Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

ALL EIGHT BOXERS MAKE WEIGHT FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER  TONIGHT, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM HISTORIC BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

Leave a comment

 Adam Lopez vs. Mario Muñoz, Ronald Ellis vs. Jerry Odom,
Lavisas Williams vs. O’Shaquie Foster, John Magda vs. Christopher Brooker

 

Telecast Begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT; First Fight is at 7 p.m. ET

 

Tickets Are Still On Sale!

 

Click HERE For Photos From Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Feb. 18, 2016) – All eight fighters hit their marks and are set to go for their fights tonight, Friday, Feb. 19 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). A quadrupleheader, presented by GH3 Promotions, will emanate from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in the Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic, City, N.J.

 

In the main event two undefeated prospects with exceedingly high expectations face their most dangerous opponent to date when Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., meets Mario “Yayo” Muñoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in a 10-round super bantamweight matchup.

 

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs), of Dorchester, Mass., takes on Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, southpaw Lavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs), of  Rochester, N.Y. risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (9-1, 6 KOs), of Orange, Texas, in a lightweight match and, opening the telecast, John “Madman” Magda (11-0, 7 KOs), of Rutherford, N.J., faces Philadelphia’s Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker (7-1, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight matchup.

 

The Weights: Lopez and Muñoz each weighed 121½ pounds; Ellis tipped scale at 166½ pounds, Odom 167½, Williams weighed 132 pounds, Foster 134; and Magda weighed 167½ pounds and Brooker 168½.

 

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at (800) 736-1420.

 

Here’s what the fighters said Thursday:

 

ADAM LOPEZ

 

“This is my third time on ShoBox and my third fight against an undefeated fighter. They like to match me tough but I must confess, I’m really looking forward to it.

 

“I know I only had 14 fights, but I truly feel I feel I’m ready for a major fight or a title shot at the end of year. I have a strong amateur background, so I have experience. There are a lot of good fights right now at 122 pounds. The division is hot.

 

“I fought at 118 last time so I can make that weight if the right opportunity comes, but I am strong at 122. I thought I clearly won my last fight. I don’t think it was as close as the judges said it was.

 

“I’m fighting a guy, Munoz, who is sort of a mystery to me. I’ve seen one tape of him, but it was from 2012. So I don’t really know how he’s fought recently.

 

“He seems to want to box and slug. He’s had some good performances in the past and fought some good ones so I won’t take nothing away from him and I do respect him.

 

“But I’m prepared to make the fight and be aggressor if necessary, and to win it any way that I have to. My trainer [former two-time world champion Carlos “Famous” Hernandez] continues to work on all the little things, and trains me for anything that might come my way..

 

“I feel that I’ve moved from prospect to contender, but a victorytomorrow night should prove that to everybody.”

 

MARIO MUÑOZ

 

“This is my first fight in nine months and first in America, which is very exciting. You have to fight in the United States eventually; this is where you become known.

 

“I know that I’m in top shape. I’ve fought some good guys in my division, and I’m at the level I need to be. I had a really hard training camp; I know what I’m supposed to do.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I know a lot of people haven’t heard of me, but I promise you a good fight.

 

“I’m more of a boxer than a puncher, but I love to exchange and switch stance to southpaw, although my trainer doesn’t like it.

 

“Lopez is very fast, smart and has a great left hand. But I’m ready for all that. I’ll look at what he has to offer and counter with my best.

 

“I’m a little nervous. Things are moving fast now. But I couldn’t be more ready.’’

 

RONALD ELLIS

 

“I’ve been working for this sort of opportunity since I was 13, so, yes, I am very excited. I want to win and look good doing it so promoters and television will want to see me again.

 

“I’ve had problems in the past getting opponents, so I’ve taken a few ‘stay busy’ fights. But this fight is a totally different story.

 

“Everyone says I’m a boxer-puncher, and I do feel I am versatile. I’ll decide how I want to go the night of the fight. We know how Jerry’s gonna fight so I need to fight him smart. We’ll see how Odom’s chin is because it’s going get tested tomorrow night.

 

“I only had 24 amateur fights, but I am dedicated and continuing to improve with each fight. It will be a great night for me. I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.’’

 

 

JERRY ODOM

 

“Everybody has to make changes so I have a new trainer, Kennie Johnson, for this fight. He has been trying to stress finesse, movement and utilizing my overall skills more, with less emphasis on just trying to load up and knock the guy out.

 

“We’re working on me picking shots, breaking down opponents and setting up the power shots rather than just show it. Defensively, he’s had me working on my overall movement, head movement in particular.

 

“I’m looking to shine on Friday, especially after my last ShoBox fight that I lost. I should have never taken the fight once he came in so overweight. It was a bad business decision on my part, but I learned – no more thinking with my heart.

 

“I got over my last fight right away and I’m anxious to do my job and show how much I gained and learned from it. I certainly feel ready. My only focus is to win.

 

“Ellis should be a good opponent for me. Obviously he has power, a good jab and punches. There are some good things about him, but I’m better. I’ll go out and execute, he won’t be able to stop me.’’’

