Tag Archives: Abner Mares

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Sugar Ray Leonard & Thomas Hearns, Two Hall of Fame Welterweight Champions, Weigh-In on the Keith Thurman-Shawn Porter 147-Pound Championship Battle at Barclays Center on Saturday, June 25 Live on CBS

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“The winner of Thurman-Porter will immediately move into the
welterweight penthouse.”  – Leonard
“I know that Porter and Thurman both have the ability to get each other out of there. It’s going to be a matter of who gets to who first.” –Hearns
NEW YORK (JUNE 20, 2016) – Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns might be uniquely qualified to talk about what WBA welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and “Showtime” Shawn Porter are thinking and feeling heading into their battle that pits two men against each other who are in their primes in a highly charged battle for supremacy in the talent-laden welterweight division.
The highly anticipated showdown headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Leonard had a record of 30-1 with 21 KOs and held the WBC welterweight title when he took on Hearns, who was 32-0 with 30 KOs and held the WBA title, in a 15-round title unification match in Las Vegas on September 16, 1981. The match was billed as “The Showdown” and had a worldwide television audience of 300 million.
The fight was a pitched back-and-forth battle, but Hearns appeared to be in control having won rounds nine through 12 on all three judges’ scorecards. It was between rounds 12 and 13 that Leonard’s trainer, the late Angelo Dundee, famously screamed at Leonard: “You’re blowing it now, son! You’re blowing it!”
Leonard, with his left eye badly swollen, turned the tide in the 14th round by staggering Hearns with an overhand right and then pinning Hearns on the ropes and unleashing a barrage of punches, which prompted referee Davey Pearl to stop the fight, giving Leonard the victory and making him the undisputed welterweight champion and king of the division. At the time of the stoppage Hearns was leading on all three scorecards – 124-122, 125-122 and 125-121.
“It was the toughest fight of my life. It took every ounce of will and strength to beat Tommy Hearns. I couldn’t have taken that many of those in my career,” Leonard said. “The Tommy Hearns fight was the one that propelled me to the penthouse.”
Leonard felt like the victory over Hearns launched him into superstardom. He believes the same thing awaits the winner of Thurman-Porter.
Hearns on the fight: “I wanted to show my world my boxing ability. They knew I could knock people out, but they didn’t know that I could box very well.”
Both Leonard and Hearns said they are anxiously awaiting the match between Thurman and Porter because they believe it will hold just as much drama as their match 35 years ago.
“Yeah, you can make the comparison,” Leonard said. “Both guys are at the top of the welterweight division. The only thing that’s different is that me and Tommy were so well known by sports fans. We were on TV a lot, and that’s what built our names and gave people the chance to see us so much. And that’s what they’re doing now with the PBC and the shows being on network TV. This could be a fight like ours. Who knows? But I do know that the fans are waiting on this fight.”
HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO FACE THE BEST MAN IN YOUR DIVISION?
 
HEARNS: “It’s always hard to get prepared for someone like that because you think about what the outcome is going to be and what are your chances of winning the fight. I never thought about losing, but I thought about what my chances were.
I knew if I went out and boxed the way I knew I could box, I would beat Ray. Just the thought of fighting Ray brought a lot of questions to my mind. Some I had answers to and some I didn’t have. Most other guys I knew I could go out there and knock them out.”
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS MATCHUP?
LEONARD: “Just the heart of Keith and Shawn. Both of these guys have heart and both have that will. That composure. You can’t teach composure. It’s something that you either have or you don’t. You can’t learn that. That deep, deep composure when your left eye is closed and your liver is busted and you got to get up on the canvas.”
HEARNS: “I know Thurman and Porter have the ability to get each other out of there. It’s going to be a matter of who gets to who first. I’m definitely watching. I hope to be there in person.”
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE MENTAL ASPECT OF THIS MATCH?
 
HEARNS: “I know what it’s like to go against somebody that people don’t think you can beat. You have to prepare for that. It’s a mental stage that you go through, how you prepare your mind. If you can control your mind and tell your body what you’re going to do, then you can do it. You can’t worry about how good the other guy can punch. Just stay out of the way. Keep on laying that stick on him and he won’t be able to punch you.”
WHAT WAS YOUR MENTALITY GOING INTO THE MATCH AGAINST LEONARD?
 
