Ukubukwa kwakhuphuka 4.2 Million for Rounds ezijabulisayo Final of Keith Thurman-Robert Guerrero Bout

PBC Kuholela NBC Ekunqobeni in Adult 18-49 Lebantfu

Ngaphezu kwe 575,000 Minutes Live Streamed Via

NBC Sports Live Extra

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11,

Live at 8:30 PM ET on NBC

Hawai, Conn. – Sea. 9, 2015 – Saturday night’s debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC was the most-watched professional boxing broadcast since 1998, ngokusho osheshayo National Data kusukela The Nielsen Company.

The PBC on NBC telecast averaged 3.4 million ababukeli, usezingeni njengoba iningi-wayebukele boxing professional ukusakaza in 17 Eminyakeni (“Oscar De La Hoya sika Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998).

Ukubukwa yanda njalo sehora ngokusebenzisa telecast futhi kwakhuphuka 4.2 million from10:30-11 p.m. ET during the exciting Rounds 7-12 of Keith Thurman'S isinqumo ngazwilinye phezu Robert Guerrero, lapho The Associated Press called “uhlobo empini kwadingeka isixuku ezinyaweni zayo futhi wabakhuthaza edingeka kakhulu isibhakela.” With the ukunqoba on NBC lokuqala ezinkulu wesibhakela emini ukusakaza in 30 Eminyakeni (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “Iqiniso” Williams, on May 20, 1985), Thurman ngcono to a ephelele 25-0 (21 knockouts).

The PBC on NBC also led NBC to a Saturday primetime victory among Adults 18-49, nge 1.08 Isilinganiselwa in the demographic.

“The return of primetime boxing to NBC for the first time in three decades got off to a strong start last weekend with NgoMgqibelo PBC on NBC DEBUT,” wathi Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN. “With our next primetime telecast on Saturday, April 11, sibheka phambili esakhiweni umfutho lesi senzakalo lamiswa ngokucacile. Siyajabula ukuthi eliphezulu boxing emuva on NBC.”

Saturday night’s telecast (8:30-11 p.m. KANYE) posted a 2.11/4 fast Isilinganiso kazwelonke – up 174% kusukela isilinganiso boxing telecast on NBC kusuka 2012-14 (.77). Futhi esiphezulu-ukalwe boxing professional ukusakaza kusukela show '98 De La Hoya on FOX (4.29).

Ngaphezu kwe 575,000 amaminithi (576,435) of PBC on NBC coverage was live streamed via NBC Sports Live Extra to desktops, amaphilisi kanye namadivayisi eselula – ranking as the third-best Saturday ebusuku kulo nyaka ngemuva NFL Wild Card playoff (UJan. 3, 2015) kanye NHL Stadium Series game (Feb. 21, 2015). On media social, #NBCBoxing trended on Twitter emhlabeni wonke kuyo yonke telecast, kanye #PBConNBC, punjab’ amagama kanye neminye imibandela key ezihamba phezu ezingeni likazwelonke.

PBC on NBC abuyise on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. KANYE kusukela Barclays Center e Brooklyn, featuring punjab amane kuhlangene 127-4-1 irekhodi and 80 Kos – superstar EzingakanqotshwaDanny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 Kos) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 Kos), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 Kos) vs. Peter “Chocolate Kid” Quillin (31-0, 22 Kos).

NBC and NBCSN uyodala 20 aphile PBC on NBC boxing izenzakalo 2015. Ngaphakathi the 20 imibukiso bukhoma, NBC Sports Group uyodala ngaphezu 50 amahora Ukusabalala PBC, kubandakanya NBCSN- futhi post-fight for izinhlelo NBC telecasts. UNdunankulu Boxing Champions uchungechunge wadala for ithelevishini by Haymon Boxing. The PBC on NBC izoba zezinkanyezi yanamuhla bhá, emdlalweni wabo esibaluleke kakhulu.

