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Middleweight Star Chris Eubank Jr. & Top Contender Matt Korobov Square Off Saturday, December 7 Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Premier Boxing Champions Event for Interim WBA Middleweight Title

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Undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo Defends Against Highly-Ranked Contender Dennis Hogan in Main Event

BROOKLYN (October 23, 2019) – Middleweight star Chris Eubank Jr. and top contender Matt Korobov will square off in the co-main event on Saturday, December 7 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Eubank and Korobov will meet for the Interim WBA Middleweight Title. 

The middleweight division will take center stage on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) that is headlined by undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against highly-ranked contender Dennis Hogan.

Eubank is coming off a career-best win over British super middleweight rival James DeGale in February on SHOWTIME and will go down to the 160-pound class to take on Korobov, a southpaw who gave Charlo a tougher than expected test as a late replacement last December at Barclays Center. 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Matt Korobov is a high stakes showdown that makes Saturday, December 7 a tremendous night of championship middleweight action live on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Chris Eubank Jr. is already a star in the U.K. and is poised to make a big splash in his U.S. debut, while Matt Korobov is eager to build on his impressive performance in a loss to Jermall Charlo last year. Expect fireworks as Eubank and Korobov look to steal the show and walk away the title on December 7.”

This will be the first time that Eubank (28-2, 21 KOs) has fought in the U.S. as a professional. Although he has competed at super middleweight, the 29-year-old from Brighton, Sussex in the United Kingdom will meet Korobov at his more natural weight of 160 pounds for the interim title. Since losing to George Groves in 2018, the son of British legend Chris Eubank Sr.  has put together two victories, including the decisive unanimous decision over former super middleweight champion DeGale in his last fight in London.

“I’m ready to take the United States and the middleweight division by storm,” said Eubank.  “I’m excited to come down to 160 pounds where I naturally belong, and I don’t see anybody being able to touch me at this weight class.  America is where I learned how to fight as an amateur in Las Vegas and 13 years later I’m finally going to make my U.S. professional debut.  I can’t wait to show the fans in the U.S. that I’m the best middleweight in the world.” 

The 36-year-old Korobov (28-2-1, 14 KOs) is coming off a majority draw against Immanuwel Aleem in his last fight in May, after serving notice to the middleweight division that he would be a threat when he lost a hard-fought decision to Jermall Charlo in December. Born in Orotukan, Russia and now living in St. Petersburg, Florida, Korobov was a late replacement and gave Charlo a tougher fight than many experts expected. Korobov had been riding a four-fight win streak before the Charlo fight, having previously lost a middleweight title fight to Andy Lee in 2014.

“I am more motivated for this fight than any other so far in my career,” said Korobov. “Against Jermall Charlo, I didn’t get the decision. In my mind, I won that fight at Barclays Center. This time around, I will leave no doubt against Eubank. This opportunity gives me a chance to right a wrong. Fans will see the best Matt Korobov on December 7.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

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Unbeaten Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez To Face Jack Mulowayi in Televised Opener of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® this Saturday, October 26 from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa. – Nigerian Heavyweight Efe Ajagba Withdraws with Back Injury

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Nigerian Heavyweight Efe Ajagba Withdraws with Back Injury

2016 Olympian Eimantas Stanionis & 17-Year-Old Sensation
Vito Mielnicki, Jr., Lightweight Omar Douglas & Welterweight
Jose Miguel Borrego Highlight Jam-Packed Undercard Lineup in Separate Fights as Part of Premier Boxing Champions Event

READING, Pa. (October 21, 2019) – Unbeaten Cuban slugger Frank Sanchez will face Jack Mulowayi in an eight-round heavyweight attraction to open SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION this Saturday, October 26 live on SHOWTIME® from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
 
Sanchez (13-0, 11 KOs) steps in to replace Efe Ajagba, who withdrew from the fight against the once-beaten Mulowayi (7-1-1, 3 KOs). Ajagba injured his back in training last week.
 
The evening is headlined by top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin taking on hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown that headlines the Premier Boxing Champions event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr. will make his super lightweight debut against Adrian “El Tigre” Granados in a 10-round co-feature attraction.
 
Highlighting the action-packed non-televised portion of the card are fights featuring undefeated 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis squaring off against Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Evincii Dixon in a welterweight bout and 17-year-old welterweight prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. facing Durham, North Carolina’s Marklin Bailey in a four-round attraction.
 
The action continues with bouts featuring Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego (15-2, 13 KOs) taking on Colombia’s Likar Ramos (29-8, 22 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout and Wilmington, Delaware’s Omar Douglas (19-3, 13 KOs) facing Riverside, California’s Humberto Galindo (12-0-1, 9 KOs) for 10 rounds of lightweight action.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or at the Santander box office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).
 
Also entering the ring is Colorado’s Ricky Lopez (20-4-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight contest against Texas-native Joe Perez (14-3-2, 10 KOs), Paterson, New Jersey’s Norman Neely (3-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round heavyweight fight withD’Angelo Swaby (1-0, 1 KO) of the Bahamas, plus Miami’s Jessy Cruz (17-7-1, 7 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Ernesto Guerrero (32-29, 22 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction, and Michigan-native Raeese Aleem (14-0, 8 KOs) competes in an eight-round super bantamweight fight against Colombia’s Marlon Olea (14-5, 12 KOs).
 