 

LAVISAS WILLIAMS

“I’m naturally lefty … I’ve sparred against ambidextrous boxers, so I like to say I’m ready for anything that comes my way.

 

“I’m excited to be debuting on national television. That’s a pretty big deal for me so I need to put a great show. Especially for my fan base back home, they are all going to be watching.

 

“I take boxing seriously. I like to say I’m very dedicated. I take advantage of any opportunity I see. I trained at Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas for a bit last year. It was a good experience.

 

“My job is to frustrate him and trust me, I will. He will fight my fight. If he freezes again, I’m sure taking advantage of that, but I’m not counting on it.

 

“I’m going in knowing I’m the better boxer, but not overconfident. You can’t overlook anybody, but I know I’m the one that’s coming out victorious.”

 

O’SHAQUIE FORSTER

 

“I don’t know what happened in my last fight. I thought everything was OK but I just couldn’t find my fight rhythm. I couldn’t get off for some reason. But I am done thinking about that night.

 

“I’m definitely more focused this time around and in better shape. I need a win – and I’m fighting a guy who beat the guy that beat me, Samuel Teah. So, I have to be smart. He’s a southpaw but I can deal with that.

 

“I’ve never worked so hard in camp. I left Texas to go to Washington D.C. to train for this. I’m 100 percent set to go.

 

“I need a challenge and this is it. I’m ready to step up and I’m ready for him.”

 

 

JOHN MAGDA

“I’m excited and ready to go. Right now I’m looking at this as just another fight, but it’s definitely a big, big deal. I’m hoping to win and put on an exciting show.

 

“I’ve been in the gym training since November but a series of unfortunate events took place and I didn’t fight that month, or in December, or in January. So, I’ve been training for a while. I’m ready to fight.

 

‘I’m in with a rough, tough guy. I can’t let him bully or push me around; I just can’t let him stand and throw.

 

“I need to box, move, do a lot of things I know I can do. I have to see how it plays. It’s all just a matter of me doing what I am supposed to do, whether it is to box or slug. I’m ready for it.’’

 

CHRISTOPHER BROOKER

 

“I love being the underdog; I’m accustomed to it. That’s why I work so hard, remain dedicated and will not ever quit.

 

“Magda throws a lot of punches, so you can’t expect him to stay on the outside. But I run 15 miles a day, three days a week after sparring, to get into the kind of shape I need to be in and am for this fight.

 

“This is my first fight against a southpaw, but I’ve had southpaw sparring, including some recently with [former world champion] Andre Dirrell. I learned so much from him.

 

“I’m a Philly fighter through and through: I may not be a favorite to win, but I come to war and will never give up. That’s a lot like the way I grew up when living in foster homes — and later, homeless, for some time. I just not give up, I keep on fighting.

 

“There’s a lot on the line for me this Friday and I am ready to show what I can do.’’

 

# # #

 

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raúl Márquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared onShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

boxing, Showtime Boxing

LEO SANTA CRUZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment
 
Undefeated Santa Cruz Defends Featherweight World Title Against
Former Champ Kiko Martinez Saturday, February 27 Live On SHOWTIME® 
From Honda Center In Anaheim, Calif. 
 

Click HERE For Photos From Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (February 18, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz held an open media workout Thursday at Who’s Next Boxing Academy in La Puente, Calif., as he prepares for his first title defense against Kiko “Sensación” Martinez Saturday, February 27 live onSHOWTIME from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Santa Cruz vs. Martinez headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader that features Mexican warriors Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz meeting in an awaited super bantamweight world title rematch plus heavyweights Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington and Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas will put their unblemished records on the line in a 10-round matchup. The action begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 

 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

 