All PBC on NBC imibukiso izosakazwa bukhoma kwi NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” enikeza abathengi value eyengeziwe for subscription service yabo, nokwenza okusezingeni kokuqukethwe izinga iyatholakala kumakhasimende MVPD kokubili ephuma ekhaya futhi ezisekelweni multiple. NBC Sports Live Extra iyatholakala desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app iyatholakala at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, kumadivayisi khetha ngaphakathi Google Play, futhi phezu emafasiteleni amafoni kanye amaphilisi.

Chofoza LAPHA For ifotho

Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda

Las Vegas (Thursday, March 5) – The final press conference for the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC show senzeka namuhla at MGM Grand njengoba fighters, announcers kanye abaphathi wakhuluma ngaphambi network emini yabo ithelevishini DEBUT abezindaba ngoMgqibelo, March 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Amathikithi for the umcimbi bukhoma kuthiwa ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $400, $300, $100 futhi $50, hhayi kuhlanganise kusebenza amacala service nezintela, ezisendalini manje. Ukushaja ngocingo nge credit card enkulu, shayela Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Amathikithi ayatholakala at www.mgmgrand.com noma www.ticketmaster.com.

Leli khadi kugqugquzelwa Goossen Promotions netimphawu Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero and Adrien Broner vs. John Molina, Jr. ukulwa ukuthi ngeke baveze bukhoma NBC (8:30 p.m. KANYE/5:30 p.m. PT).

The Abner Mares vs. Arturo Santos Reyes bout will be televised live on Saturday, March 7, on the show NBC (8:30 – 11 p.m. KANYE) noma kwi telecast NBCSN (11 p.m. KANYE).

Bheka ngezansi lokho abahlanganyeli exoxa ebusuku omkhulu ukulwa.

UKEITH Thurman

“Lena ikhadi enhle futhi ukulwa elihle kangaka. Sike wayefuna lokhu okwesikhashana futhi kade ukulinda ngesineke.

“URobert a fighter enkulu, a world and iqhawe multiple Ngingumfana emhlabeni iqhawe yamanje. Ngiyazi abalandeli wayefuna mina ukwandisa ekilasini futhi lokhu ithuba lami ukwenza lokho. Uyazi ukuthi ngiyingxenye mayelana, kungcono 'Kos ukuphila'.

“Angive ngajabula kakhulu futhi happy. I can’t wait to step on the scale kusasa, kabusha hydrate futhi uhambe ukusebenza.

“Uma impi yami iya ezimbili, emahlandla eziyisithupha noma eziyisishiyagalombili – Ngifuna the Knockout. Ngilindile ngaye ukuze agxumele up and kimi okukhulula ukuthi esisodwa igalelo.

“Ngizomenzela ukuvula umlomo wami futhi sithi ngiyeza ukuze out knock kuye. Ngifuna kube fighter ngeyokuqala ngqa knock out Robert 'The Ghost’ Warrior. I umazise ngokuthatha le mpi futhi bonke akwenzile. Ngiyazi ukuthi iyeza ukulwa futhi uthole lokhu kunqoba, futhi umsebenzi wami ukuvumele lokho.”

“Ubuchopho My ngeke nibale kanjani big ithuba lokhu kimi. Kuyisibusiso futhi kuyilungelo ukuba kule enkulu isigaba. Kukhona ompetha bomhlaba eziningi ezingasenza kuvulelé show lokhu. Lena ikhadi enhle futhi ngizizwa ngihloniphekile ukuba umcimbi main.

“Yilokhu izidingo boxing. Lesi sigaba sibizwa kwenzekani ekuhambiseni career yami. Sizama ukuba abuyise isizukulwane golden.”

ROBERT Guerrero

“Lokhu ngempela a isibusiso. Ukuba kule sigaba liyamangalisa. Ngiyeza ukulwa. Ngomgqibeloebusuku Ngikulungele ukuya.

“Usuku olukhulu ngoba awudingi ikhebula TV ukuze ubuke boxing kusaba.

