Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
 
“I will show the world once again why I am one of the best 
in this sport,” – Garcia
 
“Winning a title is always special, but beating Danny Garcia will be
icing on the cake,” – Porter
 
Welterweight Stars Battle for Vacant 147-Pound World Title Saturday, September 8 Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
NEW YORK (July 30, 2018) – Former world champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Monday at a press conference to formally announce their showdown for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship Saturday, September 8 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will pit two of the division’s biggest names against each other in a marquee showdown of elite welterweights.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP

 

 

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan:

 

 

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

 

 

“I’m excited for this fight because I’m a world championship-level fighter and this gives me the chance to be back where I’ve been for so long. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’m just happy to be back and fighting for the title.

 

 

 

 

“The loss against Keith Thurman hurt me for a little bit. I thought I finished the fight strong and won. At the end of the day though, I feel motivated again. I feel more motivated now than I did before the fight. There’s something different inside of me.

 

 

 

 

“There’s no pressure on me, I’m just going to come to fight. We can dance if he wants, but I guarantee I’m coming to bang with him in the middle of the ring. I feel I’m the stronger puncher, have the faster hands and am the better all-around fighter.

 

 

 

 

“I’m so used to hearing my dad’s voice during a fight. Me and my dad are different than other people. We do a lot together outside of the ring. We’re friends first because of where we came from. We’re enjoying every moment and we’re hungry for me.

 

 

 

“At the end of the day, my mindset is fully focused on September 8. I have to go grab this title and then you can ask me to fight anyone. I’ve never turned down an opponent in my career. I’m a fighter and this is what I do.

 

 

 

 

“This wasn’t the first time someone has called me out and it won’t be the last. Come September 8, I will show the world once again why I am one of the best.

 

 

 

 

“At the end of the day, I have to go in there and make adjustments and do what I do best. I’ll set the tempo and the pace and take it one round at a time.

 

 

 

 

“The fans at Barclays Center love me. This is the ‘Danny Garcia Show.’ Whenever I fight here, all I hear is ‘DSG! DSG!.’ They are going to be there for me.”

 

 

 

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

 

 

“I think for a long time, watching Danny do what he does and hearing him say what he’d do to me, I got stirred up to the point where I really wanted this fight. I made that known after his fight against Brandon Rios and I think that’s why we’re here right now.

 

 

 

“This is a great opportunity to get the fight I wanted for my career. I’m thriving right now and you’ll see it all on fight night.

 

 

 

“I’m a very difficult fighter to prepare for. You never know what you’ll get with me. I’m used to being the underdog and I thrive on it. I’m the more intelligent fighter at the end of the day.

 

 

 

“Me and my dad are a little different than Angel and Danny. Boxing is our way of life and this is what he’s grown me into. Fight night is like Christmas or another birthday. That’s when we come together the most and make the best of every opportunity.

 

 

 

“Brooklyn doesn’t like me because of what I wear or what I say, they like me because I come to fight and I entertain. That’s all because of my dad and the tools he’s given me to be the very best that I could be.

 

 

 

“All of my abilities – power, quickness, the whole nine will help me get this victory. To beat Danny Garcia, you have to use your whole arsenal. Especially beating him in the fashion we want to beat him in. We want to look great.

 

 

 

“We have seen Danny in the ring with different fighters with different styles. You can be aggressive and beat him, you can use the ring and outbox him, we are going to use them all.

 

 

 

“At the end of the day, I learned a lesson in my last fight. My dad told me not to do anything for the crowd. You have to do what you have to do to win. September 8 isn’t going to be about making the crowd yell and winning them over. That is already done. It is a matter of going in there with whatever game plan we go with and making it happen.

 

 

 

“The belt is all I want. Winning a title is always special, but beating Danny Garcia for it will be icing on the cake. He’s been a top fighter for a long time and this win will help solidify me. Once I have the belt, the sky’s the limit.”

 

 

 

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“I don’t see anything special in Shawn Porter. He comes with his head, he comes wild. We’re going to take care of him and we’re going to work on him. He’s not bringing anything to the table that I haven’t seen before. It’s Danny’s time.

 

 

 

“At the end of the day we got a fight. Words are just words. I’d give my life for Danny. I’d take a bullet for him, I love him.

 

 

 

“Listen, when Danny hits him on the right side he’s going to feel it on the left. My son’s power is like nothing he’s ever seen before.

 

 

 

“Listen, at the end of the night September 8th, Danny will be champion again. That belt is coming home with us and back to Philadelphia.”

 

 

 

KENNY PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“We really enjoy fighting at Barclays Center. The energy there is different than any other location. It is a comfortable location for us and it is going to be an exciting night.

 

 

 

“Training has been different in a lot of ways, but a very good different. We are doing a lot of things that we have never done before and we are excited about that. To do different things that create excitement and make you look forward to coming to train is always good.

 

 

 

“They will not be prepared for us on fight night. We will start to focus on some of the things that we will do for Danny and in that aspect, there are some things we will have to prepare for differently.

 

 

 

“The biggest thing is to make sure is that Shawn is ready. We’re going to have a solid game plan that Shawn will know how to implement. We’re going to make Danny adjust to us.”

 

 

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

 

 

“These are two guys who have really made a name for themselves fighting in Brooklyn. They’ve been a part of the best fights in Brooklyn. They are two of the best fighters and most exciting fighters in the sport. This is as good as it gets style-wise, period. These guys get that this is entertainment. These are two guys that entertain.

 

 

 

“Shawn has come out on the short end a couple of times, and clearly those fights could have been scored differently. They were sensational fights as all of his bouts tend to be.

 

 

 

“Danny Garcia doesn’t get enough respect, he gets out there and wins. He’s a great fighter who does everything well, which makes him extremely dangerous.