Santa Cruz worked out alongside his father and trainer, Jose Santa Cruz, for the media in attendance and spoke about his upcoming bout and more. The workout also featured a surprise performance from Martin Castillo and a five-piece band that included a tuba and an accordion. Santa Cruz jumped rope and went through drills while traditional Mexican folk music called Corrido filled the Southern California gym.
Here is what Santa Cruz and his father had to say Thursday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I always train to make a statement. I want to go out there and show everyone that I’m really good and I deserve to be considered one of the best.
“I fight for my family. Since I was small, this is what I’ve wanted to do to help my family. I wanted to work hard and give my family a better future.
“Martinez is a strong fighter who comes forward and always puts pressure on you. He never backs down and always comes to fight. That’s what we like about this matchup — it makes for a more intense fight.
“We’re going to give the fans an entertaining show. The fans are the ones who are going to win at the end of the night. I’m going to go out there and try to knock him out by the end of the third round.
“I think he’s going to be the aggressor because he’s shorter and has to fight that way. But I’m going to go forward and be the aggressor too. If that’s not working, I’ll box him. We’re going to do what we need to do to win the fight.
“I see Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg as a 50-50 fight. It’s a tough fight for both of them. I think whoever catches the other guy first will get the victory. They both can hit and they both have great skills. It could go either way.
“It’s a very interesting fight between Frampton and Quigg. They’ve both been possible opponents for me and I hope that I do well that night and face the winner of that fight. I don’t care who it is, I want to fight them.
“I’m willing to fight whoever. I want the winner of Frampton-Quigg. If not then Lee Selby, Gary Russell Jr., Jesus Cuellar or anyone in the division. Hopefully next it will be one of those fighters.
“My fighting style is to always go forward and throw a lot of punches. I just want to entertain the fans. I fight for them and I try to send them home happy. I want to go in there and fight in a war.
“I’m going to fight all of the top guys. I’m still young and I know if I keep working hard and taking care of the guy in front of me, I’ll get all of those fights.
“We’re working on our distance and learning new things every day in camp. I don’t want to change too much, since I’m undefeated. I’m going to be prepared mentally and physically to get the win.
“We’re working hard all the time. We know what we have to do in the ring to win the fight. My last fight our strategy was to brawl but we adjusted it and moved more and we were able to get the victory.
On his recent foray into boxing promotion: “Being a promoter is difficult. It’s very hard. You’re always busy, so right now I’m focused on my boxing career. I’m letting my brothers and my family take care of it now. I’m not there 100 percent yet but I like to give my opinion. It’s something I’d like to do after I retire.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ
“Leo is very well prepared as he always is. We always train 100 percent and we are ready.
“The team is ready to fight. We have one week left to rest and put some finishing touches on this camp.
“We’re going to fight Martinez with our style. We’re going to do whatever we need to do to win the fight. Leo is going to take the fight to him and try to counteract whatever style Martinez brings.
“It’s going to be a good fight. Whichever style Martinez brings, we’re going to out-maneuver him and make it a good fight. I see Leo winning a decision at least if not a knockout.”
 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports
boxing, Showtime Boxing

CONFIDENT, POWER-PUNCHING KIKO MARTINEZ PREDICTS UPSET VICTORY, SAYS WRITING HIM OFF AGAINST CHAMP LEO SANTA CRUZ IS “MAJOR MISTAKE”

Leave a comment

 

 

Challenger Vows To Take Advantage Of Unexpected Opportunity, Ceja-Ruiz II In Co-Main Saturday, Feb. 27, Live On SHOWTIME® From Honda Center In Anaheim, Calif.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Begins With
Unbeaten Heavyweights Gerald Washington vs. Oscar Rivas

 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

 

 

Click HERE For Martinez Training Photos From Sampson Boxing Promotions

 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2016) – Spain’s Kiko “Sensación” Martinez is a soft-spoken, hard-hitting former IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion and a three-time European champion at 122 pounds. He’s a come-forward, comes-to-win, aggressive-minded slugger who makes for exciting fights and has been in with excellent opposition.

 

The ultimate road warrior, the 5-foot-5, 29-year-old Martinez has fought more than one-third of his fights outside his native Spain, where he has tussled 26 times. He’s also fought four times in Ireland, three times in England, three times in Northern Ireland and one time each in Japan, Argentina, France and South Africa.

 

So don’t expect Martinez (35-6, 26 KOs) to be in awe of the surroundings in his second start in the United States when he challenges unbeaten, defending featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 27, in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

 

Martinez won his U.S. debut and the IBF 122-pound crown with a sixth-round TKO overJhonatan Romero on Aug. 17, 2013. “That was a great night for me,’’ Martinez said. “I’m confident of another great performance on Feb. 27.’’

 

A winner of three in a row in his homeland, including a fourth-round TKO over Miguel Gonzalez last Dec. 12, Martinez aims to make amends after losing three high-profile fights in recent years to super bantamweight world champions – twice to Carl Frampton(IBF) and once to Scott Quigg (WBA).

 

Martinez gets an opportunity against Santa Cruz in a fight he never saw coming.

 

“I’m thrilled to be fighting Leo Santa Cruz, but getting this fight was a total  surprise because I already had a fight scheduled,’’ said Martinez, who trains at his friend and manager, former world super middleweight champion Sergio Martinez’ gym in Spain. “I had been scheduled to fight for the European title. When this opportunity came up, I decided to give up the European title to come to America.

 

“I was very happy and very emotional when I heard about this fight. It was one of the best days of my life when I agreed to fight Santa Cruz. Now, more boxing fans will get to see me. I will not take one step back. I will come forward the whole fight.

 

“I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and I’m excited for the challenge. It’s a huge fight in the United States and a great opportunity. Some people don’t think I can fight because I lost to those guys [Frampton and Quigg], but they are wrong. I am as determined as ever. I’m going to fight a great fight and come out with a victory.’’

 

While respectful of the champion, Martinez is no stranger to fighting on foreign soil and is poised to pull off a stunner.

 

“I will surprise many people who don’t believe in me,’’ he said. “I’m working so hard for this fight. People doubting me has me even more motivated. They will see on Feb. 27 and everyone will change their minds.

 

“I love fighting in my opponent’s backyard. That is not a problem for me at all. People who know boxing know I will give everything to this sport. I want to give great shows and entertain people. I’m coming forward and throwing punches and I don’t give up.

