Tag Archives: Stephen Espinoza

boksing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Ruben Villa to take on Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO World Featherweight Title on Friday, 9 oktober

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Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Kampanjer

PHILADELPHIA, PA/ / ORANGE, SLIK AS. (Sju. 21, 2020) – På fredag ​​kveld, 9 oktober, undefeated WBO number-two ranked featherweight contender Ruben Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) gets his much deserved world title shot when he takes on former WBO super bantamweight world champion, and WBO number-one ranked contender, Emanuel Navarrete (32-1, 28 KOs), in a battle for the WBO World Featherweight title.


Navarrete is undefeated in the last eight-years, which spans 27 kamper.


The fight will take place at “The Bubble” inside the MGM Grand Conference Center, and will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.


“I have been working my butt off since I was a little kid for this opportunity, and I just can’t wait to get in there and fight for the title,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Kampanjer og Thompson Boxing. “Navarrete is a real aggressive Mexican fighter. He is coming to win. He was a former champion, and I am the underdog, but I have the style to beat him. We have kept the camp the same. We just treat it like it’s every other fight, just that this fight is for a world title. All my hard work is paying off. I am honored and excited to represent everyone who has supported me and my journey to become a world champion, and I plan on bringing the world title back to my home city of Salinas, California.”


“This is what we envisioned for Ruben when we signed him out of the amateurs, to be fighting for a world title,” sa Artie Pelullo, President i Banner Kampanjer. “That opportunity has now arrived, and we expect Ruben to put on a great performance on October 9th and win the WBO Featherweight World Title. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Stephen Espinoza og Gordon Hall of Showtime for all their help with the development of Ruben’s career, by showcasing him on ShoBox that has helped get him ready for this fight.”


“Ruben Villa is a terrific fighter and has the ability to make his dream to become a world champion a reality. The hard work that Banner Promotions and us at Thompson Boxing have put on his career will surely pay off,” sa Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing. “Navarrete is a terrific champion and it will be a huge challenge for our fighter, but I’m sure Ruben will rise up to the occasion and make us all proud.”
boksing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME BOXING WITH ERIC RASKIN AND KIERAN MULVANEY PODCAST FEATURES INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN ESPINOZA

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Raskin and Mulvaney Examine The State of Boxing And What May Lie Ahead

Listen to SHOWTIME BOXINGHER

HVA: This week’s installment of SHOWTIME BOXING WITH ERIC RASKIN AND KIERAN MULVANEY podcast features an interview with Stephen Espinoza, President, Programmering av sport og begivenheter, Showtime Networks Inc. In the new episode, veteran boxing reporters Raskin and Mulvaney discuss a wide-range of topics with Espinoza, including the current state of boxing and what may lie ahead for the network’s boxing programming once the current hiatus comes to an end. For the full interview, click on the following link: https://s.sho.com/3bkvFp1.

Below are excerpts from the interview with Espinoza:

On SHOWTIME Sports’ interim content plan…

Espinoza – “It is therapeutic to look forward to and make plans for things that are more reflective of normal life for us, absolutt. Our goal is to fill that gap with a lot of the stuff we have. We have a deep library of documentaries and we are definitely surfacing a lot more of the archive bothOn Demand and we will look at it on linear more regularly.”

On what lies ahead when boxing resumes…

Espinoza – “It’s going to be a wild ride. There’s a lot to be made up. There are a lot of fighters that need fights to happen, and I think we could be in for a pretty interesting period of time where there’s a lot of activity in a relatively short window … I think we’re going to see an action-packed, jam-packed schedule whenever we return, whether it’s in three, six or nine months – and we may see people taking a different tact on taking fights.”

On what fight you wish you could go back in time to attend live …

Espinoza – “Chavez vs. Haugen on February 20,1993 for the WBC Light Welterweight Title at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City… It wasn’t a great fight or great opponent but it’s my pick because of the legendary status that fight has within Showtime’s hallways. Det var 132,000 personer til stede, you had Chavez taking the presidential helicopter to events [og] you had Don King getting robbed on his way from the airport to the hotel as soon he got into town. There were so many things around the atmosphere. It was one of those legendary events I would’ve loved to be at for the atmosphere.”

The weekly SHOWTIME BOXING podcast features Raskin and Mulvaney diving deep into the boxing and SHOWTIME boxing events. New episodes are release in all major podcast platforms every Monday, including Radio.com.

boksing, Mayweather Kampanjer, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA DAVIS AND BADOU JACK DISCUSS UPCOMING DECEMBER 28 MATCHUPS – Davis To Face Yuriorkis Gamboa For WBA Lightweight World Championship While Jack Challenges WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Jean Pascal Live On SHOWTIME® From State Farm Arena In Atlanta

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HVA: Gervonta Davis og Badou Jack met with members of the media last Saturday in Las Vegas to discuss their upcoming matchups taking place Saturday, Desember 28 live on SHOWTIME at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a special year-end Premier Boxing Champions event.

Two-time super featherweight champion Davis will take on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight World Championship as the 24-year-old Davis looks to conquer another division. In the co-main event of a special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® sendingen, former two-division champion Jack will challenge WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal.

Billetter til dette arrangementet, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through Ticketmaster.com.

Also participating in Saturday’s luncheon at Wolfgang Puck at MGM Grand were Leonard Ellerbe, CEO i Mayweather Kampanjer, and Stephen Espinoza, President, Sport & Hendelses Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

Here’s what the fighters and executives had to say:

GERVONTA DAVIS:
Thoughts about Gamboa and moving up in weight:
“We know Gamboa is a veteran and that he’s had a lot of wars, so we know we have a tough fight. He’s definitely dangerous. He can hit. Han kan kjempe.

“His last fight he made 134, so we know he can get bigger than me at that weight. I’m going into this knowing he’s a bigger fighter than me. I’m just going to bring my power and capitalize on that weight class and becoming world champion.

“I believe I’m one of the top fighters in the world, but I don’t compare myself to other fighters. I just go out and get the job done.

