Super middleweight Schiller Hyppolite Cracks world rankings, No. 15 in IBF

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release MONTREAL (September 10, 2014) - All of his hard work, determination and perseverance is paying off for super middleweight contender Schiller Hyppolite (13-1, 9 KOs), who has cracked the world rankings for the first time at No. 15 in the latest International Boxing Federation (IBF) ratings. In his most recent fight this past August 16, the 28-year-old Hyppolite outclassed Irish super middleweight champion J.J. "Slick" McDonagh (10-3) by way of a unanimous 10-round decision (99-91, 98-92 and 96-94) for his eighth consecutive victory.. United Kingdom's James DeGale is the No. 1-rated 168-pound fighter in the IBF (No. 2 is unrated). Hyppolite, fighting out of Montreal, is the fifth-highest rated North American super middleweight, behind the following Americans: No. 5 Julius Jackson, No. 7 Brandon Gonzales, No. 11 Derek Edwards and No. 14 Rogelio Medina. "Little known to date outside of Quebec," his promoter Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management) said, "Schiller Hyppolite is an absolutely amazing boxer who is now, in our opinion, a must see fighter. He will soon explode on the international boxing scene. We are pleased that the IBF recognizes him after only 14 professional fights, His skills rank him among the elite in this highly competitive division, which was once dominated by Canadian fighters like Adonis Stevenson, Jean Pascal andLucian Bute." Hyppolite joined several of his EOTTM world-ranked stable-mates: middleweightDavid Lemieux (WBC #2, IBF #5, WBO #8), lightweights Dierry "Dougy Style" Jean (WBC #10, IBF #15) and Ghislain "Mani" Maduma (IBF #8), and welterweightAntonin Decarie (WBC #6), IBF #11 and WBO #12). EOTTM heavyweightBermane "B. Ware" Stiverne is the reigning WBC world champion. A native of Haiti, Hyppolite is following closely in the footsteps of his fellow countrymen such as Stiverne, Jean, Stevenson and Pascal. EOTTM will soon announce plans for Hyppolite's upcoming fights that, hopefully, will elevate his status into a top 5 world rating. For further information about EOTTM, Hyppolite or any of his stable-mates please visit www.eottm.com and follow on Twitter @eotmvd.

First pro loss only a setback for Ghislain Maduma Lightweight takes positives from tough experience