 

 

 

“These guys have earned this opportunity and the winner deserves the belt. The winner will get one of the biggest fights in the sport after this. Both guys are professionals who know the stakes on September 8.

 

 

 

“This is going to be an electric fight. The fans will be on the edge of their seats this whole night and you’re not going to want to miss it.

 

 

 

“These are two guys who know how to fight and will entertain you. Make sure you get your tickets early.”

 

 

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

 

 

 

“As Lou said September 8th should be terrific. I am personally looking forward to it. It adds to our resume of BROOKLYN BOXING. It comes almost right at our 6th anniversary of Barclays Center.

 

 

 

“Both fighters are veterans in our ring. This is Danny’s seventh fight in Brooklyn and Shaw’s fifth and they have built fan bases here. Our presale in the first few days have been terrific.

 

 

 

“Danny opened the building for BROOKLYN BOXING almost six years ago and we thank you for that and we thank you for continuing to come back.

 

 

 

“Shawn’s last three fights have been in Brooklyn. I think you and your dad have been sitting ringside for every fight in Brooklyn and we are thrilled to have you back.

 

 

 

“We are thankful to be hosting the boxing industry time and time again and we are as committed as ever to bring the best of the best to Brooklyn and doing it consistently throughout the year. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 8th. It should be a spectacular night.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

“Garcia vs. Porter will be the 12th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event of the year. That is just through September. Adding our other live boxing events, we have done 24 live boxing presentations this year. It is not just quantity; it is high quality.

 

 

 

“Eight times on SHOWTIME this year alone, there have been top five fighters fighting each other. Here we have two of the strongest resumes not just in the welterweight division, but in the sport overall.

 

 

 

“Danny Garcia has 12 fights against current or former world champions. There is no question that Danny Garcia has one of the strongest resumes in the sport. I don’t think he gets credit for it and it is time that he does. Of Shawn’s last 11 fights, eight have been against former world champions. He always wants to fight in the very best fights.

 

 

 

“Between the two of them, they have fought on SHOWTIME and/or CBS combined 20 times. The best fighters, the biggest most meaningful fights. That’s what we have been doing, and with fighters like Danny and Shawn, we are going to continue to do it.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA UNIFIES LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST ROBERT EASTER JR. SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

 

Luis Ortiz Registers Second-Round TKO of Razvan Cojanu in Co-Feature

Video: https://s.sho.com/2mPpH8r

 

Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated With Eighth-Round TKO Against Jose Roman

 

Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirmano/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 28, 2018) – Mikey Garcia became the 10th lightweight champion to unify the division with a unanimous decision against Robert Easter Jr. Saturday on SHOWTIME, and immediately afterward set his sights on boxing’s best, namely Errol Spence Jr.

Full fight highlights here: https://s.sho.com/2LzlnJ6

 

 

 

 

All three judges scored the fight in favor of Garcia,118-109, 117-110, 116-111, in an electrifying fight in front of 12,560 fans at Staples Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

 

The four-division world champion Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) – who was fighting in his native Southern California for the first time in seven years – keeps his 135-pound WBC title, and also claims Easter’s IBF Lightweight belt

 

 

 

 

“I’m here for the biggest challenges,” said Garcia, 30, who unified a title for the first time in his career. “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence. I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen. I think it can be made. I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

 

 

 

 

“I feel I have the power and the skillset to compete in any division up to welterweight. He’s the toughest guy at welterweight so I want to face him.”

 

 

 

 

Garcia scored a knock down in the third round against Easter (21-1, 14 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, who was sent to the canvas for just the second time in his career. A strong right jab put Easter out of position, immediately followed by a devastating left hook sent Easter down with 24 seconds remaining in the round.

 

 

 

 

Garcia got better as the fight progressed. In the final four rounds Garcia out-landed Easter 95-34 in total punches and ended the fight being the more active fighter throwing 555 punches to Easter’s 507. He connected on nearly 40 percent of his power shots while Easter landed at a 24 percent clip.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a great accomplishment being here in L.A.,” Garcia said. “I was in control most of the fight, and I did what I had to do. I knew he was a tough opponent. He’s a tough warrior. He gave a great fight but I was a better fighter. I was in control of the fight and I did what I had to do to win.”

 

 

 

 

Easter, who went into the Garcia locker room after the fight to congratulate his opponent, was gracious in defeat.

 

 

 

 

“Whenever we step in the ring we are both putting our lives on the line and tonight Mikey was victorious,” said Easter, who entered the fight as the longest reigning champion at 135 pounds. “I just couldn’t find the timing and I just couldn’t let my right hand go. He caught me with a clean shot and I went down, but I got up like a true champion.”

 

 

 

 

 

During an interview at the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host desk, Spence, a fellow top-five pound-for-pound great, said he would “definitely” welcome a fight with Garcia. “I feel like that’s the best fight available for me right now with Shawn [Porter] and Danny [Garcia] fighting in September. Keith Thurman is still recovering and needs a tune up.

Full interview here: https://s.sho.com/2veXH1T.

 

 

 

 

“He’s daring to be great, he wants to be great, he wants to move up and dethrone me and it’s not going to happen. It’s definitely going to be an easy fight. [Garcia] will be pound-for-pound No. 1 if he beats me. He has great skills but I see myself winning. I don’t really see anything that concerns me. He’s technically good, but I don’t see him hurting me at 147.”

 

 

 

 

Heavyweight southpaw Luis Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) returned to the ring with a resounding victory, scoring a devastating second round knockout (2:08) of former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs)

 

 

 

 

Ortiz landed 42 percent of his power shots (eight of 19) while Cojanu landed just two of 13 (15%) in the short fight.

 

 

 

 

Ortiz was emotional after the fight. He told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray that just five days ago he learned doctors have found a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a disease his daughter suffers from.

