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Tag Archives: Showtime
IVAN BARANCHYK vs. ABEL RAMOS SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Friday, March 10 at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Okla.
Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE To Download Press Conference Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
MIAMI, OKLA. (Feb. 9, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk and once-beaten Abel Ramos weighed-in on Thursday for their 10-round main event tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10:05 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Okla.
The hard-hitting Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs), who trains in Los Angeles and fights out of Miami, has scored 10 KOs inside of three full rounds, while the aggressive-mindedRamos (17-1-2, 12 KOs), of Casa Grande, Ariz., has knocked out three straight and promises to be the toughest test of Baranchyk’s career.
Undefeated former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joeseph “Mack” Williams (10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., meet in a matchup of undefeated light heavyweights in an eight-round featured bout.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, in an eight-round super featherweight bout.
Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:
Ivan Baranchyk: 140 Pounds
Abel Ramos: 139 ½ Pounds
Lenin Castillo: 177 ¼ Pounds
Joseph Williams: 178 ½ ounds
Jon Fernandez: 129 ½ Pounds
Ernesto Garza: 126 ¼ Pounds
FINAL QUOTES:
IVAN “THE BEAST” BARANCHYK:
“I’m working with a new trainer (Eduard Kravtsov) at Wild Card Gym. We had some mistakes with our old team and it was time for me to move on. It was my decision to move on.
“We have better sparring now, a new coach, new strategy. Wild Card is a different experience. We have tough sparring, tough training. It was a good change.
“I’m still the same aggressive fighter; I come forward and try to stop you. We’re just working on a few new things, more combos, better defense.
“Ramos is my toughest opponent, but we’re ready for everything he brings. We’re ready to fight on the inside, on the outside.
“The game plan is to get the victory. That’s the most important
“The first couple rounds are the most dangerous. We know he’s tough and experienced. We need to make it my fight, style-wise.
“My last two fights went the distance, but it was good to know I can go 10 rounds. It was good to get that experience.
“People connect with me here (in Miami, Okla.). I can’t explain it, it just works.”
ABEL RAMOS:
“Ivan is a different fighter. We know what we’re getting in there with and we’re going to feel out his power. His last two fights went the distance so he must not hit that hard. We’re going to wear him out.
“Ivan is aggressive, and he can be explosive at times, but he makes mistakes. He fights a little wild.
“I think I can start to worry him. We’re going to test his power and decide how I need to fight. He hasn’t fought anyone at my level yet.
“I have to win this fight. This is my third time on SHOWTIME and I have to win. I have to make a statement.
“I’ve been working on pushing the pace. You’ll see some of that tomorrow night.
“We sparred with Sergey Lipenets, helping him get ready for his fight in December. That was a good experience for us.
“I’ve learned lot since my loss to Regis (Prograis – ShoBox, 2015). I’m training harder, working in the gym, taking this more seriously.
“I’m here to show that I’m back and ready for the top guys. I’ve had three wins by knockout since the loss. I’m a different fighter.”
LENIN CASTILLO:
“We know Williams is an aggressive fighter that comes forward. I’ve seen some tape. I’m expecting him to come at me. But it’s nothing I’ve never seen before.
“I need to bring the pressure so the judges won’t have any doubt. I need to fight my fight.
“I think I’ve fought the better opponents. I think my experience is going to be the difference.
“The quality of fighters here (in the U.S.) is better than back home (Dominican Republic). This is where I want to fight now.”
JOSEPH “MACK” WILLIAMS:
“He (Castillo) has a few more fights, but mostly in the Dominican Republic, so we don’t know how good he actually is.
“He’s never fought anyone like me. He’s going to come with confidence because he’s 15-0 with 10 KOs. He’s confident because he’s Olympian. But he’s never faced anyone like me.
“He may be an Olympian, but look who I fought in the amateurs. Look at the men that I beat. And those guys are mostly cruiserweights now. I’m much stronger at light heavyweight.
“This is the right time and right place for us. This is a huge opportunity.
“I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve faced. If I hit him clean I don’t think it will go that far. I’m going to go in there with an open mind and exploit his weakness.
