Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT From StageWorks Of Louisiana In Shreveport
PHILADELPHIA,
Penn. / ORANGE Calif.(Jan. 8, 2019) – Unbeaten
featherweight prospect Ruben
Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) takes
the next step in what has become a promising young career when he makes his
national television debut this Friday in a co-featured fight of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader
The eight-round bout takes place from StageWorks of Louisiana in the southern U.S. city of Shreveport. Coverage airs live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Villa, a southpaw who turned 21 late last year, faces Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOS), who will be stepping up from super bantamweight to fight the former two-time Golden Gloves winner from Salinas, Calif.
“It’s
an exciting opportunity to fight under the bright lights,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by
Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “This is what
all boxers plan for – to be showcased on a national platform. The focus
will stay the same. I’m going to be aggressive and put my stamp on the fight.
I’m looking forward to delivering a memorable performance.”
Villa is
fighting a largely unknown talent in Cervera. He boasts an impressive record,
but it has been built against marginal opposition. Villa, who started boxing at
age five, comes from an outstanding amateur pedigree and has seen advanced
styles in sparring sessions since turning professional in 2016.
“There’s
not much video on him, but we know he likes to load up for big punches so we’ll
be aware of that,” Villa
said. “I’ll
play it smart the first couple of rounds and see what he’s made of.”
The match
up figures to provide a test for Villa in the sense that a lightly scouted
fighter makes for a dangerous opponent.
“I’m
just going to fight my fight,” Villa
continued. “I’ll use my footwork to keep him off
balance and get him tired. I can pressure him with my hand speed and land
punches from angles that he won’t see coming.”
The event
is promoted by Devin
Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale
now and available at www.akafights.com.
Trio of Unbeaten Prospects Also in Action as George Kambosos, Jr., Desmond Jarmon & Destyne Butler All Enter the Ring
LAS VEGAS (January 7, 2019) – Welterweight Jayar Inson and flyweight Genisis Libranza make their U.S. debuts on the big stage as part of the non-televised undercard headlined their fellow Filipino countryman Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, January 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Inson (18-1, 12 KOs) will battle in an
eight-round welterweight match, while Libranza (17-1, 10 KOs) takes on
Nicaragua’s Carlos Buitrago (30-4-1, 17 KOs) in an eight-round
flyweight match as the two fighters from Davao City, Philippines look to
continue their respective win streaks.
In the main event, Pacquiao, boxing’s only
eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing
ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association
Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and
must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner on SHOWTIME PPV®.
Three unbeaten prospects will also do
battle in non-televised action as Australia’s George Kambosos, Jr.
(15-0, 9 KOs) takes on Rolando Chinea (15-2-1, 6 KOs) in an
eight-round lightweight match, Cincinnati’s Desmond Jarmon (7-0,
4 KOs) clashes with St. Louis-native Canton Miller (3-1-1, 1
KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout and Chicago’s Destyne
Butler (4-0, 3 KOs) fights in a four-round welterweight match.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted
by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with
About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not
including applicable service charges, and can be purchased on line through
AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts
International box office.
The pay-per-view undercard will see
two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender
Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world
champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC
Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that
was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast,
unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a
12-round featherweight clash.
Undefeated top lightweight contender faces Xolisani Ndongeni in the Main Event of Shobox: The New Generation Friday, Jan. 11 Live on SHOWTIME®
Click HERE for Photos from Mario Serrano/Devin Haney Promotions
LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Heralded undefeated lightweight contender Devin Haney worked out for the media Thursday at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas ahead of his ShoBox: The New Generation main-event bout Friday, Jan. 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME®.
The 20-year old Bay Area native and current Las Vegas resident Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion, will headline on the popular up-and-coming prospect series ShoBox for the third time of his young career when he takes on fellow unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round main event taking place at StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.
In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout. Here is what Haney and his father and trainer Bill Haney had to say:
DEVIN HANEY On his recent training camp:
“Training camp has been fantastic. I always start in Las Vegas for the first two weeks. I then went to the Bay Area to train at the SNAC facility with Victor Conte for four weeks. I did a lot of rounds of sparring with Mario Barrios among others at Virgil Hunter’s gym as well. Right now, I’m back in Las Vegas with my strength and conditioning coach Reggie. We are working hard, and I’ll be at my best when I step into the ring on Jan 11th.”