 

 

 

 

“Thanks to God they found a cure for my daughter’s disease,” Ortiz said. “My wife told me while I was boarding the plane to get here. It’s been hard to be away from them. I’m happy I won, but it’s been really hard to be away from them.”

 

 

 

 

 

Both fighters were coming off losses in heavyweight world title fights. Ortiz was fighting for the first time since challenging Deontay Wilder in a 2018 Fight of the Year candidate. The 6-foot-4 Ortiz wasted little time knocking out the 6-feet-7½, 269-pound Cojanu, returning for his first fight since challenging then-WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker.

 

 

 

 

 

“In my mind King Kong has not been defeated. I don’t feel I lost against Deontay Wilder. I want to fight [Anthony] Joshua, but he only fights boxers he’s sure he can defeat. I’m going to ask the government to put me on disability, maybe that way Joshua will fight me.”

 

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) remained undefeated recording his sixth straight stoppage with an eighth-round TKO of Jose Roman (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match. Each of the judges, as well as SHOWTIME expert scorer Steve Farhood, scored the fight 80-70 in favor of Barrios at the time of the stoppage as Roman’s corner didn’t answer the bell for the ninth round.

 

 

 

 

San Antonio’s Barrios relied on effective body work in dominating the fight, connecting on 61 of his 133 body shots. He connected on 44 percent of his power punches (104/239) compared to 26 percent for Roman (34/132), who had just five body shots on the night.

 

 

 

 

“[Body work] is something I’ve been able to work on,” Barrios told Gray in the ring. “You put the body work in early and by the end of the fight they have nothing left. That worked perfectly for this fight. This was the farthest I’ve gone in a while. It was great work and I feel like I’m transitioning to the fighter that I always thought I’ve be.”

 

 

 

 

Barrios, who suffered a cut above his left eye in the first round, sent Roman to the canvas at 1:15 of the fourth round with a strong right that dazed Roman, then a left hook that put Roman down for the seventh time in his career. Barrios ended the round with a flurry of punches that left Roman stunned.

 

 

 

 

 

The 23-year-old Barrios sent Roman down again with 1:38 remaining in the eighth round. Roman survived the round, but his corner refused to answer the bell and the fight was over.

 

 

 

 

“I feel I’m ready [for a title shot)],” Barrios said. “I feel strong. I feel fast. I’m young, but whatever my managers throw at me I’m ready. If I could get it tomorrow, I’d take it.”

 

 

 

 

 

It was a star-studded night at Staples as current and former world champions attended the fights, including Jarrett Hurd, Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Gervonta Davis and Adrien Broner.

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn Porter was also in attendance. It was recently announced that Porter and fellow former 147-pound world title holder Danny Garcia will square off against one another for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME Saturday, Sept. 8 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

 

 

 

“I’m just a different type of athlete,” Porter told SHOWTIME’s Brian Custer. “When you talk about having the tools to become a two-time world champion; I have the tools, the athleticism, the tenacity the ring generalship. You will see all of that on Sept. 8.

 

 

 

 

 

“We always say that the business has to make sense [to make fights], And it sounds to me like the business has played its part. I win the WBC Championship and you’ll get Shawn Porter vs. Errol Spence.”

 

 

 

 

 

In streaming coverage of live undercard fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, undefeated super lightweight prospect Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), the brother of former champion Marcos Maidana, recorded a seventh-round stoppage (2:32) against former world title challenger Andrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs).

 

 

 

 

 

Also on the live stream, 2016 U.S. Olympian and unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) dominated 54-fight veteran Giovanni Caro (27-24, 21 KOs) scoring a stoppage at 2:09 of the fourth round in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

MIKEY GARCIA vs. ROBERT EASTER JR., FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT From Staples Center In Los Angeles, Calif.

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

 

WBC & IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds

Mikey Garcia – 135 lbs.

Robert Easter Jr. – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (N.J.), Edward Hernandez Sr. (Calif.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds

Luis Ortiz – 241 lbs.

Razvan Cujanu – 269 lbs.

Referee Jerry Cantu (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Mario Barrios – 141 ½ lbs.

Jose Roman – 142 lbs.

Referee Gerard White (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

 

 

FLASH QUOTES

Mikey Garcia

“All the work is done; the talking is done. Now it’s time to settle this thing in the ring.”

 

 

 

Robert Easter Jr.

“I told Mikey there ain’t no more talking. I’m coming in shape. It’s going to be an exciting fight for all the fans that are here from my side and from his side. We’re just ready to fight and put on a great performance for LA.

 

 

 

“This fight is champion vs. champion. It’s going to determine who’s the best, for real. Tomorrow is going to be the best of the best and you’re going to see the best out of me.”

 

 

 

Luis Ortiz

“I’m going to do what I’ve always done in my career and even in the amateurs, and that’s just fight. It’s going to be no different. I’m going to come out punching.

 

 

 

“Every fight is an important fight and tomorrow night I will show what I can do. I’m going to show why I’m known as the most avoided fighter.”

 

 

 

Razvan Cojanu

“I’m in very good shape. Tomorrow night it’s SHOWTIME. We’re going to bring the pain.

 

 

 

“The secret to beating Luis Ortiz is two things. One, I cannot say because I’m in front of the cameras but the other one is the heart.”

 

 

 

Mario Barrios

“Everything about fighting on SHOWITME excites me. I’ve been working for this and dreaming about this day since I was a little kid. Now it’s here and I want to take full advantage of it.

 

 

 

“I hope the fans can expect a lot. I’m here to showcase my talents and they are going to see fireworks. I always get a lot of love from the fans when I fight in L.A.”

 

 

 

Jose Roman

“I have a special motivation for this fight. My cousin’s son is battling leukemia so I dedicate this fight to him. He’s only three years old. It’s really hard because I’m a father and just imagining that breaks my heart.”