“Umphikisi My last Kwakunzima futhi mina esebenzelana nabanye ukulimala kodwa kufanele ukwazi ukunqoba futhi wenze izinguquko. Ngathola zasendle kancane futhi nje waqala slugging it out naye.

“Kwakukhona nabangabazayo lapho ngiya 147, Abantu babecabanga ukuthi nuts. Njalo abantu ungacabangi angikwazi ukwenza okuthile, I ukubabonisa ukuthi banephutha.

“Uma uphila impilo a fighter; kufanele bakwazi ukulwa njalo.

“Sengilungele ukuya. Kwadingeka ikamu elikhulu ukuqeqeshwa futhi wasebenza kanzima kakhulu. It’s time to take care of business Saturday ebusuku. Sasikwenza a lot of umsebenzi ezahlukene ekamu lokuqeqeshela ukuba ulungiselele le mpi.

“Keith Thurman ukhuluma siphuma futhi beba umuntu wokuqala knock out me. Ngithanda ukuthi hlobo nselele.

“[Keith] Thurman unamandla kakhulu futhi ine elikhulu movement lateral. Yena kungaba ebhokisini, ukulwa ngaphakathi. Kukhona eziningi amaphutha kanye game yakhe futhi siyaphi ukusizakala amaphutha akhe.

“Leli khadi fight Amazing. The exposure ukuthi siyaphi uthole engakaze ibonwe. Hhayi nje indaba fight kodwa emuva indaba yami kanye, nalokho anjani singabantwana ngaphandle ring.

“Ukuba laphaya ukukhuluma nawo wonke umuntu bese bebonisa off, lokho nje mina. Ngakho ngezinye izikhathi Angisona emehlweni omphakathi njalo, ngoba Angisona more of a man yangasese onakekela umndeni wakhe. Kodwa ngiyajabula kulesi sigaba uzothola indaba yami futhi indaba umkami umphakathi.

“Engqondweni wonke nakho lokho umkami wadabula kwenza mina enqola. Ukubuka fight ukuphila kwakhe, kwenza mina ngabona ukuthi angene ring ngoba ngiyamthanda lo mdlalo.”

Adrien BRONER

“Sengike ngokusebenzisa lo,t kodwa ngiyaqiniseka namanje lapha futhi igama lami kuphela ayithole ezinkudlwana, ngisho ngokusebenzisa izikhathi ezimbi.

“Manje sinawo 'AB on NBC.’ Ngingumfana Mr. NBC, everybody uyeza ukubona Show AB.

“Ngiyo kombuso whatever isiteshi sethelevishini I ngizoyisebenzisa, Angikhathali uma Cartoon Network yayo, Ngizofika ukuletha.

“John Molina Yizwe ezinzima class fighter, ubengeke abe kulesi sikhundla uma yena wayengekho. Yena njalo ishaya izingqinamba futhi uyaphuma ohlangothini lwesokunene stick, kodwa lesi yisikhathi lapho kuzoba ekugcineni omubi stick.

“Sesikulungele a fight inja, akunandaba ukuthi elikhulu kangakanani ring. Sisebenza hhayi egijima evela John Molina. Angisona uvalo amandla.

“We’ll see Saturday ebusuku, Ngithathe ukumyekisa John Molina futhi Ngithathe ngokubeka izwi lami kuleso.

“The ukulungiselela ngalesi kamu elikhulu, Ngizizwa strong and ukulungele. It kuzoba empini enkulu.

“Ekupheleni kosuku uma abantu bethi, angiphindanga ngabheka okusemandleni ami ngoba angizange ngayeka nabaphikisana nami, kodwa uma ubuka lezo ukulwa I outclassed zonke Umphikisi phambi kwami. Njengoba nje ngilokhu ngokuwina, yilokho okubaluleke.

“John Molina uyofika ukulwa, kodwa bonke azolwa, yena Ngeke ukushaya me.