On facing South Africa’s undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni:“I know fighters from Africa always come to fight. Xolisani Ndongeni is no different. He’s very experienced and undefeated. Ndongeni has gone 12 rounds many times in his career. These are the type of fights I need to win impressively. I’m always looking to improve. Beating the tough South African will get me one step closer to a world title shot.”
On making his third appearance on ShoBox: “Fighting on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox series has been amazing for my career. This is my third appearance on the series. It feels great to have a home to showcase my talent. Ndongeni will bring out the best in me. I’m ready to graduate to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”
On when he thinks he’ll be ready for a world title: “I’ve climbed the rankings with good wins against Mason Menard and Juan Carlos Burgos. I’m rated in the top 10 in the WBA, WBC, and IBF. I’m focused on Ndongeni and January 11th is my time to shine.”
BILL HANEY, Devin’s Father and Trainer On the progression of his son Devin Haney: “Devin always impresses me with his work ethic and commitment to the game plan. Every day in the gym he is working on the little things that makes a fighter great. Devin has come a long way since his pro debut. Once he started fighting on SHOWTIME, he’s really stepped up his game. He’s a natural born fighter and one hell of a good entertainer.”
On picking his opponents:“We always look to step him up in competition. This is a big fight for us and we know what we are up against. These are the type of fights that are going to take him to the next level.”
On the landscape of the lightweight division:“The lightweight division is stacked and is one of the best in boxing. [Vasiliy] Lomachenko and [Mikey] Garcia are considered pound-for-pound top 10. The young guys coming up are very talented as well and to hold the lightweight title at this time you got to be a bad boy. Devin is marching up the rankings and hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll get our shot, but first we must handle business against Xolisani Ndongeni.” # # #
Three-Part ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER Premieres Friday, January 4 on SHOWTIME®
NEW YORK – December 28, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will chronicle the buildup to the welterweight world championship between Senator Manny Pacquiao and must-see attraction Adrien Broner with a new installment of the Emmy Award-winning series ALLACCESS. The multi-part series premieres Friday, January 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and airs on consecutive Fridays leading into the January 19 SHOWTIME PPV® from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONERwill peel back the curtain as Pacquiao transitions from the final days of Senate in his native Philippines to training camp in Los Angeles for his first fight in America in more than two years. The immersive series will document Broner, one of boxing’s most colorful personalities, as the four-division champion prepares for a chance to become a two-time titlist in boxing’s glamour division.
Episode two of ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER will premiere Friday, January 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE, which spotlights the immediate buildup to fight night and the solemn aftermath of world championship prizefighting, will premiere on Saturday, January 26.
The acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports original series will be accompanied by digital features released throughout fight week on the networks’ social media channels. ALL ACCESS DAILY will deliver the same intimate access and signature storytelling as the intensity builds toward fight night. New installments of the digital series will be available each day beginning Wednesday, January 16 on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.
Filming for the series is underway as Pacquiao recently begun phase two of his camp in Los Angeles under the legendary Freddie Roach. Cincinnati’s Broner, the second-youngest four-division champion in history, is in the midst of training camp in West Palm Beach, Fla., under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham.
Two-Time Super Featherweight Champion Davis Defends Title Against Three-Division Champion Mares in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Main Event Saturday, February 9 from StubHub Center(Soon to be Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson, Calif.
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
LOS ANGELES (December 27, 2018) – Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and three-division world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at a press conference in Los Angeles as Davis defends his WBA title against Mares on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME® in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted
by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and
can be purchased at AXS.com.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main
event promises fireworks and high-stakes action as both men bring their
fan-friendly styles to the ring. Here is what the press conference participants
had to say Thursday from the Conga Room at L.A. Live:
GERVONTA DAVIS
“I believe that Abner Mares is a
future Hall of Famer because he’s fought so many top-level guys. This is big
for me because this is my first time being a main event in the U.S. and I just
feel blessed to be here.
“In 2019, I want to make a big statement
not only in the ring but by letting the boxing world know that I’m the next
star. I’m aiming to headline a pay-per-view by 2020 if everything goes right. I
have great fights lined up for next year, without looking past Abner.
