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KEITH THURMAN OUTPOINTS SHAWN PORTER IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE SATURDAY IN PRIMETIME ON CBS

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Jarrett Hurd Knocks Out Oscar Molina In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

 

Click HERE for Photos From Esther Lin/Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (June 26, 2016) – Prizefighting returned to CBS on Saturday with a Fight of the Year candidate as undefeated welterweight world champion Keith Thurman edged former world champion Shawn Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges.

 

The 12,718 fans in attendance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the viewers across the U.S. watching the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammed Ali-Leon Spinks in 1978 were treated to a slugfest between two of the brightest stars in boxing’s glamour division.

 

Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) combined to throw over 1200 punches in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.  The marquee showdown was a story of accuracy vs. activity, as Thurman landed 50 percent of his power shots, compared to 38 percent for Porter, and 44 percent of his total punches compared to just 36 percent for the challenger.  While Thurman landed at a higher percentage, Porter was the busier fighter, throwing over 100 more punches across 12 rounds.

 

“One Time” and “Showtime” delivered as advertised, with the powerful sharpshooter buckling Porter multiple times, while the swarming and smothering Porter barreled forward to bully Thurman into the ropes.  And while there were no knockdowns, the back-and-forth blockbuster never lacked action and culminated in a standing ovation in the second-highest attended boxing event in Barclays Center history.

 

“I want to thank Shawn Porter for a tremendous fight.  He’s a great warrior,” said Thurman.  “Defense is the key to victory.  He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score.  I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today.

 

“I would give him a rematch. It was great fight.  He was a great opponent.  Everyone was saying would he be my toughest opponent to date.  I wasn’t able to drop him but I did buckle him a few times.”

The former world champion Porter, a perennial underdog but consummate gentleman, didn’t complain about being on the losing end of his second close decision in a title bout.

 

“We worked hard, Keith is a great champion,” Porter said. “My dad says to keep your head up.  I think I won the fight, but I’m satisfied because the competitor came out tonight.

 

“We need that rematch.  I know the fans want that rematch.  If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard in the ring and leave with his title.”

 

The opening bout of the CBS telecast featured a matchup of undefeated super welterweights as Jarrett Hurd graduated from prospect to legitimate contender in the stacked 154-pound class with a dominating 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina.

 

Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) got to work early, flooring Molina for the first time in his career in the opening round with a powerful counter right uppercut.  The bigger and taller Hurd was the more active fighter from the outset, dismantling the previously unbeaten Mexican Olympian with a supremely effective inside game.  Hurd threw nearly 750 punches over 10 rounds, compared to just 376 for Molina, connecting on 220 power shots at a nearly 40 percent clip.

 

Hurd put a stamp on his performance in the final round, closing the show by out landing Molina 33-7 in the final round.  With Molina taking a brutal beating and seemingly defenseless in the final minute of the final round, Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to halt the contest at 2:02.

 

“This is definitely a big win for my career,” Hurd said.  “He was taking a lot of shots, but he knew how to survive.  It was a big uppercut that knocked him down in round one. People know from my last fight that I have a great right uppercut.  He was hurt a couple of times. I don’t think it was a bad stoppage. Molina is a very tough guy who just kept coming through.

 

“This fight here puts me up with the top contenders in the division. I felt like I could have gone three or four more rounds. I was getting stronger as the fight went on.  We’re going right back to the gym so we can get in there again.”

 

Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) protested, but barring a stunning knockout he was just seconds away from suffering the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision.

 

“I felt like Hurd was throwing a lot of punches in the tenth round but they weren’t really hurting me,” Molina said. “He was staying busy but he was never really hurting me.

 

“I went low and I had my head down and he caught me with that uppercut in the first round. He got me with a shot I wasn’t expecting but it was definitely a flash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt.

 

“I was supposed to use my footwork a lot more but I ended up smothering my shots. He had an awkward defense with a lot of bending down and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.

 

“This was a big opportunity for me and I felt like I fought a good fight. I’m going to come back stronger. We’re going to work on a lot of things and get back in there.”

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

Earlier in the evening on SHOWTIME, undefeated heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF Heavyweight World Championship for the first time with a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at The O2 in London.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/28VGgsa

 

Below are quotes from Joshua after Saturday’s win on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL:

 

Many thought that Dominic Breazeale wouldn’t be able to stand up to your power and speed, but were you grateful for the opportunity to work a little bit more of your boxing skills?

“Well, it’s hard because you can see they’re hurt with every shot – well not every shot – but when you start catching them flush, they can feel the shots with these ten ounce gloves on. So, it’s just a matter of time, but in the process I didn’t want to be receiving any haymakers on the way back.

 

“It’s been tough I had two weeks off after my last fight, and got straight back in the gym so it was tough. I get a nice little break for once and then I can come back with recharged batteries.”