HEARNS: “I didn’t come to go 12 or 15 rounds. I came to whip your butt and go home. I had no desire to go 15 rounds. I trained for it, but I was never going 15 rounds.”
WHAT WAS YOUR MENTALITY GOING INTO THE MATCH AGAINST HEARNS?
LEONARD: “I felt that I could beat anyone. My brother Roger didn’t think I could beat Tommy. He didn’t tell me that until it was over. In training camp I used to box Roger and he would land a lot of right hands. He figured if Tommy’s right hand landed on me it would be over. My brother didn’t have much confidence in me.”
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.
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DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT STATEMENT REGARDING CUELLAR VS. MARES

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New York, NY (6/17/16) – Regrettably, due to a medical issue that renders former three-division world champion Abner Mares presently unable to fight in New York State, the Cuellar vs. Mares fight has been cancelled and will be replaced on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, telecast next Saturday, June 25. Abner’s condition is in no way life-threatening, nor was it revealed in a blood or urine test; there was no use of any drugs, including PEDs or other banned substances.

 

In honoring Abner’s right to medical confidentiality, no further information will be released on this situation unless he chooses.

 

An announcement will be forthcoming with respect to the replacement bout that will open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, broadcast.

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SHOWTIME SPORTS® LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE ONLINE DIGITAL INSTALLMENT OF “ALL ACCESS”

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“ALL ACCESS: Thurman vs. Porter,” Part 1 of a Four-Part Short Feature Series is Available Now On SHOWTIME ®Digital Platforms; All Consumers Can Experience The Buildup To The Live CBS Primetime Boxing Special On Saturday, June 25

 

Click On The Link To Watch, Share & Embed Part 1:  http://s.sho.com/1Ua64Vq

 

SHOWTIME Sports launched an online exclusive installment of digital short features inspired by the three-time Emmy® Award-winning series “ALL ACCESS” on Monday.  The first of the four-part series titled “ALL ACCESS: Thurman vs. Porter” is now available on the SHO Sports YouTube channel, SHO.com/sports, and on the CBSSports.com boxing page.  Subsequent installments will also debut online on tomorrow, June 15, Friday, June 17 and Monday, June 20, in anticipation of the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks I in 1978.

 

On Saturday, June 25, SHOWTIME Sports will produce the welterweight world championship boxing event featuring undefeated champion Keith Thurman and once-beaten former champ Shawn Porter, live on CBS (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

“ALL ACCESS: Thurman vs. Porter” immerses viewers in camp with two elite prizefighters in the prime of their careers as they prepare to square off for the top spot in boxing’s glamour division.

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event at Barclays Center, 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.

 

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

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SHAWN PORTER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Primetime World Title Showdown Against Keith Thurman
Saturday, June 25 Live on CBS® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
“I want to win each and every round…
We’re going to shock the world.” Shawn Porter
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (June 9, 2016) – Former world champion Shawn Porter hosted a Las Vegas media workout Wednesday in advance of his welterweight world title showdown against undefeated Keith Thurman on Saturday, June 25 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on CBS and presented by Premier Boxing Champions with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
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.
Porter and his father and trainer, Ken Porter, were on hand to speak to media and show
off the skills of the 28-year-old Akron, Ohio, native at the Porter Hy-Performance Center.
Here’s what the Porters said Wednesday:
SHAWN PORTER
“Being the first fight in primetime on CBS since Muhammad Ali is very significant. It makes me want to go out there and do something inspiring.
“Keith’s injury gave me enough time to make extra sure that I had everything I needed to get ready for this fight. Not to say I wouldn’t have been ready March 12 but it’s given me more time to reflect and visualize. On June 25, I know I will be 100 percent on every level.
“We sparred for about two weeks together but it was a while ago. The biggest change has been mental. There are things you learn and grow out of. I’m a lot different. Still some of the same skills but definitely stronger mentally.
“I think he can do some things. He can box very well. He throws good off balanced shots. I can box as well, but I have the pressure, quickness, foot speed and hand speed that it takes to not only outbox him, but to pressure him and hurt him. I think that’s what makes it a great fight.
“At this point, we look at everything we’ve done and move forward each day because we know something special is going to happen. I’m blessed to have a mindset where I don’t focus on what I’ve done. I am always looking forward to the next big opportunity.
“I think the fight is bigger since it’s been postponed. Taking it to Barclays Center is something that is special for the sport of boxing. I won my first championship there and I look forward to keeping up the recent history of great fights at Barclays Center.
“I want to win each and every round. We want to make him have to adjust to what we’re doing. If we control the fight, we win the fight.
“I’ve always been taught to control everything in a fight. I can’t allow him to slow the tempo down. But I’m definitely not going to rush. I have the skills to execute the game plan.
“I think the difference is in my preparation. I have a great team to match my great skills. We’re going to shock the world.”
KEN PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer
“We normally don’t work out hard in front of the media, but we’ve decided to switch the energy and go harder during this afternoon session. This isn’t just for the cameras.
“I respect Keith Thurman as a fighter and a person. This is something that happens along the way. Fighters have to fight each other. Some of these young guys working in this gym, they might have to fight Shawn one day. But fight night is fight night.
“I’m not worried about anything Keith Thurman can do. We’ve done all the hard work. The foundation has been laid. He’s done this since he was four-years-old. He’s been on every stage and this is his time.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports and @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Keith Thurman Quotes & Photos From St. Petersburg, Fla. Media Day