“As soon as I got off the plane, I
went straight to the gym and got some work in with some guys there. We’re not
taking Abner lightly. I’m excited and blessed to be in this position. February
9, I’m confident it will be sold out and I’m confident that I will be that next
boxing star.
“I’ve always known that you can’t
underestimate anyone in the ring. You have to look at your opponent like
they’re equal to you. I understand exactly what I have in front of me.
“I don’t know what Abner sees, but he
was sure he wanted to take this fight so obviously he sees something. I have
power, speed, movement and really a blend of everything. I believe that I’m a
better fighter than him.
“It’s all about being focused in that
ring and doing my job. I’m coming to get Abner Mares out of there.
“I wanted to fight Abner Mares out
here in Southern California. Floyd Mayweather fought Arturo Gatti in his
hometown and that’s basically what I’m doing here.”
ABNER MARES
“One day I just thought to myself
that this fight against Gervonta Davis would be a great matchup and that I can
win it. There are other big fights at featherweight that I could have gotten.
I’m taking this fight because of the challenge that it brings. I’m all about
that.
“I’m coming off of a great close
fight against Leo Santa Cruz. I’m a winner every time I fight. I come to prove
people wrong and perform. Not too many people do that these days.
“We’ll already
have 50 percent of the fight won just by having a good corner, a good team and
a great plan. The other 50 percent is up to the fighter to perform. One thing
is having the game plan in your mind but it’s another thing to go out there and
perform that game plan.
“We’re not just
going into this fight blind. I’m not stupid. I’m taking this fight because I
see something in this guy. It’s a tough fight, no doubt. All fights are tough.
He’s in for a good fight. At the end of the day, you guys have to stop worrying
about my weight and if I’m too small. You guys are going to get a great fight
and that’s all that matters. Sit back, look pretty and enjoy the fight.
“You can’t compare
Jesus Cuellar to Gervonta Davis. I know some people wanted to compare how I did
against Cuellar and how Davis did against Cuellar, but he fought him two years
after I did. It makes no sense. Gervonta Davis has a different style than
Cuellar and it’s going to be a good fight. He’s an exciting fighter and he’s a
boxer. He’s a boxer that trades punches so it makes for an exciting fight.
“People are going to recognize me as
someone who took on everyone. People say this will be a new style for me, but
I’ve seen them all. This is team ‘no fear’ and we’re going to make this
happen.”
CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer
“This is a great chance for us to go
up against the great team that Abner Mares and Robert Garcia make. We’ve been
watching them for a long time and we’re looking forward to it.
“We’ve been doing
this for many years. We know that when it’s time to lock in, we’ll be locked
in. Sparring has been going well. We’re just taking our time and doing what we
have to do to get ready. We have a great team and everybody is doing their
part. It’s our time to show what we’re capable of.
“On February 9, that’s when Gervonta
Davis is going to step up and show the world what he truly is. I can’t wait for
everyone to see it.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer
“Abner is very motivated. We have
very strong sparring partners and he’s doing a great job in the gym already.
Come February 9, everyone is in for a surprise. I respect Gervonta Davis and
his team, but I think Abner is hungrier and looking to make history.
“This is going to be a great fight.
We’re excited to see a great crowd of fans out there to enjoy a fight that’s
going to be full of action.
“We know that this is a tough
challenge. I think of this like the Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana fight.
Just like Davis, they said Broner is flashy, dangerous and this and that. But
you all know what happened. Same thing is going to happen this time
around.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather
Promotions
“This is a fight the fans wanted.
These two guys have gone back and forth on social media and I’m excited that
they’re going to finally get in the ring on February 9.
“Davis vs. Mares is a thrilling
matchup between two very skilled warriors. You can’t expect anything but great
fireworks from this fight.
“You can’t say enough about Gervonta
Davis. He’s young, exciting and when he comes into the ring, he doesn’t play
games. That style is going to make this an electrifying matchup.
“You don’t see fighters like Gervonta
Davis very often. He has all the ingredients it takes to be a huge star. He
knows that he has room to improve and he truly wants to get better. He has a
tremendous skill set and you’ve only gotten a glimpse of what Gervonta Davis
brings to the table so far.
“Abner Mares really wanted this fight.