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

WATCH NOW! THE APPROACH: MIKEY GARCIA – Four-Division World Champion Explains His Mindset Before a Fight

THE APPROACH: MIKEY GARCIA

 

Four-Division World Champion Explains His Mindset Before a Fight

 

Garcia Faces Robert Easter Jr. in Lightweight World Title Unification Bout

 

This Saturday, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME

 

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2AgFPt5

WHAT: Four-division world champion Mikey Garcia explains his mindset in the final moments before a fight in this new digital offering from SHOWTIME Sports® The Approach: Mikey Garcia provides a first-person glimpse into Garcia’s psyche and unique tendencies as he prepares to enter the ring. 

 

 

 

“The ring walk is the most special moment of a fight itself,” says Garcia. “Sometimes I get very emotional and I want to cry because it’s unbelievable that all of these people are there to support me.”

 

 

 

Garcia, the unbeaten WBC Lightweight World Champion, will meet IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. in a 135-pound unification showdown tomorrow night, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Live coverage of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) returning to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) and opens with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

The night kicks off with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, as former three-division champion Abner Mares joins boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix to preview the night’s tripleheader and call live undercard bouts from ringside in Los Angeles. SHOWTIME’s fifth digital presentation of live boxing in 2018 will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

The FNU Combat Sports Show Launches as Fight Talk Unlimited on SPREAKER

Fight News Unlimited’s weekly Combat Sports Show is now officially known as Fight Talk Unlimited, and we are now back to a live platform: Spreaker.

 

This week on our debut episode on Spreaker, we discuss a wild week in news, from Floyd Mayweather’s beef with 50-Cent, to Conor McGregor’s slap on the wrist for throwing a hand truck through a bus window, to a Philadelphia area school teacher moonlighting as an offensive German character in his pro-wrestling career. We then recap last week’s major fights, including a vicious KO by Anthony Smith over Shogun Rua at UFC Fight Night 135. We also preview UFC on FOX 30 and Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr., along with all the other combat sports action this weekend.

 

Listen live with the player below:

Listen to “Debut Episode: Tom, Tony and Rich Break in the New Platform” on Spreaker.

Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Lightweight World Champions Clash in Unification Fight That Headlines Action Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2018) – Lightweight world champions Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they enter the ring for a 135-pound title unification Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Joining them Thursday and competing on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) were Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz and former title challenger Razvan Cojanu, who meet in a 10-round bout plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Jose Roman, who compete in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Conga Room at L.A. Live:

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

 

 

“This will be my first title unification match. It means a lot to face another unbeaten champion. It will help my legacy and my career. I’m taking the proper steps to move forward and cement my name for the ages.

 

 

 

“There isn’t another fight in front of me right now that gets me excited other than this one against Robert Easter Jr. He’s going to come with everything he has. This is definitely his biggest fight and I believe we’ll be able to bring the best out of each other.

 

 

 

“Me and Robert Easter Jr. are the only unbeaten champions in the division. So in my eyes, the winner is the best fighter in the division.

 

 

 

“I’m very happy to be fighting again in Los Angeles. It’s been seven years since I fought here. To give fans a chance to see this big fight live at STAPLES Center is a great thing. I’m very thankful that we could have the fight here. Most opponents wouldn’t have come here.

 

 

 

“I’m coming back to STAPLES Center as a world champion and I have a chance to unify in my hometown. There’s nothing better that I could ask for. I’m going to do everything I can to come out victorious on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“I’m glad that Robert is confident coming into this fight. I believe that he will show up the best possible version of himself. That’s what gets me even more motivated and excited for this fight.

 

 

 

“I’m here to take the biggest fights and biggest challenges. I will be at welterweight very soon and I look forward to taking on the best there. Everyone says not to do it, and that’s what excites me and motivates me the most.”

 

 

 

ROBERT EASTER JR.

 

 

 

“I really don’t pay attention to being ‘overlooked’ or what my opponents say leading up to a fight. On July 28 we still have to get in there and throw these hands. Nothing said by him or anyone outside bothers me at all.

 

 

 

“The only big name Mikey Garcia has beaten is Adrien Broner. I’m going to give him problems. I believe with our skills and record, the winner of this fight is the best fighter in the weight class.

 

 

 

“This can add big attention to my career. It can help me get the recognition that I deserve. I look at all my fights like a big fight, but obviously this is unification. You will see two warriors in there on Saturday.

 

 

 

“It’s been a long time since I made my pro debut at STAPLES Center. You’re going to get a lot of action and excitement on Saturday night. Expect the unexpected.

 

 

 

“I had such a great training camp with coach Cunningham and my dad. It was all boxing all the time and really what I needed heading into a matchup like this.

 

 

 

“Everyone will be able to see my hard work pay off on Saturday night. I’m not the one who likes to talk about it, I want to show everybody what I got.

 

 

 

“These are the kind of fights that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. It’s a big fight that I know the fans are going to really enjoy. I’m going to give them something to remember.

 

 

 

“Being the underdog is what it is. Only one of us can be the favorite. We did what we had to do to prepare for this fight and on July 28 you’ll see it all in action.”

 

 

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother and Trainer

 

 

 

“There’s always risk in any fight. We’re very well-prepared for this big challenge and Mikey is in a great place mentally. Easter is a tall guy who I’m sure will try to use his reach and fight from the outside. But we’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

 

 

 

“This is obviously a big fight for Mikey against another elite boxer. When two undefeated guys are unifying, it’s always big. We had great sparring partners who prepared Mikey to be at his very best.

 

 

 

“We’re ready for the best Robert Easter possible. I’m not even looking at his past two performances. We’ve done what we had to do to be ready for this fight and the best version of our opponent.”