“Isibhakabhaka umkhawulo kimi, Ngingumfana usemusha futhi engikwenzele kangaka zisencane. Ngizofika abavuthiwe mdlalo kodwa ekupheleni kosuku Ngisakhuluphele me.”

UJOHN MOLINA JR.

“It i ilungelo lokuba yingxenye yalesi show ukuthi uyoletha boxing emuva phambili. Sesikhathele ukulungele kahle futhi ube nexhala ukuba kule platform.

“Kuyinto ikhadi enkulu nge ngeke miss show and PBC and NBC bayayenza right. I can’t wait to be a part of it and for that bell to ring March 7.

“Camp wahamba kahle futhi thina uku 110 Amaphesenti angu ngomumo elungele it. Kuyinto ikhadi enkulu nge ngeke miss show and PBC and NBC abakwenzayo it right. I can’t wait to be a part of it and for that bell to ring March 7.

‘This is going to be dogfight ngomgqibelo ebusuku.

'Muhle lo Broner efanayo, yena ungasho khona noma yini afuna. Uthi wenza umbhede wakhe siqu imibono yakhe, manje ukulwa. Ingqondo yakhe imidlalo lokho yena uzama ukuzenza ngeke isebenze.

“Uma sithola in the ring, usuthule ukukhuluma, izandla ezimbili nje uthanda mina.

“Ngine amandla namakhono ukunqoba le mpi.

“Jabulela show futhi Ngiyakuthembisa guys fireworks.”

Abner Mares

“Ingihlabe ezintathu-time emhlabeni iqhawe futhi enginakho Arturo Reyes phambi kwami. Kuba udumo sicela nenjabulo ukuba ibambene NBC.

“No ukwedelela ezinye guys phezulu lapha, kodwa ngihlela ukuntshontsha show. Ngifuna ukubheka okuhle. Ngiye eyebiwe the show ngaphambi ukuthi kuzokwenzekani aphinde ngomgqibelo ebusuku.

“Ngithemba bonke tunes e Saturday ebusuku, everybody kangcono watch out ngoba Abner Mares uya cindezela.

“Noma iyiphi kulezi ukulwa kungaba izenzakalo main, Kungakhathaliseki oda, kanjalo Angive happy ukuba yingxenye yalo. A lot of abantu bezokwazi ukuba tuning in ngakho kufanele balwele onogazi the ababukeli.

“Kuthatha amabili ukudansa futhi kuthatha ezimbili ukulwa. Uma une ukulwa ubani uya ukukunika konke, kuletha the best kuwe. Ngithathe ukulwa nomuntu akakaze akhishwe futhi uya ukuletha best Abner Mares out.

“Ngizofika alenze ukulwa umbukwane Ngithathe nakanjani uya for the Knockout.”

Arturo Santos Reyes

“Ngiyajabula ukuba ekhadini futhi Ngijabulile ukuba lapha nxazonke amasosha ezinkulu ezifana.

“It kuzoba khona show omkhulu futhi Ngibheke phambili enikeza abalandeli kuwufanele imali yabo.

“Abner Mares kuyinto fighter enkulu, kodwa Angibesabi muntu. Ufika kangcono ukulwa.

“Sesikhathele kokubili amaqhawe Mexican and Mexican Olympians, ukuze wazi khona kuzoba iziqhumane in the ring mina nje Ngethemba wonke enkundleni futhi phezu TV uyawuthanda.”

SUGAR RAY Leonard, PBC on NBC Analyst and Boxer Legendary

“Ngingumfana nje ejabulile njengoba wonke umuntu, ngoba lokhu kade kwenzeka. Ukuthola boxing emuva emini. Lezi punjab emangalisayo abanamakhono bayazi ukuthi lokhu ngoMgqibelo night is like a major audition and the fans will be the judges.

“Ngikhumbula kulesi sikhundla futhi Kungaphezu ngokomzimba, kungcono ngokwengqondo. These boxers have what it takes to be superstars. Saturday will be a great day for boxing.”

