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Unbeaten Former World Champion Jermall Charlo Meets Middleweight Contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland in World Title Eliminator Presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
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Charlo vs. Heiland Featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live on SHOWTIME®
Plus! Heavyweight Attraction Pits Former Title Challenger Gerald Washington Against Unbeaten Jarrell Miller in Undercard Showdown
BROOKLYN (June 27, 2017) – Unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Argentina’s Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Charlo vs. Heiland is presented by Premier Boxing Champions live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Televised coverage is headlined by a 12-round super lightweight showdown between four-division world champion Adrien Broner and unbeaten three-division champion Mikey Garcia. Additional undercard action will see former title challenger Gerald Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) take on unbeaten Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight matchup. Highlights from Washington vs. Miller will be featured on the SHOWTIME telecast.
Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) and Heiland (29-4-2, 16 KOs) will meet in a 12-round eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for the WBC 160-pound championship. Charlo will make his middleweight debut after successfully defending his 154-pound belt three times, including a highlight reel knockout of then unbeaten Julian Williams last December on SHOWTIME.
“I’ve been training since end of January to prepare myself for the move up to middleweight,” said Charlo. “I’m feeling stronger, I’m feeling smarter and overall, I’m feeling better. Heiland is a tough fighter and I know he plans on bringing his A-game on July 29. He’s just as hungry as me. We both want to be in a place to fight the best in the division, but I never overlook the opponent in front of me. It’s been a great camp so far and I’m ready for this fight. It’s time to make my mark so I can become a two-division world champion. I plan to take care of business at 160 just like I did at 154.”
“I’m thrilled to be facing a great fighter like Jermall Charlo,” said Heiland. “I’ve waited a long time for a chance like this, so I will give it my all. I am fearless and I promise that this bout will be an all-out war because my career and livelihood are on the line.”
Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and 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. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Heiland bout is promoted in association with TGB Promotions.
“The Charlo vs. Heiland and Washington vs. Miller matchups are fantastic additions to night of action that is already eagerly anticipated by boxing fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Jermall Charlo is a star on the rise, but he’ll have a stiff challenge against Jorge Sebastian Heiland as he seeks a path to becoming a two-division world champion. The heavyweight matchup is a very intriguing showdown with Gerald Washington hoping to prove that he deserves another opportunity at the belt and Jarrell Miller fighting in his hometown and looking to earn his first world title shot. You’re not going to want to miss this night of fights at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and on SHOWTIME.”
“This is a great opportunity for SHOWTIME viewers to witness Jermall Charlo’s ascent in the middleweight division in an ordered title elimination bout,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Huge fights could be ahead for him. Washington and Miller is a significant heavyweight match up. SHOWTIME viewers will see highlights of someone establishing themselves as an immediate player. Fans at Barclays Center are in-store for a terrific tripleheader.”
“Jermall Charlo was a powerful force as a 154-pound world champion and everyone is curious to see if he can bring the same ferocity to the middleweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Heiland has been waiting for his chance at a middleweight world title and now he’s one step closer, but Charlo is standing in his way. This will be two fearless boxers, with something to prove and everything to gain, going at each other. The fact that it’s on the card with one of the best matchups in boxing this year – Broner versus Garcia – makes for a terrific night of boxing at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and on SHOWTIME on July 29.”
The twin brother of unbeaten 154-pound champion Jermell, the Charlos became the first twins to hold world titles in the same weight class simultaneously when Jermell won his title in May 2016 while Jermall defended his belt the same night with a victory over Austin Trout. The 27-year-old will move up in weight as he seeks to become a two-division world champion after delivering a Knockout of the Year candidate against Williams in December. Fighting out of Houston and training with Ronnie Shields, Charlo won his title in 2015 by stopping Cornelius Bundrage before making his three defenses.
Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Heiland enters this bout on an eight-fight winning streak including seven by knockout. The 30-year-old turned pro in 2007 with 16 straight victories before challenging for an interim title in 2010. Heiland’s current winning streak included a knockout victory in Ireland over Irish star Matthew Macklin in 2014. Heiland will be fighting in the U.S. for the second time as a professional after making his U.S. debut last September with a stoppage of Angel Hernandez.
Washington, a U.S. Navy veteran who also played tight end and defensive end at the University of Southern California, returns to the ring after challenging heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in February in a bout that was nearly even on the scorecards before Wilder earned the stoppage victory. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, Washington had previously picked up victories over veterans such as Ray Austin, Eddie Chambers Nagy Aguilera and Jason Gavern on the way to his world title opportunity.