 

 

 

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Easter’s Co-Trainer

 

 

 

“Robert has always been a tremendous fighter and an excellent boxer when he wants to box. We just put extra emphasis on how we want to fight Mikey Garcia. Robert has the natural skill and ability, plus the size and reach to get this done.

 

 

 

“We’re prepared to dictate the tempo, control distance and range and do everything we want to do. We’ve done it so far in camp and we’re going to bring it into the ring on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“It’s obvious for the last couple of weeks that Garcia has been talking more about future fights than this fight on Saturday night. I look at that as him overlooking Easter. However, Mikey is a pro with a seasoned trainer so I doubt he’s being totally overlooked. He better be ready.”

 

 

 

ROBERT EASTER SR., Easter’s Father & Co-Trainer

 

 

 

“I always feel very confident about Robert’s chances every time he steps into the ring. We had a good camp and I know he’s ready. He’s always ready, just like he’s been for every fight leading up to this one.

 

 

 

“This fight is going to live up to the hype. Robert is going to go out there and show the world what he is really made of.

 

 

 

“We’re going to go out there and get the win. We’re going to impose our game plan on Mikey and make it a really long night for him.”

 

 

 

LUIS ORTIZ

 

 

 

“My hunger and motivation to become world champion has not changed at all. My opponent is very big, but in the ring everyone is the same size. We’re going to be smart and I’m going to do my job on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“The Wilder fight is what it is. It’s the past now, and I don’t regret it. At the end of the day I want the rematch and I believe I deserve the rematch. They’re still running from me and they’re obviously running from Wilder, but I’m running from no one.

 

 

 

“A victory on Saturday night will put me back in line for the rematch with Deontay Wilder. Fighting is what I know how to do, and that’s what I’m coming to do on Saturday night. We’re both hungry for a win and we will see who comes out on top.

 

 

 

“I learned that I need to train even harder, fight harder, throw more and connect more. If I hadn’t been fatigued, I’d still be punching him today. I threw the clock away at the gym. We’re going to be smarter going forward.”

 

 

 

RAZVAN COJANU

 

 

 

“I am very ready for this matchup. When we got this call, I was already in shape. We just had to make the adjustment to fighting a southpaw. We have about a month of really fun sparring leading up to this fight.

 

 

 

“I feel very comfortable against the southpaw, especially one that everyone is familiar with like Ortiz. I know I have the skills to take home the victory.

 

 

 

“The Wilder vs. Ortiz fight was a great fight and I congratulate him for that performance. I saw plenty of things that I can expose. The main thing is the sharp one-two combination that gives him trouble.”

 

 

 

MARIO BARRIOS

 

 

 

“This is definitely the toughest test of my career. I’m very happy to have this big fight. This is going to be the breakout performance that I’ve been looking for.

 

 

 

“Whichever title is available to me is the title we’ll go after. It doesn’t matter who I have to face, I’ll be ready. I’m gunning for the very best.

 

 

 

“This is a great opportunity to make my debut on SHOWTIME. This is a card packed with talent, but I plan on stealing the show. I’m going to show everyone the kind of fighter that I am.

 

 

 

“I know that Roman is going to come to fight but so am I. I can’t wait to fight in this building. All the greats have fought here and I can’t wait to put on a great show.”

 

 

 

JOSE ROMAN

 

 

 

 

“Barrios’ best weapon would be his speed and his range and I think we have the perfect game plan to oppose it. I know that I have to be patient in there because I have a difficult opponent. I’m doing this for my family and no one can stop me.

 

 

 

“A win over Mario Barrios would be huge for me. The fans can come in there expecting a war between two Mexican warriors who will leave it all in the ring.

 

 

 

“When I’m not fighting I’m going to Cyprus College and majoring in Mathematics. I’ve been really good at math since I was a kid. I’m on a great track right now in my boxing career and in life.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“This is a top to bottom amazing card. It’s a boxing spectacular taking place here at STAPLES Center. We have a little bit of everything on this card. That includes talent from Robert Garcia’s gym, plus 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who I believe will one day be headlining at STAPLES Center one day.

 

 

 

“The televised portion of this card has a stellar lineup as well, including an undefeated Mario Barrios, who represents Texas well and makes his state proud. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the division and will have a tough challenge in Jose Roman.

 

 

 

“Luis Ortiz is the kind of fighter that you just don’t want to miss a minute of when he fights. He is coming off of one of the best fights of this year, when he challenged WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

“The matchup between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. is the cherry on top of an amazing night. I know that these fighters are ready to entertain and showcase their talent.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

“There are fighters who say they want tough fights and then there are fighters who actually take tough fights. There’s a big difference between these two. Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. are the fighters who actually take the top fights.

 

 

 

“This is the third world title unification on SHOWTIME this year. No other network has delivered this level of fights to boxing fans. That’s more world title unifications than all the other networks combined this year.

 

 

 

“Mikey is a top pound-for-pound fighter and Easter is the longest reigning champion at lightweight and probably the most avoided fighter in the division. No one is rushing to fight either of these guys, yet, this was an easy fight to make.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

VIDEO: FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION MIKEY GARCIA IS CHANGING LIVES AHEAD OF HIS TITLE UNIFICATION THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“It’s my responsibility on earth to help everybody as much as I can”

 

WBC Lightweight World Champion Garcia Faces IBF Champion Robert Easter Jr.

 

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME

 

 Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2LlP5Bb

Mikey Garcia: “The Godfather” Via The Players’ Tribune

Ahead of Saturday’s Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. Title Unification Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in 
Los Angeles
 
Click HERE to read “The Godfather” on The Players’ Tribune from Mikey Garcia

 

I want to tell you guys about someone who’s meant a lot to me. This might sound funny, but he’s basically a mixture between the Godfather and a superhero. I say Godfather because he’s got this presence: always serious, all business … when he walks into a room, everybody goes quiet.