Any time a boxer goes out of his way to say ‘I want that guy’, the biggest and
baddest guy in the division, that speaks volumes to the confidence that Abner
Mares has. He’s exhibited this in all of his fights and he always performs at
the highest level.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of
Ringstar Sports
“This is a fascinating matchup taking
place at the perfect venue. This is a great fight to get 2019 going. It’s
youth, strength and size against experience, will and desire. May the best man
win.
“I want to thank both fighters for
coming together to make this fight happen. This is one that had been brewing
for a while. Gervonta Davis is the best fighter in his division and he’s one of
the guys who can talk the talk and walk the walk.
“Abner Mares has always sought out
the most difficult challenges in front of him. He is a legend in this sport and
one of the best fighters to ever come out of Mexico. These are the kinds of
challenges that make Abner what he is in this sport.
“Gervonta Davis is one of the rising
stars of the sport and Mares is one of its legendary champions. When you put
those two together, the ones who are going to win are the fight fans.
“People are excited about this fight.
Fans know that you never want to count out a great champion like Abner Mares.
This is of course a dangerous fight for Mares, that’s how good Gervonta Davis
is, but he obviously sees how he can win this fight.”
LONDON (December 22, 2018) –Dillian Whyte delivered a Knockout of the Year candidate with a devastating left hook in the 11th round in a dramatic rematch of one of 2016’s best fights between two top-rated heavyweight contenders Saturday in London in a SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast from The O2 Arena. With the win, Whyte now has the inside track at a world title fight in 2019. VIDEO: https://s.sho.com/2BDKBOP
Whyte (25-1, 18 KOs), who entered the fight holding the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, used a lethal left hook in the eleventh round to end the rematch, which was just as thrilling and memorable as the 2016 clash, in dramatic style. The highly competitive, back-and-forth bout was evenly contested from the opening bell. Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs), who was perhaps the more aggressive fighter, was deducted two points, once for a low blow in the eighth round and once for an elbow in the 11th round. Despite the two-point deduction, Chisora was ahead on two scorecards, 95-94, at the time of the KO. Anthony Joshua, who called the fight ringside for Sky Sports, went face-to-face with Whyte following the bout.
“That left hook is my money shot. That shot is going to put a lot of people away,” said Whyte, whose only professional loss came to Joshua in 2015. “They can train for it as much as they want. I’ve been in deep waters and I can swim. I was in great shape. I wasn’t tired once, I was just pacing myself and I knew the knockout was going to come. Whoever wants it can get it. I want Joshua next! Let’s do this. Rematch!”
“Let’s forget about what’s happened in the past. We were at British level in our last fight and now we’re at world level,” replied Joshua, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles. “It was a good fight back then but let’s see where we’re at right now. If anybody deserves a world title shot, I think it’s Dillian. Deontay Wilder is the target, but if it’s not him, it’s Dillian Whyte.”
Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast will replay on Monday, December 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.
The one-fight telecast from London was hosted by Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. Live fight coverage was provided by Sky Sports Box Office with Adam Smith calling the action and former world champion Carl Froch and Joshua providing expert analysis.
Jack vs. Browne
Serving as Co-Feature of Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner Mega-Fight
Las Vegas (December 20, 2018) – While two-division world
champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” wears many hats as
an entrepreneur, philanthropist and father, it is his boxing career that has
allowed him to be on the path to greatness in and out of the ring. Therefore,
he will put his championship-caliber boxing skills on full display on Saturday,
January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena live on SHOWTIME PPV® against
hungry light heavyweight Marcus Browne as the co-main event of the Manny
Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner welterweight championship fight.
Jack is no stranger the pay-per-view spotlight as one of the
brightest stars in the Mayweather Promotions stable and is preparing to make a
statement on January 19.
“At this stage of my career, I’m motivated to fight the best
in the division and prove I am the top light heavyweight in the world,”
said Jack. “I want the biggest fights on the biggest stages against the
best competition.”
Despite being deep in training camp for this major step in his
career, Jack, who was recently named a finalist for the Boxing Writers
Association of America’s Marvin Kohn Good Guy Award, has not forgotten his
mission outside of the ring – the work he is doing through the Badou Jack
Foundation – which focuses on giving children around the world a fighting
chance at life. He spent Thanksgiving serving food to those less fortunate at
the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada’s food distribution center and plans
to continue to volunteer with them moving forward as well as continuing his
work in the Middle East immediately following his fight.