 

“I’m going to give 100 percent and it’s going to be a tremendous fight. I have a ton of respect for Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a world champion and a great fighter who’s clearly one of the very best featherweights in the world and a Top 10 pound-for-pound fighter. I am very conscious of that point.

 

“Leo and I are true warriors so this will be a brutal war. But I have what it takes. I’ve been working very hard with my longtime trainer, Gaby Sarmiento, and I will be victorious.’’

 

A lifelong resident of Spain, Martinez was born in Granada, Spain, and resides in Alicante. He has two sisters and two brothers but is the only one in the family who boxes professionally. He turned to boxing as a young teenager.

 

“I started in boxing because when I was about 13 I was smaller and other kids bullied me all the time. So I began looking for a way to learn to defend myself,’’ he said. “Once I decided to start boxing and dedicated myself to it I fell in love with the sport.’’

 

As an amateur, Martinez went 47-2 and won a Spanish national amateur championship, but he had no international amateur experience. “I had a good amateur career but never thought about the Olympics,’’ he said. “My mind was always on being a pro fighter.’’

 

A dangerous puncher who’s at his best when he pressures his opponents and wears them down, Martinez turned pro in June 2004. He was victorious in his initial 17 fights, winning all but three by knockout.

 

Martinez met Sergio Martinez [no relation] about nine years ago.  “I met Sergio in the gym in Spain that he used to train himself in and we became good friends. When I started boxing I looked up to Julio Cesar Chavez and I am now a big fan of Marcos Maidana. I like to fight like him.

 

“But I’ve always had a special relationship with Sergio, who inspired me because he came from poverty like me. He has taught me so much. It’s like looking into a mirror because he knows where I came from. He’s taught me so much inside and outside the ring. We were very poor growing up and my father worked very hard.’’

 

If triumphant, Kiko Martinez says “I would like to stay at this weight because I feel much stronger. But I would definitely love a rematch with Frampton or Quigg.’’

 

Regarding the Frampton-Quigg 122-pound world title unification that also takes place onFeb. 27 (in Manchester, England, live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®), Martinez didn’t hesitate when picking a winner.

 

“Frampton will win against Quigg,’’ Martinez said. “He’s the more complete boxer. He is stronger as well.”

 

In the Feb. 27 co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, hard-hitting Mexican warriors Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) and Hugo Ruiz (35-3, 31 KOs) will box in a rematch of an exciting, two-way slugfest for the WBC 122-pound world title that Ceja won from Ruiz on a fifth-round knockout last August

 

Rounding out the televised tripleheader is a 10-round fight between undefeated heavyweights Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) of Vallejo, Calif., and Montreal-based Colombian Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

John Magda – Christopher Brooker ready for a Super Middleweight showdown this Friday night at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Live on ShoBox: The New Generation

Leave a comment
John Magda battles Christopher Brooker in Super Middleweight showdown from Historic Boardwalk Hall Live on ShoBox: The New Generation

Quadrupleheader includes Adam Lopez vs. Mario Muñoz, Ronald Ellis vs. Jerry Odom,
Lavisas Williams vs. O’Shaquie Foster This Friday, Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Live On SHOWTIME®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (Feb. 16, 2016) – Despite the fight being added just two weeks ago, many boxing insiders feel that the opening eight-round super middleweight  between undefeated John Magda and Christopher Brooker this Friday, Feb. 19 live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) could steal the show onShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader that is loaded with talent.

Unbeatens Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., and Mario “Yayo” Muñoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will face their toughest opponents to-date when they meet in the 10-round super bantamweight main event from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs), of Dorchester, Mass., takes on Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, and southpawLavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs), of Rochester, N.Y. risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (9-1, 6 KOs), of Orange, Texas, in a super featherweight scrap.

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at(800) 736-1420.

The bout between Magda and Brooker has a bit of the territorial rivalry feel as Magda will be fighting close to his Rutherford, N.J. home while Brooker will be making the one-hour trek on the Atlantic City Expressway from his residence in Philadelphia.
Both Magda and Brooker are 24-years old.
Magda has built his reputation on his volume punching that has catapulted him to a perfect mark of 11-0 with seven knockouts.  The former New Jersey Junior Olympic champion is coming off the best win, a unanimous decision over Dionisio Miranda.

Brooker has a record of 7-1 with five knockouts and is an aggressive puncher with good power.  Brooker stepped on late notice and scored an upset when he defeated previously undefeated Leo Hall on Dec. 29.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN 2012 U.S. OLYMPIAN MICHAEL HUNTER, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER PAUL MENDEZ & FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER CLAUDIO MARRERO FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION SATURDAY, FEB. 27 FROM HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM, CALIF.