 

We know Deontay Wilder was watching the fight. Have you got a message for him, the WBC Champion? 

“Unbelievable inspirational person. He was patient, 30-odd fights [and] got his hands on the WBC [belt]. I’m following suit. I’m making my way into the U.S. with SHOWTIME backing me as well. So, he watched that.

 

“He can pick up whatever he wants to pick up from that, but it’s so different when you’re in the ring with each other. So one day we’ll get to experience what each other’s about.”

 

Who do you want to fight next? 

“Well I think it’s gonna have to be the likes of [Joseph] Parker. I was really looking at Fury… I hope he gets better soon. He hurt his ankle unfortunately, which has postponed it because  I was hoping to get that some time in the winter if everything went well July 9th like it didtonight, but we’re gonna have to reschedule that and in the meantime, we can look at other opponents like Parker, if he’s vacant, or anyone else that the people want.”

 

What do you think that you still need to work on?

“Rest. I need to rest. I’m tired, I’m working hard and as I said, now i can get

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

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Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Jarrett Hurd & Oscar Molina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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(Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)
 
“There are real stakes on the line Saturday night.
Our careers are on the line.” — KeithThurman
 
“I’ve never been more excited to fight in my life.” – Shawn Porter
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions,
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®
 
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (June 23, 2016) – Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their eagerly anticipated welterweight world title showdown this Saturday, June 25 in primetime as SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Live televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina in a 10-round rumble of rising contenders.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The press conference took place at the Dream Hotel PHD Rooftop in downtown Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
KEITH THURMAN
“It’s an honor to be on this platform. I’m excited to be back at Barclays Center. My last fight at Barclays Center was the first time I felt the fans give me love and I felt like I made it.
“I’m excited to feel the energy in the arena. We’re recovered and we’re ready. We did what we needed to so that we’re ready forSaturday night.
“As I think about this fight, these are dreams coming true for me. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a dream. I think about how I was raised by Ben Getty to this moment. Ben used to say that my moment was ‘right around the corner,’ and now it’s here. He was a wise man and he knew what he was talking about.
“This is a great fight. This is what the boxing fans want to see. I truly believe you are looking at two of the best welterweights in the world.
“I’m here as an entertainer. I’m here for the love of the sport. The fans want to see these kinds of fights. It’s obvious in the welterweight division that we are the two most exciting and devastating fighters in the division.
“Everybody kept talking about the sparring video, so I just decided to put it out. Sparring is sparring and fighting is fighting. This fight will be judged and this time I’ll have eight-ounce gloves on.
“It’s always been my dream to be the undisputed champion of the world.
“I’m looking forward to a great performance. I’m excited to a great challenge from Shawn Porter. There is a burning desire within myself to have a knockout victory. It’s hard to make world-class fighters quit. The fans ultimately want to see that knockout victory.
“There are real stakes are on the line this Saturday night. Our careers are on the line. My title is on the line. My undefeated record is on the line. It’s a great fight and a great matchup.
“I do believe that with each and every fight, you step up, you step up and you step up. So, thus the stakes are always higher and there are those times where you get a decent fight. But like I said, this is a great fight at a great moment of both athletes’ careers. We are both in our prime. I’m 27-years-old, Shawn is 28-years-old, we’ve both accomplished many great things and a victory on Saturday night is just going to be another thing to add to the resume.
“This really is the best fight of the best. We’re trying to satisfy the fans and we’re trying to challenge ourselves, push ourselves, and see where we fit in and how great we really are. I’m going to show you Saturday night how great Keith “One Time” Thurman really is.
“Just like Ali said, Saturday night, I’m going to show you how great I am.”
SHAWN PORTER
“It’s here. It’s been long anticipated and it’s here. I have never been more excited to fight in my life. It’s a blessing. Along this journey I’ve been able to learn the basics and excel in the basics and I found myself in a position where I’ve been able to be very successful.
“My hometown Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA title is definitely a motivation. It motivates me to be a winner. I want to bring this belt back to Ohio.
“I’m looking forward to this kind of moment to shine. That’s how you gain notoriety and become bigger. There’s no pressure, just excitement.
“I’m just looking forward to getting in there and getting that energetic feeling. I want to feel the excitement of getting into the ring and all the adrenaline that rushes through.
“This is the fight I wanted. I wanted to have fun training for a fight like this. Keith has made it possible. He’s so good it pushes me to be better.
“This isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time that two friends fight. I’m done talking about us being friends because it’s time for us to start punching each other. My plan is to have great defense, avoid getting hit and win the fight.
“I didn’t take much time off after the postponement. We tried to train and stay ready through the cancellation. You never know when the phone is going to ring. We just wanted to stay in shape, get better and be ready for anything.
