Photos: Dmitry Bivol vs. Samuel Clarkson - Official Weigh-In

OXON HILL, MD - Undefeated WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol and streaking challenger Samuel Clarkson made weight on Thursday for their 12-round main event tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10p.m. ET/PT) from MGM Grand National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The fast-rising Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs) earned his interim belt in just his seventh professional fight while Clarkson (19-3, 12 KO’s) enters Friday’s main event on a nine fight winning streak.

Undefeated welterweight prospects Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) and Carlos Soto (13-0-2, 7 KOs) meet in the eight-round co-feature.  Hawkins, a Baltimore native trained by Calvin Ford, is a stablemate of IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.

In the opening bout of the telecast, Baltimore native Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on former amateur standout Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KOs), of New Brunswick, N.J., in an eight-round matchup of undefeated super bantamweights.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Dmitry Bivol: 174 ½ Pounds

Samuel Clarkson: 173 ½ Pounds

Malik Hawkins: 146 Pounds

Carlos Soto: 148 ¼ Pounds

Glenn Dezurn: 120 ¾ Pounds

Leroy Davila: 119 ¾ Pounds

FINAL QUOTES:

DMITRY BIVOL:

“The plan was to become world champion in my first 10 fights.  We’re almost there.

“Clarkson is a big light heavyweight, but I have fought bigger guys.  This is a tough fight, but we were willing to take a risk for this opportunity to fight on TV.

“I did have a transition from amateur to pros.  The WSB helped that transition and gave me experience.  I’ve been able to learn from fight to fight, and I’ve gained experience in each fight.

“I’ve been trying to be more aggressive and control the pace of the fight.  I’m comfortable going forward and backward.

“We’ll feel out the power and timing in the beginning.  I know what people expect of me – they want the KO – and if the opportunity comes I’ll try to finish him.

“Working at Wild Card has been a big difference.  Training in the U.S. is completely different.  In Russia it’s mostly amateurs, so you get used to the wrong style.  Most of what I’ve learned has been from sparring with pros here in the U.S.

“Clarkson usually comes forward.  He seems uncomfortable moving back.  We think we can use our advantages to cap on his mistakes and get him out of his comfort zone.”

SAMUEL CLARKSON:

“I’m not an underdog.  I’ve fought my way up here to this position and the winning streak.  I feel like I’ve proven myself to be here.  My losses have helped me get to where I am.  I know I belong here.

“I’ve never been one to get knocked down and stay down.  I’m ready for whatever comes.  The pressure isn’t on me.  I just need to do my thing.

“I’ve been in some wars.  I know what it’s like to get knocked down.  He hasn’t been there before.  I need to stand my ground.  I’m not backing up.

“I want to see what the hype is about.  His whole career is my winning streak.

“I’ve been sparring with top quality guys.  I’m ready for this fight.  It’s a big opportunity and I don’t feel any pressure.

“He hasn’t been in wars like we have.  It’s hard when you face a guy like me that isn’t afraid of you.  He’s one dimensional.  We want to make him as uncomfortable as possible.

“We’re coming to take his belt.  He’s going to have to stop us from taking it.  He’s never faced anyone like me – a really fast fighter with a lot of power.”