“Atlanta is my second home. I’m confident I’ll sell it out.”

On his ability and uniqueness as a fighter:
“I come from a different cloth than these other guys. I’ve been through everything in my life. A lot of people haven’t experienced what I have. If I ever get beat it would have to be by someone who’s been through what I have been through. It can’t be anyone who’s just been training all their life.

“Every time I step in the ring I’m willing to leave it all in there. A lot of people haven’t seen my full skills because I haven’t fought an opponent that has brought them out.”

On his potential in the sport:
“The boxing world hasn’t seen my true potential as a fighter, they’ve just seen my power. I’m the type of boxer where if you don’t belong in there with me, you won’t be in there too long. Some fighters like to take their time. I’m the type, if I know you’re not on my level, I’m going to show it. The world will see. I’ll fight anybody.”

JACK Badou:
On his upcoming matchup against Pascal:
“Jeg er begeistret for denne kampen. I actually called Pascal the day before his last fight and let him know I was rooting for him. But this is business at the end of the day. I’m coming to take back my title.”

On how he feels at this age:
“I feel like a young 36 år. I live a clean life. I’m always in the gym training and I try not to take any punishment. I have a couple of years left and I’m more motivated now than ever. I needed that little break. I hadn’t had a break since I was an amateur twenty years ago. I took time to relax with the family and eat good food. Now I’m hungry.”

On his last performance against Marcus Browne:
“Everyone who saw me in my last fight could see I was flat. My fighting instinct kicked in at that point. He was fighting a dead man.”

On the Davis vs. Gamboa matchup:
“Det er en stor kamp. Gamboa is a little older, but he looked good in his last fight. I’m a big, big fan of Tank – the way he fights, his speed, hans atle, alt. He has star power. He was on my undercard, now I’m on his. He’s going to bring great things to the sport and as long as he stays focused, he’s going to be a superstar. He’s already a superstar.”

LEONARD Ellerbe:
On Davis’ position and progression in the sport:
“We’re going to show everyone how he’s going to become the biggest star in the sport. I 2020 we’re going to blow this out of the water. We’ve been able to think outside the box. That’s how you grow the sport. We’ve made a concerted effort to cross him over to the mainstream; working with the Baltimore Ravens, his parade, now Atlanta.

“Our plan is to make the biggest and best fights out there. We’re going to call the shots and it’s going to be on our terms, and we’ll let everyone know when that happens. Everyone wants to fight Tank. There’s one common thing when you talk about 126, 130, 135, og nå 140. There’s one name that’s common among the fighters and that’s Tank. This is going to be a great journey and you better get on it now.

“If he can get past Gamboa on December 28, then in 2020 he’s going into that pay-per-view world. When you have that kind of star power and you’re thinking outside of the box, not just boxing fans, we’re going to make the biggest fights out there in the world.”

On Badou Jack:
“Badou’s a promoter’s dream. He’s a guy who gives you no problems. He’s out there doing wonderful things for himself and his family. He’s doing so much to help so many others. He’s using his platform in the right way. It’s an honor to work with a fighter like him.

“I always knew he was a great talent and sometimes you can find the diamonds in the rough. Everyone’s always looking at the guys coming out of the Olympics. We saw him in the gym and he really messed a guy up. We had an eye on him and we worked out a deal with Lou [DiBella] and the rest is history.

“We had one setback, but everything happens for a reason, and he’s just taken off since. He’s a great fighter and I like the fact that he’s always willing to fight the best. Never had to second guess that he’s willing to fight everybody.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA:
“There are advantages and disadvantages to promoting a show on this date. There has been a lot of success promoting music shows on that weekend. It’s not apples to apples, but it’s one of the factors that went in and there’s a way to turn this into something special and unique because of Gervonta’s fan base.

“It’s great to have skilled boxers but we need, for the health of the sport, guys like Gervonta who are putting butts in the seats. That’s the key in bringing him to Atlanta. Boxing is a part of a culture that crosses over into music and sports. There’s not an athlete who doesn’t watch a pay-per-view boxing match. Tapping into that with a personality like Tank is only going to expand the sport.

“There’s an authenticity and an openness about Gervonta. There’s a lot of people who’ve had setbacks who don’t talk about it, like Tank. It takes a risk to talk about that and that’s why a lot of people can relate. This is Tank. What you see is what you get. It’s very real. It’s very authentic and I think that’s why people connect with him the person as opposed to him the fighter.”

# # #

For mer informasjon besøk www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, Følg på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
boksing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO PRESENT DILLIAN WHYTE VS. DERECK CHISORA HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH THIS SATURDAY, Desember 22 LIVE PÅ SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL To Air Live At 5:30 pm. ET/2:30 pm. PT On SHOWTIME And The Network’s Streaming Service

NEW YORK - Desember 18, 2018 - SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated rematch between top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora this Saturday, Desember 22 leve på SHOWTIME på 5:30 pm. ET/2:30 pm. PT. As with all SHOWTIME programming, the event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights, live from London’s The O2 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL.The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch.

“SHOWTIME continues to lead the industry by delivering more of the most compelling boxing events from around the world to our premium cable subscribers and online streaming customers,"Sa Stephen Espinoza, President, Showtime Sports. “This network has televised all of the most important heavyweight fights during the division’s renaissance and we are proud to join Matchroom Sports in delivering Whyte-Chisora II to our audience. Their first fight was action-packed from bell to bell. Nå, with the stakes as high as they have ever been for both men,this bout promises to be even better. I hope that the boxing pundits have not yet cast their vote for Fight, Knockout and Round of the Year. Saturday’s matchup may challenge some of this year’s best.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood calling the action.