“I feel like if Floyd Mayweather comes back, he should fight the winner of this matchup. I believe that will be me.
“I’m not going to go in there looking for a knockout and throw my hands wildly. I’m going to keep up the pace that I normally keep up. I’m a great boxer. People consider me a boxer, but I may surprise you.”
JARRETT HURD
“I’m thankful for this opportunity. This is a great shot for me right now. In my last fight I had an opportunity similar to this. I was a fill-in for television and I did what I was supposed to do.
“Success is accomplished when preparation meets opportunity. I know things like this can happen. It doesn’t change anything. We’re going to go out and do what we trained for.
“You always get butterflies before getting in the ring but that’s normal. Molina is very experienced and has good hand speed but I know what I can do. We’re ready for this.
“I’m happy to be on this stage. This could be the biggest fight of the year and I’m extremely blessed to open it up.
“I’m going to go out there and put on another terrific performance. Molina, he’s an Olympian and he has a lot of experience. He’s a crafty fighter and we’re going to do what we have to do to get the victory.
“We’re ready to do what we’re going to do. It’s going to be a great fight on Saturday night.”
OSCAR MOLINA
“I’m ready for this. I’m more than ready for this. These type of fights are what gets me up to train.
“This guy I’m fighting is young, undefeated and a prospect like myself. I know he’s going to be ready and it’s going to be a tough fight but I’m ready for him.
“This is a huge deal for me. I was already excited to be on this huge undercard. When they told me that I was moving up to CBS I knew how big of an opportunity it is for me and my career.
“Hurd is a tall and lanky fighter. I saw his last fight and I see that he does well with guys who are flat footed. My boxing skills and my footwork are something he’s never seen before. Frank Galarza was tailor-made for Hurd and I think I’m going to be able to give him different looks.
“I’m a boxer-puncher and I can adapt to different styles. I also have power for big knockouts but my boxing skills are most important.
“Fighting in the Olympics taught me to adapt to different styles. I have a fan-friendly style and I’m excited to put on a show.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“We’re ready for this fight. Keith trains hard every day and we know Shawn and Kenny well. I’ve brought them to my gym and these two guys have gone a lot of rounds together.
“I think Keith Thurman is the most gifted guy in boxing. He does everything right. Saturday night we’re looking for a great fight and I know in my heart that we will be victorious.”
KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer
“It’s great to be here. It’s great to be on this stage with Shawn. This isn’t something we just started getting ready for, this is something he’s been getting ready for since birth. I always had a mindset to put Shawn in a position to excel in life. He has not disappointed.
“I know these guys are going to give it everything they have. It will be 100 percent for as long as it lasts. We’re prepared to take the championship. These are great guys here to the right, but on Saturday we’re bringing everything to the table.
“We’re coming to deliver a great show. Enjoy yourselves on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is what it’s all about. This Saturday night, the best is fighting the best. It’s right here in Brooklyn on CBS. It’s the first fight on CBS in primetime since Muhammad Ali fought over 30 years ago.
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. There is a tremendous undercard, a great co-feature and a main event that boxing fans have been waiting for a long time.
“This is an undercard chock full of talent. You will want to get there early as there are evenly matched bouts all night.
“SHOWTIME has highlighted the 154-pound division in recent shows, so it makes sense that there will be another significant matchup in that division on CBS Saturday night with Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
“We’re not going to talk about friendship and respect anymore with these two guys, that’s in the past and the future. These guys know their future is dependent on beating up the other guy and a fight of this magnitude makes the stakes even higher.
“The best want to fight the best and it starts Saturday night. The winner of this fight wants to be the best in the world. Both men want to be an undisputed welterweight champion.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“June 25 is a very special day and night for us at CBS. It begins with the heavyweight world title being contested between Anthony Joshua and Dominic Breazeale and then the return of boxing to primetime CBS for the first time in almost 40 years.
“This was an easy fight to make. Shawn and Keith, neither one hesitated for a second in taking this fight. All credit goes to them for taking this fight. It’s a difficult fight for both on a big stage.
“Boxing takes criticism for not making the right fights at the right time. One of the bad habits we have is that we spend time thinking about fights that might get made. But now we have the right fight, at the right time and at the right venue. It’s a disservice to not recognize that what is going on Saturday is very special and very exciting.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“It’s an exciting week at Barclays Center. Tonight we host the NBA Draft, the weigh-in tomorrow and our big event Saturdaynight. The momentum is building for this fight and we are on pace for the biggest crowd for a boxing event since we opened.
“We are excited about bringing a great night of fights to Brooklyn. We welcome Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter back to Brooklyn as they have both fought there once before.
“It’s become tradition to have both of you fight in our ring and we know how popular you are with our fans and we love to have you back.
“This will be the first primetime fight on CBS since the first Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks fight in 1978 and it’s a big moment for the boxing community for sure. We look forward to hosting everyone on Saturday night.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TOP WELTERWEIGHTS: THURMAN-PORTER  WINNER TOO CLOSE TO CALL