Rounding out the action is undefeated Puerto Rican bantamweight prospect Jonathon Torres in a six-round fight, super middleweight prospect Darrion Lawson from Flint, Michigan in a four-round fight against Nicaragua’s Jaime Meza and middleweight Zany Larry of Clearwater, Florida in a four-round bout against Kansas-native Antonio Hernandez.
 
A former amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sanchez now lives in Las Vegas and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. The 27-year-old scored knockouts in his first six pro fights, and picked up nine victories in 2018. Sanchez most recently scored a dominant stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Victor Bisbal in August.
 
Fighting out of Antwerpen, Belgium, by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mulowayi will make his U.S. debut on October 26 in a pro career that dates back to 2015. The 32-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven pro fights before losing a narrow majority decision to Herve Bubeaux in a bout for the Belgium heavyweight title in May. He rebounded to defeat Artur Kubiak in July heading into his fight against Sanchez.

#          #          #
 
ABOUT LUBIN VS. GALLIMORE
Lubin vs. Gallimore pits top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubinagainst hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, October 26, live on SHOWTIME from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONbegins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. making his super lightweight debut against battle-tested veteran Adrian “El Tigre” Granadosin the 10-round co-featured attraction, plus unbeaten heavyweight sensation Frank Sanchez will enter the ring against once-beaten Jack Mulowayi in an eight-round bout.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions,  and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing 
and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
 
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Top Super Welterweight Erickson Lubin Now Set to Take On Hard-Hitting Nathaniel Gallimore In Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions Event On Saturday October 26, Live on SHOWTIME® from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

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Plus, Rising Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Added To The Televised Card Replacing Rau’shee Warren vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez

Terrell Gausha & Rau’shee Warren Withdraw Due to Injuries

READING, Pa. (October 10, 2019) – Top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will now face hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, October 26, live on SHOWTIME from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. 

The all-action Gallimore replaces Terrell Gausha, who was forced to withdraw from the main event bout due to an injury to his left hand during sparring that required surgery. 

Unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba will enter the ring against once-beaten Jack Mulowayi in a 10-round bout that replaces the previously announced Rau’Shee Warren vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez fight. Warren had to withdraw from the contest due to a right hand injury suffered during sparring. 

The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. making his super lightweight debut against battle-tested veteran Adrian “El Tigre” Granados in the 10-round co-featured attraction. 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or at the Santander box office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). 

Orlando, Florida’s Lubin (21-1, 16 KOs) was one of the fastest rising contenders in boxing as he quickly raced to the top of the ladder to challenge Jermell Charlo for the WBC 154-pound championship in 2017. Following a one-punch, first-round stoppage to Charlo, the 24-year-old Lubin has rebounded with three straight stoppage victories of his own to regain his momentum toward a world championship.

In February, Lubin became the first boxer to stop former champion Ishe Smith and is coming off a TKO victory over Zaharia Attou in his last fight in June on SHOWTIME. 

“It’s unfortunate that Gausha had to pull out because I was really looking forward to that fight,” said Lubin. “Now I’m facing Nathaniel Gallimore, who is a very good fighter whose only losses are to top level guys. I’m expecting a very difficult fight, one that will be explosive for the fans, but one I know I will win.  It’s my time to show the world I’m ready to be back on top of the super welterweight division.”  

The 31-year-old Gallimore (21-3-1, 17 KOs) most recently defeated Antonio Todd by decision in August to rebound from close decision losses to unified champion Julian Williams and top-ranked contender Patrick Teixeira in 2018. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, Gallimore put together a seven-fight winning streak before the Williams fight, including knockouts of contenders Justin DeLoach and Jeison Rosario. 

“I’m approaching this like any other big fight that was in the works for a long time,” said Gallimore. “I’ve been waiting for this moment in my career for a while. This is a stepping stone that can take me where I want to go. Lubin’s a pretty good boxer-puncher. He was on the rise for a moment and I knew about him coming up. It’s going to be a great fight. I’ll make any adjustment in the ring to capitalize on what I need to do to be victorious that night.” 

Nigeria’s Ajagba (11-0, 9 KOs) most recently passed the toughest test of his professional career when he defeated fellow 2016 Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen by 10-round unanimous decision in July. The 25-year-old Ajagba gained widespread notoriety in August 2018 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. Ajagba won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified.

Living in Stafford, Texas and training with Ronnie Shields, Ajagba has steadily increased his competition and added knockouts wins over Amir Mansour and Michael Wallisch this year. 

Fighting out of Antwerpen, Belgium, by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mulowayi (7-1-1, 3 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on October 26 in a pro career that dates back to 2015. The 32-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven pro fights before losing a narrow majority decision to Herve Bubeaux in a bout for the Belgium heavyweight title in May. He rebounded to defeat Artur Kubiak in July heading into his fight against Ajagba. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions,  and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

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UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT SENSATION JARON ENNIS RETUNS WITH KNOCKOUT VICTORY OVER DEMIAN FERNANDEZ SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Catch An Encore Presentation Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Fight Night Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

FLINT, MICH. – October 5, 2019 – Unbeaten welterweight Jaron Ennis scored yet another knockout in his return to national television Saturday on SHOWTIME with a third round TKO of Demian Fernandez at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Mich. 

