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  DANNY GARCIA KNOCKS OUT BRANDON RIOS IN WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

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David Benavidez Remains Boxing’s Youngest World Champion With Unanimous Decision Over Ronald Gavril In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
Watch The Replay Monday, Feb. 19 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 17, 2018) – Former two-division world champion Danny Garcia returned with a vengeance, knocking out Brandon Rios in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Returning for the first time since dropping a close split-decision to Keith Thurman in a welterweight world championship unification fight in March of 2017, Garcia reminded fans of his position amongst boxing’s elite at 147 pounds with an early candidate for 2018 Knockout of the Year.
Garcia (34-1, 20 KOs) did his best work in the center of the ring, where he was able to box at a distance and fend off Rios’ furious pace.  Rios, who returned in 2017 from a brief retirement, was most effective against the ropes where he gave Garcia trouble with his constant pressure and his favorite weapon – a wide overhand right.
In the ninth round with the fight where Garcia wanted it – in the center of the ring – the Philadelphia native landed a huge counter right to the chin that sent Rios flat on his back.  Rios beat the count, but was clearly wobbly on his feet, forcing referee Kenny Bayless to halt the contest at 2:25 of the ninth.
“I felt the ring rust a little bit in the beginning,” said Garcia, who recorded the 20th knockout of his career.  “He’s a good inside fighter and he was giving me some good uppercuts.  I felt good, it was a good nine rounds.  He came to fight.  I came to box, I did that.  I came to bang, and I gave the fans what they wanted – a knockout.
“I just noticed when I was getting my punches off he was standing right in front of me and I just let it go.  As soon as I got the fight in the middle of the ring where I wanted I landed good shots.  I was just letting my hands go and the punch landed.”
After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray asked Garcia how the loss to Thurman affected him.
“The loss was tough.  I have the mindset of a winner,” Garcia said.  “I hate losing.  I took it like a true champion and I bounced back like a true champion.
“I would love the rematch with Keith Thurman.  It’s on him.  Whenever he’s ready we’ll fight.”
WBA and WBC Champion Thurman isn’t the only potential blockbuster on the horizon for Garcia. Former welterweight champion and the WBC’s No. 1 ranked contender Shawn Porter looms for what would be a massive showdown between the former champions.
After the fight, Rios (34-4-1, 24 KOs) was frustrated with the stoppage and promised to return.
“I’m mad.  I don’t like going out like that,” Rios said.  “I’m a warrior, I got back up and I wanted to continue.  I guess they stopped it but I’m mad.  I’m mad because I got up.
“I was doing good.  I got lazy with the jab and he came over with the right hand and he caught me.  I’m a warrior.  I’m still in the game.  I didn’t think he did much to hurt me.  I think it was closer than what he thought it was.  He just caught me with a lucky punch.  I was ready to continue.”
Boxing’s youngest world champion, David Benavidez, left no questions in a rematch with Ronald Gavril, defending his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship with a dominating 12-round unanimous decision in Saturday’s co-feature on SHOWTIME.
