Viewership Peaked at 4.2 Million for Exciting Final Rounds of Keith Thurman-Robert Guerrero Bout

PBC Leads NBC to Victory in Adult 18-49 Demographic

More than 575,000 Minutes Live Streamed Via 

NBC Sports Live Extra

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11, 

Live at 8:30 PM ET on NBC

STAMFORD, Conn. – Mar. 9, 2015 – Saturday night’s debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC was the most-watched professional boxing broadcast since 1998, according to Fast National Data from The Nielsen Company.

The PBC on NBC telecast averaged 3.4 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched professional boxing broadcast in 17 years (“Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998).

Viewership increased every half hour through the telecast and peaked at 4.2 million from10:30-11 p.m. ET during the exciting Rounds 7-12 of Keith Thurman‘s unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero, which The Associated Press called “the kind of fight that had the crowd on its feet and gave a much needed boost to boxing.” With the victory on NBC’s first major primetime boxing broadcast in 30 years (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “The Truth” Williams, on May 20, 1985), Thurman improved to a perfect 25-0 (21 knockouts).

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

“The return of primetime boxing to NBC for the first time in three decades got off to a strong start last weekend with Saturday’s PBC on NBC debut,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN. “With our next primetime telecast on Saturday, April 11, we look forward to building on the momentum that this first event clearly established. We are excited that high-quality boxing is back on NBC.”

Saturday night’s telecast (8:30-11 p.m. ET) posted a 2.11/4 fast national rating – up 174% from the average boxing telecast on NBC from 2012-14 (.77). It is also the highest-rated professional boxing broadcast since the ’98 De La Hoya show on FOX (4.29).

More than 575,000 minutes (576,435) of PBC on NBC coverage was live streamed via NBC Sports Live Extra to desktops, tablets and mobile devices – ranking as the third-best Saturday night this year behind the NFL Wild Card Playoff (Jan. 3, 2015) and the NHL Stadium Series game (Feb. 21, 2015). On social media, #NBCBoxing trended on Twitter worldwide throughout the telecast, along with #PBConNBC, boxers’ names and other key terms trending on the national level.

PBC on NBC returns on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, featuring four boxers with a combined 127-4-1 record and 80 KOs – undefeated superstarDanny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live PBC on NBC boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.

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Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda

LAS VEGAS (Thursday, March 5) – The final press conference for the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC show took place today at MGM Grand as fighters, announcers and executives spoke to the media ahead of their primetime network television debut on Saturday, March 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

This card is promoted by Goossen Promotions and features Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero and Adrien Broner vs. John Molina, Jr. in fights that will air live on NBC (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT).

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

See below for what the participants had to say about the huge night of fights.

KEITH THURMAN

“This is such a beautiful card and such a beautiful fight. We’ve wanted this for a while and we’ve been waiting patiently.

“Robert is a great fighter, a multiple world champion and I’m a current world champion. I know the fans wanted me to step up in class and this is my chance to do that. You know what I’m about, it’s ‘KOs for life’.

“I’m just really excited and happy. I can’t wait to step on the scale tomorrow, re-hydrate and go to work.

“If my fight goes two, six or eight rounds – I’m looking for the knockout. I’m waiting for him to slip up and for me to deliver that one time blow.

“I am going to open up my mouth and say that I am coming to knock him out. I want to be the first fighter to ever knock out Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero. I appreciate him for taking this fight and for all that he has done. I know he’s coming to fight and get this victory, and it’s my job to not let that happen.”

“My brain can’t compute how big of an opportunity this is for me. It’s a blessing and an honor to be on this big of a stage. There are many world champions that could have opened up this show. This is a beautiful card and I am honored to be the main event.

“This is what boxing needs. This stage is what is going to propel my career. We’re trying to bring back the golden generation.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“This truly is a blessing. Being on this stage is incredible. I’m coming to fight. On Saturdaynight I’m ready to go.

“It’s a great day because you don’t need cable TV to watch boxing anymore.

“My last opponent was tough and I was dealing with some injuries but you have to be able to overcome and make adjustments. I got a little wild and just started slugging it out with him.

“There were doubters when I went to 147, people thought I was nuts. Every time people don’t think I can do something, I prove them wrong.

“If you live the lifestyle of a fighter; you should be able to fight regularly.

“I’m ready to go. I had a great training camp and worked very hard. It’s time to take care of business Saturday night. We did a lot of different work in training camp to prepare for this fight.

“Keith Thurman is talking about coming out and becoming the first person to knock me out. I like that type of challenge.

“[Keith] Thurman is very strong and has great lateral movement. He can box, fight on the inside. There are also a lot of flaws with his game and we are going to take advantage of his flaws.

“This fight card is incredible. The exposure that we are going to get is unprecedented. Not just the fight story but my back story as well, with what kind of men we are outside of the ring.

“Being out there talking to everybody and showing off, that’s just not me. So sometimes I’m not always in the public eye, because I’m more of a private man who takes care of his family. But I’m glad this stage will get my story and my wife’s story to the general public.

“Mentally the whole experience of what my wife went through makes me tougher. Watching her fight for her life, it makes me realize that I step into the ring because I love this sport.”

ADRIEN BRONER

“I’ve been through a lo,t but I’m still here and my name has only gotten bigger, even through the bad times.

“Now we have ‘AB on NBC.’ I’m Mr. NBC, everybody is coming to see the AB Show.

“I’ll takeover whatever television channel I’m on, I don’t care if its Cartoon Network, I’m going to bring it.

“John Molina is a tough world class fighter, he wouldn’t be in this position if he wasn’t. He always beats the odds and comes out on the right side of the stick, but this is the time where he’s going to be on the bad end of the stick.

“We’re ready for a dog fight, it doesn’t matter how big the ring is. We’re not running from John Molina. I’m not scared of power.

“We’ll see Saturday night, I’m stopping John Molina and I’m putting my word on that.

“The preparation during this camp was great, I feel strong and ready. It’s going to be a great fight.

“At the end of the day if people say I haven’t looked my best because I haven’t stopped my opponents, but when you look at those fights I outclassed every opponent in front of me. As long as I keep winning, that’s what matters.

“John Molina is going to come to fight, but they all come to fight, he’s not going to beat me.

“The sky is the limit for me, I’m still young and I’ve done so much at a young age. I’m going to mature in the sport but at the end of the day I’m still me.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“It’s an honor to be part of this show that will bring boxing back to the forefront. We’re well prepared and excited to be on this platform.

“It’s a great card with a can’t miss show and PBC and NBC is doing it right. I can’t wait to be a part of it and for that bell to ring March 7.

“Camp went well and we’re 110 percent ready to bring it. It’s a great card with a can’t miss show and PBC and NBC are doing it right. I can’t wait to be a part of it and for that bell to ring March 7.

‘This is going to be dogfight on Saturday night.

‘He’s the same Broner, he can say whatever he wants. He’s made his own bed with his comments and now he has to fight. His mind games that’s he trying to play won’t work.

“Once we get in the ring, the talking stops, two hands just like me.

“I’ve got the power and the skills to win this fight.

“Enjoy the show and I promise you guys fireworks.”

ABNER MARES

“I’ve been a three-time world champion and I have Arturo Reyes in front of me. It’s with honor and please and excitement to be fighting on NBC.

“No disrespect to the other guys up here, but I plan to steal the show. I want to look good. I’ve stolen the show before and it’s going to happen again on Saturday night.

“I hope everyone tunes in Saturday night, everybody better watch out because Abner Mares is going to impress.

“Any of these fights could be main events, no matter the order, so I’m just happy to be a part of it. A lot of people are going to be tuning in so you have to fight to grab the attention of the viewers.

“It takes two to dance and it takes two to fight. When you have a fighter who is going to give you his all, it brings the best out of you. I’m fighting someone who’s never been knocked out and he’s going to bring the best Abner Mares out.

“I’m going to make it a spectacular fight and I’m definitely going for the knockout.”

ARTURO SANTOS REYES

“I’m happy to be on the card and I’m excited to be here around such great fighters.

“It’s going to be a great show and I’m looking forward to giving the fans their money’s worth.

“Abner Mares is a great fighter, but I don’t fear anybody. He better come to fight.

“We’re both Mexican warriors and Mexican Olympians, so you know there’s going to be fireworks in the ring and I just hope everyone in the arena and on TV enjoys.”

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, PBC on NBC Analyst and Legendary Boxer

“I’m just as excited as everyone else, because this is long overdue. Getting boxing back on primetime. These incredibly talented boxers know that this Saturday night is like a major audition and the fans will be the judges.

“I remember being in this position and It’s more than physical, it’s mental. These boxers have what it takes to be superstars. Saturday will be a great day for boxing.”

JON MILLER, President, Programming NBC Sports & NBCSN

“On behalf of NBC sports we’re exited to be here, we’re fortunate to have 22-time Emmy-award winner Sam Flood overseeing the event and an A-list group of on-air talent.

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

“We’re thrilled that these fighters and their great teams are part of the NBC family and we can’t wait to get going.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

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

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

A: He’s a good fighter, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring on Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABNER MARES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

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Photo Credit: Abel Madrid