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 This Saturday, June 25, Live in Primetime at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on CBS  
Click HERE For PBC Fighter Prediction Video
 
NEW YORK (June 22, 2016) – Their peers in the welterweight division – world champions, former champions, contenders and top prospects – can’t pick a definitive winner between defending WBA 147-pound king Keith “One Time” Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) and former world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs).
The majority of the fighters polled – some of whom are potential opponents down the line for the winner – lean toward Thurman, but most all concede that Saturday’s eagerly awaited main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Barclays Center is going to be an intense, exciting, tight fight from start to finish that could go either way.
Here’s how the boxers see “Thurman vs. Porter”:
 
Danny Garcia (WBC Welterweight Champion): “I think this is a great matchup. Thurman has the boxing ability and the movement while Shawn Porter is the aggressor and he’s going to bring the heat. To be honest with you it’s a 50-50 fight, but I would give the edge to Keith Thurman by a very close decision.”
 
Kell Brook (IBF Welterweight Champion):”This is a great fight, one I can’t wait to watch. If Shawn can stick to his boxing I think he can become world champion again on points, but Keith is heavy-handed and he could walk Shawn onto one – it’s really a pick ’em fight for me.”
 
Errol Spence Jr. (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “I think this is a great fight between young fighters with good skill. Shawn throws a lot of punches while Thurman is a boxer who can punch too. I know Shawn will be aggressive and it should make for a great fight. If Keith can box and keep Shawn Porter on the outside I see Keith Thurman winning. If Shawn stays on the inside and stays in the chest of Keith, I see him winning.”
Andre Berto (Former Welterweight Champion): “Shawn is going to come, but I think Keith will be on his toes and box but also drop hard shots as well when Shawn comes in. Keith can be very versatile in there and has a lot of great skills, while Shawn is more like a bull. Keith will hurt or knock Shawn down but will keep coming all night.”
Sammy Vazquez (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “Shawn is a pressure fighter and Thurman used to be a pressure fighter but now he boxes. It’s really hard for me to decide who is going to come out on top. Thurman has good power. It all depends on how Shawn is able to take Thurman’s punches. I think Thurman because of the power but Shawn will bring it for 12 rounds.”
 
Robert Guerrero (Former Welterweight Champion): “This is a fight the fans are going to love watching.  Both Thurman and Porter bring exciting styles to the ring. I think if Porter can keep the fight on the inside he’ll have a better chance to come out victorious. But Keith Thurman is a very smart and powerful fighter and will make the right adjustments. I just think Thurman is going to outbox Porter.  I’m picking Thurman to win by decision in a very tough fight.”
Luis Collazo (Former Welterweight Champion): “I’m not sure who the favorite is, but I’m going with Porter. I like his style and I think it’s going to be interesting to see how Thurman holds up with the pressure Porter is going to bring.”
 
Devon Alexander (Former Welterweight Champion): “It’s a very exciting fight. Both fighters are come forward type fighters and they swing for the fences when they throw. I don’t know who will come out on top because they have similar styles. Shawn Porter has decent power, but out of the two Keith has the more power. We’ll see. This is boxing.”
 
# # #
The live CBS telecast with open with a 10-round matchup between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd andOscar Molina
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP,  @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter Undercard Complete

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Unbeaten Polish Heavyweight Adam Kownacki Faces Massachusetts’ Jesse Barboza While Undefeated Rising Star Heather Hardy Battles Colorado’s Kirstie SimmonsSaturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Plus! Puerto Rican Prospect Nicklaus Flaz Added to Stacked Undercard
 