The 21-year-old Benavidez and Gavril had fought to a close split-decision in one of 2017’s best fights that saw Benavidez drop to the canvas in the final minute of the 12th and final round.  The Phoenix native had no trouble in the immediate rematch, utilizing a stiff jab and a steady diet of combo shots to win a near-shutout over the game Gavril.
Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) wore down Gavril with an intelligent body attack, pounding the midsection to open up power shots and jabs to the head.  Benavidez had his best round in the fourth, connecting on a huge right uppercut that nearly floored Gavril – who appeared to be saved by the ropes – and then pounced with a series of damaging combo shots.
Benavidez appeared to hurt his right hand in the second half of the fight and stepped off the gas in the 10th, 11th and 12th.  But Benavidez, who connected on 41 percent of his power shots, still landed the harder shots and utilized a stiff left jab to keep Gavril largely at bay.
“I knew he was going to come aggressive.  He’s a one-trick opponent,” Benavidez said.  “I knew I could jab and box him all day.  When I saw the opening I took it.  I didn’t knock him out though – he’s a tough son of a gun.
“Both my hands hurt but I have that warrior’s mentality so I kept pushing.
“I want to be the best in division. So whoever they put in front of me that’s what I want to do.”
Gavril (18-3, 14 KOs) didn’t make any excuses for dropping what was an action-packed affair that was scored 119-109 and 120-108 twice.
“He tried to box me on the outside,” Gavril said.  “It was good fight.  He was the better man tonight. What can I say?  I want to go back in the gym and come back stronger.”
In the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Yordenis Ugas scored the biggest win of his career, knocking out Ray Robinson in the seventh round of an IBF Welterweight Eliminator.
Ugas (21-3, 10 KOs) now holds the IBF’s No. 2 position to undefeated champion Errol Spence Jr.
Ugas, a former amateur standout who is now 6-0 since moving up to the 147-pound class, set the tone with a knockdown in the closing minute of the opening round.  Robinson (24-3, 12 KOs) survived and was later deducted a point for hitting after the bell as the fourth round came to a close.  The illegal punch floored an unexpected Ugas, who rebounded and continued to dominate the subsequent rounds.
In the opening minute of the seventh, the 31-year-old Ugas landed a massive right that floored Robinson, who beat the count but was clearly hurt.  Ugas unleashed an onslaught with a series of combos, forcing referee Robert Byrd to step in to halt the contest at 1:05 with Robinson defenseless against the ropes.
Ugas landed 51 percent of his power shots and was comfortably ahead on all three judges at the time of the stoppage.
“I felt like I was the stronger fighter by far and he didn’t hurt me,” said Ugas. “He lost a point for hitting me after the bell sounded, and knocked me down, but even that didn’t hurt me. He was very awkward and his style threw off my timing.
“Luckily I was able to land body shots that I knew were hurting him. I was able to dictate the pace and we never in trouble.
“I want Errol Spence next.  Everyone wants Errol.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions was presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.
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  Tensions Flare At Final Press Conference For Danny Garcia vs.  Brandon Rios Welterweight World Title Eliminator