The stakes are high in the rematch, as both Whyte and Chisora have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder. Whyte holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, as well as the WBA’s No. 4 position. Chisora is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, samt Nei. 9 av WBC. Their first matchup was widely regarded as the best heavyweight matchup of 2016, and round five of their “sensational fight” earned Round of the Year honors from ESPN.”

boksing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS INK MULTI-YEAR BOXING PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT

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New Agreement Extends Long-Standing Partnership And Ensures Network Will Continue To Deliver The Industry’s Most Significant Events

2018 SHOWTIME Boxing Upfront, Januar 2018 i NYC; Courtesy Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK - August 30, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions have entered into a three-year boxing programming agreement extending their long-term partnership. The deal calls for a monthly series of events presented by Premier Boxing Champions to air live on SHOWTIME, ensuring the network’s access to the deepest talent pool in boxing and its continued ability to deliver the industry’s leading programming. The agreement also calls for Premier Boxing Champions to deliver content for a significant expansion of live boxing programming from SHOWTIME Sports coming in 2019. The announcement was made today by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

Premier Boxing Champions, a live boxing series created by Haymon Sports, LLC, features more than 160 boxers from around the world. Grunnlagt i 2014, Premier Boxing Champions boasts the largest collection of world champions from bantamweight to heavyweight, 14 in total and far more than any other entity in the sport.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions have collaborated to set the standard for live boxing where the brightest stars in the sport compete in the most compelling and competitive matchups on a consistent basis.

 

 

 

“Over the past seven-plus years, SHOWTIME has developed the most comprehensive slate of boxing programming in the world,” said Espinoza. “We have consistently been recognized for making the most significant contributions to the sport of boxing, both financially and editorially. Building off our industry-leading live event schedule, this long-term deal with Premier Boxing Champions ensures that SHOWTIME will remain the No. 1 destination for the world’s greatest fighters and their passionate and diverse fans.”

 

 

 

“Premier Boxing Champions is pleased to extend our relationship with SHOWTIME and continue our commitment to providing the best boxing events with the biggest stars across the most popular divisions in the sport,’’ said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing.

 

 

 

I 2018, SHOWTIME is delivering more live boxing than any other network—more than 30 presentations in total by the end of this year. I 2019, anchored largely by Premier Boxing Champions’ events and including content providers from around the world, SHOWTIME will present an even larger schedule with live boxing from virtually every level of the sport—prospects and contenders, to world championship bouts, world title unifications and pay-per-view tent pole attractions.

 

 

 

I tillegg, SHOWTIME Sports will continue to grow its burgeoning slate of shoulder programming in support of the sport and its athletes including the three-time Sports Emmy Award winning series ALL ACCESS, the cutting-edge talk show BELOW THE BELT WITH BRENDAN SCHAUB, and digital-only series such as SHO REPORT, FIGHT NIGHT and RING RESUME.

 

 

 

By the end of 2018, SHOWTIME will have presented more than 26-world championship fights this year, including four world title unification bouts and 10 bouts pitting top-five rated opponents from around the world. I alt, SHOWTIME will have delivered more than 70 live bouts spanning ShoBox: Den nye generasjonen, SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, SHOWTIME BOKSING INTERNATIONAL, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and SHOWTIME PPV.

 

 

 

Den 2018 lineup, hailed as the strongest in boxing, was revealed in January at the inaugural SHOWTIME BOXING UPFRONT, an event that established a top-flight boxing season and a level of organization never before seen in the sport. Planning for the 2019 SHOWTIME boxing schedule is underway, and the first slate of main event matchups will be revealed in January.

 

 

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), et heleid datterselskap av CBS Corporation, eier og driver de premium TV-nettverk Showtime®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ og FLIX®, og tilbyr også SHOWTIME on demand®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ På etterspørsel og FLIX on demand®, og nettverkets autentiseringstjeneste SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., et heleid datterselskap av SNI, driver den frittstående streaming tjeneste SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME er for øyeblikket tilgjengelig for abonnenter via kabel, DBS og telco-leverandører, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, År®, Samsung and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV nå, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI forvalter også Smithsonian Networks™, et joint venture mellom SNI og Smithsonian Institution, som tilbyr Smithsonian Channel™, og tilbyr Smithsonian Earth™ gjennom SN Digital LLC. SNI markedsfører og distribuerer sport og underholdning arrangementer for utstilling til abonnenter på en pay-per-view basis gjennom SHOWTIME PPV. For mer informasjon, gå til www.SHO.com.

boksing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

MIKEY GARCIA UNIFIES LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST ROBERT EASTER JR. SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

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Luis Ortiz Registers Second-Round TKO of Razvan Cojanu in Co-Feature

Video: https://s.sho.com/2mPpH8r

Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated With Eighth-Round TKO Against Jose Roman

Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 Pm. OG/PT på Showtime EXTREME®

Klikk HER for Photos from Scott Hirmano/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (Juli 28, 2018) – Mikey Garcia became the 10th lightweight champion to unify the division with a unanimous decision against Robert Easter Jr. Saturday on SHOWTIME, and immediately afterward set his sights on boxing’s best, namely Errol Spence Jr.

Full fight highlights here: https://s.sho.com/2LzlnJ6

 

 

 

 

All three judges scored the fight in favor of Garcia,118-109, 117-110, 116-111, in an electrifying fight in front of 12,560 fans at Staples Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

 

The four-division world champion Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) – who was fighting in his native Southern California for the first time in seven years – keeps his 135-pound WBC title, and also claims Easter’s IBF Lightweight belt

 

 

 

 

“I’m here for the biggest challenges,” said Garcia, 30, who unified a title for the first time in his career. “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence. I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen. I think it can be made. I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

 

 

 

 

“I feel I have the power and the skillset to compete in any division up to welterweight. He’s the toughest guy at welterweight so I want to face him.”

 

 

 

 

Garcia scored a knock down in the third round against Easter (21-1, 14 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, who was sent to the canvas for just the second time in his career. A strong right jab put Easter out of position, immediately followed by a devastating left hook sent Easter down with 24 seconds remaining in the round.