MONTREAL (July 30, 2014) - His first loss as a professional pales in comparison to the obstacles lightweight contender Ghislain "Mani" Maduma (16-1, 10 KOs) has overcome outside the ring. This past May 31 in front of 80,000 hostile fans supporting hometown favorite"Mighty" Kevin Mitchell (38-2, 28 KOs) at famed Wembley Stadium in London, Maduma led after 10 rounds on all three judges' scorecards by identical scores, 96-94, winning six rounds as he entered the 11th round, in which he was stopped after getting dropped by a left hook. "It was tough dealing with my first loss but, how I performed was more important, and I did perform well in what I call a setback," Maduma said. "Most of all I learned a lot about myself. I felt so much pressure going into the fight but I felt relaxed during it and 80,000 fans didn't make a difference. It was a very good experience for me and now I really know how good I can be. "I got a little tired at the end but, in the biggest fight of my career, I got too confident and starting fighting as if I had already won. It was just my fault because I was winning easy, felt confident, and got caught. Maybe the ref stopped the fight a little too early, but it was my fault, not the ref's, because I didn't finish well. It was a positive learning experience for me. I went into a big fight with only 16 fights (85 rounds), fighting outside of Canada for the first time, and he was fighting at home in his 40th pro fight (194 rounds). My mistake was due to lack of experience, staying focused, and finishing. I learned a lot and will come back stronger." Maduma's promoter, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), agrees with his gifted fighter. "I truly feel that, as Ghislain himself said, he needed this experience against Mitchell and it was a step back for him but now 10 forward. A defeat can often derail some athletes, while others are propelled to new heights in their careers. I believe Ghislain has the character and intelligence that will allow him to learn from this and become a better fighter. It is scary to think that this guy can become better. Time will tell but we will do all that's necessary, like always, for him to reach the top." Maduma was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and left his parents at the age of 12 to relocate in the Hochelgaga-Maisonneuve district of Montreal, switching poverty at home for what turned out to be a new life riddled with racism and hatred. "Compared to my life, "Maduma explained," my loss was just a setback. I lost a big fight but got more recognition than I had in my 16 wins, which was a big step in my career. From where I came from in the Congo, I know I'm a very lucky guy to be where I am today. I'm blessed. I've taken every positive from my last fight and I'm moving forward. The loss hurt, for sure, but I will be a better fighter because of it. I can't wait to see what's next. "It was tough living in the quarter of Montreal with a lot of skin heads, before I started boxing, when I was 13-14. Boxing saved me by helping me see people all over Canada, including other parts of Montreal and Quebec, and they were not like those where I was living. People were different than what I knew. Today is like a dream come true, what I've always thought about, and now it's real." Last month, Maduma returned home to Kinshasa (Congo) to visit family, especially his mother who he hadn't see in seven years, and old friends.   Ghislain was so moved by his homecoming experience that he has started a foundation, committing 10-percent of his purses earmarked for Congolese organizations, the first heading to an orphanage for AIDS patients. Maduma was approached by Congo officials during his recent visit about fighting this October in Kinshasa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "The Rumble in the Jungle" in which Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the eighth round.  (Note: Congo was formerly known as Zaire) "Boxing fans there know me and they are very interested in working to have me fight there," Maduma noted. "I'm hoping that Camille can make it happen. Congo will always be my home but I also know how lucky I am to live in Canada. When you fight for Camille, you become part of the Eye of the Tiger family....for life! So, I fight for myself and my family, but I represent Congo and Canada because these two different countries are what have made me. I know I'm lucky because I'm one of the best fighters in the world and someday I will be world champion." "The will is there on both sides to make this fight happen and I hope we will have an announcement soon," Estephan added. "To celebrate the anniversary of Ali vs. Foreman would be a tremendous honor. We will have Maduma ready for the performance of his career in his native Congo." For further information about Maduma visit www.eottm.com and follow him on Twitter @GhislainMaduma.