Leave a comment
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Headlined By 
Unbeaten Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Against
Former World Champ Kiko Martinez
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (February 12, 2016) – Unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (10-0, 7 KOs), middleweight contender Paul Mendez (20-2-2, 10 KOs) and exciting featherweight contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (19-1, 14 KOs) will compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, February 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring undefeated three-division world champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz making his first featherweight world title defense against former world champion Kiko Martinez.In the co-feature bout, Mexican warriors Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz will meet again in an awaited super bantamweight world title rematch and opening the telecast, heavyweights Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington and Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas will put their unblemished records on the line in a 10-round matchup. The telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
Hunter will compete in an eight-round cruiserweight bout while Mendez will enter the ring in a 10-round middleweight affair against Joshua Okine (22-4, 15 KOs). Marrero takes on Jonathan Arellano (16-6-2, 4 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction.
The action continues with 27-year-old Ceferino Rodriguez (20-1, 11 KOs) of Spain in an eight-round welterweight bout against Mexico’s Ernesto Ortiz (10-3, 7 KOs) plus 29-year-old South Korean brawler Min Wook Kim (14-1, 11 KOs) in a super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez (14-6, 9 KOs).
Rounding out the night of fights is unbeaten 25-year-old Los Angeles-native Anthony Flores (9-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout against Daniel Nava (7-3-2, 3 KOs) while Leo Santa Cruz’s cousin,Antonio Santa Cruz (1-2, 1 KO) enters the ring in a four-round bantamweight fight against California’s Jorge Perez (2-0, 1 KO) and undefeated Mexican Rey Vargas (25-0, 20 KOs) in featherweight action.
Since turning professional in early 2013 following the London Olympic Games, the 27-year-old Hunter, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, has continued to shine. With four victories in 2015, the last three by knockout, he will be looking to march again into the win column to kick off his 2016 campaign.
Fighting out of Delano, California, the 26-year-old Mendez looks for his seventh straight victory when he gets in the ring on February 27. He comes into this fight off of victories over David Alonso Lopez, Santiago Perez, Raul Casarez, Andrik Saralegui and Ernesto Berrospe twice. He takes on the experienced Okine, who was born in Ghana but who fights out of Silver Spring, Maryland.
After winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, in addition to several other amateur accolades, the Dominican Republic’s Marrero won the first 14 outings of his pro career. The 26-year-old brings a five-fight winning streak to the ring and in his most recent bout he delivered a sensational one-punch knockout victory over former world champion Rico Ramos. Marrero takes on the 28-year-old Arrellano out of Commerce, California.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports
boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED JULIAN WILLIAMS TO FACE MARCELLO MATANO IN IBF SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR SATURDAY, MARCH 5, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment
SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Tripleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
 
Unbeaten Middleweight Contender Antoine Douglas Meets Former Champ Sam Soliman; Super Welterweight Tony Harrison Battles Fernando Guerrero
 
NEW YORK (Feb. 10, 2016) – Undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154-pounds in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
In the co-feature, fast-rising middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will take on former world champion Sam Soliman in a 10-round middleweight bout.  In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.
“This upcoming fight will be the biggest fight of my career,” Williams said. “I’m chomping at the bit to get back out there. I am taking my opponent very seriously and I refuse to let Marcello Matano stop me from being a world champion.”
“This is a dream come true,” said Matano. “I’ve been working for my whole life for a real opportunity to make to the top level and I will not let Julian Williams take it away. What will happen when Williams has to go to the championship rounds? Will he be ready? I know for sure that I will. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I will do all I can to grab it.”
“Facing a former world champion like Sam Soliman is a great opportunity for me,” Douglas said. “The plan has always been to keep moving forward, and to do it successfully.  This is that next step, and I’m ready for it.  I’ve grown and learned so much fighting on ShoBox and it’s a beautiful thing to continue to progress and move to the next level.”
“This is an important fight for me,” said Soliman. “I had three opportunities on the table and I chose Douglas believing it to be a better fight for ranking, and it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on. From what I have seen, Douglas is a very talented fighter, which will make for a good fight. I am in great shape and looking forward to fight night.”
“I’m excited and eager to showcase my abilities to the world again,” said Harrison. “I’d advise fans to arrive early because I don’t plan to be in the ring long. I’m knocking this guy out. I know Guerrero is coming in with a chip on his shoulder and I can’t overlook him. I brought my uncle into camp and I think that’s going to give me the edge that I’ve needed to get over the hump. I’m putting the whole division on notice!”
“It’s warrior time,” said Guerrero. “We are going to have a war. This is going to be non-stop action. This fight will lead to big things for me. I’m used to fighting guys that are bigger than I am. I’m at my more natural weight and I’m looking to do great things in this division.”
“I’m thrilled to promote this great show on March 5,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “This is a great card from top to bottom with some future champions looking to show the world that they are ready for the next level. I am honored to have Julian Williams headline this card. He put on an explosive performance in his last bout at the Sands and I am sure he will be looking to do the same on March 5.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
One of the most promising and highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams (21-0-1, 1 ND, 13 KOs) will headline for the first time on SHOWTIME. He’s stepping up after honing his skills and steadily ascending the ranks after five fights on SHO EXTREME.  The 25-year-old shut out longtime contender Joey Hernandez last April, followed that with a sixth-round stoppage of Arman Ovsepyan in June and closed the year by stopping Orlando Lora in the first round in September. The Philadelphian has also picked up victories over Joachim Alcine, Eliezer Gonzalez and Freddy Hernandez in his young career and looks to earn his first title shot with a win on March 5.
Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) is a former Italian super welterweight titlist.  He’s registered four consecutive wins since the only loss of his career, including victories in three scheduled 12-round fights.  The 29-year-old is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over fellow-Italian Nick Klappert in October 2015.  Like Williams, he fought three bouts in 2015, although he logged 31 total rounds compared to just 17 for Williams.
Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has been impressive in five consecutive victories since he boxed to a draw when he was just 21 years old with former world title challenger Michel Soro in July 2014.  The former top amateur has won his last three fights by knockout, including a sixth-round KO of previously undefeated Thomas LaManna and a fourth-round TKO of veteran Les Sherrington last November in his fifth appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation. On the prospect developmental series, the 23-year-old Douglas has graduated from unproven prospect to undefeated contender and is now ranked No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBA. Douglas is promoted by GH3 promotions.
Soliman (44-13, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, is vastly more experienced than Douglas, having competed in four world championship fights.  The 42-year-old held the IBF Middleweight World title before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense in October 2014.  Soliman, who is 9-2-1 since 2008, won the IBF crown with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in 2014.  The Australian, who fights at a relentless pace and can be awkward at times, will look to bounce back from a close, 10-round split decision loss to Dominic Wade last June on ShoBox.
At just 25-years-old, Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) has showed tremendous promise as he recorded a 10-fight knockout streak from 2013 to 2015 and proved he could recover from a loss when he dominated Cecil McCalla for 10-rounds in October. The Detroit-native will look to make it back-to-back victories as he continues his ascent towards championship contender status. He has picked up knockout victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.
A former world title challenger, Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) returned to his winning ways in 2015 with victories over Abraham Han and Daniel Souza Santos. The 29-year-old lives and trains out of Los Angeles but grew up in Maryland after being born in the Dominican Republic. The veteran owns victories over Ishe Smith, Derrick Findley and Gabriel Rosado in a pro career that dates back to 2007.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBECand @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
boxing, Showtime Boxing