Ennis, widely considered one of the top prospects in boxing, wasted no time in his first fight under the national spotlight in nearly a year. The Philadelphia native, who had scored two highlight reel KOs in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, now has 22 knockouts in 24 professional fights.

Ennis was aggressive from the opening bell, landing 43 percent of his power shots as he switched from orthodox to southpaw. Two warnings for low blows in the first minute of the fight did not stop the speedy Ennis from attacking the body.  In the third, Ennis backed Fernandez into the corner and unleashed an onslaught of unanswered power shots that forced the Argentine to take a knee. Fernandez beat the count but told referee Frank Garza that he couldn’t see and the fight was immediately ended. 

“It feels good to be back in the spotlight and get another win,” Ennis said.  “I showed a little of my skills. I wanted to show more, but my dad said go get him and get him out of there, so that’s what I did.

“I’ve been ready for a big fight for a while. I want to go to the next level. I just have to keep putting on shows like this and keep doing my thing and hopefully my title shot will come sometime next year. The big names had better start running. I would even go down to 140 to get one of them.”

After the fight, Fernandez (12-2, 5 KOs) was transported to a local hospital with a suspected orbital injury. 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast, undefeated American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Pavel Sour, scored 97-91, 98-91, 98-90. 

Fighting less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich., Franklin (20-0, 13 KOs) scored knockdowns in the sixth and 10th rounds.  The 24-year-old was making his third consecutive SHOWTIME appearance of 2019 and showed significant improvement from his prior televised bouts, particularly in his speed, mobility and power. 

“I was trying to get the knockout, I wanted it real bad, but it feels great to get the W,” said Franklin, who landed 50 percent of his power shots.  “I wasn’t looking for a knockdown the first time he went down. I was trying to be quick and catch him with a counter and I caught him. It surprised me that he went down because it wasn’t meant to be a power punch.”

“I didn’t think I finished him on the second knockdown. I wanted to, but I slowed down and got a little too relaxed instead. I should have stayed on him.”

“There are just some minor things I still need to work on, like fighting on the inside, grappling and knowing when to punch on the inside – minor things. Once I get that down, I’ll be doing well.”

Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), who was making his U.S. debut, was frustrated with his opponent. 

“I couldn’t free up my punches and I didn’t let my hands go,” Sour said.  “I was too tight in there.  I was never really hurt by Franklin’s punches. He is very strong, but I could handle it. I was trying to catch him with a strong right hand.”

The Ennis vs. Fernandez bout was elevated to main event status after the Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin fight was called off following an altercation prior to Friday’s official weigh-in that resulted in an injury to Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir.

Tonight’s live event was promoted by Salita Promotions.

An encore presentation of tonight’s doubleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms. 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez.  World-renowned ring announcer and Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. rounded out the telecast.  The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. 

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UNDEFEATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT XAVIER MARTINEZ TO FACE JESSIE CRIS ROSALES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER

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Top Mayweather Promotions Prospects Martinez, Richardson Hitchins, Kevin Newman II and Rolando Romero Featured In Separate Bouts Live on SHOWTIME® From Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas


 
LAS VEGAS – October 1, 2019 – Undefeated super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez returns toShoBox: The New Generation for his second straight test on the series when he faces veteran FilipinoJessie Cris Rosales in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast on Friday, November 1 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
Four of Mayweather Promotions top prospects will be on display, as 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs), once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (10-1-1, 6 KOs) and undefeated knockout artist Rolando Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) will also fight in separate bouts. Welterweight prospect Hitchins will take on once-beaten Kevin Johnson (7-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout, while middleweight prospect Newman will look to avenge the only loss of his career to Mark Anthony Hernandez (14-2-1, 3 KOs), a participant in the 2018 reboot of The Contender, in another eight-round matchup. Romero will open the telecast against an opponent to be announced.


 
Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown go on sale tomorrow/Wednesday at 12 p.m. PT, start at $25 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.


 
“This is our second ShoBox show of the year and we’re happy to have made Sam’s Town our home for these events,” says Mayweather Promotions CEO, Leonard Ellerbe. “I can’t say enough that this is the perfect setting and platform to showcase our upcoming prospects. Xavier Martinez is one to watch for as he headlines his first ShoBox card. We have a very exciting line-up of fighters, both on and off-television, making for a card that you don’t want to miss.”


 
Martinez (14-0, 10 KOs), of Sacramento, Calif., has scored six straight knockouts, including a third-round stoppage of John Vicente Moralde in his ShoBox debut in April (Watch KO Here). The 21-year-old turned professional in 2017 in Mexico following an amateur career where he amassed an 85-10 record while competing in the 2012 and 2013 National Championships and earning a ranking as the No. 3 amateur in the country. Best known for his crafty and powerful fighting style, Martinez joined the Mayweather Promotions team in late 2016 with a unanimous decision win over Wilfredo Garriga at Sam’s Town Live.


