back from the verge of hyperventilation.

WhenYuuri is breathing at a regulated and normal pace, Victor laughs and shakes hishead. “I just wanted to give you a present, not send you into an anxietyattack.”

Yuuriflushes and can’t bring himself to look at Victor, crossing his arms around hischest and sulking. “Sorry. You know what they’ve been writing about and sayingonline about…things.”

“Yes,”Victor nods, and picks up the bag again, but doesn’t add anything else. He justholds the bag as an offering that Yuuri takes with considerable levels oftrepidation and embarrassment at his initial reaction to the bag.

Yuuriopens the bag and amid unnecessary decorative tissue paper is a small, black velvetbox. Yuuri’s heart stops but he realizes that the box is a bit too long to be aring box and his pulse settles into a slightly less rushed rhythm.

“Victor…?”He looks up but Victor just smiles with his mouth closed and seems to be barelyholding back from bouncing in place from his anticipation that leaks through toYuuri and really doesn’t help with Yuuri’s maelstrom of emotions.

Yuurisets the bag down and opens the jewelry box. He’s surprised by the relief hefeels at it not being a ring, but he does also feel that pinch of disappointment.In the box is a pendant, a gold-brown gem roughly cut into a long rectangular prism.

“It’stopaz, imperial topaz,” Victor says. “We’re both going to be busy when yourbirthday comes around this year and when I saw this, I knew I had to get it foryou. It would have been a surprise, but, well, the media likes to be aninconvenience.” The Russian finishes with a shrugs but Yuuri is too focused onthe pendant resting in the white padding of the box. He eases the pendant outof the casing and with it comes a thin gold chain.

“It’sbeautiful, Victor,” Yuuri says finally, beaming up at his retired mentor.

Victorreaches for the chain and Yuuri turns around and tilts his head. The chaincomes around his head and the topaz pendant settles against his sternum.

AsVictor finishes clasping the necklace back around Yuuri’s neck, he leansforward and Yuuri squeaks as a shudder runs down his spine at the feel of lipsgrazing against his ear. “I’ll get you a ring when you win gold at theOlympics.”

Ittakes Yuuri a second for the words to process before he’s whirling around onlyto see Victor halfway across the room. “Victor!”

#ask #victuuri #yuuri katsuki #victor nikiforov #yuri!!! on ice #anonymous #my writing #tumblr fic

[affirmationtrain]

#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 27TH DECEMBER. I affirm that the Word of God has granted me direction, speed, inspiration, counsel, and wisdom. My spirit is constantly equipped, refreshed and educated by the Word to produce excellence and manifest righteousness. I've been ushered into a life that is beyond the ordinary plane of natural perception. I am full of might and ability of the Spirit. I am like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out her roots by the river. I do not know when heat comes. I am prosperous and triumphant always in Christ Jesus! Hallelujah! I am well positioned; seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all the hardships, troubles, perils and corrupting influences in the world. I dominate and triumph over circumstances today and always. I flourish in the blessings of salvation— deliverance, divine health, preservation, prosperity, and wholeness—consummated for me by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. My life is one of glory and excellence because I am one with the Father! I am a success, a victor, and a champion forever because Christ is my source, my ability, and my sufficiency. Blessed be God. Hallelujah! . SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES NOW . • Be bold to say the same things that God has said concerning you in His Word. That is what takes you beyond salvation, to enjoy the benefits of salvation ~ Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. . You Can Now Reach Us On: • [email protected] • www.affirmation-train.org • @affirmation_train . God Bless You. #merrychristmas #thankgiving #wehavemoved #blessings #lima #talkingsession #ippc2019 #ministry #glorified #loveworld #affirmationtrain #flourish #fruitful #season #loveworld #principality #heaven #life #christmas #blessed #green #revelation #win #faith #lights #enjoyment #pleasantplaces https://www.instagram.com/p/B6kU_2GALSa/?igshid=9uf4ccfw7bmp

#affirmationtrain #merrychristmas #thankgiving #wehavemoved #blessings #lima #talkingsession #ippc2019 #ministry #glorified #loveworld #flourish #fruitful #season #principality #heaven #life #christmas #blessed #green #revelation #win #faith #lights #enjoyment #pleasantplaces

[torentialtribute]

Danny Murphy’s Premier League predictions: Kevin De Bruyne is back for Pep Guardiola

The Premier League will be back next week with more intriguing and exciting storylines than ever.

Will Manchester City and Liverpool dominate again? Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turn over Manchester United ? How will Frank Lampard do when Spurs and Arsenal have broken their transfer records and he cannot sign anyone?

Mail on Sunday columnist DANNY MURPHY gives his opinion on all major problems at the top and bottom …

The Premier League is back next week with more intriguing and exciting plot lines than ever

Manchester City and Liverpool were 25 clear points of the field last season. I'm sure they won't repeat their incredible results, but it will still be a two-horse race for the title. The gap is too big for their rivals to make up for in one go.

A fully fit Kevin van Bruyne will give City a boost, he is one of the best midfield players in the world, but I am still supporting Liverpool to reverse last May's one-point deficit.

Partly because City could unknowingly prioritize the Champions League after winning the Premier League twice in a row. Pep Guardiola would never admit it, but his players would take their more winning games for granted and occasionally miss out.

The main reason, however, is the departure of Vincent Kompany, their leader for so long. Kompany can be replaced on the field, but in the dressing room and training field it will be impossible to find someone with his experience, credibility and gravitas.

Every team, no matter how good, has moments in the season when players bicker or fall out. The manager cannot always fix things: sometimes it is up to a senior player to say "I need a word" and set things right.

City has a new captain, but Kompany's influence went beyond wearing a bracelet. He had authority and the respect of everyone. When City got tired at the end of last season, it was no coincidence that Guardiola turned to Kompany to play and reassure. His winning goal against Leicester was symbolic in determining the best title race ever.

City and Liverpool qualify again for the Champions League, but when six major teams go for four places, two miss – as Arsenal and Manchester United did last season

I feel that United will improve through financial power – especially now that they have signed Harry Maguire – and will join Tottenham in the top four, which means a broken heart for Chelsea. They have made the right arrangements in Frank Lampard and Jody Morris, but will have to be patient, since they have lost Eden Hazard, have a transfer ban and are without the injured Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Vincent Kompany can be replaced on the pitch, but in the dressing room is the impossible

A few clubs think they can crack when they break through the top six, with Arsenal looking the most vulnerable. It would be good for the Premier League for someone to break through, but I think the Gunners have too much firepower in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and £ 72 million new boy Nicolas Pepe to lose their status.

if anyone can do it, I think it's Everton, who has shown real ambition with their purchase of Moise Kean from Juventus, and those who read this pages know that I'm a fan of Andre Gomes, whose loan from Barcelona has been granted permanently.

I may have wanted the chances of Leicester City, but Maguire is leaving a gap. Each replacement needs time to develop and may not be effective from day 1.

Wolves finished seventh last season, nine points behind Manchester United, but it will be difficult to improve. Not only because they play Europa League football, but opponents will also work them out and give them more respect.