Unbeaten since turning pro in 2009, Brooklyn’s Miller will make his Barclays Center debut on July 29 when he enters the ring. The 28-year-old picked up three stoppage victories in 2016, including his most recent triumph over Fred Kassi on ShoBox: The New Generation that saw him retire the veteran in round three. Miller has won his last seven bouts by knockout and he will look to continue that streak when he steps in against his toughest pro opponent to date.
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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.
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ADRIEN BRONER & MIKEY GARCIA SIT DOWN WITH BRIAN CUSTER TO DISCUSS JULY 29 BLOCKBUSTER MATCHUP IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE
“I just can’t wait to prove everybody wrong.” – Adrien Broner
“I don’t see how I’m going to lose.” – Mikey Garcia
Brian Custer with Adrien Broner: http://s.sho.com/2sNr9fg
Brian Custer with Mikey Garcia: http://s.sho.com/2uedSKB
Saturday, July 29 Live on SHOWTIME® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and undefeated three-division champion Mikey Garcia sat down with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer last week in New York for an in-depth conversation ahead of their July 29 blockbuster showdown, live on SHOWTIME®.
“I think this is going to be a life-changing moment for me in boxing and I’m not taking it for granted,” Broner tells Custer in the video. “After the fight I can promise you that he will say that I’m the best fighter he ever fought in his life.”
Garcia counters: “Unless it’s by a lucky punch, I don’t see how I can lose. I’m a better fighter, I’ve got better timing, ring IQ. I can also punch, I can box, I can bang. People still haven’t even seen the best of me.”
Garcia will move up in weight to 140 pounds to face Broner in a matchup of two of boxing’s biggest stars in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING.
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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com
JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS STOPS ROBERT HILL FOR THIRTEENTH VICTORY
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Fight Network to Live Broadcast New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s First-Ever U.S. Event this Saturday, July 1 at 8 p.m. ET
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Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter’s World Title Defense Against Top Contender Denis Shafikov to be Live Streamed on Bounce’s New Subscription Service Brown Sugar
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BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP™ TO HOLD FIGHTER TRYOUTS IN PHILADELPHIA
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Michael Dutchover remains undefeated at “Path to Glory”
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HEAT, INTENSITY AND FOCUS: OMAR FIGUEROA TRAINING CAMP NOTES FROM INDIO, CA
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Former World Champion Figueroa and Renowned Trainer Joel Diaz Set a Course to July 15 Showdown Against Robert Guerrero
Figueroa Finds Renewed Focus Amidst 118-Degree Desert Heat Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes
live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Saturday, July 15 from
NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
Indio, CA (June 26, 2017) – South Texas’s Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa, a former lightweight world champion, heads into training camp on a balmy 118-degree day in Indio, CA, home to his trainer Joel Diaz and his new boxing home-base since January. Figueroa re-enters the boxing ring on Saturday, July 15 when he takes on former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in the 147-pound main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The break that Figueroa took saw him embracing his Weslaco, Texas home, which sits right on the border to Mexico. It was a reset that had been coming for a fighter who fought in both Mexico and the U.S. as an amateur before turning pro after his first semester in college.
“Boxing is a very jealous sport. You do it 100% or you don’t do it at all,” said Figueroa explaining his 18-month break from the ring. “After my last fight I felt that I needed a break – time to be a father, a son, a brother and a friend. I needed the time to heal my body, mind and soul. I fought with broken hands, I fought world-class athletes; having fought since I was 6, I wanted to take a break and just be human. So I took a year off to heal from the injuries, be with my family and friends, be a father and just be me.”
It’s a break that Diaz, who Figueroa first trained with three years ago, agrees with. The two made a plan during his break to have the young fighter come from his Weslaco, TX home to California for an extended training period in preparation for his next fight, as well as set up his camp.
“It’s necessary to take time off,” said Diaz. “Sometimes fighters work too hard in training or in the action that they bring to the fights. Omar is the type of fighter that brings a lot of action to his fights and it takes a toll on his body. He’s an all-out fighter so he needs that time off to recuperate and restart himself. This break in his body and mind helped him recover from that strain so that he could come back and start fresh again. “
Figueroa faces a tough opponent in Robert Guerrero when he steps back in the ring. Not only is Figueroa fighting above his normal weight-class, but he’s also fighting a former world champion across multiple weight-classes known to be a tough and cunning opponent.