“I’ve gradually moved down in weight. I’m faster at light heavyweight. When I was heavy I took my time. I’m sharper, faster. I’m just a totally different person.
“I always compare myself to James Toney. I can hit hard, I can take a punch, and I’m slick. What you see will depend on my opponent. If I feel he’s weak, I’ll jump early. I can brawl, I can box. I’m explosive.”
JON FERNANDEZ:
“I sparred with (Carl) Frampton in Las Vegas for the (Leo) Santa Cruz fight. It was a great experience sparring with him three times a week. It gave me more confidence knowing I could handle him.
“Garza is basically the same height as Frampton, so that will be an advantage.
“I know he’s going to come at me, and we’re ready for that. I need to keep my rhythm and make it an entertaining fight. I believe my power and speed will be the difference. I throw a lot of punches.
“This fight means a lot to me. We’re both good fighters and the TV exposure means a lot. It’s a good opportunity and I need to take advantage of it.”
ERNESTO GARZA:
“We’re going to give him something he’s never seen before. We’re going to bring the action.
“I’ve always been an aggressive fighter. I like to bring the pressure.
“I’ve faced guys as tall as him before, I fought a guy that was 6-foot-2. I know I need to get inside with a guy like this.
“I’ve seen a lot of his fights, and I don’t think he’s a fast puncher. He always fights the same style, and his opponents are always there for the taking. I’m not going to be there for him to hit like that.
“This is my chance. This is a big opportunity for me.”
The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions. Fernandez vs. Garza is promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
Ivan Baranchyk: An unlikely journey from Belarus to Miami, Oklahoma
TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT FRIDAY, MARCH 10 ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
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HEAVYWEIGHT TREY LIPPE MORRISON SUFFERS CUT WHILE SPARRING, OFF FEB. 10 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
ShoBox Telecast Continues As Tripleheader Beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (Feb. 1, 2017) — Undefeated heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison suffered a cut over his left eye while sparring on Tuesday at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and is unavailable to fight on next Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast.
“I’m very disappointed for Trey because this is the best camp that we’ve had together,” said trainer Freddie Roach, who was in his sixth camp with the undefeated heavyweight. “Trey should be healed and back in the gym in three or four weeks to come back stronger than ever.”
Lippe Morrison (13-0, 13 KOs) was set to make his second ShoBox start in an eight-round heavyweight bout against Daniel Martz on Feb. 10 at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla., near his hometown of Vinita. (See attached for photo of Lippe Morrison’s cut)
“This is a small setback for Trey,” said Tony Holden of Tony Holden Productions. “You can’t prevent these injuries, they are just part of the sport. I can’t wait to get him back in the gym with Freddie to continue his path toward becoming a world title contender.”
The Feb. 10 ShoBox will continue as a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT. In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs) will face aggressive-minded once-beaten Abel Ramos (17-1-2, 12 KOs).
In the eight-round co-feature, former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joe “Mack” Williams(10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., clash in matchup of undefeated light heavyweights. In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, the eight-round super featherweight scrap.
Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.
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UNDEFEATED IVAN “THE BEAST” BARANCHYK MEETS DANGEROUS ABEL RAMOS IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, FEB. 10, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Undefeated Heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison Seeks 14th Consecutive KO When He Faces Daniel Martz In ShoBox Co-Feature
Live on SHOWTIME at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma
Tickets on Sale Now
NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs) will face aggressive-minded once-beaten Abel Ramos (17-1-2, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation® quadrupleheader on Friday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME® (10:05 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
In the co-feature, rising local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, hard-hitting heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison(13-0, 13 KOs), makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Daniel Martz (15-4-1, 12 KOs), of Clarksburg, West Virginia, in an eight-round match.
Undefeated former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joe “Mack” Williams (10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., clash in a confrontation of undefeated light heavyweights in an eight-round featured bout.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, the eight-round super featherweight scrap.