BROOKLYN (June 21, 2016) – The stacked undercard for the highly anticipated Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter welterweight showdown is complete and will feature a pair of popular Brooklyn fighters as heavyweight Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) battles hard-hitting Jesse Barboza (11-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout while crowd-pleasing featherweight   Heather “The Heat” Hardy (16-0, 4 KOs) takes on Colorado’s Kirstie Simmons (8-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest on Saturday, June 25from Barclays Center.
The June 25 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by the world title fight between defending world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The live telecast will open with an exciting battle between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
Additional undercard action features unbeaten prospect Jonathan Alonso taking on Los Angeles native Brian Jones in a junior welterweight match, Bronx native Josue Vargas opposing Oklahoma’s David Nelson in a four-round welterweight bout and a recent addition to the card, Puerto Rico’s Nicklaus Flaz, in a four-round junior middleweight battle against Brooklyn’s Mack Babb.
Completed matchups that were previously announced include fast-rising prospect David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) taking on Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout and unbeaten junior welterweight Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) versus Luis Eduardo Flores (21-3, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On June 25, she will be making her seventh appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In her lone 2016 fight, she stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round. She will be opposed by Aurora, Colorado’s Simmons who has won nine fights in a row after losing her pro debut.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kownacki had a big 2015, notching four victories including knockouts of Maurenzo Smith and Randy Easton. Born in Lomza, Poland, the 26-year-old now calls Brooklyn home. His 2016 campaign began in January at Barclays Center when he defeated Danny Kelly in front of a raucous Polish crowd. He will take on Barboza out of Hyannis, Massachusetts. The 29-year-old Barboza was a three-time New England Heavyweight Golden Gloves champion.
#          #          #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS JARRETT HURD AND OSCAR MOLINA TO OPEN CBS PRIMETIME BOXING BROADCAST THIS SATURDAY FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Matchup Of 154-Pound Rising Stars Replaces Cuellar vs. Mares Fight As Opener Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, Presented By
Premier Boxing Champions
This Saturday, June 25, Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on CBS
BROOKLYN (June 20, 2016) – An intriguing matchup between undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina will open this Saturday’s Primetime CBS broadcast from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by a welterweight blockbuster between undefeated champion Keith Thurman and once-beaten former titlist Shawn Porter.
The 10-round showdown between the 25-year-old Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) and 26-year-old Molina (13-0-10 KOs) is a rare matchup between young undefeated prospects in one of boxing’s hottest divisions.  The winner graduates to contender status in the stacked 154-pound class, a division featuring Erislandy Lara, Jermall and Jermell Charlo, Demetrius Andrade and Julian Williams.
Hurd vs. Molina represents the toughest professional fight for either man.
“The dictionary definition of ‘Swift’ is to happen quickly or promptly,” said Hurd. “So just like my ring name, that’s exactly what you’ll see on Saturday night. I’m so grateful that this fight was made and that the whole world will be able to see my boxing skills on this highly anticipated card.”
“I’m excited for this fight and I’m grateful that it’s even bigger now that it’s on CBS,” said Molina. “I’ve seen Hurd fight.  I know what he does well and what his weaknesses are and I’ll be looking to capitalize on them. It’s important for me to defeat the top guys and this is someone I have to beat to become a world champion one day. I’m excited about fighting in Brooklyn on the big stage, but my focus will be on my trainer’s game plan and coming out victorious.”
Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C., has an unblemished record since turning professional in 2012.  He is coming off a career-best performance last November with a six-round destruction of previously undefeated Frank Galarza on ShoBox: The New Generation.  Hurd, who has never been down or cut as a professional, will be facing his third consecutive unbeaten opponent.
Molina, of Norwalk, Calif., just east of Los Angeles, was a 2012 Mexican Olympian.  He tore through his opposition after turning professional in 2013, registering knockouts in 10 of his 14 fights.  Molina, who has also never been down, is coming off a 10-round draw with fellow unbeaten highly regarded prospect Dominque Dolton last September.  He returns to the ring this Saturday against another undefeated opponent as he looks to make a statement in the 154-pound division.
# # #
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP,  @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Sugar Ray Leonard & Thomas Hearns, Two Hall of Fame Welterweight Champions, Weigh-In on the Keith Thurman-Shawn Porter 147-Pound Championship Battle at Barclays Center on Saturday, June 25 Live on CBS