 

 

And I say superhero because many years ago he did something incredible. Something that sticks with me to this day.

 

 

He didn’t quite lift a car above his head, but man, it was close.

 

 

Back in the 1960s, he was living with his girlfriend on a ranch in Mexico. There were no jobs where he lived, so one day, when he’s 17, he decides to go to the States as part of a migrant worker program. When the program ends after a year, he starts paying someone to smuggle him across the border. He regularly returns to Mexico with what he’s earned, but it’s not much – sometimes barely enough to pay off the smuggler. Then when he’s 20, he marries, and gets the paperwork to move his young family to California. So now he’s got to make even more money, right?

 

 

Trouble is, he hasn’t got a cent. He’s got no proper income. No proper education. He can barely even speak English.

 

 

So he begins working in a fish cannery. Then he and his wife move to a beat-up trailer park and begin picking strawberries in a nearby field, toiling away in the sun and the mud. It’s awful work. But they’re still broke.

 

 

And now they have seven kids.

 

 

One day this guy just loses it – or so it seems. He’s out window-shopping with his wife when they see all these lovely beds and tables and wardrobes. He turns to her and says, “You like that furniture? Well, one day I’m gonna get it for you.”

 

 

She looks at him like he’s lost his mind. Then she gets pissed off.

 

 

“What are you telling me that for?” she says. “Just to tease me? You know you can’t afford any of that stuff.”

 

 

She’s right of course. This guy has nothing. Well, except for one thing: boxing. He was an amateur boxer back in Mexico, and now he’s hanging out in a local gym trying to find work as a trainer. Sometimes he doesn’t even bother coming home – he just goes straight from the strawberry fields to the gym. And somehow … somehow he begins working with some fighters. He seems to know his stuff, because a few of them become good. Really good. A few of them even become famous.

 

 

Eventually he is able to move his family out of the trailer park and into a decent house. But he never mentions the promise he made. By 2000, two of his boxers have become world champions. Now he’s got enough cash to buy a brand new five-bedroom house. He and his wife watch it get built on the old strawberry fields where they used to work. Then they pick the furniture – all new, all luxurious. When it arrives, his wife opens the door and sees it… and then he brings up the story.

 

 

“Remember what I told you all those years ago?” he says. “The beds? The tables? I made you a promise. Here you have it. This is for you.”

 

 

She starts to cry.

 

 

That was such a wonderful moment. I remember … because I was there.

 

 

That guy was my father.

 

 

 

I must have been 13 or 14 years old. I was born in that trailer park, in Oxnard, the youngest of seven kids. We moved out when I was one. We had been dirt poor, but my father never told us how bad it was. Only a few years later did I understand how hard he had had to work for us. So when he bought my mother that furniture, I felt so proud. I was like, Damn. My dad’s a badass.

 

 

I get … I get emotional just thinking about it.

 

 

To me, my father, Eduardo, is living proof of the American dream. People know him today as the guy who trained Fernando Vargas to IBF and WBA world titles and my brother Robert to an IBF world title. People also know him, of course, as my trainer. But beyond all the boxing stuff, what my father has shown is that you can achieve anything – no matter who you are, no matter where you come from. When I began to dream about what I wanted to do in life, I knew there were no limits.

 

 

Now, the natural thing for me was clearly to become a boxer, like my father and my brother. But I didn’t want that. It didn’t interest me at all.

 

 

In fact, if you had asked me what I would do for a living, I would have told you that I’d become a lawyer or a police officer. I guess I was just attracted to the idea of authority. I tried to avoid boxing altogether – I was almost defiant about it. But then one day, the sport found me.

 

 

I was 13. We were going to see my nephew, Javier, fight in Reseda. I was just going to support him, but one of the kids in the gym didn’t have an opponent. So Robert signed me up.

 

 

He said, “Bro, you’re going in the ring.” And I was like, “All right.”

 

 

Of course, I had grown up watching my father train Fernando and Robert, so I knew the basics. I borrowed some equipment, shoes, cup, headgear – everything – but since I wasn’t licensed to compete, we just fought a three-round exhibition. And I liked it. I liked that one-on-one. I held my own too. Afterwards, I wanted another taste of it.

 

 

Six months later I had my first official amateur bout. I won. I won my first 10 fights. In 2003 I reached the final of the National Junior Olympics in the 125-pound class. I lost on a 3-2 split decision, but still, silver was not bad. Soon managers and promoters started to show interest in me. I won a few tournaments, and then one day, at 18, I decided to go pro.

 

 

But I also wanted something to fall back on. You remember the stuff about law enforcement? Well, I wasn’t joking. After college, I went to the Ventura County Police and Sheriff’s Reserve Academy.

 

 

I learned a lot about policing, about reading people, paying attention to details. And a lot of it relates directly to boxing. Stand in the right position. Keep your guard up. Approach from the right angle. Have an exit strategy. Stuff like that.

 

 

When I graduated in 2010, I applied to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. But then my boxing career took off. I was getting bigger fights – and better pay than I would as a rookie policeman. And that was when I realized, You know what? Boxing could be my job. Not a dream. Not a hobby. A job.

 

 

I want to make that distinction – that boxing was my job – because the truth is, I didn’t care about titles. Not even when I won the WBO world featherweight title in January 2013. It was all about money. I had just had my second child, and I wanted to provide for my family. That was what my father had taught me: Work hard and do everything you possibly can so that your kids can have a better life. I’m still doing that. Maybe one day, my kids will also be able to say the same thing I can: “Yeah, my dad, he’s a badass.”

 

 

My father is 73 now and has a head full of white hair. He doesn’t look like he did when he was training world champions, but he still has that aura. At the gym, people call him ‘Big G’. You can tell when he’s not there because everybody becomes more relaxed. When he’s there, though, people sharpen up. They work harder. There’s no messing around. That’s why I say he’s like the Godfather.