Jon MILLER, President, Programming NBC Sports & NBCSN

“Ngasohlangothini NBC ezemidlalo siyakucela Uphume ukuba lapha, thina uku nenhlanhla ukuba 22-time Emmy-umklomelo winner Sam Flood ukwengamela lo mcimbi iqembu A-list of on-air talent.

“I think America is ready to see boxing in primetime and Saturday you will see and hear an unbelievable event.

“Sesikhathele kakhulu ngokuthi lezi fighters kanye namathimba abo esikhulu yingxenye yomkhaya NBC futhi asikwazi ukulinda ukuze uthole uya.”

Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing futhi www.goossenpromotions.com, ukulandela on TwitterPremierBoxing, KeithFThurmanJr, GhostBoxing, AdrienBroner, @ JohnMolinaJr135, abnermares, NBCSports AndMGMGrand futhi abe fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions futhi www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Amathikithi for the umcimbi bukhoma kuthiwa ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $400, $300, $100 futhi $50, hhayi kuhlanganise kusebenza amacala service nezintela, ezisendalini manje. Ukushaja ngocingo nge credit card enkulu, shayela Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Amathikithi ayatholakala at www.mgmgrand.com noma www.ticketmaster.com.

As they prepare to open a new chapter in boxing history, Keith “Isikhathi Esisodwa” Thurman,Robert “The Ghost” Warrior, Adrien “Inkinga” Broner, John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. futhi Abner Mares took some time out of their busy training schedules to discuss the debut of PBC.

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth time?

A: I love MGM Grand. The last time when I fought there as the co-main event was an honor. This is an even greater honor to be the main event. Many world-class fighters have performed there and Floyd Mayweather has made it his home. Lokhu kugcwaliseka iphupho.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: It’s a blessing and I’ve been working towards this for 19 Eminyakeni. Al Haymon could have picked any of his great fighters for this moment and I’m honored be part of this night and kick things off right.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: With NBC coming back to primetime boxing it gives us boxers a chance to shine again on the biggest stage. We’ve been continuing to fill up arenas for years, but boxing is returning to the mainstream spotlight with an even bigger punch on March 7.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: His father had a few comments, and some things were said, but I’m expecting him to come out throwing punches and looking to execute his game plan when we enter the ring. We’re going to show him that he never should have signed this contract. There’s a different side of Keith Thurman inside that ring and he’s going to learn the hard way.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He hasn’t fought anyone with extreme power like me.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: He’s been in the ring with some great fighters, but every fight is its’ own learning experience. We work hard in training every time to outbox boxers, outpunch punchers, and I’m expecting to be ready to do everything better than him.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: It’s actually a very mundane lifestyle. I’m resting, getting acupuncture or massage therapy. I like to go out and find good hip-hop. I’ve been eating some good sushi and seaweed salad, but just staying on my diet and resting and recovering before my late night run and maybe a session in my hyperbaric chamber.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: I’ll be honest, I’m going to stand there and exchange with him for six rounds, and if he’s still standing there we’ll see. With my punching power the KO can come at any time with that one punch. If he walks into it or I lunge at him…it can even be a body shot. I’m just looking to get him out of there. I’m going to do what I need to do to stay a champion and we’re looking to move on past March 7 ngokubanikeza ukunqoba.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: MGM Grand is the Mecca of boxing venues and I’m very excited to be performing in the main event against an undefeated young lion like Keith Thurman.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: Oh yeah, I'm extremely motivated to be the first fighter to bring boxing back to NBC on primetime. Al Haymon is doing a fantastic job with the PBC. I want to show the world I'm an elite fighter and what better way to do it then against an undefeated world champion.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It's so great in so many ways. Okokuqala, anyone with a TV can watch this fight, so millions of more people can tune in. The number of new fans that will be gained will be unbelievable. For those hardcore fans who can't afford cable, this will be a breathe of fresh air to see a top notch fight on regular network TV. Fans who are just hanging at a restaurant or sports bar, who don't even like boxing will be tuning in, and they will all become new fans with the action they'll be seeing. It's going to be great for everyone.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: Thurman has a lot of power and that's something I must be aware of.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: Muhle a fighter omuhle, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring ngomgqibelo.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: I'm doing a few different things but nothing I can talk about at the moment.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: Spending time with my family. They're my motivation. 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: In Spanish we say "Chingasos." That's what the fans can expect from me on March 7th. My hands will be raised at the end of the fight and you'll hear the referee say "And the new..."