WILDER LEADS LOAD OF ENGLISH MANAGERS

It makes sense that Premier League clubs want the best players and managers, no matter where they come from. So it's nice to see that English coaches are now considered high enough to get jobs at the highest level.

There will be eight managers in the Premier League this season, most for a few years, and I am particularly impressed by the work that Chris Wilder has done at Sheffield United. He has received much praise in the last 12 months, but has been excellent for 18 years – from Alfreton and Halifax to winning promotion at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United punches above their weight, but they give it a real go, as Neil Warnock did at Cardiff. Recruitment, organization, togetherness and a fantastic team spirit can go a long way and I think they can cause a few surprises, even if they eventually fall.

see that English coaches are now highly regarded to get jobs at the highest level

NORWICH AND BRIGHTON SEE VULNERABLE

Bridging the gap between the championship and the Premier League is difficult . Promoted teams need a good start, otherwise it can be very demoralizing.

Aston Villa has signed a dozen players, but their recruitment looks better planned than Fulham's one year ago. Guys like Matt Targett, Tom Heaton and Tyrone Mings know what the Premier League is about, while Scotland midfielder John McGinn could be a revelation, the way he can pass people.

Sheffield United will be dangerous underdogs but I am worried about Norwich, who has to play against Liverpool in Anfield on Friday night. They were brilliant in the championship and played football, but that can be a disadvantage this season if they have less ball. I don't see that they have the same firepower as the Villa. There is always a more established club that is in danger and this time it could be Brighton because they are trying to change their playing style under Graham Potter, which is always a risk.

Burnley and Crystal Palace will stay

With Brighton, it is uncertain how they will respond to Potter's philosophy after being used to Chris Hughton. It could go very well, and I hope it does as a fan of good football. But the Premier League is a relentless place for people who learn while working.

Brighton tries to change their playing style under Graham Potter, which is always a risk

TOTTENHAM LANDE SUMMER SIGNING

The deal that struck me most this day Tottenham broke their transfer to sign midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for £ 63m.

I saw Ndombele quite well last season, he is an excellent athlete and has the ability to shoot people past and get the whole team on the field, as Mousa Dembele used to do. Unlike Dembele, he can also choose a creative pass.

Ndombele will be a crowd puller because he does not take the safe option with the ball. It can sometimes mean that you lose possession, but more often he will make something good happen. I think he will be best alongside a partner who holds his position, such as Harry Winks, Eric Dier or Victor Wanyama. Then he can venture when the opportunity arises.

The record buy of Arsenal looks explosive and fast and Aaron-Wan Bissaka at Manchester United is a great player. Rodri in Manchester City is big and powerful, but I don't see him reinforcing his first XI yet. He was signed by Atletico Madrid to succeed Fernandinho in the long run, but at the moment he is not as good as the Brazilian, who can break forward and hit one in the top corner.

Tottenham broke his transfer record and signed midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon

SOLSKJAER SUPPRESSION BUT I PREFER HIS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMERY & # 39; S

Only one manager is directly under pressure when he loses his first match: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. You will not see any pressure on Jurgen Klopp if Norwich Liverpool or Frank Lampard gets upset when Chelsea is beaten in Old Trafford this Sunday. But Solskjaer has to run on the field.

United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and the way they ended last season with major players who didn't perform was unacceptable. The size of the club and the money spent contribute to the research.

The good news for Solskjaer is that I think they get through better than expected. Wan-Bissaka and Maguire will prove good acquisitions and the expenses must not stop before the deadline. I think they can return to the top four and give Solskjaer breathing space.

Arsenal must spend more than anyone else in the last few days of the window. This is their third consecutive season outside the Champions League and unless they do business in defense and midfield, they have no chance to end that run.

PLEASE NOTE, KANE IS BACK

Harry Kane has won but missed two Golden Boots In the last two seasons to Mo Salah. As he started the preseason, I wouldn't bet he would regain his crown and put him in a perfect mood for Euro 2020.

Kane looked sharp, not just his goal from the center line against Juventus. After injuries last season, he has that steel determination and I feel he could have one of those runs.

I played with open-minded strikers like him. If we were to win a match in Liverpool and Michael Owen had not scored, he would be furious. Alan Shearer would admit the same. What I like about Kane is that he never gets calmer. The team may play poorly, but will always support themselves to score. If he scored twice, he would never be easy, he would be desperate for the hat trick.

It's about goals, goals, goals for him and I predict that a lot will come.

Harry Kane has won two Golden Boots but missed in the last two seasons to Mo Salah

Receive your FREE Premier League Wallchart in collaboration with Sky Sports, only in This Mail's Sunday.

Source link

#Danny Murphy’s Premier League predictions: Kevin De Bruyne is back for Pep Guardiola"

[365footballorg-blog]

Toronto FC prep for "whole different level" of intensity in Leg 2 at Tigres

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

March 8, 20181:45PM EST

TORONTO – The preparation starts now.

Toronto FC were already back at their BMO Training Ground on Thursday, getting in some regeneration and sizing up the next task at hand: an away day against Tigres UANL in Nuevo Leon, Mexico on Tuesday, in the second leg of their 2018 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series (10 pm ET | UDN, go90.com in US).

On Wednesday night at BMO Field the defending MLS Cup champions rallied after conceding the opener, striking twice in the final half-hour to take a 2-1 lead to Mexico.

“It’s a good start for us,” said coach Greg Vanney post-match. “I don’t think any of us consider it a win just yet. We’ve given ourselves an advantage as we go there.

“Today was at a certain level of intensity, but we know there it’s going to be a whole different level when we get down to Mexico. You’re playing the champions, who don’t want to lose this series in front of their home crowd in their own stadium,” he continued. “We’ve got to match that intensity. We’re looking forward to the [playing] surface, implement more of what we like to do. I’m sure they’re looking for the same. It sets up as an interesting return leg.”

That TFC got the victory without a fully-fit Victor Vazquez adds to the accomplishment.

The Spanish playmaker came on in the 79th minute as TFC pressed for the game-winner. His status – nerve-related back spasms forced him out of the 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew SC on Saturday – will continue to be a question mark over the coming days.

“Victor wasn’t physically ready for 90 minutes,” explained Vanney. “Even when we put him in tonight, he started to feel the tightening up again. The good news is we have [almost] a week this time to turn him around. We’ll take advantage of that. He felt better today; we’re optimistic with rest we can get him moving in the right direction.”

[embedded content]

The decision to have him on the bench rather than start had other roots as well. Vanney instead opted to revert to the 3-5-2 formation with Marky Delgado and Jonathan Osorio alongside Michael Bradley in the midfield.

“We knew what the state of the game was going to be,” said Vanney. “The amount of work, up and down, defensively and in attack, non-stop. Marky and Osorio have done that, in this system, over and over. Their familiarity to what we were trying to do on the night was further along than Ager [Aketxe] or some of the other options.

“Both put a huge amount of work into this game, were very good in their execution,” he continued. “Marky’s little touch around the corner is what gets Jozy [Altidore] in for the first goal, and Osorio scoring the second goal. Their understanding of what we were trying to do and their sheer willingness to cover ground is impressive.”

