Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

ELITE WELTERWEIGHT STARS DANNY GARCIA & SHAWN PORTER SET TO BATTLE FOR VACANT 147-POUND WORLD TITLE

 

 

Saturday, September 8 Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Tickets on Sale Thursday, July 26 at 10 A.M.

 

BROOKLYN (July 24, 2018) – Welterweight stars and former 147-pound titleholders Danny “Swift” Garcia and “Showtime” Shawn Porter will square off for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME Saturday, September 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event 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, as the former unified 140-pound champion and former WBC welterweight titleholder Garcia meets the hard-charging fan favorite and former welterweight champion Porter. The consensus top-5 ranked welterweights face off for the WBC belt vacated by Keith Thurman as he rehabs from an elbow surgery.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and go on sale Thursday, July 26 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Friday, July 27 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

“I’m excited and motivated to go in there and recapture what’s mine,” said Garcia. “The WBC title belongs to me. Come September 8, I’m going to prove that I’m the best fighter in the world. My loss is behind me and it’s given me a chip on my shoulder to run that extra mile and train even harder. I know that Shawn Porter is not on my level. I’m coming to fight him in the middle of the ring and I’m going to beat him at his game.”

 

 

 

“I’m going to force Danny Garcia to fight me, to be uncomfortable and to do things he’s not used to doing in a fight,” said Porter. “If Danny comes in being defensive and trying to hold, it may last a while. But if he comes and tries to trade with me and prove something to himself, then it will end fast. I think my style will give him problems and not allow him to pace himself. This is going to be an instant classic and I’m going to win and become champion once again.”

 

 

 

Garcia (34-1, 20 KOs) has fought and defeated many of the most formidable opponents at 140 and 147-pounds spanning two generations—Erik Morales, Zab Judah, Kendall Holt, Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Paulie Malignaggi and Lamont Peterson among them.  Five of his six opponents in the welterweight division were world champions and 11 of his last 15 opponents were world champions or former world champions.

 

 

 

Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Garcia has made Brooklyn another home base, drawing big crowds in six fights since the arena opened in 2012 including his triumphs over Morales, Judah, Peterson and Malignaggi and a narrow decision loss to Keith Thurman in a blockbuster world title unification that aired on CBS. The 30-year-old put himself into position to earn back his WBC belt with a highlight-reel knockout of Brandon Rios in a title eliminator February on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

Porter (28-2-1, 17 KOs) owns victories over four-division champion Adrien Broner and two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi over a career that has seen him develop a reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable all-action attractions. He lost a narrow decision to unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate in Brooklyn but rebounded with two victories last year at Barclays Center. He scored a TKO victory against former welterweight champion Andre Berto in a welterweight title eliminator and followed it up with a 12-round decision over Adrian Granados.

 

 

 

The 30-year-old Porter, who was born in Akron, Ohio and now lives in Las Vegas, will fight at Barclays Center for the fifth time on September 8, including his title-winning performance against Devon Alexander that earned him the IBF title in 2013.

 

 

 

“Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter will be an action-packed, can’t-miss brawl,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This hugely important matchup is between two of the best welterweights in the world and pressure fighters with pleasing styles. Both Garcia and Porter have shined in memorable battles at Barclays Center and September 8 will be a tremendous night for boxing.”

 

 

 

“Danny Garcia against Shawn Porter in a welterweight title fight is a throwback to the era when you had Thomas Hearns battling Roberto Duran,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Their styles are tailor-made to create action in the ring. Porter comes forward and throws punches in bunches and Garcia doesn’t back up for anyone. This one will be decided in the center of the ring like all the great welterweight championship matches.’’

 

 

 

“In 2018 SHOWTIME has delivered the biggest and most meaningful matchups in boxing, and Garcia vs. Porter is no exception,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “This will be our sixth fight this year featuring consensus top-10 welterweights, an unrivaled offering of elite fighters in boxing’s glamour division.  Danny and Shawn have fought a combined 20 times on SHOWTIME and, along the way, have earned reputations as fighters who never back down from a challenge.  I know they are both eager to earn another world title and send a statement to the other champions in the welterweight division.”

