Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

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RISING STARS AND TOP CONTENDERS SET FOR HIGH-STAKES MATCHUPS ON STACKED CANELO VS. CHARLO SHOWTIME PPV UNDERCARD SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

August 27, 2023 FNU47 Leave a comment

Plus All-Action Rising Middleweights Elijah Garcia and

Armando Reséndiz Meet in Pay-Per-View Opener

Canelo Promotions Presents a Premier Boxing Champions

Pay-Per-View from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – August 25, 2023 – Three matchups featuring rising stars, top contenders and former world champions from 147 to 160 pounds will highlight a robust pay-per-view undercard leading up to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo undisputed super middleweight championship clash on Saturday, September 30 live on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View.

In the co-main event, undefeated sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr.,will take on hard-hitting top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin in a 12-round super welterweight special attraction. The pay-per-view also includes former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios going toe-to-toefor the Interim WBC Welterweight Title. Opening up the action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT are rising middleweights Elijah Garcia and Armando Reséndiz squaring off in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

“These three matchups deliver everything boxing fans could hope for in a pay-per-view undercard and are worthy of the historic main event clash they will lead up to,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Each fighter stepping into the ring has an opportunity to catapult themselves to the top of their respective division with a win on September 30. Fans can expect to see all of these competitors give everything they have to emerge victorious on SHOWTIME PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) blitzed then-unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant on SHOWTIME PPV. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 opponents, showcasing his skills and ability to end his fights early.

“I’m excited to be part of this huge card against a tough opponent on September 30,” said Ramos. “I know Lubin is training hard and coming to win, which will make for an entertaining fight. This whole card is stacked and we don’t want to disappoint, so the fans are in for a great night of boxing.”

The 27-year-old Lubin (25-2, 18 KOs) returned to the ring in June to deliver an impressive fifth-round stoppage of veteran Luis Arias, who had never been stopped previously. Lubin’s previous outing saw him go toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, as he traded knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to then unified and now undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation^®,earning “Prospect Of The Year” honors from ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I know the world will be watching on September 30 and I plan on winning in a big way,” said Lubin. “We’ve got a young and talented fighter in front of us, but I’m young and talented as well. The difference is that I’ve fought the cream of the crop of the 154-pound division. Doesn’t matter if it’s Olympians, top prospects, contenders or champions, I’ve taken them on. I have a big chip on my shoulder and I know that with this win, I’ll be in a mega fight. I’m training extremely hard and the whole world will see it pay off.”

Ugas (27-5, 12 KOs) will step back into action on September 30 for the first time since an April 2022 unification bout defeat to Errol Spence Jr. on SHOWTIME PPV. He established himself as an elite welterweight after returning from a more than two-year layoff in 2016 following back-to-back losses in 2014. He punched his ticket as a world champion in January 2021 after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos in September 2020. He solidified his world-championship status in August 2021, when he stepped in for an injured Spence to defeat legendary future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Hailing from Santiago, Cuba and now living in Miami, Florida, the Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas with renowned coach Ismael Salas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“Both me and Mario Barrios have a lot to gain with a victory on September 30, so I know that this fight is going to be one to remember,” said Ugas. “I have tremendous respect for Barrios. He’s a true warrior who’s been in the ring with the best of them, but I have confidence that I’ll be victorious. I have a lot of fight left in me and my best skills will be on display in this fight. Patria y Vida, I fight for my people.”

The 28-year-old Barrios (27-2, 18 KOs) most recently scored a sensational knockout of Jovanie Santiago in February stopping Santiago in the eighth-round. Barrios’ previous fight was his welterweight debut as he dropped a hard-fought decision to former unified champion Keith Thurman in February 2022. The San Antonio-product, who now trains with top coach Bob Santos in Las Vegas, became a 140-pound world champion in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.