 

 

 

 

Garcia got better as the fight progressed. In the final four rounds Garcia out-landed Easter 95-34 in total punches and ended the fight being the more active fighter throwing 555 punches to Easter’s 507. He connected on nearly 40 percent of his power shots while Easter landed at a 24 percent clip.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a great accomplishment being here in L.A.,” Garcia said. “I was in control most of the fight, and I did what I had to do. I knew he was a tough opponent. He’s a tough warrior. He gave a great fight but I was a better fighter. I was in control of the fight and I did what I had to do to win.”

 

 

 

 

Påske, who went into the Garcia locker room after the fight to congratulate his opponent, was gracious in defeat.

 

 

 

 

“Whenever we step in the ring we are both putting our lives on the line and tonight Mikey was victorious,” said Easter, who entered the fight as the longest reigning champion at 135 pounds. “I just couldn’t find the timing and I just couldn’t let my right hand go. He caught me with a clean shot and I went down, but I got up like a true champion.”

 

 

 

 

 

During an interview at the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host desk, Spence, a fellow top-five pound-for-pound great, said he would “definitely” welcome a fight with Garcia. “I feel like that’s the best fight available for me right now with Shawn [Slitasje] and Danny [Garcia] fighting in September. Keith Thurman is still recovering and needs a tune up.

Full interview here: https://s.sho.com/2veXH1T.

 

 

 

 

“He’s daring to be great, he wants to be great, he wants to move up and dethrone me and it’s not going to happen. It’s definitely going to be an easy fight. [Garcia] will be pound-for-pound No. 1 if he beats me. He has great skills but I see myself winning. I don’t really see anything that concerns me. He’s technically good, but I don’t see him hurting me at 147.”

 

 

 

 

Heavyweight southpaw Luis Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) returned to the ring with a resounding victory, scoring a devastating second round knockout (2:08) of former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs)

 

 

 

 

Ortiz landed 42 prosent av hans makt skudd (eight of 19) while Cojanu landed just two of 13 (15%) in the short fight.

 

 

 

 

Ortiz was emotional after the fight. He told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray that just five days ago he learned doctors have found a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a disease his daughter suffers from.

 

 

 

 

“Thanks to God they found a cure for my daughter’s disease,” Ortiz said. “My wife told me while I was boarding the plane to get here. It’s been hard to be away from them. I’m happy I won, but it’s been really hard to be away from them.”

 

 

 

 

 

Both fighters were coming off losses in heavyweight world title fights. Ortiz was fighting for the first time since challenging Deontay Wilder in a 2018 Fight of the Year kandidat. The 6-foot-4 Ortiz wasted little time knocking out the 6-feet-7½, 269-pound Cojanu, returning for his first fight since challenging then-WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker.

 

 

 

 

 

“In my mind King Kong has not been defeated. I don’t feel I lost against Deontay Wilder. I want to fight [Anthony] Joshua, but he only fights boxers he’s sure he can defeat. I’m going to ask the government to put me on disability, maybe that way Joshua will fight me.”

 

 

 

 

I fjernsynsåpneren, Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) remained undefeated recording his sixth straight stoppage with an eighth-round TKO of Jose Roman (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match. Each of the judges, as well as SHOWTIME expert scorer Steve Farhood, scored the fight 80-70 in favor of Barrios at the time of the stoppage as Roman’s corner didn’t answer the bell for the ninth round.

 

 

 

 

San Antonio’s Barrios relied on effective body work in dominating the fight, tilkobling på 61 av hans 133 body shots. He connected on 44 prosent av hans makt slag (104/239) compared to 26 percent for Roman (34/132), who had just five body shots on the night.

 

 

 

 

"[Body work] is something I’ve been able to work on,” Barrios told Gray in the ring. “You put the body work in early and by the end of the fight they have nothing left. That worked perfectly for this fight. This was the farthest I’ve gone in a while. It was great work and I feel like I’m transitioning to the fighter that I always thought I’ve be.”

 

 

 

 

Nabolag, who suffered a cut above his left eye in the first round, sent Roman to the canvas at 1:15 of the fourth round with a strong right that dazed Roman, then a left hook that put Roman down for the seventh time in his career. Barrios ended the round with a flurry of punches that left Roman stunned.

 

 

 

 

 

The 23-year-old Barrios sent Roman down again with 1:38 remaining in the eighth round. Roman survived the round, but his corner refused to answer the bell and the fight was over.

 

 

 

 

“I feel I’m ready [for a title shot)],” Barrios said. “I feel strong. I feel fast. Jeg er ung, but whatever my managers throw at me I’m ready. If I could get it tomorrow, I’d take it.”

 

 

 

 

 

It was a star-studded night at Staples as current and former world champions attended the fights, including Jarrett Hurd, Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Gervonta Davis and Adrien Broner.

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn Porter was also in attendance. It was recently announced that Porter and fellow former 147-pound world title holder Danny Garcia will square off against one another for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME Saturday, Sju. 8 fra Barclays Center i Brooklyn, N.Y..

 

 

 

 

“I’m just a different type of athlete,” Porter told SHOWTIME’s Brian Custer. “When you talk about having the tools to become a two-time world champion; I have the tools, the athleticism, the tenacity the ring generalship. You will see all of that on Sept. 8.

 

 

 

 

 

“We always say that the business has to make sense [to make fights], And it sounds to me like the business has played its part. I win the WBC Championship and you’ll get Shawn Porter vs. Errol Spence.”

 

 

 

 

 

In streaming coverage of live undercard fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, undefeated super lightweight prospect Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), the brother of former champion Marcos Maidana, recorded a seventh-round stoppage (2:32) against former world title challenger Andrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs).

 

 

 

 

 

Also on the live stream, 2016 US-. Olympian and unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) dominated 54-fight veteran Giovanni Caro (27-24, 21 KOs) scoring a stoppage at 2:09 of the fourth round in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 pm. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

 

 

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For mer informasjon besøk www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com ogwww.staplescenter.com Følg på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions ogwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC er sponset av Corona, Finest Beer.

boksing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

MIKEY GARCIA vs. ROBERT EASTER JR., FINAL WEIGHTS, SITATER, BILDER & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME Championship Boxing® Tripleheader Live At 10 pm. OG/7 pm. PT From Staples Center In Los Angeles, Calif.