 

 

 

“I am pleased to welcome both Danny and Shawn back to Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Both fighters have established a great following in Brooklyn, and September will be their biggest moment yet at Barclays Center. We are the number one venue for boxing, and are proud to host another world-class fight.”

 

 

 

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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/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing to appeal Hamazaryan – Mattice

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 23, 2018) – Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan will be appealing the outcome of last Friday’s Zhora Hamazaryan – Thomas Mattice fight with the Iowa commission.

 

 

 

Pelullo spoke to Iowa Commissioner Joe Walsh right after the fight on Friday, which took place at the WinnaVegas Casino.

 

 

 

The bout was seen by a nationally televised audience as the co-feature of a ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

In the fight, Hamazaryan scored an explosive 2nd round knockdown; rocked Mattice several more times, and dominated the action.  Hamazaryan badly hurt Mattice in round seven.  Most people who saw the fight, thought that Hamazayan won 6 rounds to 2, plus the 2nd round knockdown.

 

 

 

Hall of Fame SHOWTIME announcer Steve Farhood called the decision the one of the worst in the history of the series, while his fellow Hall of Fame broadcaster Barry Tompkins went even farther by calling it the worst decision in 40 years.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1020524211121655809

 

 

 

Hamazaryan co-promoter, Artie Pelullo said,  “I spoke to commissioner Joe Walsh right after the fight.  I informed him that we were going to appeal the decision, and he understood our position, and he said that we are within our rights to appeal.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Below are just a sample of the articles and social media reaction from this misjustice.

 

 

 

 

https://www.boxingscene.com/mattice-wins-suspicious-split-nod-over-hamazaryan-results–130151

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.boxingscene.com/promoter-file-protest-over-suspect-shobox-result-friday–130216

 

 

 

https://www.ringtv.com/539952-jaron-ennis-impresses-zhora-hamazaryan-gets-robbed-on-shobox/

 

 

 

https://fightnews.com/mattice-hamazaryan-aftermath/25775

 

 

 

http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=35486

 

 

 

https://roundbyroundboxing.com/jaron-ennis-knocks-out-armando-alvarez/

 

 

 

https://www.fightful.com/boxing/shobox-next-generation-results-720-controversial-judging-overshadows-event

 

 

 

https://fightnews.com/ennis-destroys-alvarez-in-three/25776

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/steveucnlive/status/1020689666670878721

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/steveucnlive/status/1020690665292742658

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/CommishRandyG/status/1020661697932152833  (Gordon was the former New York State Boxing Commissioner)

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/loudibella/status/1020519733991485441

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/TheLatinSnake_/status/1020512531398373376

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/rosieperezbklyn/status/1020809743026343937

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/GoldenCalebT/status/1020512381774987264

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/stevelillis/status/1020522005261692928

 

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

JARON ENNIS KNOCKS OUT PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN ARMANDO ALVAREZ IN IMPRESSIVE TELEVISION DEBUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Thomas Mattice Stays Unbeaten With Controversial Split Decision Win Over Zhora Hamazaryan and Montana Love and Kenneth Sims Jr. Battle to Draw In Co-Featured Bouts

 

Catch The Replay Monday, July 23 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Fight-Night Photos; Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

SLOAN, Iowa (July 20, 2018) – Jaron Ennis continued his knock out streak in impressive fashion in his ShoBox: The New Generation debut on Friday night as the highly-touted prospect from Philadelphia scored a third-round TKO against previously unbeaten Armando Alvarez in an exciting night of fights from WinnaVegas Casino.

 

 

 

The 21-year-old Ennis (21-0, 19 KOs), a former National Golden Gloves Champion, dominated the Key West fighter Alvarez (13-1, 7 KOs) from the start, knocking him down four times in the third round before the fight was waved off with one second remaining in the round. The win was Ennis’s 11th consecutive knockout in a step-up fight for the welterweight prospect, who appeared composed in the ring from the outset.

