Sergey Lipinets vs. Custio Clayton - October 24, 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Former world champion Sergey Lipinets will now face unbeaten Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, who was originally scheduled to face Lipinets, was forced to withdraw because of visa issues.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio "The Matrix" Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik "Iceman" Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.

"Custio Clayton is an outstanding replacement opponent given the late change and should provide a stiff test against Sergey Lipinets on October 24," said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. "Clayton was already deep into training and will bring a wealth of experience, from his amateur days through his impressive pro career, into this showdown with Lipinets. This is a great opportunity for Clayton to announce himself as a welterweight contender against one of the division's most dangerous fighters."

"I'm very happy to have this opportunity," said Clayton. "This is exactly the type of fight me and my team have been asking for. My preparation has been very good. This might seem like it's last-minute, but I am more than ready for whatever Lipinets brings on October 24."

The 31-year-old Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten since moving up to welterweight in 2018 and position himself for further title opportunities in the welterweight division. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, Calif. and is trained by renowned coach Joe Goossen. Lipinets has put together three straight victories since losing his 140-pound title to four-division champion Mikey Garcia in March 2018. Lipinets scored two victories in 2019, including a stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson in one of the year's most exciting fights.

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton (18-0, 12 KOs) fights out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada and will make his U.S. debut on October 24. The 33-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and most recently scored a knockout victory over Diego Ramirez in January. Clayton owns 2019 triumphs over former champion DeMarcus Corley and Johan Perez, in addition to a 12-round decision win over then unbeaten Stephen Danyo in 2018.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!

[Ruthless-RKO]

This is the only fight this Saturday to look forward to..

We have the UFC..

But could have had Davis-LSC.

We have the Mexican card on Friday as well.. DAZN.. Estrada, Chocolatito and Martinez in action.

We also have the DAZN Italian card too..

[Ruthless-RKO]

On October 24th Premier Boxing Championship is live on FITE! In the main event of the evening Sergey Lipinets faces off Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF World Welterweight Title. Two more battles will be on the line in the PBC boxing night - Xavier Martínez vs Claudio "The Matrix" Marrero and Malik Hawkins vs Subriel Matias.
Tune in, order today and watch on FITE!

Gonne cost $9.99

[Ruthless-RKO]

Former world champion Sergey Lipinets and unbeaten Custio Clayton previewed their battle for the interim IBF Welterweight Title Thursday during media availability on Zoom in advance of their main event bout live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, October 24, from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The media availability also featured undefeated contender Xavier Martinez and hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero, who will duel in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins and knockout artist Subriel Matias, who will kick off the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONat 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in a 10-round showdown.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions, and Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

SERGEY LIPINETS

“We stayed in the gym the whole time. Joe Goossen kept us working every day of the week. We were actually getting ready for several possible opponents at once. Everything really went as planned.

“Clayton’s name was thrown out probably a month ago as a possibility. Joe took care of studying him initially. About a week ago, we got everything solidified, but we had already worked with sparring partners to prepare for someone like Clayton.

“It was really all about Joe putting pieces together for my style no matter who we were going to face. People might not think it, but I can box and move around the ring well. Joe has added elements to it that made it a more fluid style.

“Clayton is definitely a great fighter. He was an Olympian, which says a lot in itself. He’s shown in the pros that he can punch well, so we know he’s dangerous. We both come forward and try to fight. It’s going to be a very entertaining fight.

“I don’t look past Clayton. I have to win that fight, and I’m 100% focused on him. But I believe that I belong on the level with Errol Spence Jr. and the other elite welterweights. I think I’ve shown that my whole career. Before I can look at a fight against Spence or Danny Garcia, I have to win on Saturday.”

CUSTIO CLAYTON

“The truth is that I’ve been preparing for the possibility of this fight for four or five weeks. I’m not underprepared whatsoever. I was ready to fight when I got the call. How do you say no to a fight like this? I have had a great camp, and I feel confident and ready for Saturday night.

“I think this is a perfect matchup. Lipinets is an excellent fighter. He’s a former world champion, and from what I’ve seen, he always comes to fight. Most people look at me as an aggressive fighter as well. I always like to bang, but I think you will see a different side of me.

“People who know me know that I’m very low-key and laid back, so not much gets to me, but this is a very, very big opportunity, and I’m thankful for it. I’m not the type to jump in excitement, but I am definitely thrilled that I got the call for this fight. Now we are focused on preparing for Lipinets.

“I think my boxing ability is going to be the biggest factor in this fight. It’s just that nobody has seen it yet. That will be the big key. People don’t understand how smart I am. I don’t look at the size. I’m prepared for whatever.”