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David Benavidez Promises To Knock Out Ronald Gavril In WBC Super Middleweight World Championship Rematch In Co-Feature Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
 
Saturday, Feb. 17, Live on SHOWTIME® from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 15, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny Garcia and former world champion Brandon Rios faced off Thursday at the final press conference for their WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator this Saturday, February 17live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Garcia, who returns for his first bout since a unification showdown with Keith Thurman, promised to put on a show, while a confident Rios assured he was 100 percent prepared for what he deemed a “make or break” fight.
Saturday’s co-main event stole the show Thursday as undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez promised to send top-rated contender Ronald Gavril into retirement in their anticipated rematch of a thrilling 2017 split-decision.  Gavril, who floored Benavidez in the final minute of their Fight of the Year nominee, promised a different outcome in Saturday’s rematch.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson facing offin an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge in Las Vegas:
DANNY GARCIA
“I took a little under a year off just to enjoy my life. I’ve worked hard my whole life; I’ve been boxing for 20 years. I just wanted to be a regular person and let my mind rest, spend time with my daughter and enjoy some of my money.
“More than anything, I just felt like I needed the rest. It wasn’t about the hunger because I’ve always had passion for the sport. I love boxing. I love the competition.
“I’m back now and I’ve been in camp for three months. I’m training hard. I feel great and I feel confident.
“It was a close fight against Thurman. I walked out of there with no injuries. Thurman was the one with the elbow injury, so he took more punishment than me. I could easily be unified champion of the world right now. At the end of the day, I’m a champion. That’s my mindset. What doesn’t break me, makes me stronger.
“It feels great to be from Philly right now. The atmosphere is crazy. When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, it felt like I won. They motivated me to go out there and do what I have to do.
“It’s the Danny Garcia show so I’m going to go in there and do what I want to do. I’m going to dictate the pace. If we want to bang, we can bang. If we want to box, we can box.
“I’ve faced fighters that came straight at me before. I’ve faced fighters that moved. I’m prepared for whatever. I’m a young veteran in the sport and what made me a true champion is adapting to anything and overcoming adversity. If I have to overcome adversity on Saturday night, then I’m going to do that because that’s what I was built for.
“I need to get a victory on Saturday night. I can’t overlook anybody. I’ve seen some crazy things happen in boxing. One punch can change everything, so I’m just focused on Saturday night.”
BRANDON RIOS
“I’m ready 100 percent. I’m ready to give the fans an exciting show and that’s what I’ve prepared for. That’s my style. I always come forward and I come to fight. We ain’t dancing, we’re going to be fighting.
“Robert Garcia has always been my brother. He’s a brother from another mother. It felt great to be back with Robert Garcia and I’m just ready for the fight now. Him and Donald Leary have me confident in myself, and that’s the most important thing.
“I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity. This can make or break me. I’m doing everything right in training and dieting. I usually say I can’t wait until weigh-ins but this time I can’t wait until Saturday.
“There’s no weight issue at all. I’m perfectly on-weight right now. I’m perfectly fine health-wise, there’s no injuries. I’m 100 percent ready.”
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’m going to put Gavril into retirement after this fight. I’m going to knock him out. This is going to be the fight of the night so you guys don’t want to miss it. He’s not going to want to box again after I get done with him.
“He dropped me but I wasn’t hurt at any point of that fight. I got back up and smiled. I did not feel his power at all.
“It wasn’t a tough decision to give him a rematch because it was a great fight. I just want to give the fans the fights they want to see. They said the first one was a war, let’s make this one a war too.
“I’m not offended by Gavril’s talk because he’s a good fighter. This is just more hype for the fight and more motivation for me to go in there and make it a war.
“This time, there’s going to be a little bit more boxing. I really want to put this guy away so in order to do that, I need to step up every part of my game.”
RONALD GAVRIL
“In the first fight, I proved to everybody that I have the skill and the power to be the best in this division. I thought that I won the fight, especially with the knockdown. So now, I had more than eight weeks to prepare for this fight when I only had four weeks for the first fight. I’m better now.
“I was not surprised Benavidez gave me the rematch because it was such a good fight. I think Benavidez talks to much. He said before the first fight that he was coming to stop me in four rounds or five rounds. He cannot stop me. And now, he said the same thing before this fight. He can’t do that. Why do you think he got a new fitness coach?”
YORDENIS UGAS
“Moving up from 140 to 147 in 2016 has been great for me. Putting on the extra weight only makes me stronger.
“I’m ready to fight Robinson. I feel 100 percent and after I fight him on Saturday, I’m looking forward to fighting (Errol) Spence if I’m successful.