 

 

 

“I feel so great after this fight,” Ennis said. “I came out and did what we planned on, which was to just get out there and break him down. I wasn’t nervous and I had fun in the ring, I’ve been here before and I’m aware of everything. I’ve been in the ring my entire life and this is always what I’ve been doing.”

 

 

 

Ennis came out aggressive against a game Alvarez and started his attack by going directly to the body. He landed 46 percent of his power shots and led 35-8 in body connects during the short fight, which was originally scheduled for 10 rounds.

 

 

 

Ennis, who has never been past the sixth round, didn’t have plans on making this a long night, as he connected on a left cross to the jaw to put Alvarez on the canvas for the first time after 30 seconds had elapsed in the third round. A delayed-reaction left to the pit of the stomach sent Alvarez down for the second time and a three-punch combination capped by a hook was good for knockdown No. 3.

 

 

 

Referee Adam Pollack waved the fight off with Alvarez on his knees with just one second remaining in the third round following a right uppercut to the chin that ended the fight.

 

 

 

“Alvarez was just another opponent,” said Ennis, who out-landed Alvarez 23-3 in power punches in the final round. “He’s a great fighter but it feels like I’ve been here before. I’ve been fighting forever so it was nothing new. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid.”

 

 

 

Ennis’s two older brothers have both fought previously on ShoBox but came up with losses. “This was my coming out party and it really feels great to be the third Ennis to fight on ShoBox,” Ennis continued.

 

 

 

The previously undefeated Alvarez became the second fighter of the night to lose his undefeated record and the 176th overall in the history of the ShoBox series, which this week celebrated 17 years since its inception in July of 2001.

 

 

 

“He was faster than I expected and I didn’t execute my game plan,” Alvarez said. “I was supposed to pressure and I didn’t. He hit me with a surprising shot. He had enough power that I had to respect him. He was just the better man tonight.”

 

 

 

In middle fight of the tripleheader, undefeated Thomas Mattice overcame a knockdown in the second round to escape with a controversial eight-round split decision victory over Armenian Zhora Hamazaryan. Two judges scored the fight 76-75 in favor of Mattice with the third judge scoring it 77-74 in favor of Hamazaryan.

 

 

 

ShoBox commentator Steve Farhood had Hamazaryan (9-1, 6 KOs) winning by a score of 78-73. “That was the worst decision I’ve seen in the history of ShoBox,” Farhood said.

 

 

 

Mattice (13-0, 10 KOs) said he thought he did enough to win the fight, even though he was floored by a devastating right hook from Hamazaryan at 2:30 in the second round.

 

 

 

“Tonight wasn’t my best performance,” Mattice said. “I felt like I Iost the few early rounds. [Hamazaryan] landed some clean shots and he’s a crazy competitor; he wasn’t giving me anything. I think the decision was fair. I out-jabbed him and it may have looked like he was hitting me more but he wasn’t really touching me. The crowd was going crazy over him tapping my gloves. I outpointed him overall.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan’s pressure enabled him to work his way inside and render Mattice’s normally powerful jab mostly ineffective, as he landed just 19 percent of his jabs. Besides scoring the fight’s only knockdown in round two,Hamazaryan controlled the seventh round and applied more pressure than Mattice in the final three rounds.

 

 

 

“I am extremely upset,” said Hamazaryan, who was fighting for the second time in the U.S. “I deserve a lot more being here in the United States. I worked many years for this opportunity, and for the judges to take it from me is just terrible. I know I won. I’m always a champion. I have already talked to my team and we are going to protest this fight to the right outcome and we will give him a rematch.

 

 

 

He added: “I knocked him down, hurt him several more times and dominated the fight. And how could they just take this from me.”

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, young super lightweight prospects Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) of Cleveland and Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago fought to an eight-round split draw. The judges scored the fight 77-75 for Love, 77-75 for Sims and 76-76.

 

 

 

The action-packed fight was fought in flurries as both fighters came out swinging. Sims was the busier and more accurate fighter, throwing a total of 638 punches and connecting on 211 (33 percent) while Love threw 529 punches and connected on 159 (30 percent).