Klikk HER For bilder; Kreditt: Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

 

WBC & IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Runder

Mikey Garcia – 135 lbs.

Robert påske Jr. - 134 ½ kg.

Dommer: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (N.J.), Edward Hernandez Sr. (Calif.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

HEAVYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT – 10 Runder

Luis Ortiz – 241 lbs.

Razvan Cujanu – 269 lbs.

Referee Jerry Cantu (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Runder

Mario Barrios – 141 ½ kg.

Jose Roman – 142 lbs.

Referee Gerard White (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

FLASH QUOTES

Mikey Garcia

“All the work is done; the talking is done. Now it’s time to settle this thing in the ring.”

 

Robert påske Jr.

“I told Mikey there ain’t no more talking. I’m coming in shape. It’s going to be an exciting fight for all the fans that are here from my side and from his side. We’re just ready to fight and put on a great performance for LA.

 

 

 

“This fight is champion vs. mester. It’s going to determine who’s the best, på ekte. Tomorrow is going to be the best of the best and you’re going to see the best out of me.”

 

Luis Ortiz

“I’m going to do what I’ve always done in my career and even in the amateurs, and that’s just fight. It’s going to be no different. I’m going to come out punching.

 

 

 

“Every fight is an important fight and tomorrow night I will show what I can do. I’m going to show why I’m known as the most avoided fighter.”

 

Razvan Cojanu

“I’m in very good shape. Tomorrow night it’s SHOWTIME. We’re going to bring the pain.

 

 

 

“The secret to beating Luis Ortiz is two things. One, I cannot say because I’m in front of the cameras but the other one is the heart.”

Mario Barrios

“Everything about fighting on SHOWITME excites me. I’ve been working for this and dreaming about this day since I was a little kid. Now it’s here and I want to take full advantage of it.

 

 

 

“I hope the fans can expect a lot. I’m here to showcase my talents and they are going to see fireworks. I always get a lot of love from the fans when I fight in L.A.”

 

Jose Roman

“I have a special motivation for this fight. My cousin’s son is battling leukemia so I dedicate this fight to him. He’s only three years old. It’s really hard because I’m a father and just imagining that breaks my heart.”

 

# # #

 

 

 

For mer informasjon besøk www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com ogwww.staplescenter.com Følg på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions ogwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC er sponset av Corona, Finest Beer.

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WATCH NOW! THE APPROACH: MIKEY GARCIA – Four-Division World Champion Explains His Mindset Before a Fight

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THE APPROACH: MIKEY GARCIA

Four-Division World Champion Explains His Mindset Before a Fight

Garcia Faces Robert Easter Jr. in Lightweight World Title Unification Bout

Denne lørdagen, 10 pm. OG/7 pm. PT på Showtime

Photo Credit: Showtime Sports

Se, Utsikt & Del Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2AgFPt5

HVA: Fire-divisjon verdensmester Mikey Garcia explains his mindset in the final moments before a fight in this new digital offering from SHOWTIME Sports®. The Approach: Mikey Garcia provides a first-person glimpse into Garcia’s psyche and unique tendencies as he prepares to enter the ring.

“The ring walk is the most special moment of a fight itself,” says Garcia. “Sometimes I get very emotional and I want to cry because it’s unbelievable that all of these people are there to support me.”

Garcia, the unbeaten WBC Lightweight World Champion, will meet IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert påske Jr. in a 135-pound unification showdown i morgen natt, Juli 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Live coverage of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 10 pm. OG/7 pm. PT and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) returning to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) and opens with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) tar on hard-hitting Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) i et 10-runde oppgjør.

The night kicks off with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN at 8 pm. OG/5 pm. PT, as former three-division champion Abner Mares joins boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix to preview the night’s tripleheader and call live undercard bouts from ringside in Los Angeles. SHOWTIME’s fifth digital presentation of live boxing in 2018 will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel og SHOWTIME Boksing Facebook-side.

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Mikey Garcia vs. Robert påske Jr. Endelige Pressekonferanse Quotes & Bilder

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Lette verdensmestere sammenstøt i Unification Fight That Headlines Action Lørdag, Juli 28 Live på SHOWTIME fra STAPLES Center i Los Angeles & Presentert av
Premier Boxing Champions
Klikk HER for Bilder fra Scott Hirano / SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (Juli 26, 2018) – Lette verdensmestere Mikey Garcia og Robert påske Jr. gikk ansikt til ansikt torsdag på den siste pressekonferansen to dager før de går inn i ringen for en 135 pund tittelsamling lørdag, Juli 28 live på SHOWTIME fra STAPLES Center i Los Angeles i et arrangement presentert av Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Bli med dem torsdag og konkurrere på tre-kamp SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING-sendingen (10 pm. ET / 7 pm. PT) var kubansk tungvektsslugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz og førstnevnte tittel-utfordrer Razvan Cojanu, som møtes i en 10-runde kamp pluss ubeseiret super lettvektig konkurrent Mario “Aztekerne” Nabolag og hardtslående Jose Roman, som konkurrerer i et 10-runde oppgjør.

 

 

 

Billetter til direktesendingen, som er fremmet av Ringstar Sport og TGB Kampanjer, begynn kl $50, pluss gjeldende avgifter, og er i salg nå. For å kjøpe billetter, besøk AXS.com.

 

 

 

Her er hva pressekonferansedeltakerne hadde å si torsdag fra Conga Room på L.A. Live-:

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

 

 

“Dette blir min første tittelforeningskamp. Det betyr mye å møte en annen ubeseiret mester. Det vil hjelpe arven min og karrieren min. Jeg tar de riktige skritt for å komme videre og sementere navnet mitt i tidene.