“The ShoBox main event on Feb. 10 between Ivan Baranchyk and Abel Ramos guarantees fireworks,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a tremendous quadrupleheader and I am happy to be back at Buffalo Run Casino, where heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison will look to delight hometown fans with another spectacular knockout. The light heavyweight battle between Joseph Williams and former Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo features two undefeated prospects, and Jon Fernandez, co-promoted by Sergio Martinez, will collide with Ernesto Garza in a can’t-miss clash at junior lightweight.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ivan against a very good opponent,” said Tony Holden. “Give Daniel Martz a lot of credit for taking the fight against Trey — we had serious difficulties finding an opponent willing to face him. Both Ivan and Trey should be in position to advance their careers with a victory.”
Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.
IVAN BARANCHYK VS. ABEL RAMOS – 10 Rounds Super Lightweights
The offensive-minded Baranchyk packs outstanding power in both hands. Until winning a 10-round decision over Zhimin Wang last Sept. 23 on ShoBox, he’d won nine consecutive fights by knockout. In his last outing, Baranchyk scored a 10-round decision over Wilberth Lopez on Dec. 10.
“I am looking forward to continuing my pursuit of a world title,” said the 5-foot-10-inch Baranchyk, who will make the first defense of his USBA junior welterweight title. “Ramos is a very tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.
“I think I’ve proved my durability by going 10 rounds in my last two fights. My team wants me to box more and let the knockouts come, so that is something we work on all the time.’’
The former European amateur standout, who was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn, is making his fourth appearance on the prospect developmental series. The 24-year-old’s two other ShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated foes, totaled a combined 2:49. All 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first.
The skilled Ramos is a five-year pro who’s won three in a row, all by knockout in 2016, since his only loss, a ninth-round TKO to highly regarded undefeated Regis Prograis (15-0) in 2015 on ShoBox.
A prospect at 140 pounds and a legit test for Baranchyk, the 5-foot-9-inch Ramos was a stellar amateur. The 25-year-old was the bronze medalist at both the 2010 U.S. National PAL Championships and 2010 U.S. National Championships (at 141 pounds) before turning pro in September 2011.
“I’m very excited for this fight and I am preparing for a war,” said Ramos, who possesses an aggressive style, good skills and movement. “Baranchyk likes to fight moving forward as do I, so it is going to be an action-packed main event at Buffalo Run.”
Ramos, who grew up in Gettysburg, Pa. and resides in Casa Grande, Ariz., is coming off a seventh-round TKO over Juan Jesus last Aug. 26. In his ShoBox debut in 2014, Ramos and fellow unbeaten Maurice Hooker (12-0-1 going in) slugged it out for eight rounds, battling to a majority draw in one of the most exciting fights on the series that year.
TREY LIPPE MORRISON VS. DANIEL MARTZ – Eight Rounds, Heavyweights
The power-punching Morrison has recorded nine first-round knockouts, three second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father in both his looks and his fighting style, has fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma but trains at the Wild Card Boxing Club with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.
In his outing before last, Morrison won his ShoBox debut with a ruthless first-round TKO over previously undefeated Ed Latimore (13-0) on Sept. 23, 2016.
Latimore was expected to provide Morrison with his most daunting test but wound up getting demolished, going down twice, in Morrison’s first start since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in January, 2016.
“Health-wise, I’m great,’’ said the 6-foot-2, 27-year-old Morrison who resides in Hollywood, Calif. “I’m going to approach this fight like I did my last fight, like I do all my fights. I can’t afford to look past any fight. I have to take them one at a time. I just have to focus on my opponent.
“My training has been going really good, the transition with me and Freddie continues to be smooth. I just want to continue to improve. I’m hoping for a good performance, and I think I’ll have one. All I can do is give the best I can and then whatever happens will happen.’’
Morrison, who was born in Vinita, Okla., is one of promoter Tony Holden’s group of fighters known as the “Four State Franchise.” They include Trey’s half-brother Kenzie Morrison, Baranchyk and Dillon and Jesse Cook. The Oklahoma-based Holden promoted Tommy Morrison for most of his career.
The 26-year-old Martz is a classic all-or-nothing heavyweight. All but three of Martz’ wins have come via knockout, and he aims to pick up his fifth win over an undefeated opponent when he takes on Lippe Morrison.