TFC also saw Eriq Zavaleta hobble off in the 85th minute after a goal-saving intervention, though Vanney showed only minimal concern: “It was a knock, not a twist, to the side of the knee. More of a contusion.”

With rest, should both recover, the Reds will head to Mexico with a full roster at their disposal and several addition training sessions under their belt after a busy few weeks. Toronto have a bye from league play this weekend.

“There is an advantage to being able to recover, have a couple sessions to prepare for a tough game,” said Vanney. “But sometimes staying in a rhythm of playing is as well, especially this time of year. Training sessions are going to be beneficial for us before we go down.”

So 90 minutes remain, though the possibility of extra time and penalty kicks exists. Next Tuesday all will be decided.

“It’s halftime,” cautioned Altidore. “They got the away goal, which makes things tricky. We have everything to play for. We’re a team that is capable of scoring goals as much as they are. Rest up and get ready for a big game.”

Toronto will look to carry the momentum from the first leg into the second.

“We’re going to go there with the same mentality,” said Bradley. “To go after them, put them into a game they don’t like, aren’t comfortable with. In moments when we have the ball, we can put the game on our terms, make them have to deal with us. It should be a great night.”

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

Toronto FC prep for “whole different level” of intensity in Leg 2 at Tigres was originally published on 365 Football

#different #intensity #level #prep #Tigres #Toronto #Whole

[frontproofmedia]

Angelo Leo vs. Stephen Fulton Jr. Virtual Press Conference Quotes

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Follow @Frontproofmedia!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Published: January 14, 2021

NEW YORK - WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Angelo Leo and unbeaten rising star Stephen “Cool Boy” Fulton Jr. previewed their long-awaited championship showdown during a virtual press conference Wednesday as they prepare to battle live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 23 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast of 2021 begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a co-main event pitting two more undefeated 122-pound boxers against each other as Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas face off in a 12-round bout for the interim WBA title. In the telecast opener, rising prospect Rolando Romero squares off against Justin Pauldo in a 12-round lightweight bout for Romero’s interim WBA title. The combined ring record of the six fighters on the card is a remarkable 96 wins with just one loss. The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions. Leo and Fulton were originally scheduled to meet on SHOWTIME for the vacant title in August, before Fulton received a positive COVID-19 test. Leo went on to defeat Tramaine Williams by unanimous decision to capture the title and will now make his first defense against the unbeaten Fulton. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday: ANGELO LEO “This is going to be a great fight. I know Fulton is coming to fight and I’m coming to fight too. We have two contrasting styles. I see it sort of as an East Coast vs. West Coast thing, so it’s going to be fireworks. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year and I can’t wait for you all to see it. “I’m not surprised at all that Vegas has Fulton as the slight favorite. I know that he has a lot of supporters. I’ve been an underdog before. I’ve been in these shoes before, so it’s no surprise to me. It just gives me more fuel for the fire. I’m not at all offended that he’s the favorite. This is boxing and Fulton is a good fighter, but I’m looking to prove on January 23 that I’m where I belong and that I’m world champion for a reason. “I’m known for throwing a lot of body punches and for my pressure. That’s no secret. I feel like people haven’t seen all of me yet. I have a lot to prove. I still have a lot of looks to show and come January 23, I think Stephen Fulton will bring that all out of me. I think it’s important, in every fight, to go to the body. Like they say, go to the body and the head will fall, but if he wants to move around and put pressure, I have a remedy for all that. “Floyd [Mayweather] has been in my ear, solidifying the game plan with me. He’s been telling me exactly what I need to do to win this fight. I saw him quickly on Monday. It was brief but he just stopped in to say hello and see how I was doing. “Being champion is something that I always wanted to be so now that I have the belt, I have the confidence I need. But I don’t take my foot off the gas just because I’m champion. They say that once you’re champion, it’s actually harder. As bad as you want it, now everybody else wants it just as bad as you do. My mentality is the same now that I’m world champion and I’m gunning for more world championships. I’m not the hunted. I’m still hunting. “I’m going to show Stephen that it’s different when you get in the ring. There’s a lot more factors that play out. Not just pressure. Not just body work. There are a lot of things I have up my sleeve that a lot of people haven’t seen yet and I’m going to showcase all my skills on January 23. “Johnny Tapia is the pride and joy of Albuquerque. He’s one of the greatest fighters from that city and to be mentioned with his name is an honor. Johnny Tapia was a good person, very charismatic and he showed everybody love. “This fight is great for boxing. You have two undefeated fighters, both in their prime - what more do you want from two fighters in this boxing era? This is the marquee fight right here. This is the fight fans want to see. “With this performance I want to let everybody know that I’m here to stay. I think a lot of people are doubting me just because I fought Tramaine Williams and they say he just had three days’ notice. But he was getting ready for a fight as well. I have a lot of doubters that I want to prove wrong and in this fight, I think I’ll have the opportunity to.” STEPHEN FULTON “January 23 is going to be fireworks. Leo is the champion and has that spark and fire. We’re both coming hungry and prepared to make this a great fight. This fight is actually a bit underrated because we’re smaller guys, but we’re both in the top five of this division. Leo and I both have something to prove and I’m ready to get it on. “I don’t think the layoff will affect me at all. I think it makes me even more ready. I can’t wait to get in the ring and get back to doing what I love. “My game plan remains the same as if I was fighting him in August. We’re always ready to make adjustments, but I believe I’m much better than if I had fought in August. From losing that opportunity and now coming back, it’s made me better physically, mentally and emotionally. “Going through the experience of having the fight against Leo cancelled just changed my mindset. I felt like I lost everything. It made me train even harder. I took that rage and anxiety and used it every day in training. I’m just ready to fight. “To me, it means everything to be a world champion from Philadelphia. This is what I’ve been working for my whole career. To my city, it would show people from my neighborhood that there’s a way out. But I don’t feel any pressure because of it. This sport teaches us the discipline to perform in moments like this. The pressure is just a part of my job. “My streak of taking fighters’ ‘0’ is going to continue on January 23. Fighters have their thing that they’re known for: Gervonta Davis knocks people out, Chris Colbert shows off his flashy skills, and I take fighters’ ‘0’s. Come fight night, we’ll both be prepared and ready. I’m ready to put on a show and I believe Leo will be ready to do the same. “I’m one of the guys leading the new era of Philadelphia boxing, but I can’t get ahead of myself. I just have to stay smart, calm and do my job. It’s all about doing what I came there to do. “I am that next wave and I’m just ready to stamp it by getting this belt. I’m going to solidify what everyone already knew about me. I have the superstar quality in me and I’ll show it in this fight. “Leo’s performance against Williams was what I expected. I knew he was going to come forward and be a dog, but I don’t think Williams expected it. He’s a good fighter, he earned his way here, and now we just have to fight.” LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions “In this main event we have a highly anticipated fight that the fans have been waiting for since it was first announced. This is a meaningful fight for the 122-pound division. This is one of the hottest divisions in boxing, with a number of fighters that you can mix and match to make numerous great matchups. “Angelo Leo is coming off a tremendous victory to win this title against Tramaine Williams. That was his coming out party. He was really impressive and made a big statement. When it comes to Fulton, you know he doesn’t lack confidence. He’s young, undefeated, talented and he feels like this will be his easiest payday to date. He believes he’s going to walk through Leo. “This main event has two young undefeated fighters facing each other in their primes. That’s what makes a great fight. It’s also interesting that Fulton is actually a slight betting favorite, despite Leo being the champion. “We open the telecast with Mayweather Promotions’ own Rolando Romero. ‘Rolly’ is coming off a less than impressive performance when he won the interim title, so he’ll be looking to make a big statement for fans. This is going to be a great card from top to bottom and we can’t wait.” TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions “You won’t find many young fighters that have been against as much impressive competition as Stephen Fulton has. Seven of his victories out of his 18 wins are over undefeated fighters. It’s very impressive. He’s coming to grab what he believes is his and what should have been his back in August. “The co-feature is the fight I’m really excited about with Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas. This is a very important matchup with very legitimate contenders. A 50-50 fight between two undefeated prospects in the hot 122-pound division. Both fighters have made it clear that they want the elite of the division and they are willing to put it all on the line January 23 to make that happen. The winner of this fight will be in the driver’s seat for any of the 122-pound champions. “In the opener, they say styles make fights and Justin Pauldo has a style that could really give Rolando Romero some fits. He’s got a great jab and he’s in great shape and down in Houston training with Ronnie Shields. He’s coming to win. Out of the six featured fights we have only one loss between them, so we are going to see some ‘0’s go on January 23. We’re looking forward to it.”