“Badou is receiving a well-deserved acknowledgement for his
acts of kindness,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.
“Not only does Badou put in hard work and maintain discipline for his
craft, he’s a family man who also looks to share the fruits of his success with
others. He remains humble and carries himself with poise as his career
advances. I know that good things will continue to come his way and I’m pleased
to have him on our team, he’s a promoter’s dream.”
While Jack has been in the ring with some very tough customers
including Nathan Cleverly, James DeGale, George Groves and Anthony Dirrell, he
knows that Browne is coming to fight and try to derail his successful campaign
at light heavyweight. Therefore, in addition to the work he is putting in at
the gym, Jack has instituted a performance and weight management regimen
overseen by renowned nutritionists Lockhart and Leith, whose clients include
world-class MMA fighters from Conor McGregor to Cris Cyborg.
Additionally, Jack is utilizing his nutrition supplement products
Ripper Nutrition before and after each workout as Lockhart and Leith are now
official partners in the product, they believe in it so much. Jack has also
welcomed Lockhart and Leith chef James Lockwood into camp to prepare each meal
as part of this regimen.
“Thanks to the opportunities Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather
Promotions and SHOWTIME have provided Badou, he has been able to establish
Ripper Nutrition and the Badou Jack Foundation,” said Amer Abdallah,
Jack’s manager. “He looks great in camp, we expect a spectacular night in
the ring and then we will get back to building his empire outside
it.”
# # #
Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s
only eight-division world champion, will face four-division world champion Adrien
“The Problem” Broner for Pacquiao’s World Boxing Association
Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19
from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world
champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated
contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight
Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on
France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World
Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by
Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast,
unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo
Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash for the WBA Interim
Championship.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions,
Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions
Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable
service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone
at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from
StubHub Center (Soon to be Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson,
Calif., Live on SHOWTIME®
Tickets on Sale Saturday, December 22!
CARSON, CALIF. (December 19, 2018) – Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will defend his WBA title against three-division world champion Abner Mares on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Davis vs. Mares promises fireworks and high-stakes action as both men bring their fan-friendly styles to the ring. Davis, an unbeaten southpaw who earned his nickname “Tank” by powering through opponents, has thunder in both fists with 19 of his 20 fights ending in knockout. Mares, who has engaged in many memorable fights throughout his storied career, will be moving up in weight and looking to capture a world title in a fourth weight class.
Tickets for the event,
which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports,
go on sale Saturday, December 22 and can be purchased at AXS.com.
“This
matchup is sure to make for a crowd pleaser, as both guys are known for
delivering action when they step into the ring,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO
of Mayweather Promotions. “Mares has
an impressive resume and is determined to
hand Davis his first loss. Davis has made a lot of noise in the sport at a
young age and isn’t slowing down. He executes impressively and continues to
prove that he will be the next big star in boxing.”
“Abner Mares is
looking to join a select group of boxers by winning a title in his fourth
different weight class and carrying that kind of motivation into the ring is
the thing that can propel a boxer to greatness,” said Tom Brown, President of
TGB Promotions. “We’ve already seen the kind of speed and explosive
punching power that Gervonta Davis brings into the ring. I expect that Mares
will push him to even higher levels and that is the kind of match that should
excite all boxing fans.”
“The matchup
between Gervonta Davis and Abner Mares features pound for pound two of the most
exciting boxers,” said Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports. “For Gervonta
it is the biggest test in his career and for Abner it is simply “Dare to
be Great”. These two are the definition of modern day gladiators who will
put it all on the line on February 9. The winners of this exciting matchup are
us – the fight fans and the general public who will be in for a treat!”
“This is an
intriguing matchup for both men at crucial points of their careers,” said
Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “Abner Mares has never
backed down from a challenge, quietly building one of the strongest resumes in
all of boxing while consistently delivering fight-of-the-year performances.
In his first fight in the super featherweight division, Abner will be
facing Gervonta Davis, one of the strongest, most talented and most exciting
young champions in all of boxing. Abner seeks another signature upset in
a remarkable career, while Gervonta looks to continue his streak of 11 straight
stoppages against the most experienced and accomplished opponent he has faced
to date. With these two come-forward, all-action fighters, boxing fans
can expect another thrilling Showtime Championship Boxing main
event.”