 

 

My father was my trainer. He and I were doing well in 2013, but then in early, 2014 we had to put everything aside. My contract with my promoter, Top Rank, was running out, but Top Rank was saying that the agreement was still in place. We disagreed. We took it to our attorneys, and they all told us that we were right. The litigation process was so tedious that it took us two years in court to reach a settlement.

 

 

 

During that period, I got no fights. Other promoters were scared because they didn’t want to get involved in my dispute. The television networks were afraid of the same thing. I was stuck. But at least I was able to work, or at least come close to working, as an attorney.

 

 

Because I wasn’t on vacation. I was dealing with attorneys four days a week. I was helping them draft letters, editing the boxing language, stuff like that. They would say to me, “You need to go to school, man. You’re good.”

 

 

In a way, all the time off turned out to be a blessing. Because if I had kept on boxing – O.K., maybe I would’ve achieved more by now. I would’ve had more titles, I’d have more money. Whatever. But I’m more in control of my career now. I understand the complications around it, I know what I’m doing. And look, I might have gotten bored with boxing anyway. I might have said, “Eh, that’s enough. It’s over.”

 

 

But instead, when I came back in summer 2016, I was so hungry. I wanted to fight. I wanted titles. It wasn’t even about the money anymore. I just wanted to prove to everybody that I’m the best fighter out here. And there was one thing in particular that I wanted to do. You see, my father had already won three world championships with three fighters in three divisions. But he had never won a WBC world championship. So I set out to get it for him.

 

 

In January 2017, in only the second bout after my layoff, I fought Dejan Zlatičanin for the WBC world lightweight title. My father, as he usually does, tried to find small mistakes that he could correct while I was training for the fight. He’s always concerned that I’m not doing enough. I can go 12 brutal rounds, but if I’m not dead afterwards, he thinks I’m not working hard enough. The truth is the opposite: I’m just in great shape. But he’ll always push me for more.

 

 

And here’s another thing: As a fight comes closer, my father changes. I can sense it, my brothers too. My father, the Godfather, the superhero … he gets nervous.

 

 

My father, the Godfather, the superhero … he gets nervous.

And he particularly did so for my fight with Dejan. There were so many insecurities. Would I be the same boxer when the bell rang as I had been in 2013? Would I be rusty? Dejan was an undefeated champion. Could I beat him? I was fighting in a heavier weight class. Could I handle it?

 

 

I felt good. I was like, “Dad, come on, it’s gonna be fine.” I don’t really know where that comes from, that confidence, that calm. Maybe it’s because I grew up with boxing. The ring, the lights, the heat, the people, the music … they’ve been part of my life since childhood. Nothing surprises me. Nothing scares me. Nothing overwhelms me. I’m never angry in the ring, never stressed. And that’s important, because that emotional control helps me to pay attention to the details. If you’re stressed, you can’t do that. But I can.

 

 

I’ll be reading my opponent’s body language: his shoulders, arms, legs, feet, eyes … especially the eyes. The eyes tell you a lot. And the breathing. How heavy is he breathing? Is he pushing off me, or just resting? What punch am I gonna land, when am I gonna land it? How am I gonna land it? At what distance should I keep him? It’s all happening so fast.

 

 

But I’m always in control. And against Dejan, well … I knocked him out in the third round. They brought me the WBC belt. I was happy to finally get my hands on it. But what made it so special was that I had won it for my father. I remember hugging him. A big hug.

 

 

I told him, “Here you have it. This is for you.”

 

 

In March, I became world champion in a fourth weight class by winning the IBF world super lightweight title. As you know, I’ll soon be fighting Robert Easter Jr. to defend my lightweight title. But there’s another fight at the end of the year that I’m looking forward to even more. If everything goes well against Robert, I want to challenge for the IBF world welterweight crown. The undefeated champion is Errol Spence Jr. – big, strong, dangerous fighter. Everybody is telling me not to take the fight. Everybody. Even my father and my brother. “Don’t take it right now,” they say. “Let’s go after the other guys first. You don’t even need to go to welter. You can take on the guys at 135 or 140, where you’re a little more comfortable.”

 

 

But that doesn’t excite me. I want the toughest guy, and that happens to be a welterweight. I’m better than ever. I’m in my prime. And because everybody says no, that gives me more motivation to do it.

 

 

Besides, this is the kind of fight that is going to cement my name in boxing history. Other fighters win titles, and then just defend them. What’s the point in that? The champions we remember are the ones who take risks, who take on the biggest challenges, the biggest fights. There are lots of world champions, but the average person can probably name five or six: Ali, Tyson, De La Hoya, Mayweather, Pacquiao … so what good is it to have a title hanging up on the wall if the world doesn’t acknowledge you as a world champion? To me that’s not a world champion. A world champion is when the world admires you and tells you that you’re a world champion.

 

 

That’s why I want to take the fight. And when I win it, I think the whole world’s gonna be like, “Wow, this is no joke. This kid really is the best on the planet.”

 

 

As for my father, he’s going to be so much prouder. He always said that he wanted a three-division champion in his family. I gave him that third title. Then I gave him a fourth. Now I’m gonna give him a fifth, in a division where he says I shouldn’t even be competing. And when I give it to him, I’m gonna be thinking about what he did for us all those years ago. And then I’m gonna say those words again: “Here you have it. This is for you.”

Robert Easter Jr., Luis Ortiz & More Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Lightweight Champion Easter Battles Mikey Garcia in 135-Pound Title Unification That Headlines Action Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2018) – IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. participated in a media workout to kick off fight week in Los Angeles Wednesday as he nears his 135-pound title unification showdown against WBC champion Mikey Garcia this Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Joining Easter Wednesday and competing on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) were Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz and former title challenger Razvan Cojanu, who meet in a 10-round bout plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Jose Roman, who compete in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

Rounding out the workout participants was unbeaten prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who competes on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, which will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from City of Angels Boxing Gym:

 

 

 

ROBERT EASTER JR.