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: You know I love the big moment with the spotlight. March 7 is going to be my time to shine and MGM Grand is the place to do it.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: Kunjalo, Al Haymon has lots of guys who could have fought on this first card and I’m honored to have been chosen.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: This is a huge deal. This is our chance to get the attention of a whole new crowd of people. This is going to make boxing bigger than ever.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: John Molina Jr. is a true warrior. His nickname suits him. He’s like a punching bag that can hit back with power. He’s a deadly fighter. It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: We’re just doing what we always do, putting in hard work. It’s been great having this experience with my newborn son, but I’m very focused on March 7.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: Well actually I just had a son born, Adrieon, a couple weeks ago. I was supposed to go out to Washington D.C. towards the end of my training camp, but I ended up staying in Cincinnati to be with his mother and to see him be born. Kwaba emnandi kakhulu.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: There’s going to be lots of heavy hitting. I’m looking forward to stopping John Molina Jr., and if I don’t stop him it will be a bloody massacre.

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: I’m very excited to be back there again. This is going to be a great night of boxing for the world to see.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: I’m always motivated, but I don’t want to dig too much into the hype and risk getting distracted. Being on this platform on NBC is great for the sport. I just don’t want to psych myself out.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It doesn’t get any bigger. We’re back in the mainstream section of sports. Being back on NBC and in 120 million homes is huge. For us fighters who put our lives on the line this is very exciting.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: He’s a very talented three-time world champion, but he’s just another fighter like me.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: Not really, I’ll be looking to come out victorious like any other time that I step into the ring.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: I’m not doing anything special, but this is the best camp I’ve ever had. There are no excuses going into this one. We obviously have a game plan because we know every fight is different, but there’s nothing necessarily special aside from preparing 110 Amaphesenti angu.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: I like to spend time with my family. It’s important to remember why and who I’m doing this for. So on days off I like to be with my wife and child. There have been lots of emotional hiccups during this camp with the passing of my grandfather, and then my best friend lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. So it’s been tough finding the time to mourn those important people properly, but it’s just further motivation for me to perform well.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: It’s going to be an amazing match. Every time I enter the ring it’s a fight of the year candidate and I’m going to win.

Abner Mares

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: I’ve fought at MGM Grand over 10 izikhathi – it feels like home – and I’ve won there every time, thank God. I’m looking forward to winning there again on March 7.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card?

A: Yebo, kunjalo! I’m looking forward to fighting on the PBC inaugural card on NBC and on national TV. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase my talent to new viewers as well as boxing fans.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It’s huge for the sport. If you go back to the Sugar Ray Leonard days, all these fights were televised on broadcast TV, and on NBC, so the history is there. To have it kick off on Saturday, March 7 in primetime is a real boost for the sport and the fans. People are going to appreciate the sweet science of boxing through this fight and series.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: Kwami, I’m ready for the fight. I don’t underestimate him; he’s a dangerous fighter in that he is an ex-Olympian so he has that amateur background.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He’s had a good record and has fought some tough opposition. He brings lots of experience into the ring. I’m ready for him though.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: This is not about one fight but about a career. We approach this fight – and every fight – with dedication and commitment. Not only to the sport and its history, but our training program. My team and I are focused on winning and earning my fourth belt.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: I think everyone knows that I’m a family man. When I’m not in the gym or training I’m spending time with my wife and two daughters.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: Fireworks. I’m not just fighting my opponent that night; I’m fighting towards my fourth belt.

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Photo Credit: Abel Madrid