“I think a win would do a lot for the reputation of Canadian boxers. It will show that we do have some fighters who can take advantage of it when they get the opportunity. We have a couple of fighters like Jean Pascal, hoping that I can show I can be another one. All the hard work I did back in Nova Scotia shows that people can take different routes to chase their dreams. A win would mean a lot to Novia Scotia and me.”

XAVIER MARTINEZ

“I’ve been in camp since July because I thought I was going to fight in August, but there was a change of plans. So I’ve had a very long camp, and I’m more than ready for Saturday night. I’m not going to chase a knockout, but I plan to get him out within seven rounds. If it doesn’t go that way, I already know I will win no matter what.

“I feel like this fight is a big step-up. I get the opportunity to show off my skills against somebody who has experience. But just because he has more experience doesn’t mean he’s better than me. I’m very excited to fight. I haven’t fought in a while, so Saturday night, you guys are going to be in for a treat.

“Having the fight postponed wasn’t too much of a disruption. I was a little upset about it, but you have to take everything in stride. I looked at it as I have two more weeks to prepare, and I was actually able to eat for a couple of nights before I got right back on my diet. I was happy to eat.

“I see that he’s been stopped before. I’m not looking for a knockout, but I plan to go in there and overwhelm him with combinations and pressure. After this fight, I hope to get a world title fight for my next fight or at least within two fights. The goal is to get to that world title fight, and right now, Marrero is standing in the way of that. I need to knock him out of the way.

“The game plan is to go in there and be me. I’m going to adjust to whatever he does, make the changes I need to make and execute the plan that my coach Ray [Woods] has in store for me.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO

“There were some personal things I was dealing with in the past, and going up in weight has been new, but I’m very confident with myself right now and with my preparations.

“I respect my opponent. I don’t know much about Martinez. He’s a young lion trying to come up. Other than that, he’s just another fighter in the way.

“A win against Martinez would be good for my career. He’s not a world champion or anything like that. I don’t know exactly what it will do, but he’s just another fighter for me. He’s just another win I will get on Saturday.

“To go all the way down to 126 pounds, I would have to lose like 30 pounds. So moving up in weight and being given the extra five pounds is huge for me. Physically I’m feeling so strong right now.

“SHOWTIME is my house. Nobody beats me on SHOWTIME!”

MALIK HAWKINS

“I’m feeling great heading into this fight. I’ve had a tremendous training camp with a lot of different types of sparring. I’ve sparred with Terence Crawford, Jaron Ennis, Jamel Herring, and Maurice Hooker. Now I know that come Saturday, I’m prepared for any look Matias is willing to bring.

“Training during the pandemic didn’t really affect me physically, just mentally, because I was set to fight in the summer. Then we had to readjust, but you can’t cry over spilled milk.

“We definitely looked at Matias’ last fight. Everyone looked at his record before that fight, but what we saw is that he’s more of a B or C class fighter if you actually fight him back. I think that’s the type of fighter he is.

“His team is using the excuse that he didn’t take his last opponent seriously. With the way I train, it doesn’t matter if my opponent is 0-20. I’m always going to come into the fight at my very best.

“One thing I know is that he’s going to try to bully me, but that’s what I’ve always done. I’m not going to sit there and let him beat me at my own game.

“I don’t really pay attention to someone’s knockout ratio. Those knockouts didn’t come against anyone who fights like me. I’m just looking at this as an opportunity to get closer to my world title shot.”

SUBRIEL MATIAS

“I have only myself to blame for losing my last fight. Everyone pays the consequences in boxing, and I paid the last time considering my camp wasn’t the best one. I have made the adjustments I needed to make. I’m motivated to prove everyone wrong. I’m ready for this fight physically and mentally.

“Excuses are for losers. I have nothing to say about the last fight except my opponent got the better of me. Come Saturday; you will see the difference.

“My record speaks for itself with 15 knockouts, so I don’t have to change as a fighter. I know who I am as a fighter.

“Malik says the fight won’t go the distance. And I agree with that prediction.”

[Perkin Warbeck]

Custio Clayton, the much bigger man, will win this fight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Both have weighed 147 pounds. Fight is on.

[JxhDel.]

Lipinets is hard enough to do it.

[Duran1970]

Custio Clayton, the much bigger man, will win this fight.

Hope he gets a fair shake.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Full Weigh-in report

IBF welterweight interim title – 12 Rounds
Sergey Lipinets – 147 pounds -vs.- Custio Clayton – 147

Referee: David Fields (Newark, N.J.); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), Tom Schreck (Albany, N.Y.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.)