“I’m going to jump on the fact that I have length and reach on him. I have the height advantage. I can find a way to come in and attack the body first.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It’s an eliminator so I’m going for the win on Saturday night.”
RAY ROBINSON
“At one point, I used to put a lot of pressure on myself because of my name. I put so much pressure on myself that I even think I lost a couple fights. I look up to Sugar Ray Robinson, but I’m here to put my own footprints in the sand.
“I have learned from every fight and gotten better every fight as a pro and as a person. I have a great team now and they have only added to my craft.
“I feel confident. I did all of the hard work in the gym with my team. This is the easy part. I can box with a blindfold on. That’s the one thing I know how to do – fight. On Saturday, all of my hard work is going to pay off.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Danny Garcia vs. Brandon Rios Plus David Benavidez vs. Ronald Gavril and Yordenis Ugas vs. Ray Robinson Fight Week Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Saturday, Feb. 17, Live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (February 14, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny Garcia and former world champion Brandon Rios hosted a media workout in Las Vegas on Wednesday ahead of WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator this Saturday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
In the co-main event, undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril meet in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson facing offin an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say from House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Wednesday:
DANNY GARCIA
“I’m just hungry for this fight. At the end of the day I have the passion for boxing, and I love the competition. That’s what motivates me and that’s what has motivated me to get back in there and get back on top. It all starts on Saturday night.
“I can’t worry about what [Brandon] is doing. At the end of the day I know he trained his heart out for this fight and this is an opportunity of a lifetime for him. This is a big fight for me. I have to go in there and show that I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I just have to go in there and be Danny Garcia.
“It’s great to be back here in Vegas. This is a big-fight atmosphere and it just motivates me. I feel good and I can’t wait to go in there and fight.
“I’m going to do a little bit of everything, it just depends how I feel. I’m gonna bang, I’m gonna box. I’m going to back him up. I’m going to do everything.
“I try to knock everyone out in the first round. I’ll go and get that check. Twelve rounds or less. I’d like to get it done in under eight or six. But if not I’ll go 12 rounds. I have a great team and I’ve been training hard.
“I don’t blame Keith Thurman for not wanting to fight me again. I wouldn’t want to fight me two times in row. My journey and my superstardom start again on Saturday night. My job then is to show the work and that I’m still one of the superstars of this sport.
“I’m 29 years old and in the prime of my career. It starts now. I’m ready to get back on track.
“I represent Philly wherever I go. I represent all Latinos all around the world. When you’re a world champion boxer you represent everyone around the world.
“He likes to bang…let’s do it. I feel like I’m the stronger man and there’s no need to back up. If that’s what it takes to get the job done.”
BRANDON RIOS
“I’m ready. I’ve been training really hard and I’m focused and dedicated to the boxing game. In the past I was immature and just being a kid and being a dork and just going with heart and balls – that’s what I was doing it with. But now I want to get back to the top and I know what it takes to get there.
“I don’t care what the critics say because at the end of the day that’s what they are, just critics. It’s all good. I can tell you right now I’m in shape. I’m on weight already.
“Everyone knows the way I fight. Going all out is my style. I’ll walk through brick walls to get the victory. Everyone will see on Saturday night the new and improved Bam Bam.
“Think about why I looked like [crap] after my last fight. I’ve been through wars after wars and wars in my previous fights, and that takes a toll on your body. It happens. And I realized it and I took a step back and I wasn’t doing it right with dieting and training. I was doing it with heart and balls.
“Now I feel rejuvenated and fresh. So you will see the new and improved Brandon. I feel young and not war-shot, or whatever you guys want to call it. I want to go out there and prove everyone wrong. I’m going to prove every one of you wrong. There’s going to be a smile on my face when I win this fight and I will put up my middle finger to all of you.
“Danny’s a strong fighter and he has power in both hands. He’s a great counter-puncher. One thing I like is he doesn’t move or run, he likes to bang it out, and that suits my style better. But if he does run, we’ll be ready for that too. I sparred with young guys, so I’m ready.
“Thanks to all of you guys for calling me out, and calling me a cherry, or whatever. I love it. It’s all good. That’s the chip on my shoulder I got. I’m not a cherry, I might be a wild berry, but I’m not a cherry.”
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“The preparation we had for this camp was amazing. Three months in training camp, we made a lot of changes for this fight and we’re ready to go in there and take care of business.
“Winning the title changed my confidence but it changed my work too. Now I know everybody is gunning for my title and I don’t want to let it go. All the work and sacrifice it took for me to get this – I’m not going to let it go.