Davis (20-0, 19 KOs)
became the youngest reigning American world champion in 2017 when he delivered
a star-making performance on SHOWTIME by knocking out Jose Pedraza for the IBF
130-pound title at just 22 years old. He became the youngest two-time world champion
in April when he knocked out Jesus Cuellar in the third round of their WBA
Super Featherweight Championship bout. The 24-year-old from Baltimore, Md., has
earned the reputation as a power-punching menace as he has stopped all but one
of his professional opponents.
“I’m
very excited to be showcased in my first main event in the United States on
February 9,” said Davis. “I want to make a statement in this fight by
putting on a tremendous performance against an experienced world champion like
Abner Mares. I plan on showing everyone why I belong in pound-for-pound
discussions and why I’m the most exciting champion in boxing today. You don’t
want to miss it!”
The 33-year-old Mares
(31-3-1, 15 KOs) will be moving up to 130 pounds as he aims to become just the
fourth fighter born in Mexico to win titles in four divisions, joining Juan
Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Jorge Arce. Mares, who was born in
Guadalajara, Jalisco and now lives in Montebello, Calif., was a member of the
Mexican Olympic boxing team in the 2004 Athens Olympics before going on to win
world titles at bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. His two
battles for the featherweight world title against Leo Santa Cruz epitomized the
kinds of high-volume clashes that have set Mares apart from many of his
contemporaries in the same weight classes. He lost a unanimous decision to
Santa Cruz in his last fight in June and aims to tackle another weight class on
February 9.
“I wanted this
fight and I want this challenge against Gervonta Davis,” said Mares.
“I’m preparing well and I will add my fifth world title in my fourth
weight class on February 9 on SHOWTIME.”
LONDON (December 20, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora took part in the final press conference before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.
Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will run back one of 2016’s best fights as the bitter rivals will continue what they started two years ago with Whyte narrowly edging Chisora in a close all-out war. The winner will have the inside track at a possible future mega-fight with IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua, who will be in attendance Saturday night.
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is hosted by Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. Live fight coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office.
Here is what the principals had to say Thursday from the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel in London:
DILLIAN WHYTE
“There are levels to this thing and my levels just keep rising. I keep improving. Derek will see how strong I am come Saturday night.
“This is boxing and I’m used to people saying, ‘I’m going to do this or that’ to get into my head. I’ve been around long enough and heard fighters say ‘I’m going to come out banging in the first round,’ and then they come and do something else. So I don’t think Derek himself knows what he’s doing or where he’s going.
“I respect everyone. It’s a tough job getting in the ring. I respect everyone from the journeyman to the world champion of the sport.
“You know me, I do whatever it takes to get the win. I don’t need to get up and shout, ‘I’m going to do this or that.’ I just conserve my energy. I’m relaxed. You guys know what I bring and that I can fight, and I can box, and I can hit. You guys know my power. So I don’t have to sit here and scream about what I’m going to do. There will be blood on Saturday night.”
DEREK CHISORA
“David [Haye] put together the pieces for my training. He didn’t train me, but he sat me down and said, ‘This is what we’re going to do to get what we want to get.’ It’s gone well training-wise and lifestyle-wise. Now it’s time to go to war and have a great fight.
On his table-throwing episode during the last press conference two years ago:
“I think the tables are screwed down so you won’t have to worry about that. I don’t think I’m going to do that anymore. I do something when I want to do something and now I’m just happy that training’s gone well and everyone’s fine in my camp.
“I’m going to bring the same game I do for every fight and we’re going to come to fight. His coach says that his fighter will be a boxer and all of that. But truly he’s not in the ring and Dillian’s the one that has to fight and he’s going to try to run, or he can meet me in the middle which would be great for me. Whatever game plan they have is fine. We will come in and seek and destroy.
“The first fight was a great fight. The boxing fans loved it. My brain cells didn’t love it but I enjoyed it. We are going to drown him from the get-go. We know he’s fit, but we want to see how fit he is. We’re going to go BOOM from the gates.
“I don’t want this to go to points. I’m going to knock the sucker out. Hundred percent. I’m going to hit him. I’m going to pound him.”