“This fight is going to be a war, because we both fight with a lot of heart and neither of us ever backs down,” said Barrios. “I can’t wait to compete in a matchup like this on one of the biggest cards of the year. This is going to be a great night of boxing from start to finish and the Mexican fans can expect to see an explosive performance from ‘El Azteca’!”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs) is one of 2023’s biggest breakout stars He burst onto the scene in March by blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round to announce his presence at 160-pounds. The 20-year-old followed up that performance by dominating veteran Kevin Salgado on his way to a unanimous decision in April on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia. The precocious Garcia has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out six of his last eight opponents.

“This is my second fight this year on a huge pay-per-view card and I’m super excited and even more prepared than the first time,” said Garcia. “Reséndiz is a hungry fighter just like myself, so I have no doubt that we are going to put on a hell of a show for all the fans watching.”

The 24-year-old Reséndiz (14-1, 10 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing as he stopped former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10^th and final round of their March showdown on SHOWTIME. Reséndiz led on all three cards when the bout was stopped due to a severe laceration on Hurd’s lip. A native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles and will look to make it three-straight wins since a close decision loss to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021. Reséndiz turned pro in February 2018 and made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021 with a decision victory over Quilisto Madera.

“I’m very happy to have this great opportunity to compete on such an important fight card,” said Reséndiz. “I’m excited to realize my dream of fighting in Las Vegas, just like my boxing idols that I watched on TV. I’ve had an amazing training camp that will help me look my best on September 30 and put on a performance worthy of the boxing legends who inspire me.”

# # #

For more information visit sho.com/ppv and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloCharlo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

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Statik 360 is the Best Charger Cord You Will Ever Own

March 25, 2023 FNU47 Leave a comment

Take it from the guys at Fight News Unlimited. We love this product. It is durable, practical and will keep your hassles with phone charging to a minimum. Check it out:

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime

SUBRIEL MATIAS CAPTURES VACANT IBF 140-POUND WORLD TITLE WITH FIFTH-ROUND TKO OF JEREMIAS PONCE IN HIGH-OCTANE SHOWTIME® MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM THE ARMORY IN MINNEAPOLIS

February 28, 2023 FNU47 Leave a comment

Minneapolis-Native Jamal James and Super Lightweight Contender Elvis Rodriguez Score Victories in Televised Undercard of Premier Boxing Champions Event

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

MINNEAPOLIS – February 26, 2023 – Power-punching Subriel Matias showed why he’s become one of boxing’s most vaunted knockout artists as he stopped the previously unbeaten Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship Saturday night live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Puerto Rico’s Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) captured the title in an electric firefight that saw the two top-ranked 140-pounders throw over 800 combined punches in five rounds according to CompuBox. For Matias, the victory culminated a long journey that had him away from his family for nearly a year as he trained in Mexico for his first title opportunity.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don’t think I’ve woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it’s a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn’t have the same power as me as the fight went on.”

Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) came out extremely aggressive and looked to swarm Matias early as he threw 96 punches in round one, out landing Matias 28 to 11. Matias adjusted in round two, closing the distance and smothering Ponce to dull some of his attack while also finding spots for his own short power punches.

“I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.”

After landing a powerful left hand that hurt Ponce late in round four, Matias returned determined and sharp in round five, landing 47% of his power punches over the three minutes. In the waning moments of the round, Matias landed the decisive blows, a series of head and body shots that badly hurt Matias and put him on the mat.

Ponce was able to make it to his stool, but his corner had seen enough and suggested that the fight be stopped, with the official result coming as a TKO at the end of round five.

“I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.”

“I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that [Ponce] was hurt. I thought that I was patient in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.”

After the fight, with his IBF belt in tow, Matias set his sights on a unification showdown against WBC 140-pound World Champion Regis Prograis.

“Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”

In the co-main event, Minneapolis-native and welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (28-2, 12 KOs) returned from a 16-month layoff to thrill a sold-out hometown crowd and earn a unanimous decision victory after 10-rounds against Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta (18-2, 13 KOs).

“I’m pretty sure everybody can see that layoff affected me,” said James. “I had a lot of rust in me. My legs weren’t sharp, my punches weren’t sharp, but I’m glad I was able to get in there. I liked that because it’s pushing me mentally and it made me step up to the occasion.”

