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Premier Boxing Champions Presents:   12 Rounds with Junior Middleweight World Title Challenger Julian Williams

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(Photo Credit: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions)
 
Click HERE to read on the Premier Boxing Champions website
 
Born and raised in the boxing-rich city of Philadelphia, Williams has proven throughout his rise up the 154-pound ranks that he can beat you with his brains as much as his brawn. How else do you explain the 26-year-old’s current streak of nine straight fights without so much as losing a single round?
More than just a skilled boxer, Williams is also a true student of the sweet science, both in and out of the ring. In fact, “J Rock” has such deep respect for his sport’s history that one gets the sense he’s spent as much time researching the legends of the game as he has how to perfect a three-punch combination.
Speaking of history, Julian Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs) will be looking to make some of his own December 10 when he challenges 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo at the Galen Center on the campus of USC in Los Angeles (SHOWTIME, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).
During a recent break from training for his first world title fight, Williams chatted with us about the man he believes is the greatest fighter in history, the importance of the jab, his mad culinary skills and the top item on his bucket list (hint: He’s on the verge of crossing it off).
Do you have a boxing hero?
I respect Muhammad Ali as a modern hero in history for the things he stood for-not just for what did in boxing. To me, Ali’s boxing [accomplishments] are relative and a smaller part of his legacy compared to what stood for outside of the ring.
Muhammad Ali’s true greatness was represented by what he did for the world and the stands he took more than his fights.
Of all the boxers in history, who do you wish you could’ve fought, and how would the fight have played out?
I don’t want to give you a result, but I would say Sugar Ray Robinson, because in my opinion, he is the best fighter who ever lived. And I would want to see how I would stand up against the best fighter ever to wear a pair of gloves.
Sugar Ray Robinson had everything-great punch selection, the skills, the jab, the speed. He was a tremendous fighter. I’ve never seen anybody as good before or since.
This was during a time when guys were fighting with six-ounce horsehair gloves two or three times a month. They were doing that against the best competition. I mean, he would fight Jake LaMotta and Kid Gavilan in 15-round fights. They just don’t build men like that no more. It doesn’t happen.
Sugar Ray Robinson would bring out the best in me and give me a great gauge about how good I actually am. I would never disrespect Sugar Ray Robinson by saying I would beat him. I respect the legends. I would just like to see how good I would do against those types of guys.
Finish this sentence: If not for boxing, I would be …
… probably just finishing up college, paying back student loans and being miserable. I would probably be a major in business administration.
What’s the public’s biggest misconception about boxers?
That we’re all stupid.
What’s the hardest you’ve ever been hit, and how you did you deal with it?
You know what, I’m not trying to sound cocky or anything, but I don’t remember. I’ve had some tough fights, but I don’t really recall an opponent who has really hurt me like that.
It’s never been where I was like, “Oh my God, he punches so hard,” or “He hit me so hard, I couldn’t get myself together.” I’ve never experienced that. I’m not saying that it can’t happen; I’m just saying that it hasn’t happened.
Excluding yourself, who’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today?
It’s close, because I don’t think anyone has taken the lead for now. I would probably say Andre Ward, but at the same time he’s had so much time off.
You’ve got guys like Sergey Kovalev out there who have been dismantling everybody, and then you’ve got guys like Guillermo Rigondeaux who is probably the best fighter in the world, but he’s never gotten the opportunity to prove it on the big stage.
Then you’ve got Floyd Mayweather Jr., who I think is the clear-cut best fighter in the world when he’s active. But he’s retired.
It’s just hard to pick one. I couldn’t pick one. I would be able to pick one at the beginning of the next year.
What kind of food is the toughest to give up while training for a fight?
I like pasta and red meat. I don’t eat too much red meat when I’m training, because it’s too hard to cut. I like steak and lamb and pasta. I just like all pasta in general.
Speaking of training, what’s your favorite exercise?
I don’t really have any. I hate them all. I just do them because I have to do them.
What about a favorite punch to throw?
It depends on who I’m fighting, but I would definitely have to say the jab, because the jab sets everything up. That’s usually my range finder, and I can usually control the fight with the jab. I pretty much use it in every fight to good effect.
Do you have a favorite boxing movie?
Raging Bull. I liked Rocky, also. I mostly liked all of the Rocky movies.
Who is the one artist on your playlist that would surprise fight fans?
Teddy Pendergrass. I grew up with my mother and father liking his music.
Would you rather run over a linebacker or juke him out of his shoes?
That depends on who it is. If it’s [retired Baltimore Ravens legend] Ray Lewis, I would have to juke him. Because I don’t want to be hit by him.
Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know that …
… I’m an amazing cook. I can cook a lot of things-pretty much anything.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Race relations. The world would be a better place if everybody didn’t see so much color.
What’s on your life’s bucket list?
I want to be a world champion, which I can accomplish in my next fight by beating Jermall Charlo. This is what I’ve been working so hard for my entire life.
I don’t have a bucket-list wish to go skydiving before it’s all over or go to Japan or anything. It’s simple: I’ve been working half of my life to become a world champion, and that’s the most important thing on my bucket list.
“12 Rounds With …” is published Wednesdays at PremierBoxingChampions.com  
Next week: 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo.
 
This article was originally published on the Premier Boxing Champions website
 
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Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams Media Conference Call Transcript