 

 

 

“I worked well in the beginning even though I was a little rusty,” said Sims, 24, who had not fought in more than a year because of right elbow surgery. “I slacked off in the middle rounds, and picked it up in the last three. I thought I won the fight, but I can’t complain. I haven’t fought in a year and I feel like I am a stronger and a better fighter than I was then.”

 

 

 

In his second appearance on the series, the 23-year-old Love came alive in the middle rounds, highlighted by a blistering right hook midway through the fifth round that knocked out Sims’s mouthpiece.

 

 

 

“Today wasn’t my best day and I just wasn’t able to get in to a groove,” said Love, who fought against Sims when the two were teenagers in the amateurs. “I definitely didn’t fight my best. I felt good in the third and fourth rounds.

 

 

 

 

“We definitely want a rematch,” Love continued. “Today was an off day but we hundred percent want a rematch and want to fight again, wherever and whenever.”

 

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, July 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

Robert Easter Jr. Talks Unification Showdown with Mikey Garcia, Training in Florida & More

 

 

“On July 28, I’m going to show everyone what they’ve been sleeping on & why I’m a world champion,” – Easter

 

Unbeaten Lightweight World Champion Faces Mikey Garcia Saturday, July 28Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE for Photos from Jose Pineiro/SHOWTIME

 

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (July 19, 2018) – IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. has made the most of his inaugural training camp with Kevin Cunningham and will look to bring that same level of focus to the ring when he challenges WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

“I decided to go to Florida for a different environment than I usually trained in,” said Easter, a Toledo-native who had trained in his hometown for much of his pro career. “I needed to be taken out of my comfort zone. At home, I was focused on too many other things. Coming to West Palm Beach has allowed me to focus on nothing but myself and boxing.”

 

 

 

Easter saw what Cunningham had done for his close friends Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis, who both trained with Cunningham leading into April 21 fights on SHOWTIME that saw Broner battle to an entertaining draw against Jessie Vargas and Davis capture a second world title with a spectacular knockout of Jesus Cuellar.

 

 

 

“I was with Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis every step of the way during training camp with Kevin Cunningham earlier this year,” said Easter. “I saw for myself that it was something I needed to do. I talked with my dad about getting away from the distractions and we agreed this was the right move.”

 

 

 

Easter burst onto the scene in 2016 with a dominant knockout of former champion Argenis Mendez before beating Richard Commey later that year in an entertaining battle to capture the lightweight belt. Easter’s last two defenses however have seen him narrowly escape with decision victories, something the unbeaten champion believes won’t be a factor on July 28.

 

 

 

“People are paying attention to my last couple of fights when I wasn’t using my height and reach,” said Easter. “I can improve on that by taking it back to what I had been doing before. I was knocking people out fight after fight.

 

 

 

“If you’re looking at just my last two fights, you aren’t giving me credit for everything I bring to the table. I faced two tough southpaws recently but on July 28 I’m going to show everyone what they’ve been sleeping on and why I’m a world champion.”

 

 

 

The 27-year-old Easter will now step up to take on one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best in four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. For Easter, this is a fight that he’s had on his mind and one that can put him into the top echelon of the sport.

 

 

 

“I’ve always wanted to fight the best in my weight class and now I have my chance to unify,” said Easter. “I know that Mikey is going to fight his fight and look to counter. He wants to wait for you to make a mistake so he can take advantage.

 

 

 

“What I have to do is go in there and impose my attributes on him. My height and reach are my advantages, but also my speed and power. I just have to combine all that and focus on my footwork.”

 

 

 

Although Easter will be fighting in Garcia’s hometown of Los Angeles, he has no plans to let the partisan crowd effect his focus as he looks for his biggest pro win in the same building where he made his professional debut.

 

 

 

“It doesn’t matter to me where we fight,” said Easter. “None of the fans can help him fight. It’s only about me and him in that ring together.

 

 

 

“My first pro fight was at STAPLES Center and even though it was early on an undercard, I still felt like there were 10,000 fans watching me. I just fought my fight. It’s all about staying focused. There will be no excuses on July 28.”

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

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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.