“I thought it was an even fight,” said Palmetta. “I was the aggressor throughout against a former world champion, a taller opponent with longer reach than me.”

In his first action since losing his WBA Welterweight Title to Radzhab Butaev in October 2021, James picked up his fifth career victory at the friendly confines of The Armory. Using his considerable height and reach advantage, James was able to control much of the action and contest the bout on his terms.

“I was trying to adapt,” said James. “I definitely felt like I won the fight but I believe I could’ve done much better. I know that I’m a lot sharper. I know that my endurance is a lot stronger. I just had a lot of time off and my body is still getting back in shape. I’ll be back for sure.”

“I also like to counter, but I ratcheted up the pressure in the second half of the fight,” said Palmetta. “Maybe it looked like Jamal James was superior in the first half because he kept being conservative and countering.”

Palmetta had success countering James but was unable to put together enough combinations or hurt James during the action. James’ edge was reflected on the scorecards, as he out landed Palmetta 193 to 111, including a 153 to 102 edge in power punches.

James was also able to use a sharp body attack to keep Palmetta at bay, landing 68 throughout the fight, compared to just 20 from Palmetta. In round nine, a sharp right uppercut caused Palmetta to stumble and let to a raucous exchange that stirred James’ hometown fans.

The crowd again rose to their feet as James and Palmetta whipped power punches throughout the final moments of round 10. James kept his perfect record at The Armory intact by wide scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice.

“I know I can be a champion again because I was a champion before,” said James. “I have to stay focused. Stay in the gym and back and study this fight – actually, my last two fights – and step it up. Thanks to everybody in Minneapolis for coming and showing me love.”

In the telecast opener, super lightweight contender Elvis Rodriguez (14-1-1,12 KOs) overcame a slow start to earn a hard-fought majority decision over the hard-hitting Joseph Adorno (17-2-2, 14 KOs) after 10 rounds.

“Ring rust was definitely a factor,” said Rodriguez. “Maybe the struggle was more mental than physical in a way, but the important thing is that I overcame it.”

After a couple of rounds feeling each other out, Adorno was the first to have success, showing a varied attack with hooks to the body and head. He punctuated a strong fourth round with several counter hooks right before the closing bell.

In round five the action began to heat up, with Rodriguez starting to find a home for his offense as well, while still taking consistent return fire from Adorno. Rodriguez would eventually take control of the fight in the seventh round, landing a perfect right hook that badly hurt Adorno. Rodriguez followed up quickly and forced Adorno to the canvas to score the knockdown, although Adorno was able to stay in the fight and make it through the round.

“I thought I had him once I landed that right hook, but he got up,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a warrior and a good fighter… The seventh round was huge, that’s when I truly started to win this fight. I have to give credit to Adorno for being savvy and knowing how to keep his distance before then.”

Rodriguez rode that momentum through the rest of the fight, out landing Adorno 52 to 33 across rounds seven through 10. The Freddie Roach-trained contender punctuated his victory in the final frame, landing a left that referee Jon Schorle ruled a knockdown, despite the objection from Adorno, who felt he was tripped during the exchange.

After the 10rounds Rodriguez emerged victorious on the judges’ cards, as one score of 94-94 was overruled by tallies of 95-93 and 97-91. Post-fight, Adorno expressed his belief that his early success was enough for him to earn a better result, while Rodriguez set his sights on the new 140-pound champion Matias.

“I thought the judges were blind,” said Adorno. “I can’t get a win with these judges. I don’t know how you see the fight 97-91. I thought I won every round except the ones he dropped me. He never out worked me at all. I had the jab in his face and was snapping him to the body. He couldn’t do anything. No way he won seven rounds. I thought 94-94 was okay because of the two knockdowns.”

“Like I said yesterday at the weigh-in, bring on the winner of the main event,” said Rodriguez. “And to my people in the Dominican Republic, just know that I’ll be back even bolder and even better next time.”