 
“I am really excited to get back into the ring,” said the 21-year-old Martinez. “Sam’s Town has become my home away from home and I’ve had a lot of great performances there. I’m really just looking forward to putting on a great performance again on national television and reaching a larger audience. Soon enough everyone will know who Xavier Martinez is.


 
“Training camp is going great. I’ve added a strength and conditioning coach and a nutritionist. Having someone help me prep my meals and educate me on what’s going into my body has really helped me train better and get my body in the right shape. My energy level for training is different and I feel stronger.”


 
Rosales (22-3-1, 10 KOs), 27, turned professional in 2008 and started his professional career unbeaten in his first 22 bouts while competing mostly in his native Philippines. Rosales stepped up his level of opposition in 2017, losing to former two-division world champion Jhonny Gonzalez in 2017 and 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist and undefeated prospect Shakur Stevenson in 2019.  In his last bout, he lost a close split-decision to undefeated prospect Tyler McCeary. Experienced against top opposition, Rosales’ three losses have come against opponents with a combined record of 96-11-1.  


 
“He’s undefeated, but I have far more experience with better guys so I have that advantage coming into this fight,” Rosales said. “I’m coming off two tough fights and this one is going to be another great fight to test myself as a fighter as well as a good show for the fans. I’m back in the gym working on a couple of things, and I’m coming into this fight stronger and sharper.”


 
Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs), from Brooklyn, N.Y., is a former two-time Golden Gloves champion who represented his parents’ home country of Haiti in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, where he lost to team USA’s Gary Russell Jr. One of boxing’s top young prospects, Hitchins has sparred and trained with several world champions including Terence Crawford and stablemate Gervonta Davis. Just 21-years-old, Hitchins boasts incredible hand and foot speed and the boxing IQ of a veteran contender. Having fought eight out of his nine pro fights in his hometown, Hitchins will travel to Las Vegas looking for a statement win in his television debut.


 
“I’m ready to pick back up where I left off,” said Hitchins. “I’ve remained in great shape since my last opponent fell through back in July, but it worked out because now I get an opportunity to show my talents on national television. My brother Tank [Gervonta Davis] showed me a lot of things this summer and great techniques to sharpen my skills. I’m working hard and getting work in multiple gyms across different weight classes to help me with my speed and power. I’m going to give it my all and deliver with a dominating win.”


 
Johnson, a Las Vegas resident, started his professional career with four consecutive TKO wins. His past four fights have all come against undefeated opposition including a split decision win over Larry Gomez, who was 8-0 entering the fight, in his last outing in April. Johnson’s lone loss came against 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Fazliddin Gaibnazarov. 


 
“This is going to be an entertaining fight for the fans,” said Johnson. “I predict a fourth or fifth round knockout – that isn’t me being cocky, just me understanding what’s on the line. This is a huge fight for me and I’m going to rise to the occasion. I’m here to expose everyone I step in the ring with. I’ll fight anybody I feel is a good challenge. I’ve seen Hitchins spar Devin Haney and I’ve watched a few of his fights. He did really good, but I was able to identify some opportunities and I feel confident I can beat this kid.”


 
Las Vegas’ Newman started boxing when he was 9 years old and built up an amateur record of 25-5 before turning pro in 2014. Impressed by Newman’s skills and technique in the ring as an amateur, Floyd Mayweather signed the rising middleweight to his growing stable of fighters in the summer of 2014. Newman made his professional debut on the Mayweather vs. Maidana II undercard, where he fought to a draw with Azamat Umarzoda. He won his next seven contests before dropping a decision to his November 1 opponent, Mark Anthony Hernandez, on the undercard of Mayweather vs. McGregor in August 2017. He has since rebounded with three consecutive KO wins at Sam’s Town.


 
“I’m thankful to my team for another fight,” said Newman. “This is my third fight this year, and I’m looking forward to putting on a show and really ending this year with a bang. Training camp has consisted of great sparring with A-level guys, including Anthony Dirrell for his fight with David Benavidez. I was able to get a lot of quality rounds in already, and this is just the beginning of my training camp. I’m extremely sharp now so we’re just maintaining that and getting my body into fight shape.”


 
Hernandez, 26, of Fresno, Calif., is no stranger to fighting under the spotlight. After dropping a split decision to Kyrone Davis in 2017, Hernandez bounced back with the biggest win of his career over Newman on the undercard of the blockbuster Mayweather vs. McGregor event. Hernandez was among 16 professional fighters selected to compete at 160 pounds on the 2018 reboot of The Contender series. He earned a split decision over Danny Valdivia and a unanimous verdict over Quantavious Cash to finish behind champion Brandon Adams and runner-up Shane Mosley Jr. In February of this year, he suffered a setback in a rematch to Jeison Rosario, who he fought to a draw with in 2018, but rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Francisco Castro in his last bout.


 
“I expect Kevin to come better than he did the first time we fought,” said Hernandez. “The first fight was a clear unanimous decision for me. I didn’t think there was any controversy. He has his reasons as to why he didn’t perform, but that doesn’t matter to me. I went up in weight to take that fight from 154 to 165 pounds so I was also coming in with a slight disadvantage, and now I’m moving up again to fight him again. I out-boxed him and out-fought him the first time and fans can expect a great fight again. He’s a really good fighter, I won’t take anything from him. Moving up again will be a challenge, but I think I can beat him again.”