WBA super featherweight eliminator – 12 Rounds
Xavier Martinez – 130 -vs.- Claudio Marrero – 130

Referee: John McKaie (Flushing, N.Y.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Hebron, Conn.), Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), John McKaie (Flushing, N.Y.)

Junior welterweights – 10 Rounds
Malik Hawkins – 140 ¼ -vs.- Subriel Matias – 139 ½ lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas (West Hartford, Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Hebron, Conn.), John McKaie (Flushing, N.Y.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.)

[jujigatame]

Is Clayton a live dog here? I'm pretty unfamiliar with him. I know he has the undefeated record but he's also already 33 years old and that 18-0 record has zero names of note on it.

Also why is Marrero such a huge (+800) underdog? Is Martinez really that much of a blue chip prospect? Marrero has been a borderline top 10 guy for years at 126, surprised to see him a huge underdog against a 22 year old prospect who has fought only scrubs so far.

[Bling]

Custio is really good. Came outta a gym that produced a lot of talented fighters.

His loss at the Olympics was close. I watched the fight live (on TV) and thought decision should have gone his way.

He was a little late to the pro game because of his amateur run. Then, getting a pro career off the ground as a Nova Scotian can be tough...

We shared a dressing room (I was a cornerman) at his second fight. I think he iced his opponent on the second punch. He’s built strong and can throw heavy.

Now with Lee Baxter, I’m excited we get to see what Custio can do.

I pick Clayton by stoppage. Made my first ever online bet. $100 with a $475 payout.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Live from Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Premier Boxing Champions present: Lipinets vs. Clayton for the Vacant Interim IBF World Welterweight Championship

Fight Card (Showtime 9pm ET | 6pm PT)

10 Round Super Lightweight Bout
Malik Hawkins vs. Subriel Matias

12 Round Super Featherweight Bout
Xavier Martinez vs. Claudio Marrero

Interim IBF World Welterweight Championship
Sergey Lipinets vs. Custio Clayton

[Ruthless-RKO]

Nice small card tonight..

[Best Coast]

I'm going with Clayton to pull the mild upset with a competitive but clearcut decision. Although Lipinets has fought somewhat better comp as a pro I like Custio's amateur credentials & he has a slight size advantage.

The undercard bouts have unbeaten prospects Malik Hawkins and Xavier Martinez both facing their toughest tests yet. Heavy-hitter Subriel Matias is a live underdog vs Hawkins & is generally in action-packed bouts!

[jujigatame]

Man Matias was dominant, just like against Dadashev. How the hell did he lose to Ananyan? Did anyone see that fight?

[Duran1970]

Marrero was one more knockdown away from pullin it off..he went for it but punched himself out..

[Duran1970]

In my opinion clayton won that fight..

[caldo2025]

This sports needs an elephant sized enema. Clayton absolutely owned the ring tonight. F these announcers too. His defense was amazing. His punches were so much more effective. F Boxing. F these impartial agendas that take a night like this away from a kid that dazzled.

Lipinets is the worst main event boxer in the sport. He’s slow. One dimensional and won’t come close to beating any of these top WW’s. F this...whatever it is. It’s no sport. Nope

[armageto]

Man Matias was dominant, just like against Dadashev. How the hell did he lose to Ananyan? Did anyone see that fight?

He said it was a terrible camp and he just wasn't prepared for it.

[DrDuke]

A good fight, a bad decision. Another example of side A bias.

The fight has once again proved, that Lipinets is a decent hard-working fighter, but a robotic one, predictable and not creative. Clayton was faster, better on his feet, better defensively, better with jab and he clearly landed more big shots, as well as more damaging ones, cause Lipinets seemed troubled on several occasions, while Clayton never was in trouble. There was some competition, but overall Clayton outboxed Lipinets without much problems.

I had it 116-112 for Clayton.

[Cent0089]

Ive had Clayton edging it. Close fight bud canadian was sharper. Clayton vs Abdukakhorov, bring it on

[Ruthless-RKO]

The most you can give it to Clayton is 116-112.

I can see the draw, but it seemed a comfortable win for Clayton.

Clayton vs. Qud next?

Interim belt is still vacant, but it doesn’t need be even there..

[AntonioMartin]

I watched from the sixth so I didn't score it.

But I dont think that from where I watched, anyone dominated enough. I was ok with the draw.

[DrDuke]

I watched from the sixth so I didn't score it.

But I dont think that from where I watched, anyone dominated enough. I was ok with the draw.

In the second half of the fight Clayton was clearly more dominant. There was majorly ineffective pressure from Lipinets.