VIDEO: PHILADELPHIA’S UNBEATEN WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT JARON ENNIS LEANS ON FAMILY AHEAD OF SHOBOX DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“I’m fighting for my family. I’m putting Philly on my back and I’m ready to show the world my talent.”

 

Ennis Faces Fellow Undefeated Armando Alvarez In The Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME At 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

 Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: sho.com/2O1pJGC

 

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports provides a glimpse into the life and training camp of Philadelphia’s Jaron Ennis as he prepares to face fellow undefeated welterweight prospect Armando Alvarez in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, July 20, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs), who has knocked out 10 consecutive opponents, makes his ShoBox debut against the 28-year-old Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a three-fight telecast featuring six fighters with a combined record of 82-1.

 

 

 

Just 20 years old, Ennis trains under the tutelage of his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah.  The 5-foot-10 former amateur standout will be the third Ennis brother to appear on ShoBox; Derek Jr. appeared on the series in 2007, and Farah faced Badou Jack on the series in 2013.

 

 

 

“Having my Dad as a trainer means everything,” said the youngest Ennis. “He’s 63 years old and he puts in the same work I put in.

 

 

 

“My brothers always tell me to stay focused, it’s my turn now. I’m fighting for my family. I’m putting Philly on my back and I’m ready to show the world my talent.”

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Also on the card, undefeated super lightweight prospect Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Barrios Take on Jose Roman Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from 
STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by 
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowksi

 

 

OAKLAND, CA. (July 18, 2018) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to deliver a sixth-consecutive knockout when he faces Jose Roman on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)is headlined by a lightweight title unification showdown between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) made the leap from campaigning at 130-pounds to the super lightweight division in December 2016 and has stayed busy while knocking out increasingly difficult opposition as he nears world title contention.

 

 

 

Here is what the 23-year-old Barrios had to say about his July 28 matchup and more from training camp in Northern California with Virgil Hunter:

 

 

 

On his fight against Jose Roman:

“Roman is a very dangerous fighter with a good record. He’s a tall fighter like myself, so that will be a different challenge for me to overcome.

 

 

 

“There is no doubt he will be my toughest opponent to date. These are the kind of difficult fights I need to win and win convincingly to get to the championship level. I’m going in there on mission July 28 and I’m going to prove I’m ready for a title shot.

 

 

 

“I know he’s motivated going into this fight since he’ll be fighting near his hometown. I’m just going to stick to my game plan and focus on what I must do, and that’s throw hard punches with precise accuracy.”

 

 

 

On his current knockout streak:

“Since I’ve move up to super-lightweight, my body has adjusted to the weight gain, and I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. I’m still growing into my man strength and my power is growing as well. I never go into a fight looking for the knockout, but if I get my opponent hurt, I promise I’ll be looking to take him out.”

 

 

 

On his training camp for this bout:

“I’ve had a tremendous training camp. For the first few weeks I was training in San Antonio at the South Park Boxing Gym with my dad and Rick Nunez laying the groundwork for what we wanted to accomplish.

 

 

 

“Then I finished it off in up in Northern California with Virgil Hunter, who will be guiding my corner. Together we all make a fantastic team. I’ve had tremendous sparring for this fight, my health is good and I’m ready to go.”

 

 

 

On making his SHOWTIME debut:

“I’m really excited to be making my debut on SHOWTIME debut on this card. I always knew I would be fighting on the big stage at some point in my career. Now it’s time to show the world what I’m made of. I’m very grateful to my team for giving me this opportunity.”

 

 

 

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

Kenneth Sims Jr. Camp Notes

Sims Takes on Montana Love in opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader on Friday, July 20th from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort on Sloan, Iowa
Telecast begins at 10 PM ET / PT

 

Chicago (July 17, 2018) – Junior welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) has been hunkering down in training camp in Chicago for his showdown with undefeated Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will be part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT 

 

 

 

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) squares off against Armando Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a eight-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

Sims, who was a former National Amateur champion, has been off since suffering his only professional blemish, when he dropped a majority decision to Rolando Chinea, and subsequently had elbow surgery. He is eager to get back in the ring, and prove he’s one of the best prospects in the 140-pound division.