 
Rising lightweight prospect Romero, born and raised in North Las Vegas, started his boxing career at age 18 after spending much of his youth competing in Judo. Despite a limited amateur career consisting of just 45 fights, Romero gained the attention of Floyd Mayweather and was signed to his promotional company in November of 2016. He made his professional debut the next month and scored a TKO just over a minute into the fight. With eight stoppages in nine professional fights, Romero packs a heavy punch and will be looking for his fifth straight knockout on November 1.


 
“It’s been a great year for me professionally,” said Romero. “I’ve been able to gain an even larger fan base since my last performance earlier this year and I’m excited to do what I do best and that’s knocking out the competition and continuing to grow as a fighter. A lot of people have doubted me for my lack of amateur experience, but my power and boxing IQ are undeniable. I’m taking the experience from my last fight and working to correct a few things. My goal is to become the most versatile fighter backed by power.”


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


 
# # #


 
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

 
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CLARESSA SHIELDS AND HANNAH RANKIN MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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Undisputed Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields and Former Champion Ivana Habazin Meet for WBO Junior Middleweight Title Saturday, October 5 Live On SHOWTIME®From Flint, Mich.
 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Julian Lajtai/SHOWTIME
 
MIAMI BEACH (September 24, 2019) – Undisputed Middleweight World ChampionClaressa Shields participated in a media workout in Miami on Tuesday in preparation for her upcoming showdown with Ivana Habazin next Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME from Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Michigan.
 
Shields will look to become the fastest fighter in history, male or female, to win world titles in three divisions when she faces Habazin for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION in her hometown of Flint.
 
Also participating in Tuesday’s workout was IBO Super Welterweight Champion Hannah Rankin, who competes in a non-televised undercard attraction next Saturday.
 
Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets for the live event can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.
 
In the televised co-feature on October 5, undefeated welterweight sensation Jaron Ennis will return to national television against once-beaten Demian Daniel Fernandez in a 10-round bout. In the SHOWTIME opener, undefeated heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will face once-beaten Pavel Sour less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich.
 
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday from the famed 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach:
 
CLARESSA SHIELDS, Undisputed Middleweight World Champion
 
“I love boxing and I love that I’m one of the women who is carrying the sport, making it bigger and more well known. We’re getting more respect.
 
“There are fighters out there who believe that they can beat me and that really motivates me. That’s why I train and put in the time that I do.
 
“I want to show everybody that I’m a truly great fighter. I can beat Vasiliy Lomachenko’s record of winning titles in three divisions in 10 fights instead of 12. Plus, I’m going backwards, not going up in weight, where there are better challenges for me.
 
“My performances will lead to bigger fights and bigger purses for me and my opponents. I’m just going to keep building my name and building my brand.
 

“With this fight against Habazin, I’m definitely going in looking for the knockout. If I get it in spectacular fashion, that will go viral and help push my career forward.
 
“It means everything to have this fight back in my hometown. I want to be the good news for Flint and make people smile. I’m happy to be bringing a fight back home while I’m still on top. I feel like Flint will be uplifted by that.
 
“Everyone back home is really excited for this event. It’s going to be a huge homecoming for me on October 5.
 
“Muhammad Ali has trained here at 5th Street Gym and every time I train here I feel like I’m in his presence. It makes me want to be even greater. He’s the GOAT and I’m going to be the GWOAT.
 
“Being here in Florida is great for the weight cut. I’ve been down here for nine weeks and it’s hot every day. I’m sweating and working hard and the pounds are just coming off.”
 
HANNAH RANKIN, IBO Super Welterweight Champion
 
“It’s fantastic to be in Florida training for this fight. Everything has been perfect and I’m feeling great.
 
“I’m really looking forward to October 5. Me and my opponent are going to put on a great show for fans for six rounds or as long as it lasts. I want to show them what women’s boxing is about.
 
“There are lots of exciting things in the cards for me after this fight. I’m ready to take on the top fighters and pursue world titles at 154-pounds. I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do.”
 
#          #          #
 
ABOUT SHIELDS VS. HABAZIN
Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will aim to make history by becoming the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME.
 
The showdown for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title headlines a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich. The vacant WBC Women’s Diamond Super Welterweight Championship will also be on the line in Shields’ first professional fight in her hometown.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

UNBEATEN AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT JERMAINE FRANKLIN TO FACE PAVEL SOUR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. IVANA HABAZIN

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Plus “All Detroit” Showdown Between Rising Contender Ja’Rico O’Quinn & James Smith Highlights Non-Televised Undercard Action From Dort Federal Events Center In Flint, Mich.

NEW YORK – September 5, 2019 – Undefeated American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will face Pavel Sour on Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME from Dort Federal Events Center in Flint, Mich.

Franklin (19-0, 13 KOs) will make his third consecutive SHOWTIME appearance of 2019 as he seeks a definitive victory less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich. The 25-year-old will take on once-beaten Czech Republic heavyweight Sour (11-1, 6 KOs) on the undercard of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast headlined by Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin.