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Richard Schaefer
Thank you very much. And thank you to all the media to be on today’s call. I’m really excited. My first boxing conference call after almost three years out of the sport. So, I’m really excited to be at it again.
  And what better way to do it than with a double header like this? It’s rare enough to have a match up like Jesus Cuellar versus Abner Mares, which has fight of the year written all over it.
But to have Jermall Charlo versus Julian Williams which is another fight of the year candidate – I can tell you that right now. To have two fight of the year candidates, it’s like today’s day and age almost unheard of. And so, it really is a very special treat.
I want to thank first and foremost the fighters for agreeing to these great up match-ups. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the commitment to the sport, to showcase fights like that. Stephen Espinoza goes out there and wants to put together competitive match-ups. And I think he is doing an absolutely terrific job.
  But before we begin, I just want to make a brief comment. The sport of boxing lost a great friend yesterday, Todd Harlib, who could be seen in countless fighter’s quarters including Jermall Charlo, who is on the phone with us today.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and the whole boxing community at this time. So, I’m very sorry about having to report this.
  This fight here which we’re discussing today is without any question one of the best fights which can be made in the sport, irrespective of weight class. It is a fight which was really demanded by fight fans and by media.
  A lot of people wondered if it was ever going to happen? And here it is. Here it is, one of the most talked about fights, one of the most asked for fights to be seen live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on December 10th as part of this terrific double header with Cuellar and Mares.
  The fight is in association with Premier Boxing Champions live from the Galen Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles which is a terrific new state-of-the-art arena where the basketball and volleyball teams of the university play as well. It has hosted a fight there as well before with the heavyweight title fight with Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola.
So, if you live in and around the Los Angeles area or somewhere in Southern California, please, make sure you come out and be part of this terrific doubleheader. Tickets are available and are starting at as little as $35.00. Fantastic seats for $35.00
To purchase tickets, please, go to www.galentix.com.
It is a pleasure now to introduce to you our co-promoter. This fight is a co-promotion between Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions. Tom Brown is very familiar with the arena there at the Galen Center. He was the one who put together the fight with Stiverne and Arreola back in the days. And so it’s a pleasure now to turn it over to Tom Brown to make a few comments.
Tom Brown
Well, thank you very much, Richard. I just want to say that TGB Promotions is thrilled to be partnered once again with Stephen Espinoza and the great team at SHOWTIME along with Richard Schaefer and Ringstar Sports.
  I’m also happy to back on the beautiful campus of the University of Southern California at the Galen Center.
The idea of championship fight between Charlo and Julian Williams is – as Richard just mentioned – is a can’t miss match-up between two of the best junior middleweights in the world.
So, this, along with the main event – the WBA Featherweight Championship fight between Cuellar and Mares makes it a can’t miss night. And like Richard said, two possible fight of the year candidate fights.
Richard and I are working out putting together an action packed under card which will be announced very soon. So, we’re looking forward to a great night on December 10th at a great venue with even greater fights. Thank you very much.
R. Schaefer
Thank you very much, Tom. Now the next man I’m going to introduce is a good friend of mine. We have known each other for a long time. And we put together some of the biggest fights in the past. Back in 2013 when we were on fire.
Everybody recognized SHOWTIME as the leader in the sport of boxing. And that is because of Stephen Espinoza. Stephen is first and foremost a fan. And he likes to sit there and see great match ups. And that’s exactly what you’re getting here.
So, we as fight fans. We as members from the media being promoters or whatever, we can really benefit from Stephen’s passion of putting together these amazing fights.
So, it’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you now – I know his title is Executive Vice President in charge of Sports but I’m calling him the President of SHOWTIME Sports. I always – and I always did that. Remember?
Stephen Espinoza
Yes, you’re right. Since the first day I had this job. Thank you, Richard. We’re thrilled to be working with Richard and Ringstar and Tom Brown and TGB once again. And a special welcome Richard, who we are happy to see back in the sport. Not just because he’s my friend but because he is one of the standup guys in the sport. Very professional and a straight shooter. It’s something that this sport can use more of.
So, the combination of Tom and Richard is two straight arrows – as straight as they come. And I’m thrilled to be working with both of them.
This year SHOWTIME really has continued to deliver the biggest and best fights. And I think there’s really no question that we’ve had the strongest lineup of the best and most significant match ups of any network in boxing.
2016 so far has included two fight of the year contenders, a KO of the year contender. Fight after fight of top ten opponent versus top ten.
And as we wrap 2016 and go into 2017, we are definitely looking to keep that momentum going. We recently announced seven great match ups – 14 top 10 fighters taking on each other – in six world title fights.
And we could go on and on about the numbers. Three fights which are number one versus number two in the division. But among the pleasures of doing that is getting to make fights like this one.
Ever since Floyd retired, going on a little more than a year ago, there’s one question that personally I get and all of us here at SHOWTIME get consistently.
And that’s, you know, who’s the next star? Who’s the next super star? Who’s going to be carrying the sport going forward. And the good thing about this sport of boxing is that that gets determined in the ring. I can’t tell you.
Even if I were to pick two or there that I thought would develop that way, look – they’ve got to perform in the ring. But it’s fights like this one. Like, Jermall Charlo versus Julian Williams, that determine who are the next stars.
We’ve got two young fighters in the peaks of their career. One world champion who’s established himself as really one of the future stars of the sport. And taking on one of the toughest contenders in any division in Williams.
We’re very proud of both of these fighters. They both been home grown here on SHOWTIME. Jermall has fought with us five times before. Julian has been on SHOWTIME seven times. So, we’re proud that both of the role that SHOWTIME has played in both their careers.
  But more importantly, we’re proud that these guys stepped up to take this kind of fight. Jermall Charlo was seen as one of the most exciting, young, champions in the sport. He’s defended that title successfully, built a fan base in his hometown of Houston, and really looks to really take over the division and elevate to the star echelon of the sport.
Julian Williams has been a guy that people have quietly identified as one of the rising stars for quite some time. I know he’s been patiently waiting – and sometimes not so patiently waiting – for his shot. And so I know he’ll be ready.
I think it’s somewhat fitting that this fight is taking on December 10th, a week before the very legendary Philadelphia world champion Bernard Hopkins retires. Philly fighters are a long tradition. And it takes a lot of work and a special kind of individual to be called a Philly fighter. Just fighting in Philly doesn’t make you a Philly fighter. And I know Julian is poised to carry that title of Philly fighter very proudly and actively for many years to come.
So, of all the fights that we’ve announced. And there’s a lot of quality fights. This fight – the Charlo-Williams fight – is one of the ones that I’m most excited about. Two young guys at the peaks of their career really battling to determine who could be controlling this division for a long time to come.
This will help determine who are the future stars of our sport. Richard?
R. Schaefer
Thank you very much, Stephen, very well said. And for me, we all know they are terrific fighters. They’re both are undefeated. I’ve known them – both of them – for a long time. I’ve been involved with many of their fights.
They are terrific young men outside of the ring as well. And just as good as it gets inside of the ring. So, they’re really – both of them – they carry the total package. And you’re right, Stephen, he has patience and sometimes not so patiently been waiting.
  It is a pleasure for me now to introduce to you Julian Williams, who is trained by Stephen Edwards. He’s the number one ranked contender by the IBF in the Junior Middleweight division. And he secured his top ranking after stopping Marcello Matano in the 7th round in March.
He’s undefeated with a record of 22-0-1, 14 knockouts, Julian Williams.
Julian Williams
Hey, how’s everybody doing? First I want to send my thoughts prayers out to Todd Harlib and his whole family and loved ones. He was a great guy. He was a great cut man and even better guy. And I consider him as a friend. I think it’s a sad time right now, so, I just want to do that first of all.
Training’s been going really well. We’ve got a really good team and lots of good sparring. We have a really good camp so far. I think this is a really, really good fight. I think it was a fight that hardcore boxing fans needed to see.
It’s a fight that had to happen. I commend Charlo for stepping up and being a true champion. And I want to show the world what I already know. I’m extremely motivated. And I know Jermall is motivated too.
So, I think you guys are going to see a real shoot-out. He’s got all the tools and skills. And I’ve got all the tools and skills. And you’re going to see who comes out on top on this night.
And I’m 100% sure it’ll be me.
R. Schaefer
. Now Jermall Charlo and his brothers, well, I’ve known them since their first fight. And what a journey it has been.
Today he is the undefeated IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion. He’s training with Ronnie Shields. One of the most legendary trainers out of Houston, Texas.
He won his title by stopping Cornelius Bundrage in the third-round last September. And has defended his belt already twice including a unanimous decision victory over former – very game world champion – Austin Trout in May.
And it’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you again, somebody I’ve introduced before many times. The IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion, Jermall Charlo.
Jermall Charlo
Thank you, Richard. Like Julian said, Todd was my man. And I want to give his family and everyone that’s close to Todd my prayers and my condolences.
I hear Julian talk about he’s 100% ready. And he’s 100% sure he’s going to win this fight. But I’ve heard that before. I’m ready for the stakes. I’m ready for this level. Sorry the fight took so long. It wasn’t necessarily up to me. But I think everything happens for a reason. And it’s perfect timing and I can’t wait to get in there and show the world what I’m actually made of against a guy that’s so highly confident about the things that I do.
R. Schaefer
Okay. I agree with you. Things do happen for a reason. I’m very happy that I’m the one who has the honor to promote this fight and this entire card. I know it’s going to be toe-to-toe battles with the two of you.
And I know with Cueller and Mares as well. They say styles make fights. I think those styles of those four fighters are perfectly done. And I just can’t wait for December 10th at the Galen Center and live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.
We are going to open it now to the media for questions for any of the participants on the call.
Q
Jermall, I know that you had to have a procedure that you did voluntarily on your eye. Can you give me any details about that? What exactly was the issue? Was it just a matter of, like, you’re as blind as a bat? Or was there something else that was going on there?
J. Charlo
It wasn’t necessarily voluntarily. I pretty much had some vision problems up to my last fight in Las Vegas.
I fought the fight. I adjusted myself to be able to fight unclear. So now I got the procedure done. Yes, the fight was supposed to happen in October. And I wanted it then. But it was just for me to be able to clear the medical exam. Less stress now to go ahead and go 20/20 and I’m ready now.
Like I said everything happens for a reason. And crystal clear vision is one of the things that helps me make the fight easier.
Q
And which eye was it, by the way, Jermall?
J. Charlo
Both eyes.
Q
Both of them? Okay, and now you feel like a new person?
J. Charlo
I’m 110%, crystal clear, I’m good. I’m ready.
Q
How much better will that make you? That you can now see clearly. I mean your fighting skills are one thing. But now you can see the target, obviously, much better it sounds like. I mean do you think that will make you a much better, precise fighter?
J. Charlo
It gives me a lot more confidence. Of course, it’s something important and I probably had to get it. I haven’t fought with crystal clear vision my whole life.