 

 

 

“Everything is going great,” Sims said. “I am feeling better than ever. I have been working with a strength and conditioning coach for the first time in my career, and I can feel the difference.”

 

 

In Love, he is facing an undefeated fighter, who made an impression in his previous ShoBox appearance on Feb. 2 when he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah on short notice.

 

 

 

“Love is a good fighter,” Sims said. “We fought when we were kids. We were about 15 years-old. I won that fight, but that does not mean anything as we head into this fight.”

 

 

 

Sims has extra motivation, as he feels that in the loss to Chinea, he was not at his best physically, and he vows to put on a great performance.

 

 

 

“I am super motivated. The last fight upped my motivation. It’s amazing, to see some of the people who have rooted for me in the past are now saying negative stuff about me. A win will get me back on track. I have been sparring with Regis Prograis, and that has lifted my game up even more.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Fabian Maidana Battles Veteran Andrey Klimov & 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas Enters the Ring on Saturday, July 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions Event

Plus! Undefeated Terrel Williams Clashes with Unbeaten Prospect Jamontay Clark on an Action-Packed Night of Undercard Fights

 

LOS ANGELES (July 16, 2018) – Undefeated super lightweight Fabian Maidana will square off against former title challenger Andrey Klimov a 10-round bout that highlights undercard action Saturday, July 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The action continues with 2016 U.S. Olympian and rising unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight plus Terrel Williams(16-0, 13 KOs) taking on unbeaten welterweight prospect Jamontay Clark (13-0, 7 KOs)in a 10-round fight.

 

 

 

The event is headlined by a lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Maidana (15-0, 11 KOs) is the younger brother of two-division world champion Marcos Maidana. The 26-year-old from Buenos Aires, Argentina is coming off an impressive TKO victory over Justin Savi on April 21 after defeating Johan Perez by decision in his prior fight. Klimov will present an increase in competition for Maidana as he continues on the path from prospect to contender.

 

 

 

The 35-year-old Klimov (20-4, 10 KOs), who was born in Klimovsk, Russia, but now lives in Beverly Hills, stopped Ruben Movsesiani in his last fight on Sept. 30, 2017. That win snapped a three-fight losing streak in which he dropped decisions to former world champion Jose Pedraza, Liam Walsh and Alejandro Luna after a three-fight winning streak that led to the title fight against Pedraza.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Balderas, a first-generation Mexican-American, competed on the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before turning pro in April 2017. Representing Santa Maria, Calif., he most recently made his STAPLES Center debut on June 9 with a first round knockout of Alex Silva to remain unbeaten in his promising professional career.

 

 

 

The card will also feature former title challenger Roberto Marroquin (27-4-1, 20 KOs) against Panama’s Ricardo Nunez (20-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-round showdown, once-beaten super featherweight Ivan Delgado (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout and undefeated prospect Jerry Perez (7-0, 5 KOs) stepping into the ring for a six-round super featherweight fight.

 

 

 

Additional fights will see unbeaten 19-year-old prospect Wesley Diana facing Pennsylvania’s Evincil Dixon in a four-round 140-pound attraction, undefeated Brandon Glanton taking on Mexico’s Daniel Najera in a six-round cruiserweight bout and once-beaten featherweight Luis Coria facing Mexico’s Guadalupe Arroyo in a six-round showdown.

 

 

 

Rounding out the lineup is unbeaten prospect Jose Balderas in a six-round fight, undefeated Lina Licona in a four-round junior flyweight women’s bout and an eight-round clash between undefeated Neri Romero and Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

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

Zhora Hamazaryan Camp Notes

Undefeated Lightweight battles Thomas Mattice on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa
     

 

 

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 16, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) has been preparing for his battle with fellow undefeated Thomas Mattice that will be part of a ShoBox: the New Generation tripleheader that will take place onFriday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Hotel in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

The broadcast on SHOWTIME® will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

 

 

 

“Training has been very good so far,” said the 22 year-old Hamazaryan, originally from Gyumri, Armenia, and is now training out of Los Angeles. “I am excited and happy to show my talents on American Television.”