Wilder not a threat to Stiverne Champ plans to teach 'little kid' a lesson

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2014) - Long before World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Bermane "B. Ware" Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs) started talking smack about Stiverne and he hasn't let up as the impending showdown approaches later this year. Wilder is the mandatory, No. 1 challenger for Stiverne's first defense. If the relatively untested fighter from Alabama believes his incessant trash talk, juvenile antics and bizarre behavior is getting to Stiverne, he has another thing coming when they step intoi the ring. In fact, Stiverne admits he's been amused. "He's not going to get under my skin," Stiverne said. "I think he's funny. Maybe he should think about doing a comedy act after I beat him? Friends have sent me stuff he's said and done. It's funny. He's like a little kid who needs attention, so he keeps opening his mouth. His trash talking doesn't bother me at all. I saw some people who brought up what he's said. What am I supposed to do, hand my title to him? I guess he wants to entertain his fans. If he thinks his tricks are going to bother me, he's going to be in big trouble." Stiverne & Estephan While Wilder's chatter hasn't fazed Stiverne, his manager, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), has already tired of Wilder's act. "Wilder is a clown," Estephan remarked. "No respect! What's he ever done to act like this? Look who he's fought. Bermane is going to expose him and shut him up for good. His actions are ill advised. Wilder doesn't realize he's in for such a rough ride and a very big surprise. We're happy to fight him, mandatory or not." Some have proclaimed Wilder as the next world heavyweight champion, using his perfect professional record as evidence for his coronation. His skeptics, however, believe Wilder's record has been built up by fighting fraudulent opponents, pointing out he's never fought anybody as nearly as good as Arreola (Stiverne's victim in his last two fights), never mind somebody with the rare combination of power and quickness that Stiverne possesses. Meanwhile, "B-Ware" has been basking in the glory of being a world heavyweight champion, proudly noting he is the first Haitian-born fighter to achieve that distinction. "My life hasn't really changed too much other than my popularity growing," Stiverne talked about life after becoming world champion. "My Instagram followers went up from 2,000 to 13,000 from one picture. There hasn't been one day I haven't done something in public. I expected change but not like this. People used to look at me and ask if I played in the NFL. I've had people tell me they always thought I was a football player until they saw me fight Arreola. Places I used to stand in line to get in, well, I don't stand in line anymore. "I try to stay on the down-low. I'm not out clubbing every day, or feel that I have to do something in public. I'm available but, closer to the fight, I'll shut down everything 4-5 weeks out unless it has to do with the promotion. I don't think it has fully hit me, yet. It will when I go back to Haiti to meet the President (Michel) Martelly." Stiverne is a breath of fresh air in a division dominated by the robotic, impersonal Klitschko brothers for the past decade. Stiverne's fan-friendly boxing style, coupled with his bubbly personality, make him extremely marketable as long as he keeps winning. Stiverne-Wilder has tremendous implications for the winner in terms of a potential mega-fight with Wladimir Klitschko for a total unification of the heavyweight belts. Stiverene, though, remains fully focused on Wilder. "I do feel like a fresh face in the heavyweight division," Stiverne concluded. "I'm bringing excitement back to the heavyweight division like years ago. Wilder's not a threat but I'm taking him serious. I take all my opponents seriously but I'm going to teach that little kid a lesson. It's a shame his promoter and manager are putting him in such a big fight like this so early in his career." For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.

Dierry Jean targeting World lightweight champions

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release   MONTREAL (JUNE 18, 2013) - Newly crowned North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion Dierry "Dougy Style" Jean (26-1, 18 KOs) is targeting the top lightweights in the world. Fresh of his eight-round technical knockout of Mario Perez (15-5-4) earlier this month for the vacant NABF title, which came five months after Jean lost a unanimous 12-roiund decision (118-111, 116-112, 116-113) to International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson, Jean proved that he's a legitimate two-division, world-class contender. "I felt strong," Jean said about fighting as a lightweight.  "It was a little tough getting down in weight, but I can fight effectively at both weights.  I didn't go down to lightweight because junior welterweights were too strong for me.  I just took advantage of an opportunity to fight at lightweight. "I'd like to fight any of the world lightweight champions. (Omar) Figueroa is a good fighter.  He's strong and a good puncher. I'd like to fight him or the winner of (Terence) Crawford and (Yuriorkis) Gamboa. They're both good boxers.  I don't know who is going to win that fight but I think Gamboa." Jean is currently rated No. 7 as a junior welterweight by the IBF and, as the NABF champion, he should crack the next World Boxing Council's (WBC) top 15 ratings. "We want a title shot as soon as possible," Jean's promoter Camille Estephan emphatically commented.  "Figueroa, the Crawford-Gamboa winner, (Richard) Abril or (Miguel) Vasquez....anyone of them.  Dierry was very impressive as a lightweight. His energy level was higher and he was strong.  It was probably the first time he fought somebody the same size.  He's always been fighting bigger guys as a junior welterweight. We feel that he'll be a monster at lightweight.  He will crush anybody and we're certain he'll be as much of a force as a lightweight as he was as at 140 pounds. We're looking for big fights!" Jean may have suffered his first loss as a professional to Peterson but some positives also came out of that fight for the Haitian native who lives in Montreal.    The invaluable experience he gained fighting in a world title fight and everything surrounding it has made him an even better fighter. "I gained experience and learned how to better control myself in and out of the ring," Jean concluded.  "I know I can fight with world champions. I can be me, using my style of fighting, something I didn't do against Peterson because it was so stressful fighting for the first  time in a world championship.  Now, I've been through all of that, and I will do much better the next time I'm in a world title fight." For further information about Jean or any of his EOTTM stable-mates visitwww.eottm.com, or follow him on Twitter @DierryJean.