So now I’m even more motivated motivated. I’m eager to get in there to see what the new person is like.
Q
Did you think about having this earlier in your career?
J. Charlo
Yes, I always wanted it. I always wanted it. But I’m a superstitious guy. So, I like to keep things, the way I always wanted. It’s just something I feel like it’s going to take me to the next level.
Q
Some people suggested maybe he would vacate the title and go up to middleweight to not fight you. When all that was happening and you were sitting there as a mandatory for him – what was your personal feeling about what was going on?
J. Williams
I didn’t really know about the medical situation until about mid-September.
I actually thought that he would fight. And not think about the notion that he would vacate. The fact that he kept complaining about weight the previous fights. If the fight was being delayed, people are going to start saying this is how boxing is.
But I didn’t think that he was – I thought that he was putting the fight off for whatever reason. But like I said, at the time I didn’t know what the reason was.
All that is under the bridge. It doesn’t even matter anymore. The fight is December 10th. You know what I mean. He said he’s going to bring his A game. He’s got 20/20 vision. I had 20/20 vision my whole life. Now we’re even.
So, there will be no excuses.
Q
When you found out that it was finally done and it was good to go. And SHOWTIME was going to announce it and the fight was on. What was your feeling? Was it relief? Was it excitement?
J. Williams
I just felt like I wanted to get to work. The whole process has made me practice my patience.
I wasn’t overly excited because I knew I would fight for the world title my next fight with someone. I was more so like let’s look at the work. I want to start training camp immediately and get myself ready to win.
Q
Was there any frustration that you guys were not in the main event? And that you’re in a co-feature. Or did you kind of understand because Abner Mares is Southern California. And that’s the reason why you guys are put in the co-feature.
J. Charlo
Richard Schaefer is a good promoter. He has a lot of experience in the game. I’m not worried about being the opening or the main event or any of that.
Of course, I’m tired of being in second place. I feel like Kevin Durant. But it’s not in the sense of, like, nothing I can do about it.
Q
And then Julian, same question for you. Is there any surprise that you guys were put in the co-feature and not the main event?
J. Williams
To be honest with you, I didn’t really even think about it. I just want to get in the ring and put some gloves on so we can get this thing going.
I think everything happens for a reason. Abner Mares is a really good fighter. He’s like a three division champion. He earned his stripes.
So, obviously, we’ve got more work to do before we can headline the card. So, I didn’t think about it and on top on of that I never thought about.
R. Schaefer
The fact is you’re absolutely right. Each one of those events could be a main event. And in any other network would be a main event. Some other networks would probably even make it a pay-per-view.
So, that’s how good this card is. It could have very easily brrn Charlo-Williams is the main event if it would have been in Philly. It would have been. If it would have been in Houston, it would have been.
It’s in LA in Southern California. So, that’s why we have Cuellar and Mares. This is about creating excitement. It’s about the fans and so on. All four of those guys are just terrific champions. That’s what they are. Terrific people. It doesn’t really impact one way or the other.
S. Espinoza
And I’ll add from the network perspective, one of the things that we were grateful for in working with fighters like these and promotors like Tom and Richard is, what we want to put together as far as blockbuster events, we don’t have those ego problems.
Richard is absolutely right. Not every network programs this way. But what we’re trying to do – we as a group of fighters, promoters, managers, is show off the best this sport has to offer.
So, we’re really over delivering on each card. This clearly could’ve been a main event in Houston or Philly or anywhere else. But the idea was, this was going to be a slate of A++ level fights top to bottom.
And that requires the commitment of everybody. And people realizing it’s about not having ego. And just realizing that rising tide lifts all boats.
Q
Jermall, where do you think Julian Williams rates as an opponent?
J. Charlo
We’re both on the way up to the top level. He’s definitely one of my best opponents up to this date. He’s hungry as me. I’m not necessarily worried about any of the things he said about being as hungry as he is to be fighting me. I was that guy too. Being ready to fight K9 and waiting and waiting.
He’s my toughest opponent. And I’m ready for it.
Q
Tell us about taking this fight. And why it’s important to you.
J. Charlo
Every fight is a hard fight. Every fight I have to come out and give my best and be on my A-game. So it’s a good fight to me technically. This is the Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins back in middleweight type of fight. We’re going to get down and get ready. I’m ready for it.
This part of our legacy is everything that I’ve wanted, growing up as a young fighter, young champion. Seeing these great fights being broadcast on SHOWTIME. And it’s, like, now is my turn. And I have to deliver everything that I’ve always wanted. And that is something I’ve been waiting for.
  And it just so happens it has to be Julian Williams. And like I said we both came up the hard route. It wasn’t, like, as easy as I give my hand off to my challenger being one of the best in the world. And that’s kind of what I want to be classified as.
Q
Julian, also, you’ve been very vocal about this fight. Tell us why you’re so confident you’re going to be able to win this fight.
J. Williams
I’m confident because of what I can do.
I’m confident because I want to be the junior middleweight champion of the world. I think Jermall’s a good fighter. But he doesn’t recognize the scene before. He’s engaged, strong, and fast. I just want to make sure we have no excuses about weight and that kind of talk.
J. Charlo
No weight problem. There’s no weight problem. Get that out of your mind. There’s no weight problem. I’ll tell you everybody knows.
Q
You had talked about Todd Harlib earlier. Can you elaborate on what he meant to you? And the confidence he brought to you as a cutman?
J. Charlo
Todd taught me a lot. He meant a lot to me also. Ronnie Shields and Todd elaborated about how long they’d been around the boxing game and seen the same things they’re seeing now.
Todd, meant a lot. Just spoke to him, like, a couple of days ago because he sent me a few guys to work with. I know he had went over to Russia and caught a little bug. But I didn’t think it would be nothing. I prayed for him. And hoped he got better.
It’s like I said, it just happened to be something that, I can’t control. So, I just have to keep fighting. And hope that my next cut man is just as good as Todd. I’ve even been across the ring and looked at Todd working on another guy. And he came talked to me and let me know that it was just all business. And Jermall, just stay focused. Don’t worry about anybody.
I’m just putting the fight in God’s hands. And hoping that I never have to need the urgency to need Todd again.
Q
I spoke to Ronnie, he said that you told him that this fight is going to be a little more special because you’re going to possibly dedicate this fight to him. Is that going to take any form representing his name on your robe or your trunks or anything like that?
J. Charlo
Yes, I’m dedicating this fight to Todd. Actually once we map everything out. But I want to keep talking about it.
I dedicate this fight to Todd. He’s a real close friend of mine. And it’s just unfortunate for me to have to get in the locker room and not have Todd helping me out and everything like that. So of course, I feel some sadness about him not being here. But I know he’s in good hands. So that’s the main thing.
Q
Is this fight right here the first one that really will test you and perhaps take you to the next level and start to light that fuse for you?
J. Williams
Yes, definitely. Definitely. Whenever you’ve got a 50/50 fight, two guys 26-years-old both in the prime of their careers. It’s going to be a test for both fighters.
It’s rare we see two fighters get in the ring in this type of fight. So I think it’s definitely the first step in building my legacy.
Q
Richard, what does this fight represent in the scheme of this division which is a stacked division and these two fighters in particular?
R. Schaefer
I think you have two of the best fighters in their division fighting in this particular fight. And so this is an extremely significant fight for the division. And these are two – somebody said before – these are two young undefeated and confident fighters who dare to be great.
At this point in their career fighting each other they dare to be great. And that is. These kinds of fights will separate one from the other. And I think the sky is the limit here for within that division and potentially other divisions.
  But that’s how you build a champion into a star and then a super star. These kinds of fights, you know, these kinds of meaningful fights. And in order for that to happen, you need to have two fighters who are willing to challenge themselves.
And as I said, dare to be great.
Q
Jermall, what weaknesses do you see in Julian Williams that you plan to exploit on fight night?
J. Charlo
Nothing, he’s a strong guy. Whatever you all want to say about him. He’s good, old-school fighter. I’m tired of hearing questions about what he’s done or what he does.
I’m a champion for a reason. I’m staying champion. I don’t plan on moving. I don’t plan on none of that stuff that you all talked about. I’m good.
Q
What do you consider your biggest advantage going into this fight?
J. Charlo
That I’m not supposed to go and be in some superstar. Look. It’s a business. I’m betting and fighting for everything that boxing has to offer.
And my advantage is being focused and humble and strong-minded like I’ve always been.
Q
For both fighters, how important is building a new chapter in your career? And maybe a new idol in boxing.
J. Williams
Oh, it’s an extremely big fight. I think whoever wins this fight is going to be considered the best junior middleweight in the world. I think whoever wins the fight will have the most significant win in the junior middleweight division.
I think since Canelo was basically says he’s not fighting in this division. Whoever wins the fight is going to be king of the division.
So, I think it’s extremely, extremely important.
J. Charlo
Very big fight, very important fight for me, clinch the division. It’s going to be a good fight, man. I’m ready to just give everything I have. It’s going to be a good fight for me. And it’s going to be a good fight for Julian. We both hit it big and we both need to give the fans what they want to see. So, it’s that time.
Q
Richard, how important for you was what this first event with Ringstar Sports would be? And for Stephen, how important was having these great fights for Showtime this year?
S. Espinoza
Well, from the SHOWTIME perspective, our goal is to provide spectacular fights every month or more often if we can. Sometimes dues to scheduling or injuries or things, there are some gaps in our schedule.
But once we came back, we wanted to end the year strong. And really, send a message about our commitment to the sport. So, with the help of the promotors, the managers, and most importantly the fighters, we’re able to put together a slate that is stronger than anything we’ve seen again in recent boxing programming schedule. It really is all without the use of pay-per-view. And it’s all top guy versus top guy.
It’s something that is very special to us. We’re very proud of. And we’re looking to continue it throughout all of 2017.
R. Schaefer
Well, and for me, I think my reputation speaks for itself. I like to put together big events, significant fights, and that’s what I’ve always done.
And this right here is no exception to come back and together promote a card which consists without any question of two potential Fight of the Year candidates. Two barn burners in one night is a dream come true.
And to do that for my hometown. To do it from the University of Southern California, USC, Galen Center the newest indoor venue in Los Angeles. And the university where two of my sons go to school. It’s a very special night for me.
And it’s a very special night as well because Charlo and Williams and Mares and Cuellar – I have known these young men for a long time. So really it’s nice – it’s like a coming home or coming back.
Since this was the last question, I understand, I’d like to thank you all. But I want to make one comment. Yes, they both have 20/20 vision. But let there be no question about it. The name of this card is 50/50. And you know why it’s 50/50.
Because these two fights are 50/50 fights. And so, may the better man win that night. As a fan, I’m excited. I can’t wait for December 10th. Please, please, make it out to Galen Center. For $35.00 you can watch two of the best fights of the year in one night at the Galen Center. Or if you can’t make it there. Then make sure you turn in on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT. I’m looking forward to see you all during fight week. And thank you very much.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports,@PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight World Title Showdown Headlines