JULIO CEJA & HUGO RUIZ READY TO PUT ON ANOTHER SHOW IN SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH SATURDAY, FEBRARY, 27, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM HONDA CENTER SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader  Headlined By Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Against Former Titleholder Kiko Martinez

Leave a comment

Click HERE To Watch The Full First Fight Via
Premier Boxing Champions YouTube
 
Click HERE For Photos From Their First Fight From
Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 9, 2016) – Hard-hitting Mexican warriors Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) and Hugo Ruiz(35-3, 31 KOs) engaged in a memorable back-and-forth battle for the WBC 122-pound world title last August and they are eager to meet in the ring again to deliver another explosive fight. The eagerly awaited return bout is part of a tripleheader on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Headlining the event is undefeated featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz in his first title defense against former champ Kiko Martinez.  Rounding out the televised tripleheader is a 10-round fight betweenundefeatedheavyweights Gerald Washington and Oscar Rivas.
Ceja recovered from a third-round knockdown to claim world title glory with a fifth-round stoppage of Ruiz, and he has promised once again to leave the fans thrilled.
“One thing I can tell you, is that this fight will be as exciting as the first one,” said Ceja. “You don’t want to miss it. War is coming.”
When Ceja and Ruiz clashed in Los Angeles last August, it was the U.S. debut for both and was also on a card headlined by Santa Cruz.
“I knew it was a big step up in my career to get a fight in the U.S.,” said Ruiz, “It was very emotional to be fighting in front of so many Mexican fans on such an important card.”
In an excellent two-way matchup contested in the middle of the ring, Ceja and Ruiz combined to throw 373 power punches in just five rounds, with Ceja benefiting from a 96-67 advantage in power punches landed. It was the sharp-shooting Ruiz who struck the first big blow of the match however, as he caught a lunging Ceja with a perfect left hook that put him down with just under a minute left in the third round.
“He definitely hurt me with that punch,” said Ceja. “I went straight into his hand and to the floor. But thanks to my great conditioning, I recovered fast. I train in the altitude in Mexico and that gives me the strength to fight 15 rounds. I’m working just as hard this camp.”
“I feel like I have the advantage in speed and power,” said Ruiz. “I was looking for the knockout from the beginning and I will do that again on February 27.”
Showing little effect from the knockdown, Ceja made it through the third and had a solid fourth round against the lanky Ruiz. He began to work effectively inside the long reach of Ruiz and buzz him with left hooks and uppercuts. It was a perfectly timed left hook with 58 seconds remaining in the fifth round that put Ruiz down. Ruiz made it to his feet, but Ceja continued to batter him with both hands until the referee, Raul Caiz Sr., stepped in and stopped the fight at 2:34 into the round.
“Ceja came into the fight very aggressively and he put just the right amount of pressure on me,” said Ruiz. “This defeat is behind me now, but I did gain experience from the defeat that I will take into this fight.”
Both men know that there is plenty of work to be done in training camp.
“There is no way to get into a comfort zone against Ruiz,” said Ceja. “Just because I beat him, it doesn’t make this fight easier. He’s smart, experienced and he won’t make the same mistakes again. He’s a guy who works distances perfectly and knows when to attack. We made mistakes in the first fight that we’re going to fix.”
“I’m working on my defense and on putting more pressure on him throughout this fight,” said Ruiz. “I have to be aware of his left hand. The hook hurt me last time so I have been working on getting my right hand up to block it. I have to use my skills to be victorious.”
With a world title on the line once again, expect similar fireworks when these two proud Mexican sluggers share the ring in Anaheim.
“I want all my Mexican fans to come out and watch this fight, you will not regret it,” said Ceja. “I want to keep my belt for a long time and I want the fans to remember my name.”
“This is going to be another very explosive fight,” said Ruiz. “Expect a lot of punches, but this time I will be walking out a world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports. Santa Cruz vs. Martinez is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® CONTINUES CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® WITH PAULIE AYALA-JOHNNY TAPIA I & II, PLUS ISRAEL VAZQUEZ-RAFAEL MARQUEZ I, II & III