Ghislain Maduma motivated as underdog forSaturday's IBF lightweight title eliminator vs. Kevin Mitchell

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release    MONTREAL (May 26, 2013) - Undefeated world lightweight contender Ghislain "Mani" Maduma (16-0, 10 KOs) has embraced the underdog role for this Saturday's International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator fight against hometown favorite"Mighty" Kevin Mitchell (37-2, 27 KOs) on the Matchroom Boxing-promoted Carl Froch-George Groves card at famed Wembley Stadium in London. The 29-year-old Maduma, world rated by the World Boxing Council (WBC) at No. 3 and No. 4 by the IBF, broke his successful Montreal training camp last Friday and headed to Great Britain to fight IBF No. 5-ranked Mitchell for the right to become the mandatory challenger for IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez. "We had a very, very good training camp to prepare for this big fight," Maduma said before departing for London.  "I'm excited to be fighting in this big event." The largest crowd Maduma has fought in front of has been 8,000 at Bell Centre (Montreal) earlier in his professional career.  He's ready to play the underdog role in front of up to 80,000 fans at Wembley Arena supporting his British opponent. "A lot of things will be different over there for me but I'm fully focused on doing my job," Maduma added.  "I'm bringing my 'A' game to prove I'm one of the best lightweights in the world.  "I give all my respect to Mitchell.  Everybody there will be thinking he's going to win, but I'll be motivated to win as the underdog." Maduma's promoter, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), will catch up with his lightweight star in the making this Wednesday in London. Estephan is on a roll as manager of newly crowned World Boxing Council heavyweight championBermane Stiverne and David Lemieux, who destroyed Fernando Guerrero last Saturday night for the vacant North American Boxing Federation middleweight title. "Ghislain Maduma is truly, right now in my belief, the most underrated fighter in the sport simply because people don't know him outside of Canada," Estephan commented.   "He's been in the shadows but on May 31st he will grab this opportunity with all the attention at Wembley Stadium. Based on his skills and character, along with the fantastic camp he had, we are very confident that Ghislain will prevail in his fight against Mitchell. "Many Quebec fighters may have failed in the UK; the likes of (Lucian) Bute and (Jean) Pascal have tried but were not successful. I believe Ghislain will bring a win back home against Mitchell. Ghislain has blazing speed and power. He was not built through fighting weak competition, always facing competition that assured us a progression that tested him from one fight to the next, and he's consistently responded by getting better and better. Ghislain is ultimately conditioned through the training that he has done. No other athlete in Canada, in any sport, can rival what he's done with his conditioning. Kevin Mitchell better be ready because this will not be a walk in park! We're going into this fight with the intention of making a major statement." For further information about Maduma visit www.eottm.com, follow him on Twitter @GhislainMaduma.

Ghislain Maduma prepared to make Major statement May 31 against Kevin Mitchell in IBF lightweight title eliminator