(Featured Photo: Amanda Westcott/Showtime)

#HF #Angelo Leo #Stephen Fulton #Showtime Boxing #Mayweather Promotions

[frontproofmedia]

Manny Pacquiao Edges Keith Thurman By Split Decision

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

PRESS RELEASE

Follow @Frontproofmedia!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id))(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Published: July 21, 2019

LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2019) - Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao dropped Keith “One Time” Thurman in round one and won a close split decision to earn a welterweight world title in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. "It was fun,” said Pacquiao. “My opponent is a good fighter and boxer. He was strong. I’m not that kind of boxer who talks a lot; we were just promoting the fight. I think he did his best, and I did my best. I think we made the fans happy tonight because it was a good fight.” The sell-out crowd of 14,356 got treated to great action from the start, as an exciting first round was capped off by Pacquiao dropping Thurman for the first time in his career with a straight right hand late in the round. "I knew it was too close,” said Thurman. “He got the knockdown so he had momentum in round one.” Thurman made it into the second round but continued to have trouble with Pacquiao’s right hand, as the future Hall of Famer threw it successfully as a jab and a power punch throughout the fight. Thurman adjusted in the middle rounds and began to try to smother Pacquiao and walk him down, having success when he was able to get his combinations off before his opponent. Despite blood pouring from his nose from round four on, Thurman was able to land powerful combinations on Pacquiao for much of the second half of the fight, but was never able to hurt Pacquiao or score a knockdown of his own. “I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe,” said Thurman. “I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. My conditioning and my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao’s. I would love the rematch.” In round 10, Pacquiao’s landed a strong left hook to the body that clearly hurt Thurman and forced him to spend much of the remainder of the round backpedaling. The CompuBox scores were indicative of the close nature of the fight, with Thurman out landing Pacquiao 210 to 195, while Pacquiao was busier throwing 686 punches to 571 from Thurman. “I really love the fans,” said Pacquiao. “Thank you so much for coming here and witnessing the fight. I’m sure they were happy tonight because they saw a good fight. Even though Thurman lost, he did his best. He’s not an easy opponent. He’s a good boxer and he’s strong. I was just blessed tonight.” Watch the round 10 highlight HERE Pacquiao had a large advantage in jabs landed, connecting on 82 to Thurman’s 18. The 192 power punches landed by Thurman was the most in 43 Pacquiao fights that CompuBox has tracked. Round-by-round, the two fighters were only separated by more than five landed punches in rounds two, seven and nine. After 12 rounds, the judges reached a split decision, with one judge scoring the fight 114-113 for Thurman, overruled by two judges scoring it 115-112 for Pacquiao, who captured the WBA Welterweight World Championship at 40-years-old. “You get blessings and lessons,” said Thurman. “Tonight was a blessing and a lesson. Thank you everybody, and thank you Manny Pacquiao.” “I think (I will fight) next year,” said Pacquiao. “I will go back to the Philippines and work and then make a decision. I do hope to be at the (Errol) Spence vs. (Shawn) Porter fight on September 28.” The co-main event of the pay-per-view saw top contender Yordenis Ugas (24-4, 11 KOs) drop previously unbeaten Omar Figueroa (28-1-1, 19 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision in their WBC welterweight title eliminator. Ugas got off to a strong start, connecting on a straight right hand that sent Figueroa into the ropes, which he held onto so he didn’t hit the canvas, but enough that referee Russell Mora ruled it a knockdown. "The fight played out how I thought it would,” said Ugas. “I came out strong and Figueroa was tough as well. This was similar to the fight everyone expected. I came out on top.” Watch the highlight of the knockdown HERE Figueroa recovered and was able to make it to round two, where he continued his strategy of coming forward to try to hurt Ugas on the inside. Ugas was able to control that action on the inside, landing numerous uppercuts to stun Figueroa. However, the inside fighting led to Ugas being deducted a point by the referee in round five for holding. "Ugas fought a smart fight,” said Figueroa. “He was smothering me on the inside and holding. I thought the scores were too wide. I was following him and working the whole time. I felt like he only worked the last 30 seconds of the round, but I guess that was all it took. "I didn't have any problems with his size. I thought I was able to do my thing, but when he was holding me I couldn't get my offense going.” Despite that, and being warned later in the fight for delivering low blows, Ugas dominated the fight according to CompuBox, out landing Figueroa 229 to 131 and connecting with 28% of his punches, to Figueroa’s 22%. "I knew Figueroa was a tough guy, so I didn't want to waste my energy trying to take him out early,” said Ugas. “I was ready to go 12 rounds.” After 12 rounds, all three judges scored the fight the same, 119-107 in favor of Ugas, who became the mandatory for the winner of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter welterweight title unification. "I'm extremely happy to be in this position to fight for the WBC title again,” said Ugas. “I will be ready for the winner of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter." Additional action saw former world champion Sergey Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) score a highlight-reel knockout against Jayar Inson (18-3, 12 KOs) in the second round of their welterweight matchup. Lipinets was originally scheduled to fight John Molina Jr., before Molina pulled out of the fight Friday morning due to a back injury. Inson, who was scheduled to fight on the non-televised undercard, stepped up to the challenge. "When I first heard the news about Molina, I knew that I wanted to still fight on a show of this magnitude,” said Lipinets. “As far as fighting a southpaw, I've had so many amateur fights in my kickboxing career that I had no problem adjusting. It was just a matter of time. I also have sparred with great southpaws like Victor Ortiz throughout my career, so I was comfortable with the change in fighter.” In an exchange early in the second round, Lipinets landed a clean left hook to Inson’s head, which sent the Filipino-fighter to the canvas. Although Inson got to his feet, referee Jay Nady waved off the bout 57 seconds into the round. "I got hit and I slipped, that made it look worse,” said Inson. “When I stood up I thought I was fine and tried to raise my hands and show the referee.” "Joe Goossen is an exceptional trainer and he just told me to work from a different direction facing a southpaw,” said Lipinets. “I just made sure to block his punches with my elbows. That was the only adjustment I had to make and it ended up working just fine.” Watch the Lipinets KO highlight HERE The opening pay-per-view bout saw undefeated former champion Luis Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) deliver a ninth-round knockout of former bantamweight champion Juan Carlos Payano (21-3, 9 KOs). "I wasn't really paying attention to how long the fight was going, I was just getting into a rhythm as it went on,” said Nery. “I had to work hard to get to him because he's a good boxer. The longer it went, the better I felt. I put my punches together well once I got going.” In a fast-paced duel of former champions, Payano had success early boxing the aggressive Nery, moving back to avoid his attack and landing his own offense against the knockout artist. Payano out landed or was even in punches landed for each of the first six rounds of