Headlining the non-televised undercard will be an “All Detroit” showdown between crosstown rivals, as West Detroit’s Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn and East Detroit’s James “O.G.” Smith battle in a 10-round fight for Motown super flyweight supremacy.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

Considered one of the top American heavyweight prospects, Franklin is a former amateur standout and 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion. He passed on the opportunity to compete for a spot on the 2016 Olympic Games and, after turning professional in 2015, built his undefeated record with relative ease through his first 17 fights. In 2019, Franklin stepped up his level of opposition in consecutive fights on SHOWTIME, earning a unanimous decision over former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker in April, followed by a hard-fought split-decision over Jerry Forrest in July. Now, the 6-foot-2 Franklin returns for his third bout of the year seeking a conclusive victory for his hometown fans.

“This is what I have been waiting for,” said Franklin. “I can’t wait to put a show on in front of my hometown with friends and family in the crowd. I’ve been working on my diet and taking better care of my body since my last fight. I’m focused on not wasting any punches and letting the knockout come naturally, not pushing for it. I’m going to be better conditioned and more patient and finally prove to fans why I’m America’s next great heavyweight.”

Sour turned professional in 2016 and has won 11 of his first 12 professional bouts. The 36-year-old is coming off a career-best win over previously undefeated Tomas Salek for the regional Czech heavyweight title. The 6-foot-5 Sour has fought all but one of his professional bouts in his native Czech Republic and will make his U.S. debut against Franklin. He was an accomplished amateur overseas and racked up an 80-43-2 record while representing the Czech national team from 2008 to 2015. The lone blemish on Sour’s record is a 2017 loss to highly regarded unbeaten heavyweight Filip Hrgovic.

“I have the technique, speed and power to beat Jermaine Franklin,” said Sour. “I am in great shape, I’m training hard and I’m very confident heading into this fight. Franklin is underestimating me because of my age, but I’m going to show him he’s wrong and have my hand raised when the final bell rings.”

“Jermaine Franklin is on a mission to show the world that he is the top new heavyweight on the scene,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He will fight the big and strong Pavel Sour who is coming off a career-best win. This is a significant heavyweight fight that will add to the already historic and electric event on October 5 headlined by Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin.”

The 24-year-old O’Quinn (12-0-1, 8 KOs) stands 5-foot-6 and is rated No. 13 in the world by the WBO. Blazing-fast hands and effortless combination punching have allowed the undefeated O’Quinn to become a favorite among Motor City fight fans. O’Quinn was the No. 1-ranked amateur bantamweight in the country before turning professional in 2015. He was last seen on April 13 of this year at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, winning a dominant unanimous eight-round decision over Minnesota veteran Vicente Alfaro Martinez.
 

“On October 5 you can expect nothing less than what I always do and that’s win!” said O’Quinn. “This is the biggest fight of my professional career and my first 10-round fight and I’m taking it very seriously. I will look the best I’ve looked as pro on that night and after the fight I’ll be looking for bigger names to take on in the super flyweight division.”


A 29-year-old standing 5-foot-3, Smith (13-2, 7 KOs) carries a reputation as a throwback and one of the most exciting Detroit fighters of the last decade. Known for his fearless aggression in the ring, Smith’s fights are always “must see” fare for Detroiters. Also an accomplished amateur, Smith is a former National Amateur Champion and eight-time Golden Gloves Champion. His last fight came in February of this year at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Mich., where he won a unanimous six-round decision over Mexico’s Jonathan Lecona Ramos.

“My opponent is solid, but he’s not on my level,” said Smith. “He throws a lot of punches but he slaps a lot. There is nothing he can show me that I have not already seen before. The fans can always expect an exciting fight when it comes to me. I’m going to always put it all on the line to win.”

“Detroit is one of the best boxing fight cities in the country and this fight is an example of that,” said Salita. “Ja’Rico is touted as one of the best American super flyweights, while James Smith was a can’t-miss prospect when he turned professional. This fight could turn out to be the fight of the night because both guys will leave it all in the ring to win.  Will it be Ja’Rico’s speed and timing, or will James Smith grind him down with his aggression and pressure? No matter who wins, this will be an unforgettable war.”

Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. U�5rkl�

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BRANDUN LEE TO FACE MILTON ARAUZ IN OPENING BOUT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 LIVE FROM MIDLAND, TEXAS

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Michael Dutchover Faces Thomas Mattice in Homecoming Bout While Ruben Villa Squares Off Against Highly Touted Prospect Enrique Vivas

NEW YORK – September 5, 2019 – Undefeated welterweight prospect Brandun Lee will make his television debut against Nicaraguan Milton Arauz in the eight-round opening bout of a three-fight ShoBox: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 20 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from La Hacienda Event Center in Midland, Texas.


In the previously announced main event, Midland native and fast-rising prospect Michael Dutchover will face ShoBox veteran Thomas Mattice in a 10-round lightweight bout while undefeated featherweight prospects Ruben Villa (16-0, 5 KOs) and Enrique Vivas (17-0, 9 KOs) clash in a 10-round matchup.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in association with GH3 Promotions, Garcia Promotions and Now Boxing Promotions, are priced at $120, $100 and $80 and can be purchased online atwww.haciendamidland,com or by calling 432-563-3737.