MARK TIBBS, Whyte’s Trainer
“Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time, a good boxer will beat a good brawler. [Dillian] is not only just a good boxer, he’s a boxer-fighter. We will box and fight our way to a very good victory. It ain’t going to be easy, but we will meet him and greet him and beat him to the punch.”
DAVID HAYE, Former Heavyweight Champion and Chisora’s Manager
“I think Derek has always had in him what he needs to be one of the best heavyweights on the planet. He’s had opportunities in the past but hasn’t capitalized on them the best he could and I think he realizes that now. His experiences have taught him that he needs to work hard and make the sacrifices, and that’s what he’s done. He no longer does the things he used to do and when he stands on the scales tomorrow, you’ll be able to see.
“I’m very confident and I know he has the capabilities. I’ve been in there with him, and I’ve felt his power and his presence in the ring. I’ve seen it. The intensity and ferocity I’ve seen in sparring shows that he’s coming for war. I think the first time he didn’t have 12 rounds of war in him. I think this time he does. I think the power Derek brings will make Dillian very uncomfortable, but the fans are going to love it.”
EDDIE HEARN, Head of Matchroom Boxing
“The winner of this fight Saturday night is so important to the global heavyweight scene and so much is at stake.
“I think the crowd is going to be with Chisora. You know the British fans love the underdog. What makes this fight intriguing to the average fan is that these guys are both characters and very entertaining fighters. At the first fight I sat next to Wladimir Klitschko and he said, ‘I don’t think this fight is going to be very good.’ And after three rounds we looked at each other just shaking our heads.
“The Whyte fight is a big fight for Anthony, but I will stress again the one fight we want is with [Deontay] Wilder. We’re talking now. People shouldn’t assume the rematch with Fury is happening because the deal won’t be that easy. It never is for a fight of that size. It all depends really on Wilder; if he wants to be undisputed and if that matters to him. He can fight Fury after if he believes he can beat A.J. We don’t get chances very often to have undisputed champions, and that’s what everyone wants.
Photographs are complimentary from Matchroom Boxing for editorial use only. Please credit Jamie McPhilimey/Matchroom
LONDON (December 19, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora worked out in front of the media just days before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.
Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL. The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch. The stakes are high as both fighters have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder.
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood.
Here is what Whyte and Chisora had to say Wednesday from East Wintergarden in London:
DILLIAN WHYTE
“Everybody knows what I come with and what I bring into the ring. We worked on a few new things. We improved in every area. There’s been a lot of talk from him about how he’s given his life to god and he’s got David [Haye] here and all that. We’ll see.
“I’ve changed a lot and improved over the last two years since the last fight. One thing I’ve improved is my consistency. That’s the main thing. I’ve been consistent. I’ve had hard fights, I’ve had boring fights, I’ve had exciting fights but I’ve been consistent.
“The first time I fought him it was only the second time I’ve ever been scheduled for 12 rounds and the time before that I got stopped. I remember the first time I went past five rounds it was like ‘oh crap, this is round six, round seven.’ But now I’ve been there and I’ve done it. I’m experienced and I show different things in different rounds. Even in my last fight, I got put down in the 12th round and got up and did what I had to do to win the fight.”
DEREK CHISORA
“I’m ready for action. The fight is only a couple days away. We are ready to go. I’m excited. Training’s gone well and I’m just a happy guy right now. The big difference with this camp is I’ve given all of the control to David [Haye]. From where I slept, what time I woke up, what I ate, everything.
“We’ve trained hard for this fight. There’s only one way we’re going to go into this fight. We are going to war. Right from the get-go. I’m going to run over to his side and start pounding him down. I hope he’s listening. I’m going to pound you and pound you and pound you. It doesn’t matter what he’s done. He can’t hurt me. He doesn’t have a powerful shot that can bother me. I’m going to find this guy, hunt him down and beat him up.
“I’m born again. I have a new manager and a new training regime. I’m just loving life, basically. It’s working out great for me. As I’ve said before, we have to knock him out. We don’t want to leave it to Eddie [Hearn’s] judges to give him the decision. We have to knock him out. We’re not going to use judges in this fight. We are coming there with a knockout mentality. No points, we’re not coming to box. We’re coming to fight.
“I’m going to go straight at him and I know he’s going to come hard too. He’s not going to shy away from a fight. He knows what’s happening. I’d advise everybody not to sit down at the O2 Arena.”