“I feel very strong. The weight is good. I feel amazing and you guys are going to see it comeSaturday.
“I don’t think Gavril can do any better than he did in the last fight. He’s a one trick pony and he doesn’t have many tricks left, he’s getting old. We’ve been working on a lot of different styles for this fight and I feel more than ready.
“I’m very motivated. I stayed very dedicated to this training camp. I’m ready to go in there and play no games. I’m going to do what I say and I’m going to knock Gavril out.
“I feel I could have done better in the first fight. Having everybody tell me Gavril should have won and him talking a lot of smack, it’s the motivation and drive that I needed to train the way I did in this camp.
“The sickness during the first fight took a lot out of me but my mentality is that I’m a warrior and I’m always going to push through it no matter what. This time, we didn’t have any injuries or sickness so I can’t wait to put on a show on Saturday.
“This is the first time I’ve really had a chip on my shoulder. All the hard work it took for me to get this belt, and people say it was just given to me? No way, I’m going to go in there and show why I’m the youngest champion in the super middleweight division.
“I want to become the best in the division. I want to earn every victory and fight the best. I would love to fight the World Boxing Super Series winner. I’ll be ready for anybody. I worked so hard to get this, nobody can take it from me.
“I’m thinking it will be a knockout around Round 5. It’s going to be a combination of the body and chin. It’s not really looking for the knockout, it’s just setting it up. I’m not going in just throwing haymakers, but I’ll set it up and if it comes, it will come in spectacular fashion.”
RONALD GAVRIL
“I trained a little bit different this time. I had way more time than the first fight to prepare. Last time was four weeks, this time I had a full 10 weeks. I have done a lot of rounds of sparring and a lot of work related to this fight.
“I learn after every fight. From the first fight against Benavidez, I learned even more because it was a tough, tight fight.
“His people tried to make him a superstar before he fought me. I don’t know what people said after the first fight, but they should wait until after the rematch. I’m the stronger fighter.
“The difference in this fight is going to be who boxes smarter. I feel I’m the smarter fighter because if I need to box, I box; if I need to put pressure, I put pressure. I can adapt.
“I think this is going to be the fight of the year. It’s going to be special. The fans should all come see this fight because it’s going to be amazing with two warriors.
“I’m not looking for a knockout. I’m looking to win every round. But I also don’t want to leave it in the judges’ hands like last time, so we’ll see what happens Saturday.
“I’m ready to win. It would be a dream come true. This is why I came here to America from Romania.”
YORDENIS UGAS
“We are both good fighters. But I am ready to put on the fight of the night for the fans and I will be victorious.
“I’m more than ready to get back in the ring. I know what’s at stake. This is a title eliminator and it is the biggest fight of my career. I’m ready to get even better and show the world that I’m ready to be at that top tier of boxing.
“Because of the intensity of this fight, I think it has the potential to be the fight of the night. This is going to shine over all the other fights.”
RAY ROBINSON
“Training camp was perfect. My team did everything to prepare me for this fight. I dotted every ‘I’ and crossed every ‘T’ for this fight. This was one of the best camps I’ve had and I’m excited to get in the ring on Saturday.
“Carrying Sugar Ray’s name is obviously a pleasure. Growing up, I had a lot of pressure on myself with my name being Ray Robinson. Sometimes I think I even lost fights because I put too much pressure on myself having that name. So now, I make sure I don’t put too much pressure on myself.
“This is the type of fight that I roll out of bed for. You get tired of fighting regular guys. I’m an old school fighter – I love fighting guys that look good on paper and nobody knows who’s going to win and it’s up to his camp and my camp. I haven’t been this excited for a fight in a long time.
“I expect hell. That’s how I’ve been preparing. If it’s anything less than that, he’ll be sorry. That’s how I’ve been training – like we’re fighting for a world title. I’m going to bring all the hardship I’ve had in my life into this fight on Saturday night.
“I’m an old school fighter. I’ll fight people in their grandma’s back yard if I have to. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting. I’ll just do it Kimbo Slice-style. Once we conquer Saturday, we are supposed to fight Errol Spence and even if that doesn’t happen, we’re looking for a world title. Errol Spence, (Keith) Thurman, I’m ready to rock.
“Every time we put the gloves on, we want to do something special. Especially with this fight being on SHOWTIME, we just made sure we prepared the right way. But it doesn’t matter if it’s on TV or not, we still have to put on a good fight.
“Each fight that I have is a stepping stone in my career. This is no different just because it’s in Vegas. I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself and blow this up and make it bigger than what it needs to me. Vegas, the crowds, the lights – that’s all cool and dandy but at the end of the day I still have to do my job.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Danny Garcia Philadelphia Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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With Quotes & Photos from Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe of the
Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles
 