 

 

 

“Training down in Florida allowed me to get away from distractions and just focus on myself. Kevin Cunningham stayed on me every day. We focused on my skills, using my advantages and you’ll see it all on July 28.

 

 

 

“We have a game plan, but we’re professionals in there and we both know we’ll have to make adjustments as the fight goes on. I’m going to fight my fight and leave it all in the ring. My focus is 100 percent on Mikey Garcia Saturday night.

 

 

 

“Early in my career I fought a lot on the West Coast and my first pro fight was actually at STAPLES Center. So I’m very excited to be back in front of a big exciting crowd.

 

 

 

“Coach Cunningham had me really working on the skills that I hadn’t been using as much in past fights. He’s helped me put together a great game plan that focuses on the advantages I have. He knows what kinds of things will give other fighters trouble.

 

 

 

“Big fights like these are important to me. Champion versus champion speaks loudly about who we are as men. It’s the two best guys out there fighting to decide who’s the best in the weight class.

 

 

 

“I’ve been dreaming about fights like this since I was a little kid. It’s finally here and I’m going to show the world what Robert Easter Jr. is really made of.”

 

 

 

LUIS ORTIZ

 

 

 

“I feel great and I’m happy to get back in the ring on Saturday night. I moved past the loss after a day or two and got right back in the gym. I always knew I would fight again this year, because this is what I love to do.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to be fighting at STAPLES Center and I’m thankful to my opponent for accepting the challenge. I just want to show off my skills and prove again why I’m one of the best heavyweights in the world.

 

 

 

“I’m going to go in there on Saturday and do my job. I’m prepared to take care of the opponent in front of me, whether it’s in round one or round twelve. It’s going to be the same mission that I have going into every fight.”

 

 

 

RAZVAN COJANU

 

 

 

“We worked during training camp and sparred with a lot of southpaws to prepare for this. I feel good about our strategy and the shape I’m in.

 

 

 

“My fight against (former heavyweight champion) Joseph Parker was an interesting fight. I only found out that I was facing him two weeks before, so I was not as ready as I wanted to be heading into it. But it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss and I believed in myself and fought all the way until the end.

 

 

 

“Ortiz is a strong fighter and a big challenge. I’m looking forward to another tough fight and putting on a great performance for the fans.”

 

 

 

MARIO BARRIOS

 

 

 

“I’ve finished off training camp the last four weeks in the Bay Area with Virgil Hunter and I’m feeling great. We had fantastic sparring and everything is looking great heading into fight night.

 

 

 

“I’m excited for this opportunity. I have a really good, experienced opponent in front of me, and I’m coming into his backyard. I have a lot to gain coming into this fight. This is going to be a very explosive fight.

 

 

 

“I’m ready to showcase my talent and dominate with the game plan that we’ve put together. We’re focused on this fight, but I’m looking to climb the ladder and get a title fight or title eliminator by the end of the year.”

 

 

 

JOSE ROMAN

 

 

 

“I trained really hard for this great opportunity that I have here. It was very exciting to find out I’d be on SHOWTIME, especially on a big show like this headlined by a fight everybody wants to see. Now I get to display my talent in front of everybody.

 

 

 

“We had an effective training camp. We worked hard each day and everything really went smoothly. Everybody wants to be in this position, but not everyone gets to experience it.

 

 

 

“Barrios has a really good record and he’s very talented. He’s undefeated for a reason. We’re coming here to win. I’m going to be at my very best on Saturday.”

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS

 

 

 

“When I first made my pro debut I felt like I was rushing things in the ring and trying to do things too fast. Now as I get more fights in I’m going to be able to take my time and break these fighters down little by little. You can’t knock everybody out in the first round.

 

 

 

“I’m only 22-years-old and I still have a long way to go. More than anything I just need to remain patient throughout the bout. We’ve put in the work so I know what I have to do on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“I fought at STAPLES Center last month, so this is nothing new to me. I’m going to go in there and fight my fight, be smart and take him out of there. We’re doing things the right way and we’re planning on being here for a while.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

VIDEO: ROBERT EASTER JR. LIVING OUT HIS DREAM AHEAD OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION AGAINST MIKEY GARCIA LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“When I came out of the womb, I was throwing punches… I love kicking butt.”

 

This Saturday At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME

 

 Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2mESWdU

 

 

WHAT: Days ahead of his 135-pound title unification showdown with Mikey Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 KOs) reflects on the path that has led to the most important night of his career in a video feature released today by SHOWTIME Sports®.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Easter dreamt of one day accomplishing what his father, also a professional boxer, was never able to accomplish: becoming a world champion.

 

 

 

“My dad had a short career and I made a promise to myself that I would make him live out winning a world championship through me,” said the 27-year-old Easter. “Winning a world title was a life-changing experience for me. We both lived out our dreams at that moment.”

 

 

 

Easter, who has made three successful defenses since winning his world title in an exciting contest over Richard Commey in 2016, decided to make the move to conduct training camp with Kevin Cunningham in West Palm Beach ahead of Saturday night’s unification against the WBC Lightweight Champion Garcia. Cunningham has worked with former world champions Devon Alexander, Cory Spinks and Adrien Broner and recently spurred Gervonta Davis to a dominant knockout of Jesus Cuellar.

 

 

 

“Moving to West Palm Springs took me out of my comfort zone,” Easter said. “I knew Kevin Cunningham had a strong camp and there’s no slacking in his program. I can really focus on boxing and on me.”

 

 

 

Live coverage of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) returning to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) and opens with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios(21-0, 13 KOs) taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.