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Welterweight World Champion Battles Shawn Porter Live on CBS
Saturday, June 25 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
“This is a chance to showcase our talents and our skills to the world…
I’m definitely going for the knockout.” Thurman
 
Click HERE for Photos from Eric Walker/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 8, 2016) – Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman opened training camp to media today in St. Petersburg as he prepares to defend his title against former world champion Shawn Porter on Saturday, June 25 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT with a featherweight world title showdown between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
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.
Born and raised in the area, Thurman worked out at St. Pete Boxing Club along with longtime trainer Dan Birmingham as he prepared for his primetime battle against the strong and dangerous Porter.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
KEITH THURMAN
“Muhammad Ali opened up the door for so many people. Michael Jordan changed the game in our era, but Ali did it so long ago. He showed people that boxing is a great sport and can be the most entertaining sport in the world.
“For me, it’s almost like a dream come true. It’s surreal. I remember at an early age in boxing saying, ‘I want to be the guy that brings boxing back.’ I’m really blessed to be where I am in my career. For all the fighters who could end up on this stage, I’m proud that I’ve been chosen.
“I’ve always considered myself a knockout artist. Back to when I was a teenager knocking out grown men in headgear. Ever since then, I’ve been dropping people like a bad habit.
“I love being a power-puncher. My favorite fighter of all time is Mike Tyson. One of my goals that I set when I was a kid was to have more knockouts than Mike Tyson throughout my career.
“I’m ready for Shawn Porter. We’re going to box harder, box stronger and box better. I will be the better man.
“Training is the fundamentals of getting one prepared. We’ve always known that Shawn Porter was going to come into this fight in tremendous shape. That’s what his training methods are all about. But the Energizer Bunny has never been hit by Keith Thurman, and I’m pretty sure I could stop it in its tracks.
“I’m going for the knockout. I’ve stated it before. My hands are itching for a knockout. I’m ‘One Time,’ all the time. That’s my philosophy. Every single time I step into the ring I’m looking for the knockout. We don’t get paid for overtime.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our talents and our skills to the world. The winner will have an opportunity to be the head guy in the sport. I’ve always wanted to have a legacy in the sport of boxing.
“I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. That’s my ultimate goal. There have only been so many in the history of boxing. I want to be a part of that history.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“Keith is a guy who deserves to be on this stage. He has a lot of experience and he’s come into his own. This is the kind of thing that happens when you work hard.
“Life happens. Keith was involved in the accident and so we took the necessary rest. He saw the right doctors and we’re back now. We’re ready for Shawn Porter.
“We’re constantly conditioning. We’re working on attacking his style. He’s a short, come-forward brawler who’s going to try to come into Keith’s chest and make it a war. We’re making out adjustments.
“Keith has to be busier, more in charge fighter. He has to work off of his jab and then his power will keep Porter at bay.”
#          #          #
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, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @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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ABNER MARES: “I AM GOING TO EARN MY FOURTH WORLD TITLE IN BROOKLYN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25”

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Featherweight Title On The Line In Cuellar vs. Mares Fight

Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®On CBS

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions From Barclays Center

 

For Team Mares Training Camp Photos Click Here

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Abner Mares, the former three-division world champion boxer, will be taking class, technique and power into the ring when he meets WBA Featherweight World ChampionJesus Cuellar on Saturday, June 25 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Live coverage begins at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.