Leave a comment

UNRIVALED “RIVALRIES”

 Click HERE to Watch Round 12 From Ayala-Tapia I & Tune-In Tonight To Re-Live The Full Fight (SHO EXTREME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT)

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 4, 2016) – Round 2 of the SHOWTIME Sports® 12-round celebration commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® continues in February with “Rivalries’’ onSHO EXTREME®.

 

This month will be highlighted by five of the most exhilarating and memorable fights in boxing history: the two Paulie Ayala-Johnny Tapiabattles and the first three Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez wars.

 

Ayala-Tapia I was 1999 Fight of the Year; Ayala was 1999 Fighter of the Year.

 

The initial three Vazquez-Marquez showdowns are universally acknowledged as among the best of all-time and were consensus Fight of the Year winners in 2007 and ’08.  Additionally, the third round of Vazquez-Marquez II earned Round of the Year honors in ’07 while the fourth of Vazquez-Marquez III was 2008 Round of the Year.

 

These epic rivalries will air on “Throwback Thursdays” all month long at10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME and are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.  Each fight will be wrapped with brief context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

 

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of February:

  • Today/Thursday, Feb. 4: Ayala vs. Tapia I
  • Thursday, Feb. 11: Ayala vs. Tapia II
  • Thursday, Feb. 18: Vazquez vs. Marquez I & II
  • Thursday, Feb. 25: Vazquez vs. Marquez III

 

In celebration of the best rivalries on SHOWTIME, see below for a special column from SHOWTIME Sports expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood.

 

 

RIVALRIES

By Steve Farhood

 

Boxing without rivalries would be like elections without debates.

 

Rivalries are natural, especially in boxing. Who is the best prospect in the neighborhood?

Who is the best bantamweight in Mexico? Who is the best fighter in the entire world?

 

Fans want to know, and so do the fighters, especially if a one-on-one matchup is likely to provide a definitive answer.

 

The best example comes from the best rivalry in history, regardless of sport: When Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed in their rubber match in Manila, they were fighting for something much greater than the world heavyweight title. They were fighting for the championship of each other.

 

Ali-Frazier … Robinson-LaMotta … Louis-Schmeling … Barrera-Morales … Mayweather-Pacquiao … Pep-Saddler … Leonard-Duran … Holyfield-Tyson: Boxing history has been told through its juiciest rivalries.

 

In 30 years of memorable fighters and unforgettable fights, SHOWTIME boxing’s history can largely be told through its rivalries as well.

 

On SHOWTIME EXTREME, we’ll be focusing on two rivalries in particular: Rafael Marquez-Israel Vazquez and Paulie Ayala-Johnny Tapia.

 

Marquez-Vazquez is the equal of any pairing in recent history. So compelling were the battles, so consuming was the rivalry that many fans can’t tell you what the final scoreboard read. It didn’t matter all that much.

 

(Fittingly, the fighters split four bouts.)

 

What made Marquez-Vazquez different from most rivalries: They were defined more by similarities than differences. Most rivalries feature stark contrast. Think Borg-McEnroe. Or Bird-Magic. Or Evert-Navratilova. But Marquez and Vazquez were both classy champions from Mexico who needed each other to raise their profiles and all-time standings.

 

They gave us no trash-talking, no posturing, no hatred, real or imagined. Instead, they punched and bled and fought proudly and at the highest level. And because of the classic ring drama they created, that was more than enough.

 

Suffice to say that two of their bouts were chosen as Fight of the Year. And Marquez-Vazquez III was surely among the best fights I’ve covered live in my 37 years in boxing.

It was a bit different with Ayala and Tapia. When they first fought, Ayala wasn’t a familiar name. Tapia, on the other hand, was an undefeated and long-reigning champion with a unique personality and a distinctive ring persona.

 

A suitable rival is exactly what Tapia needed to fully realize the potential that we sensed when he soundly defeated New Mexico rival Danny Romero two years before.

 

A pair of controversial decisions, the contentiousness that marked the negotiations preceding the rematch, and Tapia’s raw emotion made Ayala-Tapia a particularly bitter rivalry.