Two-Division Champion Battles Former Champion Brandon Rios in Welterweight World Title Eliminator Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 17 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Chet Susslin/SHOWTIME
 
PHILADELPHIA (February 9, 2018) – One day after the city celebrated its first Super Bowl championship, two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia was joined by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Dannell Ellerbe at a media workout in Philadelphia as Garcia prepares for his welterweight world title eliminator against former champion Brandon Rios Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
The Premier Boxing Champions event also features undefeated super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril squaring-off in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision. TheSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with , welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas battling Ray Robinson in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
Here is what Garcia, Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Danny’s father and trainer, Angel Garcia had to say Friday from DSG Boxing Gym in Philadelphia:
DANNY GARCIA
“At the end of the day, everyone at welterweight has to prove themselves. The pieces will fall into place. Eventually we’ll all fight each other. I’m just going to keep taking it one fight at a time.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring. I feel rejuvenated. My body feels fresh. Training camp has gone really well and now it’s time to get in there and go to work.
“I learned from the Keith Thurman fight not to leave anything in the hands of the judges. It was a close fight that could have gone either way. I have to go for the kill, so it is what it is.
“I was just enjoying myself for a little bit after the Thurman fight. I knew that I’d be back so it was good to get some time with my family and away from boxing. Now I’m back and ready to go.
“This is a new chapter in my career. There are new obstacles to overcome. Just like I’ve always had in my career. I’m going to take it one fight at a time so I can get back to where I belong.
“Once you’re a champion, you’re always a champion. On February 17 I’m going to show everyone why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.
“I’ve had my best performances in Las Vegas against Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse. Las Vegas is where the stars fight so I’m happy to be fighting there again.
“I’ve been preparing for everything. I’ve been working on boxing and brawling; it’ll just depend how I feel when the fight starts. I’m going to be ready for 12 rounds regardless.”
DANNELL ELLERBE, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker
“Just to know how starving Philadelphia has been for a Super Bowl championship, and to bring the first one, it’s a great feeling. These fans give you energy and make you play better.
“It’s all love between the Philly athletes. We all show up for each other’s events and support each other. That’s really big to have a supportive community and I’m sure everyone will be rooting for Danny next Saturday.”
ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer
“Brandon Rios is not going to be an easy opponent. This is going to be a great fight. Rios is a very tough fighter. There’s no way this is going to be an easy fight and Danny knows that.
“Danny knows he can’t take anything lightly because Brandon Rios will be prepared. But he’s not going to win. Danny Garcia has never taken a beating; he gives them out.
“Brandon Rios better keep his hands up. We’ll be ready in one week for Danny Garcia to be at his best. You’re going to see him once again show his great skills.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“Garcia vs. Brandon Rios is a great stylistic matchup. Rios is a very aggressive fighter who likes to put pressure on. Danny is a boxer-puncher, but I think you see that Danny really comes forward. He’s a guy who’s boxing skills are underrated.
“Danny Garcia has been a unified champion and shown he’s one of the best fighters in the world. Come February 17, he’s going to make a big statement. There’s a lot of justified talk about other welterweights, but Danny Garcia is a name in this division who is here to stay.
“The Benavidez vs. Gavril rematch is a fantastic fight. It’s a fight people have been looking for since the first time they faced off. I think it’s going to live up to what everyone has expected. I know Ronald has made some adjustments, and I’m sure Benavidez has made some too. I think it’s going to be an all-out war.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Brandon Rios Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes and Photos