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Doubleheader Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles

 

Live on SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME

 

 

LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares met face-to-face Thursday at a press conference at OUE Skyspace at US Bank Tower – the tallest building west of the Mississippi River – to discuss their world title showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Saturday, December 10. The event will be live on SHOWTIME from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader begins with super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams in a matchup of undefeated rising stars in their prime.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, October 28 at 3 p.m. PT and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday about the highly anticipated night of action:

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

“I’ve been wanting to fight Mares for about two years. It’s finally going to happen. This is what I want. I’m going to make a statement.

 

“I’m very happy that this fight is finally here. I can’t wait to get in the ring on December 10. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I know Mares is popular in Los Angeles, but I have a following as well and they will be there to support me.

 

“I’m training very hard and feeling physically strong. We never stopped training for this fight. Mares will come prepared for a war and I hope that’s what the fight is like. It’s going to prove who has the bigger heart.

 

“I’ve been training with Freddie Roach for about four months. It’s been a great partnership and he will make me even better than I’ve been. We’ve been practicing really hard. Freddie is handing me the tools to go to work. You will see all my experience come together on fight night.

 

“Mares is a great fighter. He’s been a champion for many years. He’s never faced an opponent like me. This will be his hardest challenge.

 

“I’m sure Mares will give it his all, just like I will. I’ve been dreaming about this fight for years. This will be a great battle, but I am prepared to take my belt back to Argentina.

 

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m planning on knocking him out. I know that big things are going to come my way after I beat Mares.”

 

ABNER MARES

 

“This is going to be a smarter Abner Mares. I’ve been learning a lot with Robert Garcia. They gave us a year to train and learn together. He’s a knowledgeable coach. He’s not just a guy who works mitts. This is the real deal. He gets you better and I’m really happy with him.

 

“I want to thank Cuellar and his team for waiting for this fight to come to fruition. I really appreciate that as a person. It’s finally here.

 

“I was actually commentating the Stiverne vs. Arreola fight at Galen Center and it was a great atmosphere. The environment there is incredible and I was just imagining being up in the ring as the main event.

 

“I want the winner of the Frampton vs. Santa Cruz rematch. I want to continue to fight the best. I want to be known as a guy who fights the best.

 

“Being on the big stage like this has made me what I am. Being on the bantamweight tournament on SHOWTIME really started to show people what my style is like. To be back for another world opportunity, it means everything to me. I’m hoping to give them another exciting fight.

 

“I never talk down about a fighter. We all deserve our respect. We all have the same desire to strive to be the best. Cuellar is a beast. He hits hard. The record speaks for itself and that’s what has me so excited. This is the kind of fight I want to be in. It brings the best out of me.

 

“If I have to make it into a brawl, I will do that. I have the boxing abilities to be the smarter fighter and win by out boxing him. I learn from all of my fights, especially the losses. From the Santa Cruz fight I learned that I really need to listen to my corner. I let the crowd get to me and fought the wrong fight. I’m going to be ready for everything.

 

“This title coming home is going to be a nice Christmas present. It means the world to me. I’m going to add something to my trophy case.

 

“I’m a new man. I’m a grown man. I have two beautiful daughters. I like to learn something new every day. You will see a different Abner on December 10. This is going to end the year with the ‘Fight of the Year.’”

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

 

“I’m thankful to Cuellar and his team for giving us this opportunity. He’s a good person who trains very hard and gives 100 percent all the time.

 

“I’ve been working with Abner almost this whole year. The dates for the fight have changed but now we have had a lot of time to get to know each other. We’ve been working side-by-side and we’ve had a lot of time to learn about each other.

 

“I think everybody should come out to this fight or watch on SHOWTIME, because it’s going to be one of the best fights of the year. I guarantee it.”

 

SEBASTIAN CONTURSI, Cuellar’s Manager

 

“Here we go again. It’s been a long process and there have been a lot of people who have helped get us to this.

 

“I want to thank Mares and his whole team for taking this fight. This is going to be a war. There’s no doubt about it. We love Robert, but we will have our back and forth leading up to this one. These are boxing war times, but he is a great person. But now we are with another one of the best trainers in the world, none other than Freddie Roach.

 

“Cuellar doesn’t live in Los Angeles. He actually still lives in Argentina. But he has stayed in Los Angeles throughout this whole process. He’s been away from his friends and family for almost nine months, but he has not complained once or asked to go home. That just shows the kind of professional that Jesus Cuellar is.”

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

“I’m truly excited to be here with all of you. This night will feature two top-notch matchups and four guys who are at the pinnacle of their respective divisions. I’m really excited for this to be my first event back.

 

“This is a statement fight for Jesus Cuellar. It’s the biggest fight of his career. But he has passed every test so far. He’s a true warrior, as all Argentine fighters are. He’s a big puncher with a sterling record. This is a tough challenge, but he has every intention of keeping that belt.

 

“Abner Mares is a true warrior and you will all have the opportunity on December 10 to go after a fourth world title against a strong champion in Jesus Cuellar, who has defended his title five times. But that is the kind of person Abner Mares is. He’s going to test himself against the best there is.

 

“I’m happy to be back and hopefully I’ll be able to add to this great sport of boxing. We’re here in a first class venue today and this is the kind of venue deserving of boxing. Boxing is about entertainment, and if you were to pick four boxers to put on an entertaining card, these would be them.

 

“These are going to be tremendous fights. Styles makes fights. Mares has been waiting for this opportunity and Cuellar is going to fight to keep his title. This is one of the most talked about fights around. It’s going to be all toe-to-toe action from the start to the finish.

 

“Two of the best matches in the sport are happening right here in Los Angeles on the same night. This is the best fighting the best and Los Angeles will be buzzing.

 

“It’s very special to be able to do my first event back in Los Angeles. To have two exciting, toe-to-toe battles on this card is great. Then the cherry on top is the opportunity to work with a man like Abner Mares. I met him at the 2004 Olympics and I was always impressed with his style and his personality and how he carries himself. “

 

BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, TGB Promotions

 

“We’re thrilled to be here working on another great night of boxing. Together, with the matchmaking expertise of my father, Tom Brown, and Richard’s promotional talent, this has the makings of an excellent collaboration.

 

“We’re especially looking forward to working with the great staff at the Galen Center. We were here once before, for the heavyweight world title fight between Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne. That was a sold out night and I have a feeling this one will be too.

 

“Los Angeles has the best fight fans in the world and I know that they will be there to support these great fighters.”

 

CHRIS DEBLASIO, SVP Sports Communications at Showtime Networks

 

“SHOWTIME continues to deliver the strongest lineup of any network in boxing, bar none.  We recently announced a slate of upcoming events that is further proof that no one is committing more resources to move the sport forward than Showtime.   And the next great run of evenly matched, world class fights begins on Saturday, December 10 in Los Angeles.  This card features four fighters ranked in the top-10 of their division taking the right fight at the right time.  These men are as respectable and dependable outside of the ring as they are ferocious and talented inside the ring.