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“The winner of Thurman-Porter will immediately move into the
welterweight penthouse.”  – Leonard
“I know that Porter and Thurman both have the ability to get each other out of there. It’s going to be a matter of who gets to who first.” –Hearns
NEW YORK (JUNE 20, 2016) – Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns might be uniquely qualified to talk about what WBA welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and “Showtime” Shawn Porter are thinking and feeling heading into their battle that pits two men against each other who are in their primes in a highly charged battle for supremacy in the talent-laden welterweight division.
The highly anticipated showdown headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Leonard had a record of 30-1 with 21 KOs and held the WBC welterweight title when he took on Hearns, who was 32-0 with 30 KOs and held the WBA title, in a 15-round title unification match in Las Vegas on September 16, 1981. The match was billed as “The Showdown” and had a worldwide television audience of 300 million.
The fight was a pitched back-and-forth battle, but Hearns appeared to be in control having won rounds nine through 12 on all three judges’ scorecards. It was between rounds 12 and 13 that Leonard’s trainer, the late Angelo Dundee, famously screamed at Leonard: “You’re blowing it now, son! You’re blowing it!”
Leonard, with his left eye badly swollen, turned the tide in the 14th round by staggering Hearns with an overhand right and then pinning Hearns on the ropes and unleashing a barrage of punches, which prompted referee Davey Pearl to stop the fight, giving Leonard the victory and making him the undisputed welterweight champion and king of the division. At the time of the stoppage Hearns was leading on all three scorecards – 124-122, 125-122 and 125-121.
“It was the toughest fight of my life. It took every ounce of will and strength to beat Tommy Hearns. I couldn’t have taken that many of those in my career,” Leonard said. “The Tommy Hearns fight was the one that propelled me to the penthouse.”
Leonard felt like the victory over Hearns launched him into superstardom. He believes the same thing awaits the winner of Thurman-Porter.
Hearns on the fight: “I wanted to show my world my boxing ability. They knew I could knock people out, but they didn’t know that I could box very well.”
Both Leonard and Hearns said they are anxiously awaiting the match between Thurman and Porter because they believe it will hold just as much drama as their match 35 years ago.
“Yeah, you can make the comparison,” Leonard said. “Both guys are at the top of the welterweight division. The only thing that’s different is that me and Tommy were so well known by sports fans. We were on TV a lot, and that’s what built our names and gave people the chance to see us so much. And that’s what they’re doing now with the PBC and the shows being on network TV. This could be a fight like ours. Who knows? But I do know that the fans are waiting on this fight.”
HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO FACE THE BEST MAN IN YOUR DIVISION?
 
HEARNS: “It’s always hard to get prepared for someone like that because you think about what the outcome is going to be and what are your chances of winning the fight. I never thought about losing, but I thought about what my chances were.
I knew if I went out and boxed the way I knew I could box, I would beat Ray. Just the thought of fighting Ray brought a lot of questions to my mind. Some I had answers to and some I didn’t have. Most other guys I knew I could go out there and knock them out.”
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS MATCHUP?
LEONARD: “Just the heart of Keith and Shawn. Both of these guys have heart and both have that will. That composure. You can’t teach composure. It’s something that you either have or you don’t. You can’t learn that. That deep, deep composure when your left eye is closed and your liver is busted and you got to get up on the canvas.”
HEARNS: “I know Thurman and Porter have the ability to get each other out of there. It’s going to be a matter of who gets to who first. I’m definitely watching. I hope to be there in person.”
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE MENTAL ASPECT OF THIS MATCH?
 
HEARNS: “I know what it’s like to go against somebody that people don’t think you can beat. You have to prepare for that. It’s a mental stage that you go through, how you prepare your mind. If you can control your mind and tell your body what you’re going to do, then you can do it. You can’t worry about how good the other guy can punch. Just stay out of the way. Keep on laying that stick on him and he won’t be able to punch you.”
WHAT WAS YOUR MENTALITY GOING INTO THE MATCH AGAINST LEONARD?
 
HEARNS: “I didn’t come to go 12 or 15 rounds. I came to whip your butt and go home. I had no desire to go 15 rounds. I trained for it, but I was never going 15 rounds.”
WHAT WAS YOUR MENTALITY GOING INTO THE MATCH AGAINST HEARNS?
LEONARD: “I felt that I could beat anyone. My brother Roger didn’t think I could beat Tommy. He didn’t tell me that until it was over. In training camp I used to box Roger and he would land a lot of right hands. He figured if Tommy’s right hand landed on me it would be over. My brother didn’t have much confidence in me.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE ONLINE DIGITAL INSTALLMENT OF “ALL ACCESS”

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“ALL ACCESS: Thurman vs. Porter,” Part 1 of a Four-Part Short Feature Series is Available Now On SHOWTIME ®Digital Platforms; All Consumers Can Experience The Buildup To The Live CBS Primetime Boxing Special On Saturday, June 25

 

Click On The Link To Watch, Share & Embed Part 1:  http://s.sho.com/1Ua64Vq

 

SHOWTIME Sports launched an online exclusive installment of digital short features inspired by the three-time Emmy® Award-winning series “ALL ACCESS” on Monday.  The first of the four-part series titled “ALL ACCESS: Thurman vs. Porter” is now available on the SHO Sports YouTube channel, SHO.com/sports, and on the CBSSports.com boxing page.  Subsequent installments will also debut online on tomorrow, June 15, Friday, June 17 and Monday, June 20, in anticipation of the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks I in 1978.

 

On Saturday, June 25, SHOWTIME Sports will produce the welterweight world championship boxing event featuring undefeated champion Keith Thurman and once-beaten former champ Shawn Porter, live on CBS (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

“ALL ACCESS: Thurman vs. Porter” immerses viewers in camp with two elite prizefighters in the prime of their careers as they prepare to square off for the top spot in boxing’s glamour division.