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Danny Garcia vs. Brandon Rios, Plus David Benavidez vs.
Ronald Gavril Super Middleweight World Title Rematch Takes Place Saturday, February 17 Live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay
Events Center in Las Vegas
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXNG Telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Team Brandon Rios
 
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 7, 2018) – Former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios hosted a Los Angeles media workout Wednesday in advance of his welterweight title eliminator against Danny “Swift” Garcia Saturday, Feb. 17, live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
In the co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), undefeated super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril square-off in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision.
In the telecast opener, welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas meets Ray Robinson in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from NGBA Boxing Gym:
BRANDON RIOS
“I’m training really hard and I’m ready to get back in the ring. My weight is perfect right now and I’m just ready to give the fans a great show.
“This is the kind of fight that I asked for because I know that beating a guy like Danny Garcia will mean a lot to my career and put me on the fast track to accomplish my goals.
“Danny has a lot of power on his hook. He throws it hard and is accurate. We’ve worked hard to prepare for this moment and I’m excited.
“Having Robert Garcia here makes me much happier in training. I love the instructions from him and Donald Leary, and I love having them as my corner. Sparring the young guys in Robert’s gym really has helped me. Those guys are hungry and always pushing to prove themselves. I have to keep elevating my game.
“As long as I beat Danny Garcia, I know that it puts me back to the top of this division. I’m here again and I’m doing it right this time. I want to make the most of this part of my career. I don’t want to ever wonder ”what if?'”
“I’m going to win. That’s my mentality. I’m going into this fight with that same hunger and drive to never be defeated. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win this fight.
“We’re expecting to fight the best version of Danny Garcia. I know he had his first loss and wants his title back, so he’ll be prepared. I think we’re going to give the fans a great show.
“I feel rejuvenated and more mature than ever before. I’ve already been to the top. I just want to do things right this time so I can get back up there and stay there. I’m taking this camp very seriously to be at my best on February 17. I’m going to go out there and execute the game plan.
“We’re going to give 150 tickets to first responders of the Las Vegas incident last year and it means a lot to me and my whole team. Those men and women work very hard and put their lives on the line to protect us all around the world. It means a lot to me for them to come to this show.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Rios’ Trainer
“For this fight Brandon has been so motivated and training so hard. He’s very close to weight already and we’ve had more than enough rounds of sparring.
“Brandon is like my little brother and he’s definitely part of the family. I’ve always been in touch with him even when I wasn’t training him. When we agreed to team up again, the promise was that he had to stay healthy and train hard and show us that he wants to be champion again. Since that day, he’s been on a mission. He’s doing it the right way.
“Danny Garcia is a great two-division world champion. We expect him to be confident and I’m sure he’s training hard to get a good win. Brandon is going to be motivated to give everyone a great fight. His mind set is to go out and beat Danny Garcia and that’s what he’s going to do.
“Brandon is training hard to do what people don’t believe he can do. His confidence is like never before. I see the same Brandon that we’ve seen in the best moments of his career.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Philadelphia-Native & Two-Division World Champion Danny Garcia Talks Underdog Mentality for Hometown  Philadelphia Eagles & Predicts Victory in Super Bowl LII

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Garcia Takes on Former Champion Brandon Rios in Welterweight World Title Eliminator Saturday, February 17 Live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas
 
PHILADELPHIA (January 31, 2018) – Philadelphia-native and two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia has thrived in the underdog role several times throughout a career that has seen him defeat a slew of top champions. Just like Garcia triumphed over Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse in two of his greatest wins, Garcia’s hometown Philadelphia Eagles will look to upset the odds this Sunday in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.
“When you’re an underdog, it’s all about using that energy and that anger to show the doubters that you can do anything,” said Garcia. “You just have to have that absolute belief in yourself and you can win anything.”
For the fighter who still lives and trains in his hometown, just like so many sports fans in the area, the Eagles bringing home a Super Bowl victory would be the culmination of childhood dreams.
“I’ve been watching the Eagles since I was a little kid,” said Garcia. “When I was little I moved to a neighborhood where football was really important and that helped me fall in love with the sport.”
Garcia has represented his city throughout a career that has saw him win titles at super lightweight and welterweight, while defeating top fighters such as Khan, Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Zab Judah, Robert Guerrero, Erik Morales and Paulie Malignaggi. Garcia fought in Philadelphia two fights ago when he delivered a knockout victory for his hometown fans at Liacouras Center at Temple University.
“There’s a toughness to Philly sports fans,” said Garcia. “‘Rocky’ helped mold that similar image of our people. I named my daughter Philly because it means so much to me to represent this city. Everything I do is for Philly. I’ve always dreamed about the Eagles winning the Super Bowl.”
Garcia hopes to be following up a Super Bowl victory for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles with a win of his own when he takes on former champion Brandon Rios in a welterweight world title eliminator Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
“This is going to be a big month for Philadelphia,” said Garcia, “I think we’re going to beat New England 28-17. I still remember the first Super Bowl against New England like it was yesterday. That loss stuck with me and I know it has for the team and city too. This is our chance for payback.
“I can’t wait to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl and then I’m going to go out to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, with Philly on my back, to beat Brandon Rios.”
Garcia vs. Rios headlines the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that also features the rematch between unbeaten super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson Clash in IBF 147-Pound Title Elimination Match Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 17 from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

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 Two-Division Champion Danny Garcia Takes On Former World Champion Brandon Rios in Main Event & 168-Pound Champion David Benavidez Defends Title in Rematch Against Top Contender Ronald Gavril in Co-Feature

 

 

 

 

 

LAS VEGAS (January 30, 2018) – Welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson will clash in a 12-round IBF 147-pound title elimination bout live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 17 from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

 

 

Ugas vs. Robinson kicks off a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT that is headlined by a battle between two-division champion Danny Garcia taking on former world champion Brandon Rios in a welterweight title eliminator. The co-feature will see 168-pound world champion David Benavidez defending his title in a rematch against top-rated super middleweight contender Ronald Gavril.

 

 

 

 

 

This welterweight showdown will be contested for the IBF’s number two position for the title held by undefeated champion Errol Spence Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional action inside the arena will feature 175-pound contender Lionell Thompson (19-4, 11 KOs) battling hard-hitting Edwin Rodriguez (29-2, 20 KOs) in a 10-round matchup, lightweight contender Ladarius Miller (14-1, 4 KOs) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (24-5-1, 12 KOs) clashing in a 10-round showdown and former top-ranked amateur Joe Spencer will make his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (1-2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round 154-pound bout.

 

 

 

 

 

Ugas (20-3, 9 KOs), who was born in Cuba and now lives in Las Vegas, is one of the busiest boxers in the sport and a fast-riser in the welterweight division. After losing a unanimous decision to Amir Imam in 2014, the 31-year-old Ugas took a year off from boxing and came back on a tear. During a 12-month span from August 2016 to August 2017, Ugas won five straight fights, knocking off top contenders and prospects including Jamal James, Bryant Perrella, Levan Ghvamichava, Thomas Dulorme and Nelson Lara, including multiple wins on short notice assignments.

 

 

 

 

 

Robinson (24-2, 12 KOs) is the epitome of a Philadelphia fighter – a consummate boxer who always comes to fight and likes to stay busy. Ugas will represent one of the toughest challenges of Robinson’s career. The 32-year-old southpaw fought three times last year and is coming off a seventh round technical decision victory over Breidis Prescott in Atlantic City on June 30.

 

 

 

 

 

Rounding out the night of fights are unbeaten Andres Cortes (6-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round lightweight fight, undefeated Brian Gallegos (6-0, 4 KOs) in six rounds of super featherweight action, super flyweight contender Ava Knight (14-2-4, 5 KOs) in a six round attraction and unbeaten prospect Jonathan Esquivel (6-0, 5 KOs) battling Cameron Burroughs (4-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round middleweight fight.

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.