 

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.

 

Mares returns to the ring after a loss in one of 2015’s most-watched fights against featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz. In 2016 Mares changed his training camp to work with former world champion boxer and two-time “Trainer of the Year,” Robert Garcia (Mikey Garcia, Antonio Margarito, Marcos Maidana) out of his Riverside, Calif., facility. Mares has continued to work with his longtime strength and condition coach Luis Garcia (Andre Berto, Amir Khan). His fight against Cuellar not only marks his first fight of 2016 but a chance to capture a fourth world title.

 

“This is going to be a technical fight,” said Mares. “Cuellar is a hard-hitting fighter and since the fight was made we’ve been preparing for a real battle. I have no personal vendetta against him, however I am excited to see what monster the Mares-Garcia combination has created and gets unleashed. My power and spirit are 1000 percent. Fans are going to see a fantastic, clean, technical fight.”

 

For Mares’ fans the direction under the guidance of Garcia brings new possibilities for the fighter, and one that Garcia sees as the next step and progression for Abner.
“I’ve been seeing the Abner that the world knew three to four years ago,” said Garcia about Mares’ training. “A warrior with tremendous boxing skills, that’s the Abner I see now. He’s in tremendous shape but it’s a different Abner. He’s been a warrior all his life and he will come to fight – he has that mentality – but his jab, his straight punches and footwork are better than what fans have seen in the past two years.”

 

This fight marks the first fight for Mares in New York.

 

“It’s my first time fighting and being in New York and I plan on giving the fans at Barclays a ‘Fight of the Year’ performance,” he said. “New York is the home of the American dream. Being a Mexican who came to the U.S. as a young child, it’s hugely symbolic for me as well as my family. This is my chance at winning my fourth world title and to do it in the city that started so many dreams and careers and on the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years, it’s an important moment.”

 

ABNER MARES:

 

How are you preparing for this fight? …

 

“I’ve been training with Robert since December. When the original March fight was postponed and I had a chance to fight Cuellar for the title so we never really took a break. We did change our training regimen a bit to stay fresh, get stronger and work on some tactical and technical skills. Robert has a great eye and knowledge of the sport, having worked with so many fighters, including Cuellar. It gives me an advantage in preparation.”

 

Why the change in trainers? …

 

“I knew I needed to change my camp after the last fight. I felt that we had a solid camp but in the end, I didn’t stick to the plan and it resulted in a loss. I am a warrior, I’ll never give up, always come back. I am not afraid to take a fight. But I knew I needed a trainer whose plan I would have to follow versus having a trainer who would fit into mine. Robert and I come from similar backgrounds, his record speaks for itself and I know this partnership is going to deliver big wins.”

 

TRAINER ROBERT GARCIA:  

 

What is Abner’s untapped skill? …

 

“Abner is very candid as a boxer. He has great skills in speed, footwork and power — he has all three and when combined he’s unstoppable. Sparring has been tremendous and if he does exactly what he is doing in gym and follows instructions then he can compete against any top featherweight in the world in my opinion.”

 

How is sparring? …

 

“Abner’s a beast. He’s doing great in our sparring sessions – his power is tremendous and his boxing has just become more effective. He’s always been a tremendous fighter who can box inside and on the outside. What the world saw and loved from him in August – his heart and ability to get in and fight – has been focused and strengthened. We’re very focused on winning and beating a hard-hitting fighter.”