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event at Barclays Center, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports and @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentand www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter

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SHAWN PORTER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Primetime World Title Showdown Against Keith Thurman
Saturday, June 25 Live on CBS® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
“I want to win each and every round…
We’re going to shock the world.” Shawn Porter
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (June 9, 2016) – Former world champion Shawn Porter hosted a Las Vegas media workout Wednesday in advance of his welterweight world title showdown against undefeated Keith Thurman on Saturday, June 25 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on CBS and presented by Premier Boxing Champions with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Porter and his father and trainer, Ken Porter, were on hand to speak to media and show
off the skills of the 28-year-old Akron, Ohio, native at the Porter Hy-Performance Center.
Here’s what the Porters said Wednesday:
SHAWN PORTER
“Being the first fight in primetime on CBS since Muhammad Ali is very significant. It makes me want to go out there and do something inspiring.
“Keith’s injury gave me enough time to make extra sure that I had everything I needed to get ready for this fight. Not to say I wouldn’t have been ready March 12 but it’s given me more time to reflect and visualize. On June 25, I know I will be 100 percent on every level.
“We sparred for about two weeks together but it was a while ago. The biggest change has been mental. There are things you learn and grow out of. I’m a lot different. Still some of the same skills but definitely stronger mentally.
“I think he can do some things. He can box very well. He throws good off balanced shots. I can box as well, but I have the pressure, quickness, foot speed and hand speed that it takes to not only outbox him, but to pressure him and hurt him. I think that’s what makes it a great fight.
“At this point, we look at everything we’ve done and move forward each day because we know something special is going to happen. I’m blessed to have a mindset where I don’t focus on what I’ve done. I am always looking forward to the next big opportunity.
“I think the fight is bigger since it’s been postponed. Taking it to Barclays Center is something that is special for the sport of boxing. I won my first championship there and I look forward to keeping up the recent history of great fights at Barclays Center.
“I want to win each and every round. We want to make him have to adjust to what we’re doing. If we control the fight, we win the fight.
“I’ve always been taught to control everything in a fight. I can’t allow him to slow the tempo down. But I’m definitely not going to rush. I have the skills to execute the game plan.
“I think the difference is in my preparation. I have a great team to match my great skills. We’re going to shock the world.”
KEN PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer
“We normally don’t work out hard in front of the media, but we’ve decided to switch the energy and go harder during this afternoon session. This isn’t just for the cameras.
“I respect Keith Thurman as a fighter and a person. This is something that happens along the way. Fighters have to fight each other. Some of these young guys working in this gym, they might have to fight Shawn one day. But fight night is fight night.
“I’m not worried about anything Keith Thurman can do. We’ve done all the hard work. The foundation has been laid. He’s done this since he was four-years-old. He’s been on every stage and this is his time.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports and @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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Keith Thurman Quotes & Photos From St. Petersburg, Fla. Media Day

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Welterweight World Champion Battles Shawn Porter Live on CBS
Saturday, June 25 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
“This is a chance to showcase our talents and our skills to the world…
I’m definitely going for the knockout.” Thurman
 
Click HERE for Photos from Eric Walker/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 8, 2016) – Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman opened training camp to media today in St. Petersburg as he prepares to defend his title against former world champion Shawn Porter on Saturday, June 25 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT with a featherweight world title showdown between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Born and raised in the area, Thurman worked out at St. Pete Boxing Club along with longtime trainer Dan Birmingham as he prepared for his primetime battle against the strong and dangerous Porter.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
KEITH THURMAN
“Muhammad Ali opened up the door for so many people. Michael Jordan changed the game in our era, but Ali did it so long ago. He showed people that boxing is a great sport and can be the most entertaining sport in the world.
“For me, it’s almost like a dream come true. It’s surreal. I remember at an early age in boxing saying, ‘I want to be the guy that brings boxing back.’ I’m really blessed to be where I am in my career. For all the fighters who could end up on this stage, I’m proud that I’ve been chosen.
“I’ve always considered myself a knockout artist. Back to when I was a teenager knocking out grown men in headgear. Ever since then, I’ve been dropping people like a bad habit.
“I love being a power-puncher. My favorite fighter of all time is Mike Tyson. One of my goals that I set when I was a kid was to have more knockouts than Mike Tyson throughout my career.
“I’m ready for Shawn Porter. We’re going to box harder, box stronger and box better. I will be the better man.
“Training is the fundamentals of getting one prepared. We’ve always known that Shawn Porter was going to come into this fight in tremendous shape. That’s what his training methods are all about. But the Energizer Bunny has never been hit by Keith Thurman, and I’m pretty sure I could stop it in its tracks.
“I’m going for the knockout. I’ve stated it before. My hands are itching for a knockout. I’m ‘One Time,’ all the time. That’s my philosophy. Every single time I step into the ring I’m looking for the knockout. We don’t get paid for overtime.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our talents and our skills to the world. The winner will have an opportunity to be the head guy in the sport. I’ve always wanted to have a legacy in the sport of boxing.
“I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. That’s my ultimate goal. There have only been so many in the history of boxing. I want to be a part of that history.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“Keith is a guy who deserves to be on this stage. He has a lot of experience and he’s come into his own. This is the kind of thing that happens when you work hard.
“Life happens. Keith was involved in the accident and so we took the necessary rest. He saw the right doctors and we’re back now. We’re ready for Shawn Porter.
“We’re constantly conditioning. We’re working on attacking his style. He’s a short, come-forward brawler who’s going to try to come into Keith’s chest and make it a war. We’re making out adjustments.
“Keith has to be busier, more in charge fighter. He has to work off of his jab and then his power will keep Porter at bay.”
#          #          #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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ABNER MARES: “I AM GOING TO EARN MY FOURTH WORLD TITLE IN BROOKLYN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25”