the bout. "I'm a warrior and I wanted to keep going and fight back every time he came forward,” said Payano. “My coach wanted me to stay behind my jab a little more.” As the fight grew into the middle rounds, Nery began to increase the offense and was able to land power shots that slowed Payano’s ability to box from the outside. Nery hurt Payano early in round seven, eventually dominating the round, out landing his opponent 22 to 7. “He was a very complicated fighter at the beginning, he’s a veteran, so I had to try to adapt to his style to see how I could get in,” said Nery. “In the fifth or sixth round I started gaining control of the fight and then that left hook came to the body which was devastating.” "During the exchanges it was Nery's second shot that was getting in,” said Payano. “We corrected the issue but then that body shot came in from nowhere and hit me in a rib that I had broken years ago against Raushee Warren.” Round eight saw Nery continue to break Payano down, most notably landing a big left hand midway through the round that caused blood to pour from Payano’s nose. During an exchange in the ninth-round, Payano landed a devastating left hook to the ribs that put Payano down. He was unable to recover and referee Vic Drakulich halted the bout 1:43 into the round. "I wanted to get him out early,” said Nery. “But this showed that I do have the experience to go into the later rounds and still take out my opponent. I showed that I have good defense and can make adjustments." Watch Nery’s knockout HERE The FOX PBC Fight Night main event on FOX and FOX Deportes saw IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) retain his title with a dominant third-round knockout over previously unbeaten Mike Lee (21-1, 11 KOs). “It went exactly how I planned it would go,” said Plant. “Absolutely. I’ve been telling you all week it wasn’t going to go 12 rounds and I stuck to my word and I tried to do that. I hope you guys had a good time.” Plant got off to a fast-start, dropping Lee with a left hook late in the first round. The unbeaten challenger was able to recover and survive the round, but was hard-pressed to make up for the hand speed advantage of Plant. You can watch Plant’s first knockdown HERE “I think I have a high boxing IQ and I do this at a really high level,” said Plant. “So it was just about making adjustments. He’s a big, strong guy and he just came in here to give it his all.” Lee looked to charge in hard against Plant and use his size and power to land a big shot and change the momentum of the fight. Plant was sharp and avoided the looping right hands that Lee was attacking with. "The speed was the difference, he's fast and very accurate,” said Lee. "I had some success with my right hands but wasn't able to be consistent with it.” In round three, Plant landed a vicious right hook early in the round that put Lee down for the second time. After a left hook appeared to connect and send Lee down a second time, referee Robert Byrd ruled it had come from a push and continued the fight once Lee got to his feet. Plant had his opponent hurt and continued to press forward, eventually landing another left hook that put Lee down, this time forcing the referee to wave off the bout 1:29 into the round. Watch the highlight of Plant’s TKO HERE "I had no issue with the stoppage, that's the referee's job and I respect it,” said Lee. After the fight, Benavidez was asked about a possible unification fight against the winner of the just announced Anthony Dirrell vs. David Benavidez WBC Super Middleweight Championship fight. “Oh yeah, we can definitely unify,” said Plant. “I ain’t hard to get a hold of. I ain’t hard to make a fight with. Come see me. You know my advisor.” The opening bout on FOX and FOX Deportes saw Efe Ajagba (11-0, 9 KOs) score a unanimous decision over Ali Eren Demirezen (11-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round battle of undefeated heavyweights. It was the first time that two unbeaten fighters from the 2016 Olympics faced off as pros. You can find full fight highlights HERE Ajagba used his jab and height effectively throughout the fight, landing 10 of 45 jabs per round, doubling the heavyweight average. However, an elbow injury and the accurate punching of Demirezen forced Ajagba to go the distance for the first time as a pro. "This was the first fighter to take me the distance,” said Ajagba. “He was strong and could take my punches. My trainer just told me to keep using my jab and stay in the middle of the ring. "I hurt my elbow early on, so I couldn't shoot my right hand like I wanted. But I won't use that as an excuse. As a tall man I had to use the jab and if it went the distance, that was my best way to win.” Demirezen thought the scorecards should have been closer and believed that his performance should have garnered him more than the decision loss. Demirezen was actually the more accurate puncher, landing 26% of his punches to 22% from Ajagba. "I don’t agree with the scores, especially 99-91” said Demirezen. “It was much closer. I feel that at minimum, it was a draw. I knew I had to knock him out and that a knockout might be easier than winning by points. I thought it was a good performance but I can do better. I’d like to fight in the U.S. again." Ajagba’s activity from start to finish was impressive, as he threw 877 total punches, landing 191. While Demirezen was not far behind with 149 punches landed, he only out landed Ajagba in three rounds. After 10 rounds of action all three judges scored the fight in favor of Ajagba, by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93.

(Featured Photo: Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions)

#HF #Manny Pacquiao #Keith Thurman #Mayweather Promotions

[affirmationtrain]

#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 18TH APRIL. . I affirm that the Word of God has granted me direction, speed, inspiration, counsel, and wisdom. My spirit is constantly refreshed and educated by the Word to produce excellence and manifest righteousness. I've been ushered into a life that is beyond the ordinary plane of natural perception. I am full of might and ability of the Spirit. I am like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out her roots by the river. I do not know when heat comes. I am prosperous and triumphant always in Christ Jesus! Hallelujah! I am well positioned; I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all the hardships, troubles, perils and corrupting influences in the world. I dominate and triumph over circumstances today and always. I flourish in the blessings of salvation— deliverance, divine health, preservation, prosperity, and wholeness—consummated for me by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. My life is one of glory and excellence because I am a new creation in Christ Jesus! I am a success, a victor, and a champion forever because Christ is my source, my ability, and my sufficiency. Blessed be God. Hallelujah! . . SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES NOW . . • Be bold to say the same things that God has said concerning you in His Word. That is what takes you beyond salvation, to enjoy the benefits of salvation ~ Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. . . You can now reach us on: • [email protected] • www.affirmation-train.org • @affirmation_train . God bless you. #april #direction #counsel #light #signs #season #wonders #gospel #insight #divine #focus #empowerment #superman #guidance #powerofthoughts #loveworld #inspired #victorious #grace #leadership https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZDINDAOCj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1liz27cgjymfg

#affirmationtrain #april #direction #counsel #light #signs #season #wonders #gospel #insight #divine #focus #empowerment #superman #guidance #powerofthoughts #loveworld #inspired #victorious #grace #leadership

[365footballorg-blog]

Toronto FC "have every opportunity" to beat Tigres despite MLS-Liga MX past

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

March 7, 201812:14PM EST

TORONTO – That a disparity has existed in the past is plain to see.