Super lightweight prospect Lee (15-0, 13 KOs), of La Quinta, Calif. turned pro at 17 after a decorated amateur career (196-5). He has sparred with Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney and Mauricio Herrera. Trained by his father Bobby, the 20-year-old has built up an 87-percent knockout ratio. A very active fighter, he had five bouts in 2018 and he will be facing his fourth opponent this year. He last fought on August 23 and is looking for a definitive win on his TV debut.

“I’m really excited about my first television fight on ShoBox and my first eight-round fight,” Lee said. “I’m in camp training really hard with my dad and trainer. This is an amazing opportunity for me. I will not disappoint on September 20.”

 

The 27-year-old, Arauz (10-1-1, 5 KOs), of Jinotega, Nicaragua, had a successful amateur run. He fought 80 amateur bouts and compiled a record of 74 wins against six defeats. He turned pro in 2014 and won his first nine bouts. His lone loss came in May of 2017, when he was disqualified for repeated low blows against Angel Galo. Nicknamed “El Norteño”, Arauz will be fighting outside of his native Nicaragua for the first time on September 20.

 

“I’m very excited to showcase my talent on such a big network,” Arauz said. “Knowing so many great fighters had the opportunity to fight on ShoBox, I’m ready to put on a show. Also being able to come to the United States for the first time. I’m ready to give it my all and put on a great performance.”

 

Arauz said he’s aware of the undefeated Lee’s background and that he was also an outstanding amateur. “That’s not going to stop me, and I’m ready to give it my all and take it to him,” Arauz said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the win.”

 

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

 
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. IVANA HABAZIN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Shields Fights To Become Three-Division World Champion 
In Hometown Debut From Dort Federal 
Event Center In Flint, Mich.

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION®
Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale TODAY at 2 p.m. ET!


NEW YORK – August 6, 2019 – Undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields’ attempt at history has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME. Shields will aim to make history as the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT) from Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich.


The vacant WBC Women’s Diamond Super Welterweight Championship will also be on the line in Shields’ first professional fight in her hometown.
 
The homecoming fight was initially scheduled for August 17 and postponed in June after Shields suffered a minor injury to her right knee while doing roadwork.
 
Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale today/Tuesday, August 6 at 2 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.
 
The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division titlist who became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over Christina Hammer in April on SHOWTIME. In doing so, she joined Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class (Katie Taylor has since joined the prestigious list).
 
Now, the Flint star seeks to make even more history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME. With a win over Habazin, Shields would become a three-division champion in just 10 bouts, breaking the record of Vasiliy Lomachenko, who accomplished the feat in 12 fights.
 
“I’m more excited than ever. I’m 100 percent recovered, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and fight in front of my hometown fans in Flint as undisputed champion of the world,” said Shields. “Having the opportunity to become world champion in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in boxing history will make October 5 a night I will cherish forever. It’s another big step in history, and giant step forward in lifting women’s boxing on the road to equality.”
 
Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 pounds. The 29-year-old, who will be making her U.S. debut, won the IBF Welterweight Title over Sabrina Giuliani in 2014. In her next fight, Habazin dropped a unanimous decision to Braekhus in a historic unification bout where Braekhus picked up all four major world title belts. Most recently, Habazin avenged one of only three losses in her career to Eva Bajic in Zagreb.
 
“It’s an honor and a dream to fight in the U.S. on national television,” Habazin said. “A lot of fighters never get this opportunity in their careers so I know I need to make the most of it. I’ve been training for this fight since June and the postponement has only given me more time to get ready. I intend to put my best effort forward to impress the fans and show that I am for real.
 
“I am not just coming to fight for a world title, I am fighting for my life and my career. I believe I am the best and now I got the chance to prove that, and there is no better opponent for that than Claressa Shields.”
 
Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. She turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history in just her second professional fight in 2017. Shields became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight, and a two-division champion in her sixth professional contest. She was crowned the undisputed 160-pound champion in her ninth fight, less than three years after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics.
 
“From Christy Martin and Laila Ali to Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey, and now Claressa Shields, SHOWTIME has long been the pioneer in women’s combat sports,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION.  “Without question, Claressa Shields is the face of women’s boxing and we’re excited to present yet another historic milestone in her career as she looks to capture a third division championship in record time.  This is Claressa’s sixth appearance on SHOWTIME and yet another test as she continues her personal quest to become the greatest of all time.”
 
“With the new date, this fight is going to be even more significant,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Claressa has had time to get 100 percent healthy and in the best shape of her life as she goes down in weight to fight for another historic accomplishment. On the other hand, Ivana has used this extra time to prepare for Claressa both mentally and physically. She has remained in camp throughout the summer as she prepares to come to America to upset Claressa and fulfill what she feels is her destiny. It’s going to be two fighters at the top of their games.”
 