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release    MONTREAL (May 6, 2013) - Nothing has ever been handed to undefeated world lightweight contender Ghislain "Mani" Maduma (16-0, 10 KOs). Unable to get a world title shot, the Congo-born, Montreal fighter is forcing the issue, fighting "Mighty" Kevin Mitchell (37-2, 27 KOs) in his backyard on May 31 in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator, on the Matchroom Boxing-promoted Carl Froch-George Groves card at famed Wembley Stadium in London. The 29-year-old Maduma is world rated by the World Boxing Council (WBC) at No. 3 and No. 4 by the IBF.  Only IBF No. 5-ranked Mitchell, who has failed in two previous world title fights, stands between Maduma and his ultimate goal of a showdown with IBF 135-pound champion Miguel Vazquez. "This is a very, very big fight for me," Maduma said. "I want to be known in boxing circles and this fight in front of 80,000 fans in the stadium and so many others watching around the world will be a good publicity shot for me. I had a plan for this year.  The first step is winning this fight, the second is to be world champion.  That's why I've trained so hard to give an exciting performance. "I have to thank my promoter, Camille Estephan, and coach, Mike Moffa, for what they do for me on a daily basis.  In only 3 ½ years, they have me in this position and not many boxers can say the same.  I also want to thank everybody on my team, Eye of the Tiger Management, my teammates and sparring partners, and the people of Quebec for their support." The largest crowd Maduma has fought in front of has been 8,000 at Bell Centre (Montreal) earlier in his professional career.  He realizes that, as a hometown favorite, Mitchell figures to greatly benefit from fans there for Froch and Groves alike. "I know 80,000 people will be screaming for him and booing me," Maduma remarked.  "It will be just me and him in the ring, my skills against his, but I think my skills are better.  We'll find out in the ring.  He is a very good fighter with good skills and experience.  I appreciate the opportunity to fight him.  He's a proven, world-class fighter and I need to beat him to show that I'm ready for a world title shot."   "Ghislain is an amazing athlete," Maduma's promoter/manager, EOTTM president Estephan noted.  "His level of fitness is unparalleled in comparison to any other Canadian fighter.  Of all the big names who've come out of Montreal lately, Ghislain is definitely, pound-for-pound, the fastest and best conditioned. He is totally committed and his fitness level rivals any elite athlete in the world, no matter the sport, and in addition to his incredible physical shape, Ghislain is also a tremendously gifted boxer with an extremely high boxing IQ.  We believe he is ready to take on the best lightweights in the world, causing a lot of damage on his way to the top.  Ghislain Maduma is a major star in the making.  He finally has an opportunity to prove he's the best lightweight in the world by winning the May 31st title eliminator and then defeating Vazquez for the IBF world title." Maduma is the reigning WBC Continental Americas champion and he recently relinquished his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown. Mitchell has lost world title bids to Ricky Burns (TKO4) and Michael Katsidis(TKO3) but he has defeated, among the more notables, world title challengers John Murray and Walter Estrada, as well as Amir Khan and Richard Abril-conqueror Breidis Prescott. "Mitchell is a complete fighter," Maduma's trainer Mike Moffa commented.  "He has speed, a good chin and can hit.   This may not be the fight we wanted. It's a big risk fighting him in England in front of 60,000 to 80,000 fans, which will be a challenge for me and Ghislain, but it's the fight we needed to get on top. Mitchell is a very smart fighter; he waits and counters with an amazing jab. "Ghislain's speed has gotten him here.  He puts his power behind his speed and jab as he throws combinations.  We've been working with him to try and take away Mitchell's jab to back him up.  Ghislain is very serious, dedicated to the sport.  When controlling a fight he can make it easy with his speed but, he's also in top condition and he'll need to be to take the fight to Mitchell." For further information about Maduma visit www.eottm.com, follow him on Twitter @GhislainMaduma.