Since 2008, MLS clubs have met Mexican clubs in 75 competitive matches. From those, the MLS side has won just 13. It is not a pretty history.

But ahead of their 2018 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series against Tigres UANL, due to kick off on Wednesday night at BMO Field (8 pm ET | TSN2 in Canada, UDN/go90.com in US), Toronto FC aim to show that the gap has lessened.

“Our hope is that we’ve closed it,” said TFC head coach Greg Vanney on Tuesday in the prematch press conference.

Treble winners, setters of a new all-time MLS points record in a single season, the Reds have reason to believe in their capabilities. Vanney points to two specific elements in that process: continuity and TAM.

“We have continuity, which enables us to move forward as a group, build on experiences,” he explained. “With the various mechanisms the league [has put] in place, you bring in more experienced players, players who have different skill sets, which creates more depth, more variation.”

As related by Bill Manning at TFC’s President’s Breakfast, 21 players on this year’s roster were members of the 2017 MLS Cup-winning side. Of those, 17 were on the Reds side that reached the MLS Cup final the year before.

Continuity and skill have allowed Toronto to evolve tactically as well, yet another asset in these knockout situations.

“From the quality standpoint and the vision of how we want to play, our thought is that we’ve closed the gap,” reiterated Vanney. “We have every opportunity to win this game.”

That is not to say that all barriers have evaporated.

“We’re three games in and they’re 14 in,” said Vanney, assessing the challenge of timing with CCL action falling early on the calendar for MLS clubs compared to Liga MX’s. “In our league, the first 10 games are feeling things out, getting into a rhythm. Then you find what that looks like and it starts to flow. We’re always pushed in our time line to be as sharp as we can, as quickly as we can against teams that are already running.”

Another obstacle to overcome: Toronto will face a daunting and decisive second leg away in Mexico, at Tigres’ Estadio Universitario in Nuevo Leon, dubbed “The Volcano” for its noise and passion.

Toronto will have one slight advantage at BMO Field: The evening kickoff will see temperatures dropping towards the freezing point, an inhospitable Canadian welcome for the Mexican visitors.

“They’re probably not used to this cold weather,” said van der Wiel. Meanwhile TFC have braved successive MLS Cup finals in December, as well as a frosty pair of matches against Colorado in the CCL Round of 16, including what’s believed to be the coldest conditions any MLS team has ever experienced.

Victor Vazquez and TFC are no strangers to cold weather in big matches | USA Today Sports Images

The New York Red Bulls showed what’s possible on Tuesday with a 2-0 quarterfinal first leg win over Club Tijuana – just the third win by an MLS team in Mexico in 49 attempts. Yet Toronto will be looking to seize the initiative in the home leg nonetheless.

“We’d like to like to [take a lead to Mexico],” said Vanney. “The whole point of these first legs is to set yourself up in best possible way.”

Recent two-legged history has shown TFC have a propensity for doing just that. Against Colorado, a 2-0 win in the first leg paved the way for progression. In the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, a 2-1 win away to those same Red Bulls and a 0-0 draw in Columbus had them in good stead to finish off those series at home in the second leg.

Even a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Impact away in the first leg of that epic 2016 Eastern Conference Championship proved useful, as those away goals were crucial in the end. Similarly, a 2-0 home win over New York City FC at the Conference Semifinals stage opened the door to a 5-0 thrashing in the second leg.

Factor in the Canadian Championship, which TFC have won two years running, and the Reds have not lost a two-legged affair since May 2015, winning nine straight aggregate series, no matter where they began or ended.

“Our team is capable of getting a result anywhere on its day,” said Vanney. “It comes down to executing. We tend to be pretty good at creating chances; have been stingy defensively. We have to continue to do that.”

One thing matters most.

“When two good, top-level teams play, it becomes [a question of] who takes their chances when the opportunities arise,” suggested Vanney. “That’s going to be an important aspect, whether we’re home or away.”

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

Toronto FC “have every opportunity” to beat Tigres despite MLS-Liga MX past was originally published on 365 Football

#beat #despite #every #MLSLiga #Opportunity #past #Tigres #Toronto

[365footballorg-blog]

Stejskal: How Seattle landed promising attacker Magnus Wolff Eikrem

March 6, 20182:48PM EST

Transfer negotiations can be painfully drawn out affairs, with some deals requiring months of meetings, thousands upon thousands of air miles and tense negotiations all for the privilege of acquiring a player who may not even pan out.

Seattle’s signing of Magnus Wolff Eikrem wasn’t that sort of deal.

Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey said landing the 27-year-old attacker was perhaps the easiest signing he’s made since he joined the club three years ago, with the entire negotiation taking less than 48 hours. Two games into his Seattle career, it’s easy to see why the Sounders were so keen on the Norwegian.

Eikrem, who Seattle signed using Targeted Allocation Money on Jan. 30., has added an extra bit of flair to the Sounders’ attack. He scored a lovely goal after coming on at halftime in their 4-0 CONCACAF Champions League win against Santa Tecla last Thursday, then created several excellent chances and nearly scored twice in another 45-minute appearance off the bench in their 1-0 loss to LAFC Sunday.

The sample size is small, but Eikrem has shown solid technical skill, creativity and vision, helping a Sounders attack currently dealing with injuries to striker Jordan Morris and midfielder Victor Rodriguez. He’ll likely play a significant role when Seattle host Liga MX giants Chivas de Guadalajara in the first leg of their CCL quarterfinal series Wednesday night (10 pm ET; Univision Deportes Network, go90).

“I think Wolff’s off to a great start,” Lagerwey told MLSsoccer.com over the phone Monday. “We’re excited to have him as part of the team.”

Seattle landed Eikrem by focusing on a market most MLS teams didn’t dip into before the league introduced a sizable amount of Targeted Allocation Money: European free agents in their mid-20s.

The Sounders began looking seriously at European players with expiring deals last year, using TAM to sign the 28-year-old Spaniard Rodriguez and Dutch defender Kelvin Leerdam, 27, in the summer. Both helped Seattle to a second straight appearance in the MLS Cup final, with Leerdam emerging as one of the best right backs in the league over the second half of 2017.

Seattle signed right back Kelvin Leerdam midseason last year | USA Today Sports Images

Prior to the addition of TAM, guys like Rodriguez, Leerdam or Eikrem wouldn’t have fit in Seattle, who target bigger, multimillion-dollar signings with their Designated Players spots. With the new money, they became available, and the Sounders have pounced.

“The league hadn’t really consistently spent money on mid-20s Europeans, mostly due to financials,” Lagerwey said. “When you looked at the salaries that are being paid, you realized that that these guys are easily within reach of TAM. When we signed Leerdam and Rodriguez, those deals were actually pretty straightforward given that those players were free agents. So, we kind of got the idea that ‘Hey, this is kind of a new marketplace that we haven’t been able to shop in before.’”

This winter, feeling they needed more flexibility in the attack, Seattle went back to their list of European free agents and found Eikrem. He was out of contract with Swedish club Malmo, where he played sparingly in 2017 despite racking up four goals and 15 assists in just 19 league starts in 2016.

He was recommended by a scout the Sounders use in Scandinavia, and Seattle liked his skill, smarts and ability to play in the middle or on either flank of their 4-2-3-1. They felt he’d remain effective if they switched from their usual setup to a 4-4-2 diamond, a look Lagerwey said they’ll use at times this year.

That versatility was a big reason Seattle moved so quickly on Eikrem, who looks like he’ll fit just fine with a potent attack that already includes plenty of flexibility in Rodriguez, Nico Lodeiro and Clint Dempsey.

“The whole thing that we’ve tried to do now with our attacking players now is to get flexible players so we can flip from the 4-2-3-1 into a 4-4-2 diamond,” Lagerwey said. “We believe that Eikrem, Victor and Lodeiro and Dempsey are pretty flexible players that allow us to play in some different ways.”

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

hr.top-border-fade {background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) linear-gradient(to right, #ffffff 0%, #dfdfdf 50%, #ffffff 100%) repeat scroll 0 0;margin:20px 0 0 0;clear:both;border:0;height:1px;color:#dfdfdf;} .merch-block { background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) radial-gradient(50% 30px at 50% 100% , #ebebeb 0%, #fff 110%) repeat scroll 0 0; /* border-top:1px solid #ebebeb; */ padding:15px 15px 22px 15px; } .item, .copy {display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;} .item {line-height:0;} .item img {line-height:0;} .copy p {margin:0;} .copy p.merch-block-text {font-size:1.0em;line-height:1.40em;} .copy p.merch-block-title {font-size:1.4em;margin-bottom:3px;font-family:’din_regular’,’Helvetica Neue’, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { .item {margin:0 15px;line-height:0;} .merch-block .item img {width:100%;height:auto;} .copy {margin:20px 0 0 0;} .wide {display:none;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { .item {margin-right:20px;line-height:0;} .merch-block .item img {width:120px;height:auto;} .copy {width:70%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { .item {margin-right:20px;line-height:0;} .merch-block .item img {width:165px;height:auto;} .copy {width:70%;} .copy p.merch-block-title {font-size:1.3em;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

Stejskal: How Seattle landed promising attacker Magnus Wolff Eikrem was originally published on 365 Football

#attacker #Eikrem #landed #Magnus #promising #Seattle #Stejskal #Wolff

[365footballorg-blog]

Toronto FC think Ager Aketxe can take them to the next level

Courtesy of Toronto FC

February 23, 20185:00PM EST

TORONTO – Just when one presumes Toronto FC could not possibly get more dangerous, they add another piece to the fold.

Fresh off a 2-0 road win over the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday night in the CONCACAF Champions League, TFC announced on Friday morning that the long-rumored signing of Ager Aketxe was complete.

The 24-year old attacking midfielder, developed in the famed Athletic Bilbao system, recently spent time on loan with Cadiz CF.

“We are excited and pleased that we’re able to get Ager here,” said TFC head coach Greg Vanney. “I spoke to him on the phone when we were in Los Angeles. His desires in the game, how he saw it, the things that intrigued him, mirrored what we do here at TFC.”

It was “not only his qualities as a player” that caught Vanney’s eye, but that “the conversation felt right.” 

“This was a key target for us this offseason,” added Vanney. “We are over the moon to add him into our group as we look to push forward in Champions League and the league starts.”

Toronto began to keep tabs on Aketxe in the summer of 2016, but it wasn’t until this fall, with his contract about to enter its final six months, that a move began to look possible.

“We want to find younger players, that are coming into prime, that are looking to play prominent roles,” said general manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “The new Targeted Allocation Money opens a whole new category of player, like Ager, who is poised to do great things and can take us to the next level.” 

Toronto were quick to express their interest as the transfer market opened.

“There was a variety of clubs interested,” said Aketxe through a translator. “But TFC really showed a keen interest in bringing [me] over. [I] wanted to be at a club where [I am] wanted, can show [my] qualities and do what [I] can for the club. The interest that TFC put in [me] was intriguing. [I’m] super excited to be here.”

Aketxe is the latest addition, and perhaps not the last, to a side that has seen Gregory van der Wiel and Brazilian fullback Auro join in the offseason.

According to Vanney, Aketxe “adds a unique skill set.”

“The ability to see the pass, to work on both sides of the ball,” detailed Vanney of the left-footer, comparing him to the right-footed Victor Vazquez. “[Lefties] see the field in a different way. This gives us a nice balance. [And] another goal-scoring threat from the midfield, something we’ve wanted to add to our group.” 

“Coming from Bilbao, his desire to and understanding the importance of defending,” noted Vanney. “We want to be a team that has the ball: He understands and appreciates that defending is how you get the ball back.”

The increasing visibility of MLS helped lure Aketxe.

“In Spain, more and more, you can see MLS,” said Aketxe. “It’s intriguing.” 

But so too did a phone conversation or two with other Spaniards who have crossed the ocean to ply their trade, including new teammate Vazquez.

“[We] talked a few times,” explained Aketxe. “Victor has really helped, telling [me] all the great things that Toronto has to offer. [That] helped to make the decision. Spoke to Tim [Bezbatchenko], seeing the plan the team had moving forward, also intrigued [me] very much.”

The 31-year old Vazquez took MLS by storm last season, factoring in as the missing piece that led Toronto FC to an MLS Cup victory. Aketxe looks to follow in those footsteps, with Vazquez as his guide.

The two countrymen were each familiar with the other’s career, but were not personally acquainted. Vazquez relayed the gist of their conversations: “The normal things around the club, the city; that we have an amazing team.” 

“He saw last year, we won everything,” continued Vazquez. “He’s going to bring us a lot of football. We are happy to have him; he’s happy to come here.” 

Vazquez wants to see Toronto make the most of Aketxe’s talents.

“He’s a really good football player. He already showed it today in training. I hope for him it’s going to be a great season. He can be the Newcomer of the Year, he has these skills.”

MLS Fantasy Impact: You can add Aketxe ($ 8.0) to your team now. Start playing!

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

Toronto FC think Ager Aketxe can take them to the next level was originally published on 365 Football

#Ager #Aketxe #level #next #take #them #think #Toronto

[frontproofmedia]

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Press Conference Quotes

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Follow @Frontproofmedia !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

 BROOKLYN (January 18, 2017) - Undefeated welterweight world champions Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman hosted a press conference in Brooklyn Wednesday to discuss their primetime showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPION CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.   The broadcast, which will air live from 9-11 p.m. ET/6-8 p.m. PT, is just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years.    Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.   Thurman and Garcia were joined by their trainers at the press conference Wednesday afternoon at Barclays Center. Here is what the participants had to say:  

KEITH THURMAN

  "It's a pleasure to be here again. This is where it's at. I get the most love out here, since the first time I ever fought here. The fans in New York make me feel like I've made it.   "This fight March 4 has two undefeated champions. Two of the best welterweights going toe-to-toe. Someone's '0' has to go.   "I'm blessed to get this fight because I've been asking for it. I'm looking forward to it. We're working hard down in Florida. You don't want to miss this fight.   "This fight is going to have action. There's too much on the line. I remember Danny from the amateurs. I applaud him for everything he's done in this career. He signed the wrong contract though, because Keith Thurman's got this. Danny Garcia, you're getting knocked out.   "At the end of the day it's your actions that speak louder than words. We will make our statement on March 4. You will know after that night, who the champion truly is.   "Angel will talk to try to get people off of their game. Danny is an elite fighter, and he can talk for himself. These father trainers seem to like the limelight as much as the fighter, if not more. At the end of the day, I'm only fighting Danny Garcia.   "Danny Garcia has some power. He has enough, even compared to me. But if you look at a lot of his fights, he knocked guys down. But they got back up. There is a difference between knockdown and knockout power.   "He's dangerous but we believe I'm more dangerous. He hasn't fought a true welterweight with punching power. I believe I'll be the last man standing on March 4.   "We'll see what kind of camp he has. If he works hard, then he'll be geared up for a tough fight. A fighter's performance is based off of training camp, not any past fights.   "He's a champion and I'm a champion. You will see the results on March 4. I'm eager to unify these titles and this should be an exciting fight."  

DANNY GARCIA  

"You know I'm already in shape. I've been active and in the gym getting ready. I feel great. Come March 4, I'm going to be the unified champion again.   "This is nothing new to me. I've been the underdog in a unification fight. At the end of the day, Angel and I, we're going to come out with a great game plan and get the victory. I will have my hand raised at the end of the night.   "I just had to tell Keith to be careful what he wished for. He wanted this fight, but now that he's got it, you have to deal with me.   "I'm going to take this one round at a time to get the victory. If the knockout comes, it comes. I'm not going out of my element. I'm going to do what I do best.   "We're definitely going to work the body. But we'll work the head too, wherever we can hit him. We're just working smart and hard in camp. Nothing is changing from past camps. We're going to put in work.   "I'm excited to fight on CBS. The fans deserve fights to be on free television so that everyone can watch it. I'm excited to unify titles in another division.   "At the end of the day he's a world champion and you have to respect that. He's nothing I haven't seen before. I've been fighting people like him since I was a little kid in Philadelphia. I've been boxing my whole life for this moment. I just have to go in there and make sure I'm ready mentally and physically.   "I just have to have tunnel vision on fight night. I'm going to show composure during every round and keep the momentum going my way. If it switches a little bit, then I'll make adjustments and adapt like a true champion. I'll be prepared like I always am.   "I feel very comfortable at Barclays Center. It's like another day in the gym with me in here. It's a fantastic atmosphere. This is the best place in the world to fight and I'm happy to be back.   "I hope everyone comes out to Barclays Center on fight night. I know there are a lot of Puerto Ricans in New York and I hope they're here to support. Barclays Center is my home away from home.   "I just want to make sure I'm mentally and physically ready. If I'm ready, nobody can stop me. We're going to do what we always do. Put the hard work in, talk a little trash and back it up."    

DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman's Trainer

  "Were here. We're going to be ready. We're focused on Danny Garcia. Keith Thurman will be the victor that night and stake his claim as the best in the division.   "Danny Garcia is a very good fighter. He's like a mirror image of Keith Thurman. He boxes well, punches well and has good defense. But he's facing a kind of fighter that he's never faced before. Keith Thurman is the most talented welterweight in the world.   "Keith will bring the strength. He's not a built-up welterweight. He comes down to make welterweight from about 170 pounds so we expect size to be an advantage."    

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia's Father & Trainer  

"Danny was the first man to headline here. Danny holds the attendance record at this venue. We knew Brooklyn was where we wanted to have this fight.   "It doesn't take a genius to figure out where this fight should be. I love this venue and it's been great to Danny every time he fights here.   "March 4 you will see the champion of the world, Danny Garcia, become a unified champion. Danny is a great fighter and he won't be beat.   "We're not the underdog here. Danny is the undefeated champion of the world. Thurman is in for a long night. Believe me.   "Thurman is a good fighter and he's been around for a long time like Danny. I respect him, but they made him a champion. Danny became a champion, and there is a difference. Danny is a true champion. March 4 he will still be undefeated. Thurman won't have an answer for Danny."    

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment  

"On the heels of what was a tremendous fight card this Saturday night in this great arena, it's great to be able to say that it doesn't get any better than this fight.   "Thurman vs. Garcia is the best against the best, which is really what we have to do to elevate our sport to the sport of kings like it once was. We have two kings sitting at this table   "It's a privilege to promote another great PBC card and at Barclays Center in my hometown. Say what you will about what is the cathedral of boxing in the U.S., but I'll take this building over just about any venue in the world. They have a great commitment to the sport.   "In an era where some people think that PPV is a good thing, it's incredibly important that a fight of this magnitude is on broadcast television. These two champions have the opportunity to do their thing in front of a huge audience. It's great for boxing.   "We're very proud that 80 percent of the seats in the building are available for between $150 and $49. We want this to be accessible to all boxing fans. That's a tribute to everyone involved in this event and to serve all these great fans."    

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment   "Brooklyn Boxing is defined by 50-50 fights, dramatic moments and a regular schedule of big-time boxing events. Last Saturday night was a great start to our 2017 lineup. Every fan left wanting more, and they will get more, on March 4.   "We're talking about world-class championship boxing at its best. March 4 will be that, and more. This is the best welterweight fight of the year, with two spectacular undefeated fighters.   "We are honored to host the welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia. We expect to host the biggest fight night crowd ever at Barclays Center.   "Thousands of tickets have been sold for this fight and we are gaining incredible momentum. I'm looking forward to a great night on March 4. Buy your tickets now. This is going to be one of those moments at Barclays Center that you need to circle on your calendar."    

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports   "This is truly an event that doesn't need to be sold. I am here to share that this fight will be the second installment of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS. The obvious question is why? It's because this fight merits it. As we saw on Saturday, when the best fight the best, the results are often spectacular.   "It's not a surprise that we get impressive results when elite fighters take on other elite fighters. Special things happen. New fans are created and rivalries are born.   "Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman are the two best welterweight in the world. End of story. They will fight on March 4, it will be a huge audience here at Barclays and on CBS and it will be a special night."

#jc #Boxing #Keith Thurman #Danny Garcia #Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia #WBA Welterweight Championship #WBC welterweight champion #Welterweight Division #Boxeo