Prior to the telecast, the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and was topped by a welterweight matchup that saw Minneapolis-native Ve’Shawn Owens (14-3, 12 KOs) score a unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (18-2, 10 KOs) after 10-rounds. The judges’ scores were 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.

Streaming action also featured the Ronnie Shields-trained Willie Jones (9-2, 6 KOs) delivering a vicious first-round knockout over the previously unbeaten Derrick Jackson (10-1, 5 KOs) just 1:22 into their welterweight clash, plus sensational super lightweight prospect Mickel Spencer (3-0, 2 KOs), with his older brother and unbeaten contender Joey Spencer watching ringside, dismantled Margarito Hernandez (3-5-1) to earn a first-round TKO 2:18 into the fight.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast will replay Sunday, February 26 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday, February 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer was four-time Emmy Award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show was hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk-show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, who also serves as an expert analyst on the popular SHOBOX^® series.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #MatiasPonce follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

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TIM TSZYU LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu Makes Much Anticipated U.S. Debut Against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Saturday, March 26 Live on SHOWTIME**^® **From The Armory in Minneapolis Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event**

**Click** HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/
**Premier Boxing Champions**

**Click** HERE for Photos from Alex Sanchez/
**MJS Entertainment**

**LAS VEGAS** (March 18, 2022) – Unbeaten rising star **Tim Tszyu** held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday as he nears his much anticipated U.S. debut against U.S. Olympian **Terrell Gausha** taking place Saturday, March 26 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The son of Hall of Famer Kostya, Tszyu arrived stateside last Saturday from his native Australia to finish training camp in Las Vegas before heading to Minneapolis. After amassing a 20-0 record with 15 knockouts, Tszyu looks to move himself one step closer to a title shot with an emphatic victory on March 26.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Here is what Tszyu and his trainer, **Igor Goloubev**, had to say Thursday from Left Right Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

**TIM TSZYU**

“We’ve done a few camps here in Las Vegas before so we’re familiar with the terrain out here. It’s not too far to then go to Minneapolis, but it’s a lot warmer here is Las Vegas, so I’m glad I came here first. Adjusting to the time difference was tough at first but I’ve definitely recovered. By the time I arrived in Las Vegas, it was just about sharpening everything up.

“I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win. I’m not here to ‘tip-tap’. If that means going for the knockout, I’ll go for it right away. I’m not here to out-jab someone and win on the scorecards. From the first second when the fight starts, my objective is to take him out. Every second of every round, I’m going to be in front of my opponent’s face.

“This has been a long time in the making. I’ve been keen on making my debut here ever since I beat Jeff Horn [August 2020]. It’s good to finally be here and I’m quite excited to be on this platform. This is a real opportunity for me.

“My dad hasn’t talked to me too much about what to expect fighting in the U.S. Mostly he just reminds me to stay ready, which I always am. I’m a professional and I’m fighting nonstop. I don’t take rests or honeymoons like some of these other fighters.

“It’s a big deal for me to be in this position headlining on SHOWTIME. You dream of it as a kid, and now for it to actually be happening, it’s unreal. I’m the first Australian who’s had their U.S. debut as a headline act, having not even won a world title yet. It shows that what we’ve done so far is pretty good for the moment. We’re here to make statements.

“This is going to be an interesting fight. I’m quite interested to see what he’s going to bring. Gausha has the tools to win. He’s got great skills and quick hands and a good variety of punches. He does the simple things very well. I like those types of styles. I’ve sparred guys like that in the U.S. and it’s a fun style to fight against.

“I don’t look particularly big or strong, but when I get in the ring, I give off that dominance that says ‘this is my ring. This is what I do and you’re coming onto my stage’. I present that dominance straight away and let everyone know.

*Tszyu on the Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño 154-pound title rematch taking place May 14 on SHOWTIME”*

“Charlo is a cautious fighter with power in both hands. He wobbled Castaño a few times. Charlo waits to land that perfect shot and that’s why Castano’s output wasn’t too high in that fight. I thought Castaño fought a great fight and out worked him. Charlo didn’t know what to do at times. I think it’s either going to be Castaño by decision or Charlo by knockout in the rematch.