“Guerrero is one of the toughest challenges for any boxer. He is a tough fighter, he doesn’t back down and he doesn’t quit,” said Figueroa. “You have to go into the fight knowing it’ll go the full 12 rounds and there won’t be any easy moment in the fight. But I’m prepared for that, it’s what I’ve been training for and it’s who I am.
“I’m excited and grateful to be part of bringing boxing back to the Nassau Veterans Coliseum and I plan to set a high standard. When you have fights in this arena, you know they are going be memorable,” added Figueroa.
See below for additional quotes from Figueroa and Diaz:
Omar Figueroa quotes:
On changing camp to Indio, CA and working with Joel Diaz:
“January 1 I was back in the boxing mode. Training, running, focusing on diet and getting ready and into camp. The break has given me more focus and the opportunity to change my camp up.
“I am back training with Joel Diaz in Indio, CA and have been going back to Texas to see my family. My dad will always be my father and a big part of my career, but I felt that when I ended my break, I wanted to change my program and go back to Joel. This is our first fight back and I’m looking forward to it in many ways.”
On training camp:
“My health and the time training have been great. I’m getting more and more excited for the fight as I’m getting prepared for it. It’s on my mind.
“I’m older, I’m wiser, I have been through this before and know what not to do. It’s the wisdom that comes with experience.”
On taking time off:
“It bought me the tranquility and peace of mind that I’m good, I’m healthy, I’m ready for this. This is what I want. I was missing this. I’ve never been more mentally ready for a fight than now.”
On his future:
“I don’t plan ahead; I don’t look to next fights. I look at the now and think about future fights after this one. I want to make sure I’m healthy.
“I don’t get ahead of myself with boxing. I am a boxer, a former world champion, I love and believe in the power of this sport, but I don’t let it rule my life.”
On training with his brother, Brandon Figueroa, in Indio:
“It helps me, we push each other. My family is very competitive so it helps to have someone like that training with me. It helps to have Brandon here as well as my cousins; we push each other to the limits. We live together, we train together, and we make sure we are the best we can be.”
On fighting for the first time in New York and his expectations:
“This is my first time fighting in New York, I expect the New York crowd to be ready for a good fight, because that’s what they’ll see from me.
“I want to be known for good shows. It’s what we get paid to do as fighters. I showcase the technical side of boxing and add a lot of entertainment behind how I fight, so that’s what the fans get.”
The role that Mexico, Texas and California play in his career;
“I feel like I get the best of all the worlds. I love Mexico – I go there all the time; I plan to go there after the fight. I love California, it’s taught me a lot, the people, the culture, the boxing here is phenomenal; and obviously Texas is where I grew up and it’s made me who I am. I love the opportunities that I get and the things I get to do, who I get to do it with and where I get to do it. “
Joel Diaz, Figueroa’s Trainer:
On Training Camp:
“Training camp has been going great, we’ve had no problems like we have had in previous camps with injuries. His hands are healthy, his weight is good and overall he’s healthy. I think the layoff he took helped him a lot, he wants to get back in it and you can tell he’s motivated. It’s a great camp, great atmosphere and that’s what matters.”
On what he’s focusing on:
“Omar Figueroa is a fighter. He’s never going to change. My job is not to change him but make him better. He has a unique style that shows to everyone he’s a very effective puncher and it’s my job to get him in the right condition so he gets hit less, because he’s a risk taker. You wont see much change on the style, you’ll see the same action Omar that people want to see.”
On training both brothers
“They push each other; Omar being the oldest really pushes his brother. They train in two different weight classes and it’s good that they see the work they do amongst each other. They push each other in conditioning and in the ring. It’s good having them together.”
On his role as trainer:
“I’m in this sport for the fighters, my pride and my work. I take a lot of pride in what I do and I am not trying to fight for a trophy nor am I in it for myself. I’m in it for my fighters. This is work and I’m here to take full responsibility for the fighters in my program. I’m here to make my fighters champions in life, not just the ring.
“It took me years of hard work and effort, and now that I’m here I have to work harder, keep my same values and work to stay there.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes is headlined by a matchup between exciting former world champions Omar “Panterita” Figueroa and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero on Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. July 15 will also be the first boxing event at the Coliseum since Mike Tyson headlined in 1986.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.
For more information: visit www.
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Undefeated Isaelin Florian meets Avery Sparrow plus Clarence Booth takes on Anthony Mercado this Tuesdaynight at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA
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