 

 

Hamazaryan will be making his second start on American soil, and he has not scouted his undefeated foe.

 

 

 

“I do not know much about Mattice,” said Hamazaryan, who is trained by former lightweight pro Jerry Rosenberg. “I prefer to not look at any tape of my opponents. I look at this as just another fight. I want to get in there, win the fight, take care of business, and move on to the next one.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan looks to make a big splash, and become a big star in The United States.

 

 

 

“I am going to get this fight out of the way, and on to bigger fights here in the States.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Four-Division World Champion Garcia Battles Lightweight Champion Robert Easter Jr. in 135-Pound Title UnificationSaturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia worked out for the press Tuesday at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles as he prepares for his 135-pound title unification against IBF titlist Robert Easter Jr. Saturday, July 28live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman 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 Garcia, his brother and trainer Robert Garcia and Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer had to say ahead of Garcia’s first title unification fight:

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

 

 

“It’s been seven years since I last had the chance to fight here in LA, and that was even before I was champion. Now after all of my accomplishments, I get to come home and put on a unification match for my local fans.

 

 

 

“Every time I walk into the ring, there’s a moment where I get butterflies and feel the emotions from the fans. This time it’s with my hometown fans and that’s really special. I’m really looking forward to it because I know the fans are going to show up and show their love and support.

 

 

 

“I think I’m in my prime right now. I’m in the best shape physically and mentally that I’ve ever been in. I need to take advantage of the moment right now and take on the biggest challenges. I want to give the fans fights to remember. Those are the fights that excite me the most.

 

 

 

“I know Easter is very tall and has a longer reach than me. In the gym, we’ve been working on sparring partners who present different challenges and made adjustments from there. I have to catch him reaching in or put pressure and work my way inside. There are different things that I’m capable of doing.

 

 

 

“I’m pretty experienced from fighting taller guys in the past, so I don’t think it’s going to make too huge a difference. It’s a disadvantage on paper, but once fight night comes, I’ll be ready.

 

 

 

“This is a big fight for me and I’m sure it’s the biggest fight of Easter’s career so far. I’m glad to hear he’s training extra hard. It shows me that he’s motivated and hungry to show off his very best, just like I am.

 

 

 

“This is my natural weight and so far everything in camp has been smooth. The weight started coming off right away and now just restricting the diet enough so we get to where we want to be.”

 

 

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

 

 

 

“We know that Robert Easter is training like never before to be ready for this fight against Mikey. He has a huge reach advantage, so we know he’s going to come in and use that. He has a new trainer [Kevin Cunningham] who is going to try make us box with him.

 

 

 

“We don’t listen at any criticism of Easter for having close decisions in his last couple of fights. We know that Easter is going to come in having trained like never before. It’s going to be the best Robert Easter Jr. possible on fight night.

 

 

 

“Mikey fighting at home in front of his hometown fans is huge for us. We know that there’s extra pressure that comes with it, but everything we’ve done together so far in his career has prepared him for it. I’m confident it’s going to bring out the best in him.”

 

 

 

“We have to use our experience advantage. Mikey has fought the better competition, but Easter is a young guy who wants to take Mikey’s spot. Mikey is very smart, so he’s going to look for the right punch to do damage.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFERChairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“Mikey Garcia has the opportunity to dominate at 135 and 140-pounds, plus he even wants to move up in weight and challenge himself against the best at 147-pounds. It shows the character and strength of Mikey Garcia. No challenge is too big for him.

 

 

 

“Whenever Mikey Garcia fights, it is must-see TV. He’s as good as it gets in the sport. This challenge against Robert Easter Jr. is the kind of fight that can turn you into a boxing fan. This is going to be a barnburner. They say that styles make fights and these two styles are made for each other.

 

 

 

“There was always somebody who carried the sport of boxing who was in Los Angeles, but right now there isn’t. Mikey is coming to fill that void. To have Mikey back at STAPLES Center is a perfect pairing of fighter and arena. STAPLES Center tends to bring out the best in fighters and that’s sure to happen again on July 28.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow 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.