“We’re proud to be showcasing these two world title fights on the network. These fights exemplify what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is all about.

 

“Mares and Cuellar might be the most evenly matched of the five featherweight championship fights we have presented on SHOWTIME this year. And we know that Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams, the latest in a series of fights at junior middleweight, will determine the future of the deep and talented division.”

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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Premier Boxing Champions Presents a Thrilling Doubleheader of World Title Fights Coming to Los Angeles & Live on SHOWTIME

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Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar Battles
Former Three-Division World Champion Abner Mares,
Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall Charlo Faces
Undefeated Top Contender Julian Williams Saturday, December 10
From USC’s Galen Center
 
Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Friday, at 3 p.m. PT!
 
LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2016) – Hard-hitting featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) is set to take on former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in a world title showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event on Saturday, December 10. The exciting doubleheader will be live on SHOWTIME from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event begins with super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) meeting top-ranked contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs) in a highly anticipated matchup of undefeated stars.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, October 28 at 3 p.m. PT and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.
“This is the most important fight of my career as Mares is one of the best in this loaded featherweight division,” Cuellar said. “We had to wait very long for this fight to happen, but everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful that the time is almost here. I know that this fight will be a war. I’ve been working hard with Freddie Roach and I’m excited to show what I’ve learned and get my frustration of waiting off my chest. I am more motivated than ever to keep my title and prove who is the best in the division.”
“I’m excited to get back in the ring and win my fourth world title,” said Mares. “I’m 100 percent healthy and ready to go. I’m looking forward to showing that to my fans and the entire audience on December 10. Los Angeles is my town. This is a fight that I’ve wanted and I’m glad to be giving the fans a great show at the end of the year. Come watch me on December 10 and see what a warrior looks like.”
“Camp for me started a month after I defeated Austin Trout,” said Charlo. “From that point on, I’ve been in the gym working and I got my vision corrected, so I’m feeling great. I’m looking forward to putting my clearer vision to the test and I’m so prepared and ready for this fight. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s the best fighting the best. Julian brings an undefeated record to the table and I know he’s watched a lot of my past fights because we always knew we would fight one day. So who’s the best? We’ll find out, but I know I’m ready to rumble.”
“I’m excited to get my first title shot, but more than anything I’m just focused on winning,” said Williams. “Jermall Charlo is strong and fast, but I will be better than him on December 10. I’ve been waiting for this fight for the longest time and I know this will be a great night for the fans. I plan on giving them an exciting, explosive fight and most importantly a win.”
The action-packed doubleheader features two evenly matched showdowns as all four men, firmly in the top 10 in their division, will enter the ring believing that they will be the one leaving with a belt around their waist. Cuellar and Mares look for supremacy in a crowded featherweight division brimming with contenders while Charlo and Williams each look for a career-defining performance to boost their burgeoning profiles.
“I am elated to be promoting this great night of action for boxing fans around the world,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Both of these fights are 50-50 match-ups with a lot on the line. These are fights that the fans want to see and pose challenges that these fighters are eager to face. They will have a great stage at the Galen Center at USC and on SHOWTIME to prove that they are amongst the best in the world.  I couldn’t be coming back to the sport with a better fight card and I know that the real winner on December 10 will be the fans.”
“We’re very excited to present this highly anticipated featherweight world title fight between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “I’m thrilled to work with Richard Schaefer on the debut promotion of Ringstar Sports and look forward to many more world-class collaborative events. I also want to thank Stephen Espinoza and the SHOWTIME team along with the Galen Center staff for their help in making what will undoubtedly be an outstanding night of boxing.”
“These two world title fights exemplify what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has and will continue to deliver – true ‘pick-em’ fights between top-rated fighters in the prime of their career,,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “Cuellar vs. Mares is arguably the toughest to predict of the five featherweight world championships we’ve presented this year.  And in Charlo vs. Williams, our latest in a series of significant bouts at 154-pounds, we have a prime example of how great this sport can be.  These are major fights between the top players in two of boxing’s deepest divisions.”
A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar isworking toward his 12th consecutive victory when he gets in the ring to defend his 126-pound title against Mares. His power in both hands has helped him deliver seven knockouts in his last 10 victories, including an eighth-round knockout of former world champion Vic Darchinyan in June 2015. The 29-year-old won his world title with a unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero in his U.S. debut in August 2013. He went on to defend his title against Rico Ramos, Juan Manuel Lopez and Ruben Tamayo.
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif., Mares won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to capture the bantamweight crown. He continued to rise in the pound-for-pound list with victories 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 which he lost by majority decision. The always-exciting Mares will enter the ring for the first time under the tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Garciaand strength coach Luis Garcia as he seeks to capture another world title.
Twin brother of fellow 154-pound world champion Jermell, Jermall Charlowill be making the third defense of the super welterweight crown he won last September with a dominant stoppage  over Cornelius Bundrage. The 26-year-old is coming off of a career-best, hard-fought decision over crafty former world champion Austin Trout in May in Las Vegas. Training with Ronnie Shields in Houston, Charlo will look to silence Williams and stake his claim as the best in the division.
One of the most highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams, of Philadelphia, will be getting his first world title opportunity. The 26-year-old has dismantled opponents on his way to accumulating an unbeaten record. Williams solidified his status as a fast-rising star by defeating veterans Luciano Cuello and Arman Ovsepyan in addition to a shutout victory over contender Joey Hernandez in 2015. He earned his No. 1 ranking and title fight by stopping Italy’s Marcello Matano in the seventh round in March.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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SHOWTIME SPORTS® ANNOUNCES SEVEN MARQUEE BOXING MATCHES PITTING TOP-10 CHAMPIONS VERSUS TOP-10 CHALLENGERS 

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VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2dqWazE 

SHOWTIME® Continues To Deliver Boxing’s Biggest and Best Fights
Bouts Presented In Association With Premier Boxing Champions Include
Garcia vs. Thurman, Frampton vs. Santa Cruz II and Cuellar vs. Mares 

NEW YORK (Oct. 25, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports will present seven marquee boxing matches pitting top-10 rated champions in the prime of their careers against fellow top-10 rated challengers over four consecutive months beginning in December.  The schedule, which is the second robust boxing programming announcement from SHOWTIME in 2016, was announced today by Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  The lineup includes two long-awaited championship matchups, Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares and Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams; the can’t-miss featherweight rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz, and a welterweight unification blockbuster between undefeated champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.  All four of these anticipated bouts will be presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME Sports produced the strongest lineup of world-class boxing events of any network this year, delivering 18 world title fights devoid of mismatches and “tune-up” fights.  The best fought the best, and the results were spectacular: two “Fight of the Year” contenders, Thurman-Shawn Porter and Santa Cruz-Frampton; a “Knockout of the Year” frontrunner by one of boxing’s biggest punchers, Deontay Wilder; and the arrival of one of boxing’s most marketable new stars in Anthony Joshua.  SHOWTIME also featured the trio of junior middleweight champions, the Charlo twins, Jermall and Jermell, and Erislandy Lara, all in title fights on one card; highlighted the world’s best featherweights in Santa Cruz, Frampton, Gary Russell Jr. and Lee Selby; and set the table for the title unification fight between super middleweight champions Badou Jack and James DeGale.

Boxing’s brightest stars will again take center stage on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® as the network prepares to present the following seven matchups, including six world title fights, over a 12-week span.  All bouts will air live on SHOWTIME with the exception of Garcia vs. Thurman, which will either air live in Primetime on CBS or live on SHOWTIME.

Seven of the 14 fighters are undefeated, while the champions and challengers in the six world title fights boast a combined 313 wins versus just six losses.

December 10:            Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs)*
Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) vs. Julian Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs)*

January 14:                Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) vs. James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs)**

January 28:                Carl Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs) vs. Leo Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs)*                                 Dejan Zlaticanin (18-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mikey Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs)*

February 11:              Adrien Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) vs. Adrian Granados (18-4-2, 12 KOs)

March 4:                     Danny Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) vs. Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs)**

                                    *World title bout
                                    **World title unification bout     

“This is a slate of high-level, evenly-matched, 50/50 fights – the best fighting the best – which has become the calling card of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING,” said Espinoza.  “Every fight we are announcing today features a top 10-ranked champion taking on a top 10-ranked challenger; in many cases, it’s top-five vs. top-five.