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Featherweight Title On The Line In Cuellar vs. Mares Fight

Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®On CBS

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions From Barclays Center

 

For Team Mares Training Camp Photos Click Here

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Abner Mares, the former three-division world champion boxer, will be taking class, technique and power into the ring when he meets WBA Featherweight World ChampionJesus Cuellar on Saturday, June 25 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Live coverage begins at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.

 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Mares returns to the ring after a loss in one of 2015’s most-watched fights against featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz. In 2016 Mares changed his training camp to work with former world champion boxer and two-time “Trainer of the Year,” Robert Garcia (Mikey Garcia, Antonio Margarito, Marcos Maidana) out of his Riverside, Calif., facility. Mares has continued to work with his longtime strength and condition coach Luis Garcia (Andre Berto, Amir Khan). His fight against Cuellar not only marks his first fight of 2016 but a chance to capture a fourth world title.

 

“This is going to be a technical fight,” said Mares. “Cuellar is a hard-hitting fighter and since the fight was made we’ve been preparing for a real battle. I have no personal vendetta against him, however I am excited to see what monster the Mares-Garcia combination has created and gets unleashed. My power and spirit are 1000 percent. Fans are going to see a fantastic, clean, technical fight.”

 

For Mares’ fans the direction under the guidance of Garcia brings new possibilities for the fighter, and one that Garcia sees as the next step and progression for Abner.
“I’ve been seeing the Abner that the world knew three to four years ago,” said Garcia about Mares’ training. “A warrior with tremendous boxing skills, that’s the Abner I see now. He’s in tremendous shape but it’s a different Abner. He’s been a warrior all his life and he will come to fight – he has that mentality – but his jab, his straight punches and footwork are better than what fans have seen in the past two years.”

 

This fight marks the first fight for Mares in New York.

 

“It’s my first time fighting and being in New York and I plan on giving the fans at Barclays a ‘Fight of the Year’ performance,” he said. “New York is the home of the American dream. Being a Mexican who came to the U.S. as a young child, it’s hugely symbolic for me as well as my family. This is my chance at winning my fourth world title and to do it in the city that started so many dreams and careers and on the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years, it’s an important moment.”

 

ABNER MARES:

 

How are you preparing for this fight? …

 

“I’ve been training with Robert since December. When the original March fight was postponed and I had a chance to fight Cuellar for the title so we never really took a break. We did change our training regimen a bit to stay fresh, get stronger and work on some tactical and technical skills. Robert has a great eye and knowledge of the sport, having worked with so many fighters, including Cuellar. It gives me an advantage in preparation.”

 

Why the change in trainers? …

 

“I knew I needed to change my camp after the last fight. I felt that we had a solid camp but in the end, I didn’t stick to the plan and it resulted in a loss. I am a warrior, I’ll never give up, always come back. I am not afraid to take a fight. But I knew I needed a trainer whose plan I would have to follow versus having a trainer who would fit into mine. Robert and I come from similar backgrounds, his record speaks for itself and I know this partnership is going to deliver big wins.”

 

TRAINER ROBERT GARCIA:  

 

What is Abner’s untapped skill? …

 

“Abner is very candid as a boxer. He has great skills in speed, footwork and power — he has all three and when combined he’s unstoppable. Sparring has been tremendous and if he does exactly what he is doing in gym and follows instructions then he can compete against any top featherweight in the world in my opinion.”

 

How is sparring? …

 

“Abner’s a beast. He’s doing great in our sparring sessions – his power is tremendous and his boxing has just become more effective. He’s always been a tremendous fighter who can box inside and on the outside. What the world saw and loved from him in August – his heart and ability to get in and fight – has been focused and strengthened. We’re very focused on winning and beating a hard-hitting fighter.”

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing @PremierBoxing, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentand www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.