 

 

 

“Det er ikke nok en kamp foran meg akkurat nå som får meg til å bli begeistret annet enn denne mot Robert Easter Jr.. Han kommer med alt han har. Dette er definitivt hans største kamp, ​​og jeg tror vi vil kunne få det beste ut av hverandre.

 

 

 

“Jeg og Robert Easter Jr.. er de eneste ubeseirede mesterne i divisjonen. Så i mine øyne, vinneren er divisjonens beste fighter.

 

 

 

“Jeg er veldig glad for å kjempe igjen i Los Angeles. Det er syv år siden jeg kjempet her. Å gi fans en sjanse til å se denne store kampen live på STAPLES Center er en flott ting. Jeg er veldig takknemlig for at vi kunne ha kampen her. Most opponents wouldn’t have come here.

 

 

 

“I’m coming back to STAPLES Center as a world champion and I have a chance to unify in my hometown. There’s nothing better that I could ask for. I’m going to do everything I can to come out victorious on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“I’m glad that Robert is confident coming into this fight. I believe that he will show up the best possible version of himself. That’s what gets me even more motivated and excited for this fight.

 

 

 

“I’m here to take the biggest fights and biggest challenges. I will be at welterweight very soon and I look forward to taking on the best there. Everyone says not to do it, and that’s what excites me and motivates me the most.”

 

ROBERT PÅSKE JR.

 

 

 

“Jeg tar virkelig ikke hensyn til å bli ‘oversett’ eller hva motstanderne mine sier førte til en kamp. July 28 vi må fremdeles komme inn og kaste disse hendene. Ingenting som er sagt av ham eller noen utenfor plager meg i det hele tatt.

 

 

 

“Det eneste store navnet Mikey Garcia har slått er Adrien Broner. Jeg skal gi ham problemer. Jeg tror med våre ferdigheter og rekord, vinneren av denne kampen er den beste fighteren i vektklassen.

 

 

 

“Dette kan gi karrieren min stor oppmerksomhet. Det kan hjelpe meg å få den anerkjennelsen jeg fortjener. Jeg ser på alle kampene mine som en stor kamp, men åpenbart er dette en forening. Du vil se to krigere der inne på lørdag.

 

 

 

“Det er lenge siden jeg debuterte på STAPLES Center. Du kommer til å få mye action og spenning lørdag kveld. Forvent det uventede.

 

 

 

“Jeg hadde en så fin treningsleir med trener Cunningham og faren min. Det var alt boksing hele tiden, og virkelig det jeg trengte for å gå inn i en matchup som dette.

 

 

 

“Alle vil kunne se det harde arbeidet mitt lønner seg lørdag kveld. Jeg er ikke den som liker å snakke om det, Jeg vil vise alle hva jeg har.

 

 

 

“Dette er den slags kamper som jeg alltid har ønsket å være en del av. Det er en stor kamp som jeg vet at fansen virkelig kommer til å glede seg over. Jeg skal gi dem noe å huske.

 

 

 

“Å være underdog er hva det er. Bare en av oss kan være favoritten. Vi gjorde det vi måtte gjøre for å forberede oss på denne kampen og i juli 28 you’ll see it all in action.”

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother and Trainer

 

 

 

“There’s always risk in any fight. We’re very well-prepared for this big challenge and Mikey is in a great place mentally. Easter is a tall guy who I’m sure will try to use his reach and fight from the outside. But we’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

 

 

 

“This is obviously a big fight for Mikey against another elite boxer. When two undefeated guys are unifying, it’s always big. We had great sparring partners who prepared Mikey to be at his very best.

 

 

 

“We’re ready for the best Robert Easter possible. I’m not even looking at his past two performances. We’ve done what we had to do to be ready for this fight and the best version of our opponent.”

 

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Easter’s Co-Trainer

 

 

 

“Robert has always been a tremendous fighter and an excellent boxer when he wants to box. We just put extra emphasis on how we want to fight Mikey Garcia. Robert has the natural skill and ability, plus the size and reach to get this done.

 

 

 

“We’re prepared to dictate the tempo, control distance and range and do everything we want to do. We’ve done it so far in camp and we’re going to bring it into the ring on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“It’s obvious for the last couple of weeks that Garcia has been talking more about future fights than this fight on Saturday night. I look at that as him overlooking Easter. Men, Mikey is a pro with a seasoned trainer so I doubt he’s being totally overlooked. He better be ready.”

 

ROBERT EASTER SR., Easter’s Father & Co-Trainer

 

 

 

“Jeg føler meg alltid veldig trygg på Roberts sjanser hver gang han går inn i ringen. Vi hadde en god leir, og jeg vet at han er klar. Han er alltid klar, akkurat som han har vært i hver kamp som har ført til denne.

 

 

 

“Denne kampen kommer til å leve opp til sprøytenarkomanen. Robert skal ut der og vise verden hva han egentlig er laget av.

 

 

 

“Vi skal ut der og vinne seieren. Vi skal pålegge Mikey vår spillplan og gjøre det til en veldig lang natt for ham.”

 

LUIS ORTIZ

 

 

 

“Min sult og motivasjon til å bli verdensmester har ikke endret seg i det hele tatt. Motstanderen min er veldig stor, men i ringen er alle like store. Vi kommer til å være smarte og jeg skal gjøre jobben min lørdag kveld.

 

 

 

“Wilder-kampen er hva den er. Det er fortiden nå, og jeg angrer ikke på det. På slutten av dagen ønsker jeg omkampen, og jeg tror jeg fortjener omkampen. De løper fortsatt fra meg, og de løper åpenbart fra Wilder, men jeg løper fra ingen.

 

 

 

“En seier lørdag kveld vil sette meg tilbake i kø for omkampen med Deontay Wilder. Slåss er det jeg vet hvordan jeg skal gjøre, og det er det jeg kommer til å gjøre på lørdag kveld. Vi er begge sultne på seier, og vi får se hvem som kommer på topp.