Eye of the Tiger Management Developing hidden jewels in Canada

For Immediate Release Bermane Stiverne, Dierry Jean, Antonin Decarie, Ghislain Maduma 'Fight Club Series' PPV March 28, Live from Hilton Lac Leamy in Canada   MONTREAL (March 18, 2014) - Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) has been developing world-class boxers in Canada the past few years and now, thanks to its hi-definition network (PunchingGrace.com) and popular Fight Night Series, American fight fans may watch top contenders and prospects from North of the Border before they fight on United States-based networks like HBO, Showtime and ESPN. The seventh installment of the popular Fight Night Series will be Friday night, March 28, featuring World-rated welterweight Antonin Decarie (29-2, 9 KOs), also airing live on pay per view from Lac Leamy Casino in Gatineau, Ontario, Canada. Fight Club Series, presented by Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM), is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 7:00 p.m. ET - 4:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via DIRECTV, iN Demand, DISH, and Avail-TVN.  The event may also be watched worldwide on PPV at www.PunchingGrace.com. "We're giving our fighters opportunities to be seen fighting outside of Canada, through PunchingGrace and PPV in the US, by expanding our borders," EOTTM promoter Camille Estephan explained. "Their fights will be available to watch in close to 70-million U.S. households alone." EOTTM heavyweight Bermane "B. Ware" Stiverne was virtually unknown in the U.S. until his last fight, in which he won a unanimous decision on HBO in convincing fashion against Chris Arreola.  WBC #1 Stiverne and #2 Arreola will fight again May 10 on ESPN, at a site to be determined, for the WBC title vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko. Stiverne's stable-mate and fellow Haitian, junior welterweight Dierry "Dougy Style" Jean (25-1, 17 KOs), was introduced to the American public on ShoBox, which led to him challenging IBF world champion Lamont Peterson.  Jean lost a 12-unanimous decision but proved that he belong among the elite 140-pounders in the world. "People all over the world are going to know Bermane because of the exposure he's going to get fighting on ESPN (not ESPN2 that Friday Night Fights is on), but the main ESPN station that shows professional football and other leading sporting events," Estephan said.  "He is fortunate to have that window of opportunity.  He's a heavyweight with power and balls who has the footwork of a lightweight.  He's deadly serious about what he's doing.  We don't just want him to win the world heavyweight title, we want him to win and defend it many times.  He's not looking past Arreola and is preparing to fight him like they've never fought before.  They're the top two heavyweights in the world without a world title. "Dierry Jean didn't lose to Peterson because of his ability.  Peterson was at his best, his experience and ability to adjust were the difference.  Dierry will be fighting in late April, early May, on his way back to the top.  He also has the advantage of being able to fight at junior welterweight or lightweight." WBC #8/IBF #13 Decarie burst on the American boxing scene on HBO, when he upset previously unbeaten Alex Perez, and the popular French-Canadian parlayed that into another high-profile appearance on HBO, albeit losing a 10-round decision to Luis Carlos Abregu. Decarie faces former Mexican champion Pablo "Sepulturero" Munguia (19-4, 11 KOs) Mar. 28 in the 10-round main event.    Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST The next EOTTM hidden jewel who most American boxing fans may not know yet is WBC #3/IBF #5 lightweight Ghislain "Mani" Maduma (16-0, 10 KOs), the reigning NABA and NABF champion.  "Maduma is going to burst on the scene - the same show as Dierry fights - in an IBF eliminator," Estephan noted.  "People watching him fight are going to ask where this guy came from because he hasn't fought on a major network yet.  He is an awesome talent." The next wave of EOTTM fighters soon to be introduced to American fans include super middleweight Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs), who takes on George Beroshvili (8-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Mar. 28. "Schiller has tremendous talent and the super middleweight division is big in Canada having produced Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Adonis Stevenson," Estephan concluded.  "He learned from his only loss and had to make an attitude adjustment. Another fighter who is going to make big news is welterweight Mian Hussian.  He has two brothers who are fighters and all they do is box - sleep, eat, train -- and then do it all over again the next day. He has a lot of power, plus he's fast and mean.  All he lacks is experience. And don't forget middleweight (IBF #8, WBO #11, WBC #13)David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs).  He came up a little too fast but now he's back and we'll have some big news about him very soon. And we just signed Steven Butler, a promising 18-year-old who was the youngest Canadian National Team champion." Other Mar. 28 undercard fights include lightweight Chris Plaitis (5-0-1) vs. Jesus "Diamante" Perez (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round match; super middleweight Pascal Villeneuve (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Francois "The Tank" Miville (6-1, 2 KOs) and Mitch Louis-Charles (3-1-1, 2 KOs) vs. Guillaume Coude (2-0, 1 KO), cruiserweightSamer Baraket (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Sandy Pembroke (3-7, 1 KO), and heavyweightZack Bunce (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Steven Harvey (4-1, 2 KOs) in four-round fights. All fights and fighters are subject to change. For further information about EOTTM and Punching Grace, as well as the Mar. 28show, please visit www.eottm.com, www.PunchingGrace.com orwww.IntegratedSportsNet.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @IntegratedPPV.