“October 5 will be a magnificent event for Claressa Shields, for women’s boxing, and for Claressa’s hometown city of Flint,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields. “Claressa continues to shine a beacon of light on the sport, making history in each and every fight and reaching levels previously unimaginable. She is a once in a lifetime athlete and young woman, and if she is victorious on October 5 she will become the fastest man or woman in boxing history to win a world title in a third weight division.”
 
Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
 
The undercard for the telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHTS WALLIN AND FLORES BOTH EXPECTING VICTORY WHEN THEY CLASH ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, JULY 12 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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NEW YORK – July 9, 2019 –Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin says he has too many physical advantages, while former world title challenger BJ Flores says he has too much experience to lose their upcoming 10-round clash.


 
WBA No. 5-ranked Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs) and Flores (34-4-1, 21 KOs) will meet this Friday, July 12, in the co-featured bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader telecast (live on SHOWTIME 10 p.m. ET/PT) from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash.


 
Presented by Salita Promotions and Brian Halquist Productions, “Battle at the Boat 122” will also feature top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin (18-0, 13 KOs), from Saginaw, Mich., returning for his second consecutive ShoBox test against the streaking Jerry Forrest (25-2, 19 KOs), of Newport News, Va., in the 10-round headliner and in the opening televised bout, undefeated featherweight Giovanni Mioletti (16-0, 7 KOs) of Chicago will face Ecuador’s Luis Porozo (14-0, 7 KOs).


 
The 28-year-old Wallin, a southpaw from Sundsvall, Sweden, says he’s been expanding his horizons working with trainer Joey Gamache at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan.


 
“Training has been very good. I have been back in New York for six weeks now and I’ve had some great sparring with a lot of different guys and different styles,” said 28-year-old Wallin. “Sparring is the best training you can get. It’s the most like a fight, so just getting in with all these different guys is a great experience.”


 
Undefeated Wallin says he’s got too much of everything for former cruiserweight Flores in this fight.


 
“BJ Flores is a guy that’s experienced, but I know what to do,” Wallin said. “I have the tools to beat him. He’s good as a cruiserweight, but this is a heavyweight fight. It’s different than being a good cruiser. I will win because I’m a better boxer with better skills. I’m too big, young and strong for him. I always get nervous before a fight, but that’s part of it. Being nervous makes me sharper. I will eventually break him down.”


 
It’s been something of a whirlwind career for Wallin, who turned pro as the number one heavyweight on the Swedish National team after just 50 amateur fights. Heavily courted by promoters for his immense natural talent, Wallin now finds himself signed with Salita Promotions and in the top 5 of the WBA ratings after 20 pro fights.


 
He credits trainer Gamache, himself a popular former fighter, with much of his success.


 
“Joey used to live in Denmark and so did I,” Wallin said. “That’s where we met six years ago. I followed him back to the US when he came back and I signed with Salita at the beginning of this year. We have a great relationship. I love him as a coach and as a person He’s done a lot for me including bringing me over here and making all these connections. I trust him 100% and he trusts me too.”


 
Wallin says having a great team behind him means ramping up his quest for a world championship.


 
“I want to have three or four fights this year. I haven’t had that many fights the last couple years, so it’s important to me to stay busy. Next year, I’ll be looking for a bigger fight. I’m very excited about everything that is happening.”


 
The 40-year-old Flores, originally from Arizona, says preparations went surprisingly well for this fight.


 
“Training couldn’t have gone better,” Flores said. “I had eight good weeks of training and I have zero injuries. To be honest, I thought camp would be tougher, but everything bounced back nicely. I’ve been sparring for seven weeks. I normally have something nagging on fight week, but I sparred 10 rounds Saturday. I sparred four rounds today. I have 22 rounds in since last Wednesday and I feel great.”


 
Flores, a two-time world cruiserweight title challenger, says Wallin will be facing a totally different type of opponent than the ones he’s used to.


 
“He’s never been tested by a guy who thought he could win. Everybody he’s fought came in as an opponent. That’s not to say he’s not good, but I’m the first fighter on his resume coming in expecting to win and I’ve been in with far better opposition.


 
“I feel like once I get him in the middle rounds and show him he’s in with somebody who is not going anywhere, that’s when we will find out what he’s made of. My experience and game plan are perfect for testing an untested guy. Just because he’s untested doesn’t mean he can’t fight, but we’re going to find out Friday night.”


 
Contrary to most fighters’ preference, Flores says he’s happy Wallin is a left-handed fighter.


 
“I’ve been sparring nothing but tall southpaws. In fact, I haven’t sparred an orthodox fighter in nine weeks. I prefer to fight southpaws. It’s better for my punch selection to fight a southpaw. I’ve never had a problem with it and I’ve never lost to one.”


 
Now a 16-year pro, Flores says he won’t be worried if the younger fighter comes out with some early aggression.


 
“If he wants to start fast, that’s OK. I don’t care about the first two or three rounds. The real fight starts after the fourth round. I plan on winning the early rounds, but even if I don’t, it doesn’t matter until we get in the middle rounds. I’m going to attack and be aggressive and go up and down on him. Get him to the middle rounds and see where he’s at. I know where I’m at. I’ve been in with the best heavyweights and cruiserweights in the world over the last 15 years. I feel great and I’m ready.”


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

# # #


 
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports