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Undefeated Super Middleweight Cem Kilic to take on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th on Fury – Schwarz undercard at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas

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Beverly Hills, Calif. (June 5, 2019) – Undefeated super middleweight Cem Kilic will look to take another step towards the world rankings when he takes on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 
The fight will be part of the Tyson Fury – Tom Schwarz undercard.
 
Kilic of Frankfort, Germany, who now calls Los Angeles, California home, has a record of 13-0 with eight knockouts.
 
The 24 year-old Kilic has upped his resume and reputation thanks to wins over Jerhed Fenderson (1-0), Joe Amouta (7-1-1), and a nationally televised win over DeAndre Ware (12-0-2).
 
In his last bout, Kilic stopped Zacariah Kelly in two rounds on February 15th in Hinckley, Minnesota.
 
“I have had a great training camp for this fight with my head trainer Buddy McGirt,” said Kilic. “I have been sparring with Sergey Kovalev for the last month, and I am in the best shape of my life. I am excited to showcase my talent on June 15th, and to make history as the first fighter from Turkey to fight at the MGM Grand! Big thanks to my manager Shane Shapiro and my promoter Greg Cohen for getting me this opportunity.”
 
“Cem is really peaking at the right time of his career. While this is only his 14th pro fight, being in training camps the last four years with legendary fighters like Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Sergey Kovalev, Jermell Charlo, and Errol Spence Jr. has helped him develop into a fighter well beyond 13 fights on his professional record. I am anxious for the world to see Cem Kilic live on ESPN 2 come June 15th,” said Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC.
 
 McGregor of Chicago. has a record of 8-1 with six knockouts.
 
The 28 year-old McGregor has a win of previously undefeated Luis Jimenez (3-0).  McGregor has won five in a row, which includes his last bout, when he stopped David Mason in the 1st round on February 22nd in Elk Grove, Illinois.


Kilic is the 1st fighter from Turkey to fight at The MGM Grand.
 
Kilic is managed by No Limit Mindset LLC.  He is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.
 
The bout can be seen on ESPN 2.

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Undefeated Middleweight Cem Kilic to take on Joe Amouta on Friday, August 17th in Hinckley, Minnesota

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1st bout with new trainer, Buddy McGirt

Beverly Hills, Calif. (July 26, 2018) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Cem Kilic returns to action on Friday night, August 17th at the Hinckley Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota against Joe Amouta in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

 

 

 

Kilic (10-0, 6 KOs) will be making his 3rd consecutive appearance at The Hinckley Grand Casino.

 

 

 

The native of Sherman Oaks, California by way of Frankfurt, Germany, Kilic will be making his 1st start under world-renowned trainer Buddy McGirt.

 

 

 

Amouta (7-1-1, 2 KOs) of Minneapolis, Minnesota has wins over 3 undefeated fighters plus 13-1-1, George Carter, Jr.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring on August 17th to one of my adopted fan bases in Minnesota,” said Kilic. “I have been training very hard, improving every facet of my craft. I am in phenomenal shape, I’m more motivated than ever and ready to show what Buddy McGirt and I have been working on in the gym, and finishing off this year with at least 3 more fights!”

 

 

 

“Training camp is going great,” said McGirt.  “This is our first camp together, and every day Cem continues to improve and learn more and more. Cem works very hard in the gym and is getting world class sparring that will make him the better fighter come fight night.” – Buddy McGirt

 

 

 

“Over the last few months we made some positive changes to Cem’s team bringing in a new trainer and strength + conditioning coach.,” said manager Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC. “There are not many world class trainer’s like Buddy McGirt, and he has made an immediate impact on Cem in a short time. I’m excited to see all the hard work translate on August 17th!”

 

 

 

 

Kilic is managed by Shane Shapiro’s No Limit Mindset LLC, and is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

 

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 With New Management Team, Andrey Fedosov looks to get back into Heavyweight Title contention

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN / CHICAGO, ILL. (July 9, 2018)–On June 30th, in Phoenix, Arizona, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (30-3, 25 KOs) returned to the ring with a 1st round stoppage over Francisco Mireles.

 

 

 

The 32 year-old Fedosov was making his 1st start under his new management team, Journeyman Management.

 

 

 

With his new managers, Journeyman Management headed by longtime boxing man, Andrew Zak, along with promoters Banner Promotions and Hitz Boxing, Fedosov will look to position himself in the suddenly hot heavyweight division.

 

 

 

“It took some time, but now he is with his new family,” said Andrew Zak of Journeyman Management.

 

 

 

“Not only does he have a new management team, but now a new trainer in Buddy McGirt.  We see him becoming a complete fighter.  He is learning a lot from Buddy.  And now that he is with our team, he is adding a lot to his game, and we see him being a world champion.”

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

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UNDEFEATED BLUE-CHIP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY TO FACE VETERAN MASON MENARD IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK (April 5, 2018) – Highly regarded undefeated lightweight Devin Haney will face the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation  Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

The 19-year-old Haney, who was a seven-time national junior amateur champion, has been considered a blue-chip prospect since turning professional at the age of 16 in Mexico.  Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) will face by far the toughest opponent of his career in his ShoBox debut against Menard (33-2, 24 KOs), a two-time ShoBox veteran whose only loss in nearly a decade came to current WBO Lightweight Champion Ray Beltran.

 

 

 

 

“The boxing world will see something they’ve never seen a 19-year-old professional boxer do,” Haney said. “I’m intimidating and I know it.  I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and Mason Menard for giving me this opportunity, unfortunately for him, he will get a chance to see first-hand what all the hype is about.  I’ve been sparring with former world champions like Jesse Vargas in preparation for this fight.  The fact that I’m fighting in the main event is bringing out the best in me.  It’s my time to show the world what I’m made of and I’m coming to make a statement in this fight.  Mason Menard is in trouble!”

 

 

 

 

The young and flashy Haney fights out of Las Vegas, where he has earned a reputation as a prodigy having sparred with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Rances Barthelemy.  He compiled an amateur record of 130-8 and received a special exception from the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he was just 17 years old to make his U.S. debut on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley III.

 

 

 

 

Haney, who is trained and managed by his father, William Haney, has been active since turning pro with nine fights in 2016 and seven in 2017. In his last fight on Nov. 4, he scored a fifth-round TKO against Hamza Sempewo in Atlanta.

 

 

 

 

Menard had an emphatic win in his ShoBox debut in 2016 with a brutal Knockout of the Year nominee of previously unbeaten Eudy Bernardo.  He returned later that year with a knockout victory of Bahodir Mamadjonov before facing Beltran on short notice.  Prior to the 2016 loss to Beltran, Menard’s only blemish was a 2008 defeat in just his third professional fight.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a privilege for me to be able return in a fight on national television again,” Menard said.  “My all-around game will be different.  I have a new team, a repaired shoulder and a different outlook on things.  Haney may be undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me.  If everyone expects me to fold against an untested prospect they are in for a big surprise.”

 

 

 

 

After facing Beltran, Menard changed trainers and is now based in Los Angeles with trainers John Pullman and Buddy McGirt.

 

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Devin Haney Promotions & Hard Hitting Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $75 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

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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 Monday, March 12 At

10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

SAN ANTONIO (March 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 Saturday on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.

With the victory, 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 and 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 and 117-110 twice, 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.”

After the fight, 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, throwing 1,237 total punches compared to just 494 for Barthelemy.  Relikh, who many thought won their first matchup, consistently worked off his jab, connecting on 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, which was scored 117-110 and 118-109 twice.

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, I was ready.  I’m very happy. I’ve waited for this dream for 20 years.  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 tonight.”

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 tonight,” said 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,” said 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.”

In the opening bout of the 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 birthday, 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.

“I’m very disappointed,” 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, who landed 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 more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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MIKEY GARCIA vs. SERGEY LIPINETS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“Lipinets knows what a win over me will do for his career, and it’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Garcia
 
“I’m fast, strong and I have all the confidence I need heading
into this fight,” Lipinets
 
Junior Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum
In San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
SAN ANTONIO (March 8, 2018) – Unbeaten three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets went face to face Thursday at the final press conference before they square-off Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.
Also in attendance Thursday were two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy and Kiryl Relikh, who meet in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10:15 p.m. ET/PT) co-feature in a rematch for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
Garcia looks to become a four-division champion, joining future Hall of Famers Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as the only fighters to capture titles at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds, while Barthelemy has a chance to become the only Cuban in history to win titles in three weight divisions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Thursday’s press conference also featured fighters competing on the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast that will see unbeaten contender Mario Barrios, of San Antonio, take on Eudy Bernardo. The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT with undefeated Alejandro Luna facing former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Omni La Mansion in San Antonio:
MIKEY GARCIA
“At the end of my career, this is the fight that will have opened the door for even bigger fights. I plan on moving up and fighting even bigger names. This is the kind of fight that really motivates me and it’s going to be the first of many big fights.
“I’m very focused on Sergey Lipinets. The entire camp I’ve known what’s in front of me. I know he’s hungry and wants to defend his title. He knows what’s in front of him, so I know he’ll be in the best shape possible. Lipinets knows what a win over me will do for his career, and it’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“I don’t have a specific goal in this sport but I know that I need to win more world titles in more weight classes. I know that at the end of my career I’ll get the credit that I deserve.
“I’m happy to bring this show to a beautiful city like San Antonio and I just want everybody to come out on Saturday. This is a great boxing city and I know they’re going to show up for a great night of boxing. There are lots of candidates for ‘Fight of the Night’ on this card. We’re all hungry and we’re all here to win.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“I’m very happy for this opportunity. If you’ve followed my career you’ve seen that I never take a shortcut. It meant a lot to win a world title but I’ve really always wanted to fight the best of the best. Mikey gave me that chance and I was eager to take it.
“I have no concerns about my hand at all. My right hand is hungry and it’s going to be eating a loton Saturday night.
“I’m young, I’m hungry and I have a great team behind me. I’m fast, strong and I have all the confidence I need heading into this fight.”
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“I’m very excited to be here in San Antonio fighting for the first time. Everyone knows that the first fight with Relikh was an unbelievable war. People thought it was a close fight, but I’m here to make history and erase any doubt.
“This is going to be a great show with great action all night long. The fight fans here in San Antonio are great and I hope everyone shows up for it.
“Everyone knows that Cubans have a rich tradition in boxing, including one of my trainers, Joel Casamayor. It’s an amazing feat to be able to be the first Cuban to win world titles in three weight classes.
“I always tell the truth and Relikh is a powerful puncher, I won’t take that away from him. I never touched the canvas though, but Relikh did. On Saturday night, I’m going to put him back on the canvas.”
KIRYL RELIKH
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity again to fight against Barthelemy again. It’s good for me that this time we will be fighting for a world title. I’m very happy for my new team and you will see a new fighter on Saturday.
“I don’t think I lost the first fight, but that’s up to the judges. This time, we will be much better and not leave it in the judges’ hands if we have the opportunity.
“This is boxing so we know anything can happen. Two world class fighters are going for the world title, so of course I’m going to be at my best. This is going to be a fight you cannot miss on Saturday.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“It’s great to be back home. I’m very excited for the opportunity to show off in front of my people and show them what I’ve been working on.
“I had a great camp out there with Virgil Hunter. I can’t wait to be on this huge card. These fighters up here are champions that I look forward to meeting real soon in the ring.
“It’s going to be an exciting night. I’m young, I’m hungry and I’m a Mexican fighter competing at home in Texas. I hope everyone comes out for a great show.”
EUDY BERNARDO
“I feel very good about my fight. Training camp went really well and I think I’ve done everything I need to do to win.
“On Saturday, I’m going to get in the ring and take care of the game plan we came up with in the gym. I’m really going to focus on solid defense and pressuring the guy, because I’m in really good shape.
“Barrios is a really good fighter, I know he’s undefeated but if I execute my game plan and focus on what I’ve been working on in the gym I’ll be successful. I want to take him in to deeper waters, to the fourth and fifth rounds, and try to get him on his heels.
“I’ve been working really really hard on good defense and staying low. once I get past the third, fourth and fifth rounds that’s when the fight is really going to start.”
ALEJANDRO LUNA
“It feels great to be on this stage. I’ve been doing this since I was nine-years-old so the time is now. I’m ready to take full advantage of this.
“Training camp was great. The only bump we had was the postponement of the fight, but we slowed it down a little bit so we could peak at the right time. I’m ready to go.
“Richard Commey comes from a rich boxing background and those fighters from Ghana are all known for coming forward. I think our styles are really going to clash nicely. The real winner of this fight is going to be the fans.”
RICHARD COMMEY
“The change to Andre Rozier as my trainer was something I needed and wanted. I’m very happy to be working with one of the best trainers in the country and so far he’s helped me improve in many ways.
“I know that Luna is going to apply pressure and come forward. He’s going to look to throw big right hands, so we’re getting ready for all of that.
“I just have to stick to my game plan and make sure I’m always first. My job is to go in and get the win and convince the judges any way that I can that I’m the better fighter.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“I’ve worked with many Russian and Eastern Europeans fighters before and the one thing about those guys is, they are the most dedicated fighters I’ve ever worked with.
“I know Sergey is in the best shape of his life because a win over Mikey will bring him even bigger fights. We know we’ll have a tough, strong opponent on Saturday night and that’s what we’ve prepared for.”
BUDDY MCGIRT, Lipinets’ Trainer
“You have to wait until Saturday night to see what’s going to happen. After the fight I’ll tell everyone how we got the job done.
“It’s fun to me to be in these kind of fights. Mikey Garcia comes from a great pedigree of fighting. Robert Garcia is a gentleman who’s taken limited fighters and got them to the top. Mikey has a lot of talent so they have their eyes on a lot more world titles, but on Saturday night, you’ll have to wait and watch happens.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“For as little as $20 you can be part of a historic night of boxing. This arena is built for boxing so I hope all the local fans come out to witness history being made.
“SHOWTIME has continued to put on the best fights week after week and month after month. They have really become the sole leader in this sport and are a big reason why there has been such a resurgence of boxing in the U.S.
“This fight card has a little bit of everything. There are five Texans fighting on this card, most notably San Antonio’s Mario Barrios, plus emerging stars such as Alejandro Luna and Richard Commey, who are looking to make names for themselves.
“The 140-pound division is on full display Saturday night with Rances Barthelemy and Kiryl Relikh meeting in a world title rematch for a world title. Plus of course we have the historic matchup as Sergey Lipinets defends his title while Mikey Garcia seeks a fourth world title in a weight class.
“These are exciting fighters, big punchers and you will see fireworks Saturday night from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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MIKEY GARCIA VS. SERGEY LIPINETS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Junior Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum
In San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
SAN ANTONIO (March 7, 2018) – Unbeaten three division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets kicked off fight week in San Antonio Wednesday by participating in media workouts at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy before they enter the ring Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME (10:15 p.m. ET/PT) from Freeman Coliseum.
Also participating in Wednesday’s workout and competing on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast was two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy, who meets Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Unbeaten contender Mario Barrios, of San Antonio, was also in attendance on Wednesday as he prepares for his SHOWTIME EXTREME matchup against Eudy Bernardo. The SHOWTIME BOXING in SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 8 p.m. ET/PT and features undefeated Alejandro Luna facing former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.
Here is what the fighters had to say:
MIKEY GARCIA
“I want to take on these big opportunities because I want to challenge myself. This is another chance to prove to all the fans what kind of fighter I am.
“Everything depends on my opponent. If I find there’s an opportunity to go for a knockout, I’m definitely going to take it. If it goes 12 rounds, then he’s a very tough fighter and I expect Lipinets to be tough. I’m just going to do whatever it takes to win the fight. If the opportunity is there, I’m definitely going to go for the knockout because that’s what we’re here to do. I’m here to make the fight as easy as possible.
“I feel good. I’m fighting a bigger man naturally, so that’s something I have to get adjusted to but I still feel that my ability and my skills are enough to compete at the highest level with these men and that’s why I’m comfortable fighting at 140. I still feel that 135 might be a better fit for me because I’m a little bit of a naturally bigger, stronger man at 135, but at 140 I feel just as good as far as my speed, my footwork and my reflexes.
“It would be very nice to win a fourth division title. That would obviously be a big accomplishment in my career and it would be the second time I won the title here in the state of Texas. I have a lot of appreciation and love for San Antonio boxing fans.
“Some critics aren’t giving Lipinets much credit because he’s only had 13 fights, but that tells you how good of a fighter he is. It took me 30 fights to be a world champion. He’s a high caliber fighter who brings great danger. At the end of the day, I believe I’m the better boxer and that will help me get the win.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“It was a great camp. We had a lot of different sparring partners that were giving me different looks as far as boxing abilities. Every single one of them had styles similar to Mikey. I’m ready to go. I’m not going to let anything get in the way. I’ll come out victorious Saturday night.
“I feel great. It doesn’t matter if I’m an underdog or not, I’m ready to prove everybody wrong. I really want to show everybody that I’m the one that they should be looking at; that I’m the champion.
“Mikey’s records and accomplishments don’t matter to me. He’s got two hands, two feet and one head. He’s just another person, he’s just another fighter I’m fighting. I prepared for little different things to fight Mikey but once I get in the ring, it’s going to be Mikey and me and you’ll see how it’s going to go down.
“My hand injury took place over the course of sparring. We were changing sparring partners two rounds at a time. I hit one of them at some point and the next morning [the injury] blew up. I didn’t really feel it at the time when I hurt it.
“It’s completely cured; there is no problem with the hand and you’ll see it in action on Saturday night – no problem at all.”
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“I studied [Relikh] a lot so I expect the same type of performance that I’ve studied, based off what he’s done in his past fights and what he did with me in our last fight. I know he’s strong, he’s a hard-hitter, and he always looks for that punch. I expect that this time around as well. He likes to exchange; that’s another thing I’m looking for. I know he’s going to come with all those tools in to the ring so I expect that and my team has prepared exactly for that.
“I feel like a completely new guy. In the past, I’ve eaten poorly before and after fights. I feel like I’ve reconnected with my youth. My energy has come back thanks to Bob Santos, my new strength and conditioning coach, who has taught me a lot about nutrition and things that I can use not just in the ring, but also outside of the ring — things I can use to prolong my life.
“I’m unlocking some of the skills I had in my younger days. They will be one of the key determining factors in how I perform on Saturday. I haven’t felt this good in a long time and I’m thankful for that because I feel like a new guy. I usually have concerns about making weight, but not this time around.
“My nutrition and physical condition took a toll on me last time I fought. I didn’t think my body was going to react the way it did when I got into the ring. My legs really gave out on me. But not now. This time around, I’m coming with a whole new gameplan and I’m not going to have to force myself to adapt to [Relikh’s] strategy. The first time we fought, I felt like I had to fight his fight. I had to make adjustments in the ring and exchange a lot with him. I took a lot of punishment.
“I’m definitely not looking past Relikh, I’m really focused on this fight. I want to win this fight. I’m looking for big names after. I can fight anyone between 135 and 147 now. Broner, Garcia, Lomachenko, it’s only big names what I’m after next.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“This fight it’s a huge step up and probably my toughest fight to date. My opponent looks really good on paper and he has a lot of power. But I’m not concerned. I had a great camp and I’m ready to give my best in front of my hometown fans.I really hope he is ready to fight because I’m going to go in there on Saturday and take care of business. It’s going to be a very explosive fight.
“We are going to continue climbing the ranks at 140. I hope that I can face Mikey Garcia or Rances Barthelemy at some point. I think early next year I may be ready to go toe-to-toe with them.
“No added pressure fighting at home, all of this is motivation. I’ve been waiting to fight back here for a while. I’m excited for this opportunity
“Every time I’m out there in the Bay Area at Virgil Hunter’s gym I’m always picking up different things. Every camp, l learn from different guys at the gym – Andre Dirrell, Andre Ward, Amir Kahn. We have our game plan, which I can’t discuss, but going for it on Saturday. We should be able to go in there and take care of business, no problem.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Fights in His Hometown Against Eudy Bernardo Saturday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowski
SAN ANTONIO (March 6, 2018) – Unbeaten 140-pound contender Mario Barrios makes his ring return in his hometown of San Antonio when he faces Eudy Bernardo in SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME action Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum.
The SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 8 p.m. ET/PT and features undefeated Alejandro Luna facing former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT and also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Barrios has won four fights in a row by knockout since moving up to the 140-pound division in 2017, all while under the tutelage of renowned trainer Virgil Hunter in Oakland. Here is what Barrios had to say about training camp, his upcoming fight and more:
On his matchup with Eudy Bernardo…
“He is a solid opponent with a lot of experience. He has a high work rate that you can tell that by his nickname ‘AK-47’. He is the perfect opponent for me at this point in my career as I start my climb to a world title. I know he’s coming to fight as am I, so there will definitely be some fireworks.”
On filling in to the 140-pound division…
“I have filled out perfectly for this division and working with Virgil Hunter has helped a lot. It is no secret that I have had four fights with Virgil Hunter and each one of them has ended with a knockout. I am stronger than ever, and I feel completely comfortable at junior welterweight. This is the weight class that I’ll be campaigning for a world title at.”
On fighting in his hometown of San Antonio….
“It is a blessing to fight in my hometown. I get homesick sometimes when I train as I think about family, friends and all the places I love to visit back home. It feels good, not just to be able to fight at home, but to put on a great show for everyone that knows me as well. San Antonio needs a big star they can get behind and I feel I can be the one to fill that role.”
On fighting on SHO EXTREME…
“Whenever your fight is televised it is a great honor, but I truly believe SHOWTIME is doing amazing things for boxing right now, and to be on this telecast is tremendous. I work very hard in the gym and pride myself on a fan-pleasing style and getting opportunities to show off my skills on such a large platform is amazing and something I am very grateful for.”
On his recent training camp…
“This camp has been very good. I’ve gotten lots of different looks and I’m well prepared to go into battle. I love training at Virgil Hunter’s Boxing Gym because we have a great routine, with a lot of top fighters. I also started training with SNAC’s Remi Korchemny, who is increasing my speed and endurance, which will be very noticeable in this fight. I have trained very hard for this fight, so you can expect a great performance.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Stacked Undercard Saturday, March 10 Features 2016 Olympians & Rising Prospects from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

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SAN ANTONIO, TX. (March 1, 2018) – An exciting night of undercard action comes to Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio on Saturday, March 10 featuring 2016 Olympians and rising prospects entering the ring for the Premier Boxing Champions event.
The night is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets live on SHOWTIME. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Additional action will feature 19-year-old featherweight prospect Luis Coria (6-1, 4 KOs), 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout, 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (3-0, 3 KOs) taking on Antonio Woods (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round heavyweight affair, Efetobor Apochi (2-0, 2 KOs) entering the ring for a six-round cruiserweight fight and unbeaten welterweight Yulian Tembotov (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round attraction.
Rounding out the undercard arelightweight prospect Alejandro Guerrero (6-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round fight, San Antonio’s Robert Rodriguez making his pro debut in a four-round super flyweight bout against Mexico’s Giovanni Noriega (1-1, 1 KO), San Antonio’s Joseph Rodriguez (13-0-1, 2 KOs) taking on Ramsey Luna (13-5, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight showdown and four-rounds of super featherweight action between unbeaten Xavier Wilson (7-0, 1 KO) and John Vanmeter (1-3, 1 KO).
 
The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator. Also in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum, unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa takes on Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado in an eight-round super bantamweight bout that, time permitting, will round out the SHO EXTREME telecast.
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Rances Barthelemy Las Vegas Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Two-Division World Champion Battles Kiryl Relikh in Rematch for Vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (February 22, 2018) – Unbeaten two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy worked out for Las Vegas media Thursday as he prepares for his rematch against Kiryl Relikh for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Barthelemy, who is trained by Ismael Salas and former world champion and Cuban boxing legend Joel Casamayor, can become the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes with a win on March 10. Here is what Barthelemy had to say Thursday from City Athletic Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“It’s in my character to take this rematch immediately. I was very happy once I found out everything was ready to go for it. I want to prove to the fans and to myself that I can do much better than I did in May. I want to show Relikh how much better I am than him.
“It’s on my mind all the time that I have a chance to make history for Cuban boxing. There have been so many great Cuban fighters throughout the years. I never imagined I’d be in position to make history myself but I know it’s a reward for my hard work and dedication.
“A fight with Mikey Garcia is something I want. I’m completely focused on this fight against Relikh and making history, but I would be prepared to fight Mikey Garcia soon.
“I’m going to change a lot heading into the rematch. Last May I wasn’t myself. I didn’t feel like I had my legs coming into the fight and I wasn’t able to perform how I usually do. This time my conditioning and nutrition is much improved. I’m going to use my legs and use my jab and put on a boxing clinic.
“There was nothing surprising about Relikh in the first fight. We knew he’d have power, but unfortunately I had to change my game plan when my body wasn’t cooperating. I traded shots and fought his fight. I’m going to stick to my plan this time.
“Throughout my career I haven’t paid enough attention to nutrition. It made my performances inconsistent. Bob Santos has come in and completely changed that. You’ll see my conditioning on fight night is the best it’s ever been.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.