“I’m coming for everyone in the division. I’m coming for the belts. You have to have confidence in yourself. I believe that I defeat either Charlo or Castaño. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t believe that. I’d take those guys to places they’ve never been and that’s all that matters to me.”

**IGOR GOLOUBEV, Tszyu’s Trainer**

“Tim is going to make adjustments, like he always does, based off what Gausha brings in the first round. Tim is an absolute pressure fighter. He’s going to be right on top of Gausha from the start. There’s going to be no rest and nowhere for him to go. This is going to be fought on the inside.

“Gausha is a crafty fighter. He’s got a good style from his amateur background and he’s also got strong legs and upper body. We’ve seen footage of him and we know that he can punch, that he’ll move and that he throws lots of jabs. He’s all-around a very good fighter.”

# # #

***ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA***
Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star **Tim Tszyu** make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian **Terrell Gausha** in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender **Michel Rivera** dueling fellow unbeaten **Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno** in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender **Elvis Rodríguez** facing **Juan José Velasco** in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

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TERRELL GAUSHA: “WE’RE GOING TO GIVE TIM TSZYU A DIFFERENT LOOK THAN HE’S EVER SEEN BEFORE”

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Super Welterweight Contender Gausha Faces Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®

Main Event Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis

LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2022 – U.S. Olympian and super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha is confident that he’ll be spoiling the stateside debut of unbeaten rising star Tim Tszyu when they square off on Saturday, March 26 live on SHOWTIME^® headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

“We’ve been working on some different things for this fight,” said Gausha. “We’re going to give Tim Tszyu a different look than he’s seen before. Compared to most of the fights that everyone has seen, they’re going to see something new from me on March 26.”

Tszyu, the son of Hall of Fame fighter Kostya Tszyu, will be making his much-anticipated debut in the U.S. against Gausha, after dominating his first 20 fights in his native Australia. For the Cleveland native Gausha, his motivation comes from within and not from the hype surrounding Tszyu entering this matchup.

“I’m just motivated period,” said Gausha. “It’s got nothing to do with any hype around Tszyu. It has everything to do with where I’m at in my life and my career. Things are happening at the right time for me. I’m in a good place. This is the perfect fight for me at this point in my career.

“I appreciate him for taking this challenge. Most other fighters would try to protect their record. This shows that he believes in himself. He wants the tough fights. That being said, I think he took the wrong fight.”

Gausha scored an impressive knockout over young contender Jamontay Clark in his last fight, stopping his opponent in round two in March 2021, and will look to build on that triumph against a bigger name in Tszyu.

“That was a good fight for me against Clark,” said Gausha. “I wanted to get right back in the ring, but sometimes it’s hard to make fights with certain guys. I have a great opportunity against Tszyu and I’m looking to capitalize and build off of my last performance. I’m going to make an even bigger splash in this fight.”

Training in Los Angeles with Manny Robles and Prenice Brewer, Gausha has received excellent sparring leading up to fight night, having shared the ring with 154-pound champion Brian Castaño, welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz and 2020 U.S. Olympian Delante Johnson. While Gausha expects Tszyu to display his typical come forward style, he plans to be ready for anything that his opponent presents.

“I expect Tim to try to bring pressure and come forward,” said Gausha. “He’s a one-trick pony. What you see is what you get. He doesn’t do too many things spectacularly, but what he does do well, he does it very well, and that’s bring the pressure. We have something ready for that and we’re going to do our thing no matter what he tries to do.”

Gausha previously challenged for the 154-pound world title in losing a 2017 decision against Erislandy Lara and also owns a decision defeat to Erickson Lubin and a draw against former champion Austin Trout. Now, Gausha will look to catapult himself right back into the title picture with a victory on March 26.