 

 

 

“Jeg lærte at jeg trenger å trene enda hardere, kjemp hardere, kaste mer og koble til mer. Hvis jeg ikke hadde vært trøtt, Jeg vil fremdeles slå ham i dag. Jeg kastet klokken på treningsstudioet. Vi kommer til å være smartere fremover.”

 

RAZVAN COJANU

 

 

 

“Jeg er veldig klar for denne matchen. Da vi fikk denne samtalen, Jeg var allerede i form. Vi måtte bare gjøre justeringen for å bekjempe en sørpote. Vi har omtrent en måned med veldig morsom sparring fram til denne kampen.

 

 

 

“Jeg føler meg veldig komfortabel mot southpaw, spesielt en som alle er kjent med som Ortiz. Jeg vet at jeg har ferdighetene til å ta seieren hjem.

 

 

 

“The Wilder vs.. Ortiz-kampen var en flott kamp, ​​og jeg gratulerer ham for den prestasjonen. Jeg så mange ting som jeg kan avsløre. Det viktigste er den skarpe en-to-kombinasjonen som gir ham problemer.”

 

MARIO Barrios

 

 

 

“Dette er definitivt den tøffeste testen i karrieren min. Jeg er veldig glad for å ha denne store kampen. Dette kommer til å være den breakout-forestillingen jeg har sett etter.

 

 

 

“Uansett hvilken tittel som er tilgjengelig for meg, er tittelen vi går etter. Det spiller ingen rolle hvem jeg må møte, Jeg skal være klar. Jeg skyter for det aller beste.

 

 

 

“Dette er en flott mulighet til å debutere på SHOWTIME. Dette er et kort fullpakket med talent, men jeg har tenkt å stjele showet. Jeg skal vise alle hva slags fighter jeg er.

 

 

 

“Jeg vet at Roman kommer til å kjempe, men det gjør jeg også. Jeg gleder meg til å kjempe i denne bygningen. Alle de store har kjempet her, og jeg gleder meg til å stille et flott show.”

 

JOSE ROMAN

 

 

 

 

“Nabolag’ beste våpenet ville være hastigheten og rekkevidden hans, og jeg tror vi har den perfekte spillplanen for å motsette oss det. Jeg vet at jeg må være tålmodig der inne fordi jeg har en vanskelig motstander. Jeg gjør dette for familien min, og ingen kan stoppe meg.

 

 

 

“En seier over Mario Barrios ville være enorm for meg. Fans kan komme inn der og forvente en krig mellom to meksikanske krigere som vil la alt være i ringen.

 

 

 

“Når jeg ikke kjemper, går jeg til Cyprus College og tar hovedfag i matematikk. Jeg har vært veldig god i matte siden jeg var liten. Jeg er på et flott spor akkurat nå i boksekarrieren og i livet.”

 

RICHARD Schaefer, Styreformann & CEO i Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“Dette er et utrolig kort fra topp til bunn. Det er en spektakulær boksing som foregår her på STAPLES Center. Vi har litt av alt på dette kortet. Dette inkluderer talent fra Robert Garcias treningsstudio, mer 2016 US-. Olympian Karlos Balderas, som jeg tror en dag vil være overskrift på STAPLES Center en dag.

 

 

 

“Den TV-sendte delen av dette kortet har også en fantastisk oppstilling, inkludert en ubeseiret Mario Barrios, som representerer Texas godt og gjør staten sin stolt. Han er en av de mest spennende krigerne i divisjonen og vil ha en tøff utfordring i Jose Roman.

 

 

 

“Luis Ortiz er den slags fighter som du bare ikke vil gå glipp av et minutt av når han kjemper. Han kommer fra en av de beste kampene i år, da han utfordret WBC tungvektsmester Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

“Kampen mellom Mikey Garcia og Robert Easter Jr.. er kirsebæret på toppen av en fantastisk kveld. Jeg vet at disse krigerne er klare til å underholde og vise talentet sitt.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Hendelses Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

“Det er krigere som sier at de vil ha tøffe kamper, og så er det krigere som faktisk tar tøffe kamper. Det er stor forskjell mellom disse to. Mikey Garcia og Robert Easter Jr.. er krigerne som faktisk tar toppkampene.

 

 

 

“Dette er den tredje verdensmesterskapet på SHOWTIME i år. Ingen andre nettverk har levert dette nivået av kamper til boksefans. Det er flere verdenstittelforbundninger enn alle de andre nettverkene kombinert i år.

 

 

 

“Mikey er en topp pund-for-pund fighter og påske er den lengste regjerende mesteren i lettvekt og sannsynligvis den mest unngås fighter i divisjonen. Ingen skynder seg å kjempe mot noen av disse gutta, ennå, dette var en lett kamp å lage.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

 

For mer informasjon besøk www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com og www.staplescenter.com Følg på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @ TGBPromotions @ STAPLESCenter og @Swanson_Comm eller bli en fan på Facebook på www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions ogwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC er sponset av Corona, Finest Beer.

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MIKEY GARCIA BECOMES A FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER SERGEY LIPINETS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM FREEMAN COLISEUM IN SAN ANTONIO

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Kiryl Relikh Dominates Rances Barthelemy To Capture WBA Super Lightweight World Championship In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature

Catch The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Replay Mandag, Mars 12 Ved

10 pm. OG/PT på SHOWTIME EXTREME

Klikk HER For bilder; Credit Amanda Westcott / SHOWTIME

SAN ANTONIO (Mars 11, 2018) - Mikey Garcia captured a world title in his fourth weight division, outpointing previously undefeated Sergey Lipinets to win the IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship Lørdag on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.

Med seieren, Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs) joined Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as the only fighters in history to win titles at 126, 130, 135 og 140 pounds.

“It’s a great feeling. Winning this fourth title in a fourth division is an honor,” Garcia said. “To get to be mentioned with Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is a huge honor for me. It just leaves a little chapter in boxing with my name, my brother, my dad. I think people will remember the Garcia family for ages to come.”