“This is our second major boxing lineup announcement this year, further proof that no other network is delivering high-quality competitive fights – without relying on PPV – as consistently as SHOWTIME.  No other network is as committed to driving the sport forward.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is giving subscribers the best that boxing has to offer.”

Saturday, Dec. 10 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

In a highly anticipated featherweight blockbuster, hard-hitting Jesus Cuellarwill make the second defense of his WBA 126-pound title against Abner Mares, a three-division champ who has compiled a staggering resume while collecting belts at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Cuellar vs. Mares is the latest in a lineup of action-oriented 126-pound showdowns assembled with the goal of unifying one of the sport’s most talent-laden divisions.  It will be the fifth featherweight world championship of 2016 on SHOWTIME.

On Dec. 10, there also will be a long-awaited world championship contest between two undefeated 154-pound fighters.  Jermall Charlo will make the third defense of his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against No. 1 mandatory challenger Julian Williams in a matchup of 26-year-old fighters at the top of their game.  Charlo vs. Williams becomes the sixth title or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in 2016 on SHOWTIME, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters in the division.

Saturday, Jan. 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Super middleweight world champions Badou Jack and James DeGale are set to unify the 168-pound class. Both champions retained their titles on a doubleheader last April 30 on SHOWTIME.  Jack kept his WBC belt in a controversial draw with longtime titlist Lucian Bute that many thought Jack clearly won.  Earlier that evening, DeGale successfully defended his IBF crown with a unanimous decision over mandated challenger Rogelio Medina.  Jack landed 61 percent of his power punches, while DeGale connected on an astonishing 66 percent of his power shots.  Now, Jack and DeGale will face off in a long-awaited unification to determine the No. 1 fighter in the super middleweight division.

Saturday, Jan. 28 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

The most anticipated rematch in boxing will take place when Carl Framptonand Leo Santa Cruz square off in an immediate rematch of a leading 2016 Fight of the Year candidate.  In their first encounter July 30 on SHOWTIME, former super bantamweight champ Frampton moved up in weight to challenge fellow unbeaten Santa Cruz, edging the three-division titlist in a firefight.  The must-see rematch will be the sixth featherweight world championship on SHOWTIME in less than 12 months.

The co-feature pits undefeated lightweights Dejan Zlaticanin against resurgent fan favorite Mikey Garcia.  Zlaticanin is making the first defense of his WBC 135-pound crown against the former two-division titlist in Garcia.  The champion is the No. 1 fighter at 135 pounds, while Garcia is aiming to become a three-division world champion in just his second fight back from a two-and-a-half year layoff.

Saturday, Feb. 11 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner will face the streaking Adrian Granados in a matchup of top-10 ranked 140-pound fighters.  The flashy Broner, who has captured titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, has scored two consecutive knockouts in the super lightweight division.  The hard-charging, all-action Granados, who pulled a stunning upset of then-undefeated WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam in a dominating performance last November on SHOWTIME, thrives in the underdog role and has a deceiving record – his four defeats, all via split or majority decision, have come against opponents with a cumulative record of 52-1.

Saturday, March 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garciahave been on a collision course for more than a year.  Thurman has held a version of the WBA Welterweight World Championship since 2013 but announced his arrival in March 2015 with an emphatic win over Robert Guerrero.  Thurman has since defended the title twice, including most recently against former world champion Shawn Porter in a potential Fight of the Year thriller in June on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS.  Garcia, after conquering the 140-pound division, captured the WBC Welterweight World Championship with an impressive performance against Guerrero in January.  Should Garcia defeat Samuel Vargas on Nov. 12 in a non-title fight, he and Thurman are set to meet in a marquee unification blockbuster between undefeated champions at the pinnacle of their careers.  Garcia vs. Thurman will air live in Primetime on CBS or live on SHOWTIME.

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KEITH THURMAN OUTPOINTS SHAWN PORTER IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE SATURDAY IN PRIMETIME ON CBS

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Jarrett Hurd Knocks Out Oscar Molina In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

 

Click HERE for Photos From Esther Lin/Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (June 26, 2016) – Prizefighting returned to CBS on Saturday with a Fight of the Year candidate as undefeated welterweight world champion Keith Thurman edged former world champion Shawn Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges.

 

The 12,718 fans in attendance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the viewers across the U.S. watching the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammed Ali-Leon Spinks in 1978 were treated to a slugfest between two of the brightest stars in boxing’s glamour division.

 

Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) combined to throw over 1200 punches in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.  The marquee showdown was a story of accuracy vs. activity, as Thurman landed 50 percent of his power shots, compared to 38 percent for Porter, and 44 percent of his total punches compared to just 36 percent for the challenger.  While Thurman landed at a higher percentage, Porter was the busier fighter, throwing over 100 more punches across 12 rounds.

 

“One Time” and “Showtime” delivered as advertised, with the powerful sharpshooter buckling Porter multiple times, while the swarming and smothering Porter barreled forward to bully Thurman into the ropes.  And while there were no knockdowns, the back-and-forth blockbuster never lacked action and culminated in a standing ovation in the second-highest attended boxing event in Barclays Center history.

 

“I want to thank Shawn Porter for a tremendous fight.  He’s a great warrior,” said Thurman.  “Defense is the key to victory.  He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score.  I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today.

 

“I would give him a rematch. It was great fight.  He was a great opponent.  Everyone was saying would he be my toughest opponent to date.  I wasn’t able to drop him but I did buckle him a few times.”

The former world champion Porter, a perennial underdog but consummate gentleman, didn’t complain about being on the losing end of his second close decision in a title bout.

 

“We worked hard, Keith is a great champion,” Porter said. “My dad says to keep your head up.  I think I won the fight, but I’m satisfied because the competitor came out tonight.

 

“We need that rematch.  I know the fans want that rematch.  If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard in the ring and leave with his title.”

 

The opening bout of the CBS telecast featured a matchup of undefeated super welterweights as Jarrett Hurd graduated from prospect to legitimate contender in the stacked 154-pound class with a dominating 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina.

 

Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) got to work early, flooring Molina for the first time in his career in the opening round with a powerful counter right uppercut.  The bigger and taller Hurd was the more active fighter from the outset, dismantling the previously unbeaten Mexican Olympian with a supremely effective inside game.  Hurd threw nearly 750 punches over 10 rounds, compared to just 376 for Molina, connecting on 220 power shots at a nearly 40 percent clip.

 

Hurd put a stamp on his performance in the final round, closing the show by out landing Molina 33-7 in the final round.  With Molina taking a brutal beating and seemingly defenseless in the final minute of the final round, Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to halt the contest at 2:02.

 

“This is definitely a big win for my career,” Hurd said.  “He was taking a lot of shots, but he knew how to survive.  It was a big uppercut that knocked him down in round one. People know from my last fight that I have a great right uppercut.  He was hurt a couple of times. I don’t think it was a bad stoppage. Molina is a very tough guy who just kept coming through.

 

“This fight here puts me up with the top contenders in the division. I felt like I could have gone three or four more rounds. I was getting stronger as the fight went on.  We’re going right back to the gym so we can get in there again.”

 

Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) protested, but barring a stunning knockout he was just seconds away from suffering the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision.

 

“I felt like Hurd was throwing a lot of punches in the tenth round but they weren’t really hurting me,” Molina said. “He was staying busy but he was never really hurting me.

 

“I went low and I had my head down and he caught me with that uppercut in the first round. He got me with a shot I wasn’t expecting but it was definitely a flash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt.

 

“I was supposed to use my footwork a lot more but I ended up smothering my shots. He had an awkward defense with a lot of bending down and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.

 

“This was a big opportunity for me and I felt like I fought a good fight. I’m going to come back stronger. We’re going to work on a lot of things and get back in there.”

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

Earlier in the evening on SHOWTIME, undefeated heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF Heavyweight World Championship for the first time with a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at The O2 in London.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/28VGgsa

 

Below are quotes from Joshua after Saturday’s win on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL:

 

Many thought that Dominic Breazeale wouldn’t be able to stand up to your power and speed, but were you grateful for the opportunity to work a little bit more of your boxing skills?

“Well, it’s hard because you can see they’re hurt with every shot – well not every shot – but when you start catching them flush, they can feel the shots with these ten ounce gloves on. So, it’s just a matter of time, but in the process I didn’t want to be receiving any haymakers on the way back.

 

“It’s been tough I had two weeks off after my last fight, and got straight back in the gym so it was tough. I get a nice little break for once and then I can come back with recharged batteries.”

 

We know Deontay Wilder was watching the fight. Have you got a message for him, the WBC Champion? 