Martz, who stands at 6-foot-7, handed heavyweight prospect Alexis Santos his first defeat and has shared the ring with newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.
LENIN CASTILLO VS. JOE WILLIAMS – Eight Rounds, Light Heavyweights
Castillo, who represented the Dominican Republic at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, turned pro in August 2010. He’s won three straight by knockout, since boxing an eight-round majority draw with unbeaten Travis Peterkin (15-0) on Aug. 21, 2015.
The 6-foot-2, 28-year-old Castillo has 10 knockouts, and all have come in five rounds or less.
“I know that Williams is undefeated and that he will come in at his best,” Castillo said. “Well, I’m coming with my best too, so it going to be an exciting fight. It’s two undefeated fighters – the perfect kind of fight for ShoBox.”
Williams, who owns an amateur victory over undefeated prospect Andrew Tabiti, was a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion and a 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion. A 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate, Williams is popular on the New York fight scene and a union worker outside the ring.
The 28-year-old has been dominant since turning pro in September 2013, however he’ll be taking a leap in class in facing former Olympian Castillo.
“I’m already in great shape and I won’t be stopped,” said Williams, who’s fought eight of his 10 fights in New York. “I’m a throwback fighter, the last of a dying breed that will fight and beat anyone in my way. It’s hard to find a fighter who can do all this.
“I can’t wait till Feb. 10 because I’m finally getting my shot on national television to show the world what I can do. This will open a lot of doors for me and the world will see the next superstar of boxing, Joseph ‘Mack’ Williams.”
JON FERNANDEZ VS. ERNESTO GARZA – Eight Rounds, Super Featherweights
Fernandez, of Bilbao, País Vasco, Spain, is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and legendary Argentine superstar and former longtime middleweight world championSergio Martinez. He was an amateur champion in his native Spain and member of the Spanish National Team in 2013 and 2014.
A pro since March 2015, the 21-year-old has won eight straight by knockout, all inside five rounds. The 5-foot-10 Fernandez was a chief sparring partner for Carl Frampton as he prepared for his Jan. 28 rematch with Leo Santa Cruz.
“This fight is very important to my boxing career and I will put on a great performance for the fans in attendance and those watching on SHOWTIME,” said the-5-foot-11 Fernandez who is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Mikael Mkrtchan (16-1 going in) to capture the WBC Youth Super Featherweight World Title last Oct. 8.
“Garza is a pressure fighter that throws a lot of punches. He reminds me of Nacif Martinez, who I beat by TKO in Connecticut. I think I can beat Garza by KO, too. His style is perfect for me.”
Feb. 10 will be Fernandez’ second fight in the United States, and second outside of Spain. He’s remained active since turning pro in March 2015; he fought five times that year, and five times in 2016.
A decorated amateur, Garza was a six-time Michigan Golden Gloves champion and the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champ at 119 pounds. The 28-year-old has won seven of eight since turning pro, including victories in his last two fights.
“I’m so excited for this great opportunity,” the 5-foot-4-inch Garza said. “It’s a dream that’s coming true. I finally get a chance to show my talent to the world.”
Fernandez vs. Garza is promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Baranchyk-Ramos Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation February 10
GH3 Promotions scores 6 big victories this past Friday night in Atlantic City
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JORGE LINARES vs. ANTHONY CROLLA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH SATURDAY, MARCH 25 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Linares-Crolla II Paves The Way For World Title Unification Bout With Winner of
Saturday’s Lightweight World Championship: Dejan Zlaticanin vs. Mikey Garcia
Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Lawrence Lustig; Matchroom Boxing
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (Jan. 24, 2017) – WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former titlist Anthony Crolla held a press conference on Tuesday in Manchester, England, to formally announce their upcoming rematch on Saturday, March 25 live on SHOWTIME from Manchester Arena.
Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) narrowly outpointed defending champion Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) last September in a thrilling battle in Crolla’s hometown of Manchester.
The WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face the winner of this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING matchup between WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin and undefeated two-division titlist Mikey Garcia.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:
JORGE LINARES:
“I wasn’t supposed to win the first fight, but I’m glad I did so I can come back and do it again.