“After everyone sees this performance on March 26, they’re going to know where I fit into this division,” said Gausha. “I’ve got a job to do. Right now, I’m really just starting to show people my skills and what I can do. This is going to solidify that. I’m knocking on the door of a title fight right now. A win over Tszyu would be great for my career and get me to the world titles.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

# # #

ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA

Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez facing Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

THREE SENSATIONAL UNDERCARD MATCHUPS HIGHLIGHT ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS SHOWTIME PPV® ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Lightweight Contender Isaac Cruz Battles Former World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in Premier Boxing Champions Co-Main Event From AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas**

**Rising Unbeaten Jose Valenzuela Takes On Former World Champion Francisco Vargas in Lightweight Duel**

**Unbeaten Cody Crowley Faces Veteran Contender Josesito Lopez**
**in Battle of All-Action Welterweights Kicking Off**
**Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT**

**Tickets On Sale Now!**

**ARLINGTON, T.X. – March 17, 2022 –** Three sensational matchups have been added to the SHOWTIME PPV lineup headlined by WBC and IBF world champion **Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.** and WBA World Champion **Yordenis Ugas** squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash on Saturday, April 16 live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender **Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz** taking on veteran former world champion **Yuriorkis Gamboa** in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten **Jose Valenzuela** battling former world champion **Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas** in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten **Cody Crowley** faces veteran contender **Josesito Lopez** in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

“One of the year’s biggest events will feature a deserving pay-per-view undercard lineup loaded with consequential matchups that are primed to deliver drama and action,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz showed against Gervonta Davis that he is a star in the making, and he’ll be looking to display those talents once again against an accomplished opponent in Yuriorkis Gamboa. Plus, another rising star in Jose Valenzuela will step up in competition against former champion Francisco Vargas, while Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez will both bring their high-octane styles into the ring in what shapes up to be a ‘can’t-miss’ showdown to open the loaded SHOWTIME PPV.”

The 23-year-old Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) will return to the ring after dropping a competitive decision against three-division champion Gervonta Davis on SHOWTIME PPV in December. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October. Cruz followed that up in 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matías Romero in March and by defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by decision in June. After making his U.S. debut in December 2019, Cruz went unbeaten in his next four bouts, appearing on SHOWTIME^® three times in addition to beating Magdaleno on the Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring and to fight at AT&T Stadium,” said Cruz. “I love the fans in Texas, they always give me tremendous support. My promoter, Manny Pacquiao, has fought at AT&T Stadium before and won both times. I’m excited to follow in his footsteps against a very accomplished former champion in Gamboa. I’m coming to show the fans why I’m one of the best lightweights in the world and to drive Gamboa into retirement on April 16.”

Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs) is a former unified featherweight champion, holding the IBF and WBA 126-pound titles between 2009 and 2011. A native of Guantanamo, Cuba, he now lives and trains in Miami, Fla. He dropped a showdown against Terence Crawford in a 2014 Fight of the Year, before rebounding to win seven of eight fights. That run included victories over former world champions Jason Sosa and Roman Martinez, putting Gamboa back into world title contention. In his last two fights, Gamboa has dropped contests against current lightweight world champions, losing via 12^th-round TKO to Gervonta Davis in 2019 and by decision against Devin Haney in November 2020.

“I always come to the ring to display my talents and April 16 will be no different,” said Gamboa. “It’s very motivating to be facing a young, strong opponent like Isaac Cruz. I’m going to test him and see if he can stand up to my power. I’m coming to win and make a big statement that I still have what it takes to become champion again.”

The 22-year-old Valenzuela (11-0, 7 KOs) now trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez as he seeks to move from prospect to contender in 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela turned pro in 2018 and rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021. Valenzuela capped off his breakout 2021 in December, dominating Austin Dulay on his way to a TKO in round four.

“It’s a dream come true to be on a high-stakes, stacked card like this,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve admired and studied Spence for a long time, especially because we’re both lefties. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I’m not overlooking or underestimating Francisco Vargas in any way. I’m expecting fireworks. You always get a big fight when two Mexican warriors go head-to-head, so I know the fans are going to be delighted with what they see on April 16.”

Fighting out of Mexico City, Vargas (27-3-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 37-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas later defeated Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories over Ezequiel Aviles in 2019 and Otto Gamez in 2020, prior to dropping a decision against Isaac Cruz in his last fight in June 2021.

“It is an honor to be on such a big card with so many great fighters,” said Vargas. “I’m going to come prepared for this fight and ready to leave the ring with a victory. I know Valenzuela will be trying to make a statement, but I’m coming to do the same. As always, the fans can expect a tremendous fight from start to finish.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (20-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a sensational SHOWTIME debut in December 2021 that saw him beat the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov by unanimous decision. Crowley had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for his last two fights after seven of his first eight pro fights took place in the U.S.

“After my win in December on SHOWTIME, I’m ready to accept the next challenge on my journey to becoming welterweight champion of the world,” said Crowley. “Josesito Lopez is always tough and he brings an exciting style to the table. Unfortunately for him, he will discover what 20 fighters before him have learned, which is that I will not be stopped from achieving my destiny. I want to thank my team for this opportunity to display my skills, heart and relentlessness on this great card at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Lopez (38-8, 21 KOs) earned the nickname “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his go-for-broke style in the ring. He has stepped in across from some of the top boxers in the sport, including champions Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The 37-year-old from Riverside, California is always a tough out in the ring as noted by his narrow majority decision loss to then-champion Keith Thurman in 2019. Since that loss, Lopez has put together back-to-back victories, defeating John Molina, Jr. and Francisco Santana.

“I’m eager and very motivated to step back in the ring and prove myself as one of the best fighters in the world,” said Lopez. “I expect a stiff challenge from Crowley and the fans can expect to see me at my very best. I’m in great shape and ready to put everything on the line. You will definitely want to make sure you don’t miss my fight on April 16.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceUgas, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS LOADED BOXING SCHEDULE FEATURING MARQUEE MATCHUPS FROM PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

TWO WORLD TITLE UNIFICATIONS, SEVEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS AND THREE WORLD TITLE ELIMINATORS ACROSS FIVE MONTHS

Star-Studded Lineup Is Highlighted by Errol Spence Jr., Gervonta Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo

NEW YORK – March 15, 2022 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions today announced nine boxing events across the first half of 2022 featuring some of the sport’s most accomplished and dynamic stars in highly competitive matchups. The lineup pits champions against champions and top contenders against top contenders to form the strongest and most ambitious schedule in the industry. The robust lineup includes:

Nine marquee events across five months featuring 21 undefeated fighters;

Two world championship unifications bouts, one for all four world title belts and the coveted title of Undisputed Champion, and one for three world title belts;

Seven world championship matches with at least 13 world title belts at stake and three world title eliminators;

All of the top-six ranked super welterweights fighting in a seven-week span;

Several pivotal crossroads fights from super bantamweight to super middleweight with an average of two events per month through July.