“Unbelievable inspirational person. He was patient, 30-odd fights [and] got his hands on the WBC [belt]. I’m following suit. I’m making my way into the U.S. with SHOWTIME backing me as well. So, he watched that.

 

“He can pick up whatever he wants to pick up from that, but it’s so different when you’re in the ring with each other. So one day we’ll get to experience what each other’s about.”

 

Who do you want to fight next? 

“Well I think it’s gonna have to be the likes of [Joseph] Parker. I was really looking at Fury… I hope he gets better soon. He hurt his ankle unfortunately, which has postponed it because  I was hoping to get that some time in the winter if everything went well July 9th like it didtonight, but we’re gonna have to reschedule that and in the meantime, we can look at other opponents like Parker, if he’s vacant, or anyone else that the people want.”

 

What do you think that you still need to work on?

“Rest. I need to rest. I’m tired, I’m working hard and as I said, now i can get

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

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Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Jarrett Hurd & Oscar Molina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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(Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)
 
“There are real stakes on the line Saturday night.
Our careers are on the line.” — KeithThurman
 
“I’ve never been more excited to fight in my life.” – Shawn Porter
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions,
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®
 
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (June 23, 2016) – Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their eagerly anticipated welterweight world title showdown this Saturday, June 25 in primetime as SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Live televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina in a 10-round rumble of rising contenders.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The press conference took place at the Dream Hotel PHD Rooftop in downtown Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
KEITH THURMAN
“It’s an honor to be on this platform. I’m excited to be back at Barclays Center. My last fight at Barclays Center was the first time I felt the fans give me love and I felt like I made it.
“I’m excited to feel the energy in the arena. We’re recovered and we’re ready. We did what we needed to so that we’re ready forSaturday night.
“As I think about this fight, these are dreams coming true for me. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a dream. I think about how I was raised by Ben Getty to this moment. Ben used to say that my moment was ‘right around the corner,’ and now it’s here. He was a wise man and he knew what he was talking about.
“This is a great fight. This is what the boxing fans want to see. I truly believe you are looking at two of the best welterweights in the world.
“I’m here as an entertainer. I’m here for the love of the sport. The fans want to see these kinds of fights. It’s obvious in the welterweight division that we are the two most exciting and devastating fighters in the division.
“Everybody kept talking about the sparring video, so I just decided to put it out. Sparring is sparring and fighting is fighting. This fight will be judged and this time I’ll have eight-ounce gloves on.
“It’s always been my dream to be the undisputed champion of the world.
“I’m looking forward to a great performance. I’m excited to a great challenge from Shawn Porter. There is a burning desire within myself to have a knockout victory. It’s hard to make world-class fighters quit. The fans ultimately want to see that knockout victory.
“There are real stakes are on the line this Saturday night. Our careers are on the line. My title is on the line. My undefeated record is on the line. It’s a great fight and a great matchup.
“I do believe that with each and every fight, you step up, you step up and you step up. So, thus the stakes are always higher and there are those times where you get a decent fight. But like I said, this is a great fight at a great moment of both athletes’ careers. We are both in our prime. I’m 27-years-old, Shawn is 28-years-old, we’ve both accomplished many great things and a victory on Saturday night is just going to be another thing to add to the resume.
“This really is the best fight of the best. We’re trying to satisfy the fans and we’re trying to challenge ourselves, push ourselves, and see where we fit in and how great we really are. I’m going to show you Saturday night how great Keith “One Time” Thurman really is.
“Just like Ali said, Saturday night, I’m going to show you how great I am.”
SHAWN PORTER
“It’s here. It’s been long anticipated and it’s here. I have never been more excited to fight in my life. It’s a blessing. Along this journey I’ve been able to learn the basics and excel in the basics and I found myself in a position where I’ve been able to be very successful.
“My hometown Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA title is definitely a motivation. It motivates me to be a winner. I want to bring this belt back to Ohio.
“I’m looking forward to this kind of moment to shine. That’s how you gain notoriety and become bigger. There’s no pressure, just excitement.
“I’m just looking forward to getting in there and getting that energetic feeling. I want to feel the excitement of getting into the ring and all the adrenaline that rushes through.
“This is the fight I wanted. I wanted to have fun training for a fight like this. Keith has made it possible. He’s so good it pushes me to be better.
“This isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time that two friends fight. I’m done talking about us being friends because it’s time for us to start punching each other. My plan is to have great defense, avoid getting hit and win the fight.
“I didn’t take much time off after the postponement. We tried to train and stay ready through the cancellation. You never know when the phone is going to ring. We just wanted to stay in shape, get better and be ready for anything.
“I feel like if Floyd Mayweather comes back, he should fight the winner of this matchup. I believe that will be me.
“I’m not going to go in there looking for a knockout and throw my hands wildly. I’m going to keep up the pace that I normally keep up. I’m a great boxer. People consider me a boxer, but I may surprise you.”
JARRETT HURD
“I’m thankful for this opportunity. This is a great shot for me right now. In my last fight I had an opportunity similar to this. I was a fill-in for television and I did what I was supposed to do.
“Success is accomplished when preparation meets opportunity. I know things like this can happen. It doesn’t change anything. We’re going to go out and do what we trained for.
“You always get butterflies before getting in the ring but that’s normal. Molina is very experienced and has good hand speed but I know what I can do. We’re ready for this.
“I’m happy to be on this stage. This could be the biggest fight of the year and I’m extremely blessed to open it up.
“I’m going to go out there and put on another terrific performance. Molina, he’s an Olympian and he has a lot of experience. He’s a crafty fighter and we’re going to do what we have to do to get the victory.
“We’re ready to do what we’re going to do. It’s going to be a great fight on Saturday night.”
OSCAR MOLINA
“I’m ready for this. I’m more than ready for this. These type of fights are what gets me up to train.
“This guy I’m fighting is young, undefeated and a prospect like myself. I know he’s going to be ready and it’s going to be a tough fight but I’m ready for him.
“This is a huge deal for me. I was already excited to be on this huge undercard. When they told me that I was moving up to CBS I knew how big of an opportunity it is for me and my career.
“Hurd is a tall and lanky fighter. I saw his last fight and I see that he does well with guys who are flat footed. My boxing skills and my footwork are something he’s never seen before. Frank Galarza was tailor-made for Hurd and I think I’m going to be able to give him different looks.
“I’m a boxer-puncher and I can adapt to different styles. I also have power for big knockouts but my boxing skills are most important.
“Fighting in the Olympics taught me to adapt to different styles. I have a fan-friendly style and I’m excited to put on a show.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“We’re ready for this fight. Keith trains hard every day and we know Shawn and Kenny well. I’ve brought them to my gym and these two guys have gone a lot of rounds together.
“I think Keith Thurman is the most gifted guy in boxing. He does everything right. Saturday night we’re looking for a great fight and I know in my heart that we will be victorious.”
KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer
“It’s great to be here. It’s great to be on this stage with Shawn. This isn’t something we just started getting ready for, this is something he’s been getting ready for since birth. I always had a mindset to put Shawn in a position to excel in life. He has not disappointed.
“I know these guys are going to give it everything they have. It will be 100 percent for as long as it lasts. We’re prepared to take the championship. These are great guys here to the right, but on Saturday we’re bringing everything to the table.
“We’re coming to deliver a great show. Enjoy yourselves on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is what it’s all about. This Saturday night, the best is fighting the best. It’s right here in Brooklyn on CBS. It’s the first fight on CBS in primetime since Muhammad Ali fought over 30 years ago.
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. There is a tremendous undercard, a great co-feature and a main event that boxing fans have been waiting for a long time.
“This is an undercard chock full of talent. You will want to get there early as there are evenly matched bouts all night.
“SHOWTIME has highlighted the 154-pound division in recent shows, so it makes sense that there will be another significant matchup in that division on CBS Saturday night with Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
“We’re not going to talk about friendship and respect anymore with these two guys, that’s in the past and the future. These guys know their future is dependent on beating up the other guy and a fight of this magnitude makes the stakes even higher.
“The best want to fight the best and it starts Saturday night. The winner of this fight wants to be the best in the world. Both men want to be an undisputed welterweight champion.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“June 25 is a very special day and night for us at CBS. It begins with the heavyweight world title being contested between Anthony Joshua and Dominic Breazeale and then the return of boxing to primetime CBS for the first time in almost 40 years.
“This was an easy fight to make. Shawn and Keith, neither one hesitated for a second in taking this fight. All credit goes to them for taking this fight. It’s a difficult fight for both on a big stage.
“Boxing takes criticism for not making the right fights at the right time. One of the bad habits we have is that we spend time thinking about fights that might get made. But now we have the right fight, at the right time and at the right venue. It’s a disservice to not recognize that what is going on Saturday is very special and very exciting.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“It’s an exciting week at Barclays Center. Tonight we host the NBA Draft, the weigh-in tomorrow and our big event Saturdaynight. The momentum is building for this fight and we are on pace for the biggest crowd for a boxing event since we opened.
“We are excited about bringing a great night of fights to Brooklyn. We welcome Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter back to Brooklyn as they have both fought there once before.
“It’s become tradition to have both of you fight in our ring and we know how popular you are with our fans and we love to have you back.
“This will be the first primetime fight on CBS since the first Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks fight in 1978 and it’s a big moment for the boxing community for sure. We look forward to hosting everyone on Saturday night.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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TOP WELTERWEIGHTS: THURMAN-PORTER  WINNER TOO CLOSE TO CALL