“The belts mean so much to me and my country, and I am going to work very hard to make sure that I take them home again.
“It’s a new year and a new day. Anthony is going to be better and hungrier, and that means I will work harder, come with more skill and an even better game plan to win.
“I hope to see another huge crowd in Manchester and we’re going to provide the fans with another beautiful fight.”
ANTHONY CROLLA:
“I want the belt back, simple. Fighting for these prizes in front of us is huge. I’m so lucky to have a second chance and it’s one I have to take.
“It was a special night last time, great crowd and it’ll be even bigger this time. The setting was perfect but I lost my belt. I lost to a great fighter but I don’t celebrate losing, I don’t want to feel it again and I want to go down in history by beating a great fighter.
“I am better in rematches and I’m locking myself away to work harder and smarter to make sure these belts stay here.
“Jorge is the best and I want to be the best – beating him stakes my claim. I didn’t win the first one but I had success and I can work on that.
“We’ve both got great teams behind us, and I believe if I make the right changes for the fight I will take the titles.”
EDDIE HEARN:
“The first fight was a hell of a fight. Anthony was the favorite and now Jorge is the favorite.
“Anthony is the challenger in this rematch. He’s had success in rematches before – he did it against Darleys Perez and he came back better. He needs to do that again against Jorge, No. 1 in the division.
“It gives me huge pleasure to announce that the fight will be on SHOWTIME in the U.S. and I want to thank Stephen Espinosa and his team for making this happen.”
JOE GALLAGHER:
“I need a nasty Anthony Crolla for this fight. Jorge is the best in the world so I need to keep him locked away and getting nasty – he won’t be doing any fan signings or selling tickets. If you like Anthony and care about him, leave him alone, let him work, and come and watch him win on the night.”
ROBERT DIAZ:
“I didn’t know how Jorge was going to react to the fans as I know that Anthony has great fans. I think that Jorge won a lot of fans that night and he’ll have his share in the rematch.
“Anthony didn’t have to take the fight, he could’ve gone elsewhere and got some wins, but that shows what a man this guy is. He wants the belts and we expect a better Anthony. I said you would see the best Jorge ever and you did – he’s going to be even better this time.”
SHOWTIME® TO TELEVISE JORGE LINARES vs. ANTHONY CROLLA LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH ON SATURDAY, MARCH 25
SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Presentation of Immediate Rematch Airs Live From Manchester, England
Click HERE For Images from Linares-Crolla I; Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
NEW YORK (Jan. 24, 2017) – SHOWTIME will televise the eagerly anticipated rematch between WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former champ Anthony Crolla on Saturday, March 25 live on SHOWTIME from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) dethroned Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) in a thrilling battle last Sept. 24 in Manchester. It was the first time the three-division titlist Linares was pushed the 12-round distance in his career.
Linares-Crolla will be the second lightweight world title bout on SHOWTIME in 2017 and an important fight toward potentially unifying the resurgent 135-pound division. Dejan Zlaticanin will defend his WBC Lightweight World Championship against undefeated two-division world champ Mikey Garcia this Saturday, Jan. 28 in the co-feature of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.
Linares, of Barinas, Venezuela, has won 10 fights in a row, including seven by knockout. He became a three-division titlist when he captured the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship in 2014 with a knockout of Javier Prieto. The 31-year-old defended the belt twice in 2015 with knockouts of Kevin Mitchell and Ivan Cano before being named “Champion in Recess” by the WBC because of inactivity due to injuries. Linares returned following an 11-month layoff to face Crolla in his hometown of Manchester, outpointing the champion 115-114, 117-111 and 115-113 in a back-and-forth and bloody battle. With the win, Linares also earned the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine lightweight belts.
Crolla, of Manchester, won the WBA Lightweight Title with a fifth-round KO of Darleys Perez in November of 2015 in an immediate rematch of their 12-round draw earlier that year. The 30-year-old knocked out previously unbeaten Ismael Barroso in his first title defense on May 7, 2016 to set up the showdown with Linares. The close loss to Linares was Crolla’s first defeat in his last 11 fights.