 

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 andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing @PremierBoxing, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentand www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

FOUR WEEKS OUT AND WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN COMES IN ON HISTORICAL HIGH WITH MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF BOXING IN HIS CORNER FOR THE FIRST PRIMETIME FIGHT ON CBS IN NEARLY 40 YEARS

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Thurman’s Training Camp In Full Swing In Florida;
June 25 Title Defense Against Shawn Porter
On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® On CBS,
Presented By Premier Boxing Champions
 
 ‘I can’t help but think about this being my 20th year in boxing. For this fight I’m just going to be me,
 just going to be Keith Thurman.’ – Thurman

Click here for photos
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 2, 2016) – Keith Thurman, the reigning WBA Welterweight World Champion, is four weeks out from his June 25 title defense against Shawn Porter and has his 20-year career in boxing on his mind heading into the crucial showdown.
Thurman will be headlining on CBS live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.  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.
“It’s been an amazing journey and no one predicted this better than my first coach Ben Getty,” said 27-year-old Thurman. “It puts me in a state of gratitude for Ben. He told everyone I’d be world champ, and here I am, defending my title against Shawn Porter. I am just starting to see what Ben Getty saw in me and the mark that I can make in boxing.”
Thurman isn’t the only one celebrating a boxing anniversary – his trainer of 13 years and Florida Hall of Fame elected boxing trainer Dan Birmingham, who trained former champion Winky Wright, has been in the sport for 50 years, and assistant trainer Chris Getty has grown up with Thurman in the sport through his father Ben Getty.  The fight also is the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years since the Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks from Las Vegas.
Now, 20 years after Ben Getty introduced Thurman to boxing as part of an after school program, he is one of the strongest power punchers in the division, with an excellent knockout rate of 80%. His focus, however, is on making boxing history.
“My goal is to be known as the hardest hitting welterweight in the division,” said Thurman. “This camp, if anything, I feel more comfortable. I’m fully recovered, sparring, training.  I’ve been throwing power punches for what seems like forever and it’s a little weird. I can’t help but think about how this is my 20th year in boxing and knowing the longevity I’ve had. It’s given me a new confidence. “
For Birmingham, this training camp has been a re-commitment to the strategic and conditioning process the team has gone through for each fight for the past 13 years.
“Training is going real well,” said Birmingham. “We know Porter is a come-forward fighter – he is going to try to be on Keith’s chest. I want Keith to box, use his power, use his jab, and use his feints to work the body from the inside. All the things Keith knows how to do. Porter is not a real technical fighter so we’re working on using that to our advantage.”
Birmingham on sparring:
“We’ve been doing great sparring work – we have some tough, tough kids in camp. We’ve been boosting aerobic capacity, and those kids are keeping on Keith.  He’s going to be in great shape for this fight. We’re excited for this fight. “
What does Team “One Time” anticipate?
Birmingham:  “We know that Porter is going to bring it so we’re working extra hard on aerobics and being fit for this fight. Keith’s doing a lot of running, cardio, endurance; we expect a tough fight and we’ll be prepared for this fight. We expect a victory”
What can fans expect on June 25?
Thurman: “Hopefully a knock out! I’m coming to bring it. Shawn is coming to bring it. It’ll be a great fight. We are two of the top welterweights in the division. Two of the youngest and strongest welterweights in the sport going toe-to- toe.”
What is your goal for this fight?
Thurman: “My goal is to be known as the hardest hitting welterweight in the division. My lifelong goal is to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world – and I have a ways to go in unifying the titles. Once I move past Shawn I look forward to the challenge of making my dreams come true. I’m blessed to be where I am today.”
 
The Welterweight division is one of the hottest divisions in boxing, what do you think of a Super 6 tournament in the division?
Thurman: “I’m for it. In the 147-pound division it’s time to unify a title. Someone at 147 should have more than one belt and that’s my goal that before end of the year to have more than one belt.”
One of the sports more enigmatic athletes, Thurman is known for having a varied list of interests and hobbies setting him apart from other fighters, including playing the flute, piano and guitar, books (The Secret Life of Plants to Bhagavad Gita the Little Buddhist Handbook) and music (Ziggy Marley to Tupac). It is his uniqueness that helps him be an easy fan-favorite.
“Greatest advice I’ve been given is just to be Keith Thurman – just be me,” said Thurman. “I’m looking forward to stepping on this scale, not over talking and just going in and getting the knock out.”
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 andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @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.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Stacked Undercard Comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 25

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Exciting Matchups Feature Unbeaten Fighters as Jarrett Hurd Faces Oscar Molina & 
David Benavidez Takes On Francy Ntetu
&
Brooklyn Fan Favorites Heather Hardy & Adam Kownacki Return
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospect Regis Prograis, 2012 Spanish Olympian
Jonathan Alonso & Unbeaten Josue Vargas
As Part of Exciting Night of Action
BROOKLYN (May 19, 2016) – A stacked undercard featuring top rising talent and local favorites will light up the ring at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as part of an extraordinary night of action on Saturday, June 25.
The June 25 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight showdown between world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an exciting battle between featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
In undercard action, undefeated super welterweights, Maryland’s Jarrett Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs), and California’s Oscar Molina (13-0, 10 KOs), will collide in a 10-round bout while undefeated light heavyweights, Arizona’s David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) and Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs), will mix it up in an eight-round fight.
Two staples of Brooklyn boxing will also enter the ring on June 25 as Heather “The Heat” Hardy (16-0, 4 KOs) competes in an eight-round super bantamweight attraction while Polish bruiser Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) competes in a heavyweight bout.
Also in action on June 25 is hard-hitting, highly regarded 140-pound prospect Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round fight, 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso(8-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight scrap and Mayweather Promotions prospectJosue Vargas (4-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round fight.
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.
Fighting out of Accokeek, Md., Hurd has an unblemished professional record since turning pro in 2012. The 25-year-old opened up 2015 with a third-round stoppage of veteran Eric Mitchell and followed with a seventh-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jeff Lentz in August. He stepped up in competition last November when he faced Frank Galarza in Las Vegas and was able to show off his considerable skill by stopping the previously unbeaten fighter in the sixth round of perhaps a career-best performance.
Representing Mexico, the 2012 Olympian Molina fights out of Norwalk, Calif., and is unbeaten in his brief professional career. The 26-year-old turned pro in 2013 and after winning a decision in his first bout, he went on to knock out six opponents in a row. His last bout came against fellow unbeaten Domonique Dolton and featured exciting back-and-forth action before the fight was ruled a majority draw.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 14 wins in 14 starts at just 19-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and kicked off his 2016 with a knockout of Kevin Cobbs in January. Most recently, he scored a second round knockout of Phillip Jackson Benson in April. The next challenge for Benavidez is the 33-year-old Ntetu, who won three times in 2015. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he fights out of Montreal and will be making his fifth appearance in the U.S. on June 25.
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.
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.
Originally from New Orleans but fighting out of Houston, Prograis continues to work his way up the 140-pound rankings as he takes down veteran contenders. The 27-year-old looked sensational in his last outing as he scored a first round knockout over Mexico’s Aaron Herrera. Already named on of ESPN’s top prospects in 2015, he will look to cement his contender status in 2016.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Alonso moved to Spain at seven-years-old and would eventually represent the country at the 2012 Olympics. Now training in Brooklyn, the 25-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2014 while splitting time fighting in New York and Spain.  He is coming off a victory over Ricardo Maldonado in February.
Vargas began boxing at age eight and by by age 13 the New York Daily News dubbed him a “prodigy.” Fighting out of New York, the 17-year-old Vargas recently signed to the Mayweather Promotions stable and will make his debut with his new promoter on June 25.
 
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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, @AbnerMares, @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.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime

Jesus Cuellar & Abner Mares Los Angeles Media Roundtable Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight World Title Fight Opens Coverage
Live on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Before
Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter Welterweight World Title Showdown
 
Click HERE For Photos From Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (May 12, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face for the first time Thursday as they hosted media roundtables in Los Angeles ahead of their showdown on Saturday, June 25 showdown live on CBS from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight clash between welterweight world champion Keith Thurman and former world champion Shawn Porter.
Tickets for the June 25 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.
With both men training in California, the two met for the first time at The Palms Restaurant about their fight and respective training camps before they head east to Brooklyn for the primetime battle.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
JESUS CUELLAR
“I’ve been training very hard for this fight. You will see on June 25 that I have one of the best chins out there. I’m excited to finally have this fight.
“I have no bitterness towards Robert Garcia. I’ve seen him and I’m thankful for him making me a champion. This is business. This is work.
“We’ve been training in Big Bear for a little over two months now so I’m pushing myself very hard for this fight. I’m thankful for this great opportunity and I want to make the most of it.
“On June 25, I will once again give it my all and leave it all in the ring. At the end of the fight I will prove who the champion is and raise my hand in victory.
“I’m focused and well prepared. I’m ready for anything that happens. I know I’m going to win the fight. It doesn’t matter how, but I’m going to win.
“This is the same team we’ve had for four years, whether Robert Garcia is here or not. We’re ready to take on anyone.
“We’ve wanted this fight for two years and finally it is the time. We’re going to be in great shape and I know Mares will be in great shape too. We’re very happy that the fight was made. June 25 I’m going to prove that I am the number one featherweight champion.
“I’m just excited to go in the ring and give my best on June 25. I’m going to bring the victory home to Argentina.
“I’m thankful to be an Argentine champion and I’m happy to represent my country as the only world champion right now.”
ABNER MARES
“I’m really happy to be a part of this card against a really tough fighter in Jesus Cuellar. I know he’s mentioned that he wants to fight me and I’ve never been scared to do so. It’s all about timing. Now he’s going to know what it’s like to fight a top level fighter.
“I’ve been in boxing for many years. I’ve fought many tough fights. Against Leo Santa Cruz it wasn’t the outcome that we wanted, but we showed that we have the heart and the intelligence to fight top level guys.
“I’m happy that I’m fighting some with a legacy. Jesus Cuellar is a tough fighter, he hits hard and I respect him. I have nothing bad to say about him as a person. I know he’s going to be well conditioned, but I’m a level higher and I’m going to show it on June 25.
“This is a fight that I can gain so much and Robert Garcia too. He’s going to show, through me, that it was a big mistake for Cuellar to leave him.
“I feel great about the Santa Cruz fight, despite the loss on my record. It was a win, because I gained so much, a lot of respect and a lot of experience.
“I have a lot of reasons to be excited about this fight. One, I’m finally going to New York. I’ve never been there in my life. Two, I will become a world champion again. Three, I’m definitely fighting a top-level fighter. As I’ve mentioned many times before, I like these types of fights. It always brings out the best in me.
“Against Cuellar you’re going to see a different Abner, a new Abner. With Robert Garcia as my coach I have the slight advantage that he once trained Cuellar and took him to a world title. He’s a tough fighter, but he can’t say I’m not either.”
JUAN MANUEL LEDESMA, Cuellar’s Trainer
“We worked with Robert for four fights. We worked together and made Jesus a better fighter. Now there is the opportunity to continue working with Jesus, so I see no controversy or problems there.
“The long camp was what we needed. We needed to clear up some stuff and work on some things that were lacking. We got extra time in the altitude and being in Big Bear we are away from any distractions. Jesus is focused on what he needs to work on.
“Abner Mares is a great, skilled fighter. We have been working together to perfect the skills that we need to bring into the fight. When the day comes, we will be ready for the fight.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer
“When Mares first started working with me, we had no idea we were going to fight Jesus Cuellar. Now that we’re back in camp, I definitely have to take advantage of all the things I know about Cuellar. He has weaknesses that I know and I’m working on them with Abner.
“Abner is a fighter who over the last few years has given a lot of exciting brawls and great fights. Abner has tremendous skills though. When I met him years ago he had those skills but they weren’t being honed. People will think I taught him these skills, but I’m just bringing them back.
“Cuellar leaving me was the best thing that could have happened. If Cuellar hadn’t left, I wouldn’t have Mares. I got a great fighter and a great person. Things happen for a reason. We are going to do great things in boxing.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manage, SHOWTIME Sports
 
“Right now there is some criticism of boxing, that the best aren’t fighting the best. All you have to do is look at this card. These are the right fights. The right weight at the right time.
“June 25 we have two marquee matchups. All four fighters ranked in the top 10 in their respective divisions taking on each other. Thurman and Porter, Cuellar and Mares, this is the best doubleheader of the entire year. I will put these two fights against any doubleheader that airs on television. That was our focus when we turned to CBS for this broadcast.
“The Thurman v. Porter and Cuellar v. Mares fights showcase fighters in the primes of their careers. What we have here are four fighters that are willing to take on the best, not make a spectacle of it.  The go about their business with great care for the craft and they simply come to fight.
“Featherweight is one of the hottest divisions in the sport. You know Abner Mares, he has one of the best resumes in boxing. If you look at the list of fights that he has had, there aren’t a lot of big names on it and now the New York City fans will get to see what he has to offer.
“The champion, Jesus Cuellar has quietly put together his own very strong resume. What we have here is a fascinating matchup.”
KEVIN ROONEY, Director of Communications, DiBella Entertainment
“We’re truly honored and excited to promote this fight. Lou DiBella said at the New York presser for the main event that this is ‘the best this sport has to offer.’ These are not only tremendous world title matchups, but two of the biggest and most exciting matchups that can be made in their respective divisions taking place at Barclays Center, the premier sporting venue on the East Coast.
“A testament to how big an event this is, is how the tickets are moving. We are hoping and anticipating that some fans will make it over from the West Coast.
“Robert Garcia trained Jesus Cuellar for much of his career and the two won a world title together. Robert Garcia is here today but with his new charge, Abner Mares. The two have their first fight together and they believe that this will be the best Abner Mares we have ever seen.
“For Cuellar it will be his second fight with Juan Manuel Ledesma, but the two have worked together since Cuellar was a kid. It should be exciting to see how it plays out on fight night.
“We know that Sergio Martinez will be there on fight night to cheer on his fellow countryman in Jesus Cuellar and we look forward to seeing an exciting fight.”
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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, @AbnerMares, @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.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing

Shawn Porter Spars With TV & Radio Personality Charlamagne Tha God In Special Event At Gleason’s Gym

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Click HERE for Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (May 12, 2016) – Former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter hosted a special celebrity sparring session with TV and Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God at Gleason’s Gym on Wednesday afternoon in an event open to the media and public.
Porter has spent the week in Brooklyn as he prepares for his Saturday, June 25showdown with Keith Thurman in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar battling former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
Tickets for the June 25 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.
Porter, along with his father and trainer, Ken, are training at the world famous Gleason’s Gym as they prepare for Shawn’s primetime battle in the county of Kings. Porter invited Barak Bess of Sirius XM, Rhett Butler of The Shadow League and Nestor Gibbs of Tha Boxing Voice to try their best in the ring against the former champion, leading up to the rounds with Charlamagne.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
SHAWN PORTER
“It was nice and relaxed in there. My main goal was to not get caught with anything flush and give people something to talk about. It was really fun. These guys gassed out quicker than I thought. They might have thought I was coming to knock them out.
“I hope these guys learned a little something and found out how much harder it is to do than to talk about.
“Charlamagne did well. He came in with some toughness and a bit of a game plan. He knew I was here to put on a show, but he competed.
“It’s easy on the outside, but it’s hard when you get inside this ring. To get them to feel that kind of excitement from this crowd, now they know. They were a little hyped up and in a world championship fight you have to learn how to hone that energy into something productive.
“I feel really good and I’m glad to be here. I’m happy we came out to Brooklyn. It’s the tail end of camp and I’m ready to fight. I can’t wait for June 25.”
CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD
Before the sparring:
 
“I expect Shawn to take it easy on me. Hopefully he doesn’t bruise me up too bad.
“This will not be an Apollo Creed-Ivan Drago situation. Shawn doesn’t have anything to prove against me. He’s ready to prove it June 25 against Keith Thurman, not against Charlamagne Tha God right now.
After the sparring:
 
“I watch boxing, so I respect the craft. I was in there for two rounds and I feel like I was running for two hours. This is no joke, respect boxers. If you see them in the street, don’t mess with them.
“He was faster than I thought he was. Hand speed, foot speed and he had power. He got me pretty good a couple times, I’m glad I had this gear on.
“Porter and Keith Thurman are two of my favorite young fighters. ‘One Time’ does hit hard, but if he doesn’t move, then Porter is going to be able to get on the inside and I think he can knock him out.
“I really like both guys, so I don’t know who is going to win. I’m not a gambling man, but if I had to pick, I put my money on Porter.”
KEN PORTER
“We’re fighting in Brooklyn and at Barclays Center and every time we’ve been there they’ve opened up their arms to us and been so welcoming. Shawn won his first world title here. So I thought, let’s go to Brooklyn and make it our home and become a part of what is going on here.
“Shawn is in excellent shape, so he doesn’t need to get in shape during camp. We didn’t have to consider that when we decided to come to Brooklyn.
“The people in Brooklyn have rolled out the red carpet for us. That’s why we’re here. We felt welcomed every time we came here to fight or to watch a show. I said let’s go home, let’s make Brooklyn home.”
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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, @AbnerMares, @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.