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 This Saturday, June 25, Live in Primetime at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on CBS  
Click HERE For PBC Fighter Prediction Video
 
NEW YORK (June 22, 2016) – Their peers in the welterweight division – world champions, former champions, contenders and top prospects – can’t pick a definitive winner between defending WBA 147-pound king Keith “One Time” Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) and former world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs).
The majority of the fighters polled – some of whom are potential opponents down the line for the winner – lean toward Thurman, but most all concede that Saturday’s eagerly awaited main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Barclays Center is going to be an intense, exciting, tight fight from start to finish that could go either way.
Here’s how the boxers see “Thurman vs. Porter”:
 
Danny Garcia (WBC Welterweight Champion): “I think this is a great matchup. Thurman has the boxing ability and the movement while Shawn Porter is the aggressor and he’s going to bring the heat. To be honest with you it’s a 50-50 fight, but I would give the edge to Keith Thurman by a very close decision.”
 
Kell Brook (IBF Welterweight Champion):”This is a great fight, one I can’t wait to watch. If Shawn can stick to his boxing I think he can become world champion again on points, but Keith is heavy-handed and he could walk Shawn onto one – it’s really a pick ’em fight for me.”
 
Errol Spence Jr. (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “I think this is a great fight between young fighters with good skill. Shawn throws a lot of punches while Thurman is a boxer who can punch too. I know Shawn will be aggressive and it should make for a great fight. If Keith can box and keep Shawn Porter on the outside I see Keith Thurman winning. If Shawn stays on the inside and stays in the chest of Keith, I see him winning.”
Andre Berto (Former Welterweight Champion): “Shawn is going to come, but I think Keith will be on his toes and box but also drop hard shots as well when Shawn comes in. Keith can be very versatile in there and has a lot of great skills, while Shawn is more like a bull. Keith will hurt or knock Shawn down but will keep coming all night.”
Sammy Vazquez (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “Shawn is a pressure fighter and Thurman used to be a pressure fighter but now he boxes. It’s really hard for me to decide who is going to come out on top. Thurman has good power. It all depends on how Shawn is able to take Thurman’s punches. I think Thurman because of the power but Shawn will bring it for 12 rounds.”
 
Robert Guerrero (Former Welterweight Champion): “This is a fight the fans are going to love watching.  Both Thurman and Porter bring exciting styles to the ring. I think if Porter can keep the fight on the inside he’ll have a better chance to come out victorious. But Keith Thurman is a very smart and powerful fighter and will make the right adjustments. I just think Thurman is going to outbox Porter.  I’m picking Thurman to win by decision in a very tough fight.”
Luis Collazo (Former Welterweight Champion): “I’m not sure who the favorite is, but I’m going with Porter. I like his style and I think it’s going to be interesting to see how Thurman holds up with the pressure Porter is going to bring.”
 
Devon Alexander (Former Welterweight Champion): “It’s a very exciting fight. Both fighters are come forward type fighters and they swing for the fences when they throw. I don’t know who will come out on top because they have similar styles. Shawn Porter has decent power, but out of the two Keith has the more power. We’ll see. This is boxing.”
 
# # #
The live CBS telecast with open with a 10-round matchup between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd andOscar Molina
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP,  @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter Undercard Complete

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Unbeaten Polish Heavyweight Adam Kownacki Faces Massachusetts’ Jesse Barboza While Undefeated Rising Star Heather Hardy Battles Colorado’s Kirstie SimmonsSaturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Plus! Puerto Rican Prospect Nicklaus Flaz Added to Stacked Undercard
 
BROOKLYN (June 21, 2016) – The stacked undercard for the highly anticipated Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter welterweight showdown is complete and will feature a pair of popular Brooklyn fighters as heavyweight Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) battles hard-hitting Jesse Barboza (11-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout while crowd-pleasing featherweight   Heather “The Heat” Hardy (16-0, 4 KOs) takes on Colorado’s Kirstie Simmons (8-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest on Saturday, June 25from Barclays Center.
The June 25 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by the world title fight between defending world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The live telecast will open with an exciting battle between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
Additional undercard action features unbeaten prospect Jonathan Alonso taking on Los Angeles native Brian Jones in a junior welterweight match, Bronx native Josue Vargas opposing Oklahoma’s David Nelson in a four-round welterweight bout and a recent addition to the card, Puerto Rico’s Nicklaus Flaz, in a four-round junior middleweight battle against Brooklyn’s Mack Babb.
Completed matchups that were previously announced include fast-rising prospect David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) taking on Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout and unbeaten junior welterweight Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) versus Luis Eduardo Flores (21-3, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On June 25, she will be making her seventh appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In her lone 2016 fight, she stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round. She will be opposed by Aurora, Colorado’s Simmons who has won nine fights in a row after losing her pro debut.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kownacki had a big 2015, notching four victories including knockouts of Maurenzo Smith and Randy Easton. Born in Lomza, Poland, the 26-year-old now calls Brooklyn home. His 2016 campaign began in January at Barclays Center when he defeated Danny Kelly in front of a raucous Polish crowd. He will take on Barboza out of Hyannis, Massachusetts. The 29-year-old Barboza was a three-time New England Heavyweight Golden Gloves champion.
#          #          #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS JARRETT HURD AND OSCAR MOLINA TO OPEN CBS PRIMETIME BOXING BROADCAST THIS SATURDAY FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Matchup Of 154-Pound Rising Stars Replaces Cuellar vs. Mares Fight As Opener Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, Presented By
Premier Boxing Champions
This Saturday, June 25, Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on CBS
BROOKLYN (June 20, 2016) – An intriguing matchup between undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina will open this Saturday’s Primetime CBS broadcast from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by a welterweight blockbuster between undefeated champion Keith Thurman and once-beaten former titlist Shawn Porter.
The 10-round showdown between the 25-year-old Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) and 26-year-old Molina (13-0-10 KOs) is a rare matchup between young undefeated prospects in one of boxing’s hottest divisions.  The winner graduates to contender status in the stacked 154-pound class, a division featuring Erislandy Lara, Jermall and Jermell Charlo, Demetrius Andrade and Julian Williams.
Hurd vs. Molina represents the toughest professional fight for either man.
“The dictionary definition of ‘Swift’ is to happen quickly or promptly,” said Hurd. “So just like my ring name, that’s exactly what you’ll see on Saturday night. I’m so grateful that this fight was made and that the whole world will be able to see my boxing skills on this highly anticipated card.”
“I’m excited for this fight and I’m grateful that it’s even bigger now that it’s on CBS,” said Molina. “I’ve seen Hurd fight.  I know what he does well and what his weaknesses are and I’ll be looking to capitalize on them. It’s important for me to defeat the top guys and this is someone I have to beat to become a world champion one day. I’m excited about fighting in Brooklyn on the big stage, but my focus will be on my trainer’s game plan and coming out victorious.”
Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C., has an unblemished record since turning professional in 2012.  He is coming off a career-best performance last November with a six-round destruction of previously undefeated Frank Galarza on ShoBox: The New Generation.  Hurd, who has never been down or cut as a professional, will be facing his third consecutive unbeaten opponent.
Molina, of Norwalk, Calif., just east of Los Angeles, was a 2012 Mexican Olympian.  He tore through his opposition after turning professional in 2013, registering knockouts in 10 of his 14 fights.  Molina, who has also never been down, is coming off a 10-round draw with fellow unbeaten highly regarded prospect Dominque Dolton last September.  He returns to the ring this Saturday against another undefeated opponent as he looks to make a statement in the 154-pound division.
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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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