Garcia, who was fighting for just the second time at 140 pounds, relied on a steady diet of combos to back up Lipinets, who was making the first defense of the IBF title he won last November on SHOWTIME. Garcia floored Lipinets for the first time in his career, connecting on a counter left hook midway through the seventh in a rousing moment that sent the pro-Garcia crowd at Freeman Coliseum to their feet.

Garcia, who won by scores of 116-111 og 117-110 to ganger, connected on 46 percent of his power shots compared to 36 percent for the defending champion.

“He came in exactly as I expected – a very tough, very hungry and strong fighter,” Garcia said. “We worked with angles behind the jab. He’s very dangerous, but we had a great game plan and we were able to prevail.

“I know I carry the power, but I was fighting a bigger man and he could take a punch. I didn’t want to get caught and I had to be patient.”

Etter kampen, Garcia, who still holds the WBC title at lightweight, reiterated his mantra that he’s seeking the biggest fights available, regardless of weight division.

“What I love is I have all the options,” Garcia said. “I could go down to 135 to unify titles, which is what I really want to do. And in a couple of fights you’re going to see me at 147.

Despite being the defending champion, Lipinets (13-1, 10 KOs) was fighting in just his 14th professional fight. The Russian, who was born in Kazakhstan, delivered a valiant effort against one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

“It was probably experience that took over at some point,” Lipinets said. “Mikey is a great fighter, he can obviously crack. It was just experience that I was lacking.

“I want to go back in the gym and work on the problems I showed in the ring. There are a couple of holes I need to close. I’ll be back. It’s a learning experience.”

In a rematch of one of 2017’s best and most controversial fights, Kiryl Relikh handed former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy the first loss of his career with a wide unanimous decision victory to capture the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship.

Relikh (22-2, 19 KOs) was the more active fighter and controlled the co-main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from the opening bell, kasting 1,237 total punches compared to just 494 for Barthelemy. Relikh, who many thought won their first matchup, consistently worked off his jab, tilkobling på 103 punches per round while Barthelemy landed an average of just 41.

While Barthelemy (26-1, 13 KOs) won a disputed and wide decision in their first bout there was no controversy in the judges’ scorecards in the rematch, som ble scoret 117-110 og 118-109 to ganger.

Relikh became just the third fighter from Belarus to win a world title while Barthelemy came up short in his bid to become the first Cuban to win a world title in three weight divisions.

“Last time I was not ready,” Relikh said. “I didn’t have proper preparation in the first fight but this time, with my new trainers, Jeg var klar. Jeg er veldig glad. I’ve waited for this dream for 20 år. I’ve worked hard for this dream and now it’s mine.

“Coming in we were looking to box all the way. My jab has developed so much since the last fight. They probably thought that I would run out of gas like last time, but I trained like a champion this time. Everything was geared toward becoming champion and that’s what we did i kveld."

Barthelemy, who picked up the pace a bit in the final three rounds, didn’t dispute the decision.

“My heart is broken because I came in to this fight trying to get that third world title,” Barthelemy said. “I have to admit defeat and say that Relikh deserved to win that fight, but I will be back.

“At this point I have to look forward and put it behind me.”

The featured attraction of the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast saw San Antonio’s own Mario Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) deliver a sensational second round knockout of Eudy Bernardo (23-3, 17 KOs) in front of his hometown fans.

“I definitely made a statement i kveld,”Sa Barrios. “I showed the 140-pound division that I’m here and ready for any of them.”

Barrios was dominant from the start and struck early in the second with a vicious straight right that put Bernardo down. Although Bernardo got to his feet and beat the count, referee Jon Schorle had seen enough and waved off the bout 45 seconds into the second round of the super lightweight affair.

“I wasn’t going in there looking for the knockout, but I caught him early,”Sa Barrios. “I’ve been on a good run and I’m ready to continue that streak. We’re moving up the ranks fight by fight. I’m looking to get a title eliminator by the end of the year and hopefully a title shot early next year.”

I åpnings bout av SHO EXTREME telecast, Richard Commey (26-2, 23 KOs) scored a sixth-round TKO of Alejandro Luna (22-1, 15 KOs) in their IBF Lightweight World Title Eliminator.

“Despite the win, my performance wasn’t up to the level that I hoped it would be,” said Commey. “He was exactly what I expected and if I had connected on more of my punches in the beginning I think the fight would have been over earlier. I was really trying to work on what we had been focusing on in camp but I just wasn’t performing well at the start of the fight.”

The fight was defined by exciting exchanges throughout, with Commey, fighting on his 31st bursdag, getting the better early and connecting with power punches that caused Luna’s jaw to swell. Commey’s power broke through in round six when a powerful combination punctuated by a left uppercut sent Luna to the canvas for the first time in his career.

“Jeg er veldig skuffet,” said Luna. “All the credit to Commey, but I expect more of myself and I’m going to get back in the gym and come back much stronger and better.”

Luna rose to his feet but was quickly pounced on by Commey, som landet 62 percent of his power punches in the round, and was sent to the mat again. This forced referee David Fields to call a halt to the bout at 1:54 of round six. Commey now becomes the mandatory challenger for IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter, who Commey lost a split decision to in September 2016.

“It is the greatest feeling to get the win on my 31st birthday,” said Commey. “I am looking forward to fighting for the 135-pound world title and becoming champion.”

The SHO EXTREME swing bout featured unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (15-0, 10 KOs) scoring a seventh round knockout of Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado (16-6, 9 KOs) in their super bantamweight clash.

Figueroa, the brother of former champion Omar, continued to show the aggressive style that has defined his early career as he threw an astonishing 178 punches in the third round. That number was good for the second most ever thrown in a single round by a fighter in a super bantamweight bout, according to CompuBox.

The 21-year-old Figueroa continued to put the pressure on, battering Delgado until referee Gregorio Alvarez halted the fight at 1:55of the seventh round.

# # #

For mer informasjon besøk www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

Følg oss på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing og www.Facebook.com/Ring Star Sports. PBC er sponset av Corona Extra, Finest Beer.