The massive schedule features the sport’s biggest stars: Errol Spence, Jr., Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo.  There are also 18 fighters aged 27 years and younger including unified world champion Stephen Fulton, Jr., and highly regarded, undefeated welterweight contender Jaron “Boots” Ennis. With this emphasis on youth and kingmaking, SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions are well positioned to carry the sport into the future. Led by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc., and four-time Emmy^® Award-winning executive producer David Dinkins, Jr., who guides an all-star cast of commentators and production aces, SHOWTIME^® remains the most tenured and trusted platform in boxing. Arguably the best active welterweight of this era, the undefeated Spence, already a unified champ, will seek to collect a third world title when he puts his WBC and IBF straps on the line against WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas on Saturday,April 16 in the main event on SHOWTIME PPV^® at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Spence-Ugas is only the 12^th unification match in the history of the welterweight division, joining classic matchups such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas HearnsI and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. The match is rich with intrigue as Spence attempts to claim supremacy in one of boxing’s deepest divisions, while Ugas, who nearly quit the sport, aims to complete a stunning turnaround after beating eight-division world champion Pacquiao in August. Boxing superstar and five-time, three-division world champion TankDavis will headline his fourth straight SHOWTIME PPV event against nemesis Rolando Romero on Saturday, May 28, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, for Davis’ WBA Lightweight World Title. The bout comes on the heels of Davis’ hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision win over Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in which Davis overcame an injury in front of a star-studded, sellout crowd in Los Angeles last December. WBO 154-pound No. 1-ranked contender Tim Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, who fought many of his most memorable bouts on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, will make his U.S. debut Saturday, March 26 against 2012 U.S. Olympian and top contender Terrell Gausha at The Armory in Minneapolis. The streaking southpaws Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora will engage in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator, for the WBC interim title, in the second of back-to-back, intriguing crossroads matchups in the division on Saturday, April 9 from Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño once again will seek to become the first undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era and just the third overall undisputed champion today when they meet in a rematch of their 2021 classic on Saturday, May 14 in Los Angeles. Plus, rising welterweight star Ennis, possibly the most talented boxer yet to win a world title, returns as the co-feature against Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. Former two-time world champion Benavidez returns to action on Saturday,May 21 against knockout artist David Lemieux at 168 pounds in Phoenix, Ariz., in a bout between two of the sport’s biggest punchers. Fulton, in his first bout since his title unification win in the 122-pound division against Brandon Figueroa, will defend his titles on Saturday, June 4 in Minneapolis, against former unified world champion Danny Roman in another can’t miss matchup. Jermall Charlo will defend his WBC Middleweight World Championship for the fifth time on Saturday, June 18, when he faces former world title challenger, WBC No. 6-ranked Maciej Sulecki on the Juneteenth holiday weekend in Houston.  On Saturday, July 9, in San Antonio, Texas, newly minted WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark Magsayo will make his first title defense since dethroning Gary Russell Jr., on SHOWTIME against unbeaten mandatory challenger and former super bantamweight titleholder Rey Vargas.
Additional high-stakes matches will be announced as individual fight cards fill out. “It’s a good time to be a boxing fan and SHOWTIME viewer with so many high-level, consequential matchups on our schedule,” said Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “We continue to grow the sport at every level, from our grassroots series SHOBOX to crowning unified and undisputed champions across boxing’s deepest divisions. When you consider the competitive nature of these fights, the star power of fighters like Errol Spence, Jr., ‘Tank’ Davis, David Benavidez, the Charlo brothers—and the youthful vitality of Stephen Fulton, Jr., Jaron Ennis and Brandun Lee—it’s never been clearer that SHOWTIME is the destination for the most compelling fights and will be for years to come. This SHOWTIME Boxing lineup is hands down the most potent of any network or platform in 2022.” The SHOWTIME Sports boxing schedule features seven editions of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® and two significant SHOWTIME PPV events, all presented by Premier Boxing Champions: ·       March 26 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGThe Armory, Minneapolis, Minn.
o Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha, Super Welterweight Bouto Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, Lightweight Bouto Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, Super Lightweight (142 LBS) Bout ·       April 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__The Theatre at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
o Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora, WBC Super Welterweight Interim Titleo Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, Super Welterweight Bouto Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, Super Welterweight Bout ·       April 16 – SHOWTIME PPV__AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
o Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas, WBC, WBA & IBF Welterweight World __Championship Unification
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (preceding PPV):o Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, WBA Welterweight Title Bouto Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, Super Lightweight Bout ·       May 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Los Angeleso Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño II, Undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Super __Welterweight World Championship Unificationo Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, IBF Welterweight Eliminator ·       May 21 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Phoenix
o David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux, Super Middleweight Bouto Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, Super Welterweight Bout ·       May 28 – SHOWTIME PPV__Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
o Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero, WBA Lightweight World Championship ·       June 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Minneapolis
o Stephen Fulton, Jr. vs. Danny Roman, WBO & WBC Super Bantamweight World Championshipo David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, WBA Super Middleweight World Title ·       June 18 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Houston
o Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki, WBC Middleweight World Championship  ·       July 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__San Antonio
o Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas, WBC Featherweight World Championship\

For more information and future fight announcements visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.