 

It was a memorable rivalry as well.

 

# # #

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Showtime Boxing

ABNER MARES AND FERNANDO MONTIEL TO MEET IN ALL-ACTION SHOWDOWN OF THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPIONS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 12, LIVE ON CBS®

Leave a comment
Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter Face Off in Welterweight Blockbuster
In Main Event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Live On CBS At 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT
NEW YORK (Feb. 3, 2016) – Former three-division world champions Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel will square off in all-action co-feature on Saturday, March 12, live on CBS at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT.
In the main event of the first primetime boxing presentation on CBS in nearly 40 years, welterweight knockout artist Keith Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Championship against former titlist Shawn Porter in a matchup of two elite fighters in boxing’s glamour division.
The event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment from Mohegan Sun Casino Resortin Connecticut, is produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for the CBS Television Network, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.
Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) and Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs) are two of the most accomplished and entertaining Mexican boxers in the sport today.  Mares compiled a staggering resume over the past five years while earning titles at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Montiel is one of the most skilled boxers of his generation having won championships at 112, 115 and 118 pounds over a 17-year career.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring and have the boxing world see the monster that the Mares and Robert Garcia partnership is creating,” said Abner Mares. “I’m a tough fighter. I’ve made some adjustments and I will show my warrior spirit and skill on March 12. It’s time to go to work.”
“I have been wanting to fight Abner Mares for many years,” said Montiel. “They say that styles make fights and Abner Mares’ style is tailor made for me. My last fight was a close decision against one of the best featherweights in the world in Lee Selby. I need to make every fight count and on March 12 Abner Mares will be my next step to another world title!”
“Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel are both proud warriors,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Both are coming off tough, competitive fights and both must win to once again realize championship dreams. This will be a throw down, entertaining battle.”
Tickets for the live event are priced at $300, $150, $75 and $35 (plus applicable fees) and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call (800) 745-3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Downey, Calif., Mares won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to win the bantamweight crown. He continued his rise up the pound-for-pound list with wins over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight.  The 30-year-old won three straight fights leading to a massive showdown with Leo Santa Cruz last August. Mares showed the same explosiveness that made him a multiple division world champion in a thrilling Fight of the Year candidate that he lost by decision. The always-exciting Mares will enter the ring for the first time under the tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Garcia and strength coach Luis Garcia as he looks to work his way towards another world title.
The veteran Montiel won his first world title in 2000 over Isidro Garcia and went on to have title-winning performances over Pedro Alzacar, Ivan Hernandez, Z Gorres, Ciso Morales and Hozumi Hasegawa.  Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel rode an eight-fight win streak heading into his October world title shot against Lee Selby.  Montiel’s aggressive style frustrated Selby but it was not enough for him to grab a title in his fourth weight class.  The 36-year-old has an opportunity to get back in the mix for a world title with a victory over Mares.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHTS COLLIDE AS GERALD WASHINGTON TAKES ON  OSCAR RIVAS ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, IN OPENER OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® TRIPLEHEADER FROM HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA

Leave a comment
 
Exciting Night Of Action Features Undefeated Leo Santa Cruz vs. Kiko Martinez
& Julio Ceja vs. Hugo Ruiz 2 In A Pair Of World Title Bouts
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (February 2, 2016) – Unbeaten brawlers Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) and Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs) will meet in a 10-round showdown of rising heavyweights on Saturday, February 27, in the opening bout of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The telecast features two world title fights. In the main event, undefeated three-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will make the first defense of his Featherweight World Championship against former world champion Kiko Martinez. Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) with the exciting super bantamweight world title rematch between Mexican power-punchers Julio Cejaand Hugo Ruiz.
“I’m thrilled to be fighting so close to home in front of all my friends and family,” said Washington. “Oscar Rivas is a hard puncher but he’s never faced anyone as big and strong as I am. I’m anxious to get in the ring and continue to prove myself on my way to a world title opportunity.”
“I’m very excited to be fighting Gerald Washington in my first fight in Southern California,” said Rivas. “I know that he is a very tough, strong fighter. I will be prepared to come out victorious and stay undefeated as I head towards my goal of becoming a world champion.”
“The heavyweight division has been revived and Gerald Washington and Oscar Rivas are two guys to keep your eyes on,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions.  “Both are undefeated and hungry to earn their shot at a world title.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
A two-way player (tight end and defensive end) at the University of Southern California, Washington spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads on his unconventional path that led him to boxing. The 33-year-old also worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to USC and did not get his start in professional boxing until 2012. Fighting out of San Jose, California, he is yet to lose in his latest endeavor after fighting to a draw with Amir Mansour in October and defeating Jason Gavern in March last year.
Rivas, who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, fought exclusively as a pro in his adopted hometown of Montreal before making his U.S. debut with a first-round knockout of Jason Pettaway in June 2015. The 28-year-old is riding a seven-fight knockout streak and most recently took down Joey Abell in the second round of a November 2015 fight. He will be looking to impress against the toughest opponent of his career onFebruary 27.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports