Tag Archives: Las Vegas

* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *   FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO OFFICIAL COMMERCIAL LAUNCH AND VIDEO LINK

 

Click Here For The Official Commercial Link

 

Short Link: http://s.sho.com/1bU4liB

Credit: Esther Lin/Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

With less than a month to go until the historic championship showdown between 11-time, five-division world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and eight-division world champion Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, the collective marketing team for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao promotion released the commercial spot today touting the pay-per-view event.

 

This commercial — filmed with both prizefighters in a Los Angeles studio on the evening of March 11 — is a creative collaboration between Mayweather Promotions, Top Rank, SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View®. The 30-second spot highlights the anticipation and the great magnitude of this once-in-a-lifetime event. It serves as the lynchpin to an aggressive multi-media marketing campaign that will take place in the next four weeks. The overall Mayweather vs. Pacquiao marketing campaign is expected to receive unprecedented levels of support from pay-per-view providers.

 

The epic showdown takes place Saturday, May 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be co-produced and co-distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and SHOWTIME PPV. The live pay-per-view telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comwww.toprank.comwww.hbo.com/boxing,www.SHO.com/Sportsand www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @HBOboxing, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweatherwww.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.facebook.com/TRBoxing,

www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

Win A Trip to Las Vegas for Mayweather-Pacquiao

Enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas and two tickets to the megafight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 at the MGM Grand. The grand prize winner will receive two tickets to the fight, three nights of lodging on the Las Vegas strip and a $700 travel allowance per person.

 

The second place winner will receive a $1000 equipment package from provider Sting and the third place winner will be awarded a $300 USA Boxing apparel package.

 

For just a $10 suggested donation, you can enter our sweepstakes to witness the fight of the century firsthand and support USA Boxing and the United States’ best Olympic-style boxers at the same time.

 

Though a donation is not necessary to enter and it will not improve your chances of winning, don’t miss your chance to win this once in a lifetime experience. Enter now and enter often. The sweepstakes will end onApril 15, 2015.

 

Click here to enter the sweepstakes.

 

See Official Rules for details, including eligibility and entry deadlines.  Void where prohibited.  No purchase or donation is necessary to enter or win.   

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO CHRONICLE THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT OF THE YEAR WITH “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO”

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Four-Part Documentary Series To Include The Network’s Distinctive And Award-Winning “Epilogue” Episode; Series Premieres Saturday, April 18, Only On SHOWTIME®

 

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(Photo Credit: SHOWTIME)

NEW YORK (March 27, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® offers viewers exclusive access to Floyd “Money” Mayweather and the most anticipated event of the year with “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO,” an intimate four-part documentary series chronicling the life of the perennial pound-for-pound champion as he navigates his collision course with Manny PacquiaoEpisode 1 premieres on Saturday, April 18 immediately following the liveSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader featuring Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO delivers a unique perspective of the compelling and popular Mayweather in the weeks leading up to the biggest prizefight of this generation.  In the fourth installment, Epilogue, SHOWTIME Sports focuses the distinct and Sports Emmy Award-winning spotlight on the unpredictable drama of fight week, takes viewers inside the ropes on fight night, and into the mind of the fighter in the aftermath of the bout.

 

“SHOWTIME has set itself apart with its coverage of the biggest fights in boxing and our viewers have come to expect the unique access we provide,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO will not only welcome viewers into Mayweather’s camp before the fight, but also give viewers a window into those dramatic and often poignant moments immediately before and after this historic fight.”

 

SHOWTIME cameras are entrenched in Mayweather’s camp in the shadow of the bright lights of Las Vegas.  This unparalleled access allows INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO to peel back the curtain on Mayweather’s opulent public persona while revealing the unrelenting pursuit of perfection that propels the undefeated, undisputed champion.

 

From the red carpet spectacle of the kickoff press conference in Los Angeles and the rigors of training camp to the intensity of the weigh-in and the calm dressing room after the final bell, INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO offers an inside-out look at an event that has no rival.

 

Forty-seven fighters have stepped into the ring with Mayweather and all 47 have come away empty.  With complete access to Mayweather and the vast entourage that surrounds and supports him, viewers of INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO come to understand what makes “Money” tick.

 

INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO episodes premiere on SHOWTIME with multiple encore presentations, including the cable television premiere on CBS SPORTS NETWORK.  All episodes of the series will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and online at SHO.com/Sports.

 

Ø  Episode 1 premieres Saturday, April 18 on SHOWTIME, immediately following SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Chavez vs. Fonfara (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Ø  Episode 2 premieres Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Ø  Episode 3 premieres Wednesday, April 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

Ø  Epilogue premieres Saturday, May 9 on SHOWTIME

 

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About Showtime Networks Inc.:

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNELXTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Sky Sports Box Office Will Exclusively show Live Coverage of  Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao on 2 May

Sky Sports Box Office has been awarded exclusive live rights to ‘the fight of the century’, the welterweight world championship unification clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, thanks to an agreement announced today. 

 

The contest, one ofthe most eagerly anticipated events in boxing history, will be shown live from the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

The event puts together the two of greatest boxers of all time: Floyd Mayweather (47-0-0) the undefeated 11 time world champion and holder of the WBC and WBA titles, and Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2) the reigning WBO welterweight world champion and winner of 10 world titles.

 

The Sky Sports viewers will be able to follow build-up to Mayweather v Pacquiao across its channels and digital media outlets, including access to both boxers’ training camps, press conferences and public appearances.

 

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “This fight has everything and is set to be one of the biggest sports events of the year.  As the home of boxing in the UK and Republic of Ireland, we’re thrilled to be awarded the rights.

 

“We’ll provide Sky Sports viewers with the best possible build-up across our channels and outlets and the best coverage of the fight itself from our team in Las Vegas.”

 

Analysis of the fight will be provided by Adam Smith, former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson and former world lightweight champion Jim Watt, as well as a range of boxing experts.  Sky Sports viewers can also enjoy an extensive schedule of support programming providing the best possible analysis of the fight including the weekly magazine programme Ringside, the Ringside Toe 2 Toe podcast series and feature length interviews.

 

Sky Sports News HQ will be in Las Vegas during the final build-up to bring the latest news and analysis from both camps including the official press conferences, and weigh-in as the two fighters complete their training camps and anticipation reaches fever pitch.

 

The event is part of a packed month of live sport that Sky Sports viewers can enjoy during May.  The schedule includes live coverage of the Barclays Premier League, the Sky Bet Championship and League 1 and 2 Playoffs, Scottish Cup Final, the Spanish and Monaco Grand Prix, golf’s Players Championship from Sawgrass, and rugby league’s Magic Weekend from Newcastle’s St James Park stadium.

 

The cost of the event will be £19.95 and €24.95 across all forms of booking up until midnight Friday 1 May.  From then on the cost will still be £19.95 / €24.95 if bookings are made via remote control and online, but will cost £24.95 / €29.95 if booked via the phone.  Please note an additional £2 booking fee still applies if bookings are made via a telephone agent.  Cable customers please contact your operator for booking information.

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS SATURDAY, MAY 2, AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

The Live Stream Replay Can Be Found HERE & HERE

 

LOS ANGELES – (March 13, 2015) – Befitting the unprecedented nature of this mega-fight, a bout that is expected to be the richest in boxing history, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were given the royal treatment Wednesday at a gala press conference at Nokia Theatre at LA Live.

 

A glitzy, Hollywoodstyle red carpet-comparable to that of Hollywood’s biggest award shows-was rolled out to welcome the fighters and afford access to more than 700 credentialed media members from around the world.  Among the formidable press core were dozens of television and radio crews and literally hundreds of newspaper columnists, boxing writers, and news, entertainment and sports reporters.  Even the Goodyear Blimp flew above to mark the occasion as the top-two fighters of this generation, Mayweather and Pacquiao, went face-to-face for the first time prior to their epic welterweight world championship unification bout Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Here are what participants from Wednesday’s press conference had to say:

 

Floyd Mayweather

“This fight could’ve happened a long time ago, but it’s the right time now. It’s an unbelievable matchup and I know the fans can’t wait for this. The timing is right and the timing is now.

 

“We finally made it happen. Everything is about timing.

 

“There was no resentment towards (former promoter) Bob Arum, I was just happy to become my own boss after years of working hard and dedicating myself to boxing and also learning the business side of it. With time, I eventually had to become my own boss. There are no hard feelings towards Bob Arum at all.

 

“It’s always good to see the best fight the best, that’s what’s so intriguing about this matchup.

“I think that us meeting after the Miami Heat basketball game, meeting one-on-one, I feel that that is the reason why this fight happened.

 

“It really came down to my team and his team sitting down and communicating, getting on the same page basically.

 

“There is no sense of relief that the fight is made. My focus is just on living my daily life and focusing on what I have to do. I can’t live my life for anyone else.

 

“We have faced all the top guys in this sport and have beaten all the top guys. After this fight, which I believe I will be victorious, then we will move on to another guy.

 

May 2 we have a tough task ahead of me. Manny Pacquaio is a good fighter, but last time I checked I faced eight southpaws and won eight times, so I am not worried.

 

“You best believe that I will be in top shape and be the best Floyd Mayweather I can possibly be.

 

“It’s always great to get back to the great city of Las Vegas. Lights, camera, action. The MGM Grand is the best hotel on earth. It was always my goal to be fighting there. The first time I went there for a fight was when I was 17, I saw James Toney and Roy Jones.

 

“I have had an unbelievable career. It all started with my father. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today. When you put all the pieces to the puzzle together, I just feel like I’m the center piece. Every day when I think about my career I don’t regret anything. We will go down in history as some of the best fighters, the fighting Mayweathers.

 

“I hope the fight meets the hype. All we can do as fighters is go out there and perform and do what we do best.

 

“I have nothing to prove on May 2. I know about my skills, I know what I can do and I know what I bring to the sport of boxing. I am truly blessed to have broken all the records in boxing. Right now I don’t see any particular fighter breaking any of my records.

 

“I think that styles make fights, and I think that our two different styles make for an exciting fight.

 

“Any fighter is dangerous. When I face different opponents, I can figure a guy out instantly. I know what he does well and what he doesn’t do well. My job is to find out what he does do well.

 

“If a fighter lost before, losing is in the back of his mind. For me, all I’ve done in my career is win, so winning is always in my mind.

 

“How much money I’m making really isn’t my focus. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for all the writers and media outlets. I am thankful for each person, whether it was a good story or bad story. For 19 years, you guys kept me relevant. As far as the money persona, it really has reinvented itself. I was ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ and then I come back as Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. It’s all about reinventing yourself. I want to continue making smart investments so my grandkids are OK.

 

” I always have the remedy to do what I have to do to come out on top.

 

“I’m pretty sure my father has a great game plan so we can go out there and do what we do best. Our game plan is to be smart, be first, take our time and get the job done.

 

“I think that Manny Pacquaio is a very interesting fighter. For him to get to where he is now, it’s obvious that he has had to do something right.

 

“No one should have been waiting until I became 47-0 to bet on me, they should’ve been betting on me from the beginning.”

 

Manny Pacquiao:

“I am so happy that this fight has been made, and I know that boxing fans feel the same way.

 

“In Miami we talked about the fight and I understood that I was the B side and he was the A side.

 

“I believe that this fight has been well worth the wait. More people are familiar with us as fighters, even people who aren’t fans of boxing know about this fight.

 

“All the Filipino people are going to watch this fight.

 

“Training camp is going well. We are very happy. I am updating my training each day on my Instagram.

 

“I like being the underdog going into a fight. It has been a while since I’ve been one. This time around it gives me much more motivation and I am determined to prove that I can win.

 

“This fight is very important to me and in boxing history. We don’t want to leave a question mark in the mind of boxing fans. Boxing fans have been eager to see this fight for five years. They have been asking me the same question and it is finally happening.

 

“I keep fighting because boxing is my passion, I love boxing. I have been able to help my family through boxing.

 

“The Filipino people are very excited for this fight and I can’t wait to bring a victory to the country.

“I don’t want to judge, but I am very confident about this fight. I was more worried about my fights against [Oscar] De La Hoya, [Antonio] Margarito and [Miguel] Cotto, than I am with fighting Floyd Mayweather.

 

“Pleasing the fans is the most important thing to me; I want to make them happy. I get emotional sometimes in the ring because I just want to make them happy.

 

“I don’t get discouraged anymore with a loss in boxing. It is a part of the game and I have taken the losses and have made myself a better fighter. It’s about building yourself up and turning yourself into a better fighter.

 

“I will win May 2.”

 

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions:

“We are very excited to making history today by officially announcing the biggest fight in the history of boxing and one of the biggest events in the history of sports.
“I would like to recognize the role that Floyd and Manny had in making this fight. The meeting that they had in Miami was a major milestone and I would personally like to thank Floyd for making it happen.

 

“Over the years Floyd has made the MGM Grand his home and they have gone above and beyond to ensure the highest quality for every Floyd event. This will be Floyd’s 11th consecutive fight at the MGM Grand and the 14th time that he will have fought there in his career.

 

“Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a tremendous fight between two great champions and two great men. May 2 will be a spectacle unlike anything that Las Vegas has ever seen before.”

 

Bob Arum, Founder and CEO of Top Rank:

“It started when Les Moonves [chairman of CBS] came to my house. He visited me on a couple of occasions to tell me that he wanted to make this fight happen. He wanted me to go to Manny [Pacquiao] and discuss with him the purse that would be acceptable.

 

“We had frequent dialogue. I felt confident that it was going to happen because Moonves would do whatever he could to make this happen.

 

“It wasn’t until the basketball game in Miami where Manny was convinced that Floyd wanted the fight.

 

“It was probably the most difficult fight to make that I’ve been a part of. It took five years to make.

 

“One thing is clear; it’s the biggest fight of this century.

 

“I have no animosity with Floyd Mayweather. Floyd has always remained a good friend; I have nothing whatsoever bad to say about Floyd as a person.

 

“I love Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach. When Manny wins on May 2, which I’m sure he will, I will have a great deal of satisfaction for the both of them. They will have done the work to make it happen.

 

“Floyd’s style is really fit to fight a right-handed fighter. The southpaws that he has fought have given him problems and he has risen above, but the southpaws he fought in the past aren’t Manny Pacquiao.

 

“This fight is going to bring tremendous revenue to all of Las Vegas. I would’ve been put in a terrible position if I would’ve tried to move this fight out of Las Vegas, as I am a resident. Truly, the fight belongs in Las Vegas. Thousands and thousands of people will pour into Las Vegas just to be a part of the scene. This will be the biggest event in the history of Las Vegas.”

 

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s Trainer:

“I think that Floyd had a better chance of beating Manny Pacquiao five years ago than he does now. Floyd’s legs are more shot now and he has slowed down quite a bit. I think we can take advantage of that.

 

“Floyd says that he wants to exchange with fighters more now to make it a more exciting fight, but I think that isn’t true. He doesn’t care about the fans at all and the only reason he has to exchange more is because his legs won’t take him out of the fight.

 

“If Floyd has to exchange with Manny Pacquiao I think that’s good for us and that’s why I think we’re going to win this fight.

 

“I think that this fight will change the game of boxing.

 

“Manny called me up and told me that he can’t train in the Philippines because it’s too crazy with all the fans there, he can’t focus.

 

“I have a rule in training camp this time that if you aren’t being productive in the gym for training, then you can’t be around. The strategy of this fight is very important and different from past fights. We can’t have any spies in the gym; we are just working on the game plan and focusing on what Floyd is doing. I know how Floyd sets up people and makes them walk into shots.

 

“Manny is very motivated for this fight. You have to take Floyd out of his confidence zone. Manny knows how to beat him. We will make the right move before we attack him.

 

“I wanted to have some young, upcoming fighters as sparring partners for Manny. There are young fighters from Chicago, Massachusetts and Finland who are coming in to spar with Manny. Their styles are perfect fits for Manny. They may get knocked out and sent home, but we’ll see. I have all the sparring partners lined up.

“Our game plan is to win every round. If we get the knockout, then that’s just a bonus. Floyd will dip into Manny’s power. That’s the mistake that someone will make against a southpaw. We have to win the first round and take Floyd out of his comfort zone.”

 

Richard Sturm, President Entertainment & Sports MGM Resorts International:

“We are thrilled that this fight has come to fruition and that it will be held at MGM Grand. The resort is home to the biggest names in sports and entertainment and on May 2 we will host one of the greatest fights the sport will have ever seen.

 

“Over the years, both Floyd and Manny have treated fans inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena and those watching on PPV to a thrilling fight experience. While their previous fights have been extremely exciting, we believe there is nothing that can compare to the spectacle these two champions will deliver on May 2.”

 

Ken Hershman, President HBO Sports:

“Over the next few months, the fans, pundits and writers will break down every aspect of this fight.

 

“I would like to look back and appreciate how we got here. It was 2001 when a young kid out of the Philippines named Manny Pacquaio made his HBO debut. Coincidentally, the headliner of the fight was Floyd Mayweather. Floyd made his HBO debut in 1997 and since then he has fought on HBO or HBO PPV 26 times.

 

“While these two have never shared a card again before May 2, they’ve each gone on to have Hall of Fame careers and have become the two biggest fighters of their generation. Floyd has headlined nine HBO PPV events and Manny 17 HBO PPV events. Those 26 events have compiled over 21 million PPV buys and over a billion dollars in revenue.

 

“On May 2, these two superstars will participate in what we all know will be the single largest boxing event of all time.

 

“We are proud to one again be making history on May 2 with Mayweather and Pacquiao.”

 

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports:

“When Floyd Mayweather signed his historic deal with SHOWTIME two years ago, he promised us two things: one, he would be fighting more often and; two, each of the six fights under his deal would be the biggest events possible against the best opponents possible. Fast forward two years, and Floyd has kept every word of his promises.

 

“Now for just the second time in five fights with SHOWTIME, Floyd is fighting an opponent that many people thought he’d never fight. SHOWTIME PPV and Floyd set a PPV record with the first event in September 2013 and we look forward to another record-breaking performance on May 2.

 

“SHOWTIME has been involved in some of the biggest PPV events in history including Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson in 2002 and Mayweather vs. Canelo [Alvarez] in 2013. But neither of those events have generated the type of excitement and anticipation in media attention that matches the hysteria that this fight has already generated.

 

“This is the reason that all of us at SHOWTIME and CBS are so proud to be bringing this fight together. Excited, proud, thrilled, those are some of the countless adjectives to describe our feelings about this event, but surprisedis not one of them. As soon as we closed our deal with Floyd in 2013, the Pacquiao fight was a top priority both for Floyd and for us.

 

“Whenever it was time to discuss a Mayweather opponent, Manny Pacquiao was always high on Floyd’s list.

 

“As the CEO of CBS and a longtime boxing fan, Leslie Moonves was the driving force behind this deal and the primary reason why this fight was made.

 

“We know that Floyd is the consensus number one fighter in the sport, we know that Floyd is the most talked about athlete in all of sports and together with Floyd Mayweather, SHOWTIME has become the number one PPV distributer in television. We look forward to breaking more records and making more history on May 2.”

 

 

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 For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comwww.toprank.comwww.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweatherwww.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.facebook.com/TRBoxingwww.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO TAKE ON MANNY PACQUIAO MAY 2 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

LAS VEGAS (March 11, 2015) – Sports fans will be treated to the fight that has captured the attention of the entire world when boxing’s pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather steps into the ring to face eight-division world champion Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao in an epic welterweight world championship unification bout. The much-anticipated mega-fight will take place Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Superstars Mayweather and Pacquiao, whose crossover appeal transcends the sport and has made them household names, will compete in an event that is expected to eclipse any and all pay-per-view, live gate and closed circuit records. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will rival legendary and memorable prizefights in the sport’s history such as the “Thrilla in Manila,” the “Rumble in the Jungle” and Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns.

 

“Since the fight was announced, the response from the public has been unbelievable, and it’s even more clear that this is the fight the fans want to see,” said Mayweather. “I’m grateful that Manny Pacquiao and I were able to make it happen. This will be the biggest event in the history of boxing. I can’t thank my team enough for their support from day one. I’m more motivated than ever to put on an unbelievable show, and I’ll be ready for May 2.”

 

“I will be ready for my date with destiny on May 2,” said Pacquiao.  “I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years. They have waited long enough and they deserve it.  It is their mandate.  It is an honor to be part of this historic event.  I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world.”

 

The fighters, promoters and network executives worked in close cooperation to ensure that every detail was agreed upon and set in order to deliver this historic fight.

 

“This fight is what we’ve all been waiting for,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. We always say that we want to give the fans what they want, and on May 2 they will get just that. “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is the biggest event in the history of boxing, and we’re confident it will break all pay-per-view, live gate, and closed circuit records. Floyd has worked hard his whole career and controlled his own destiny to get to this point. Mayweather Promotions is excited for him and to be part of this extraordinary opportunity for everybody involved.”

 

“The whole world is eagerly awaiting this exciting battle,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank “With the help of God, we will be triumphant.”

 

“Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been the two most prominent fighters in the sport of boxing for the past decade, and fight fans around the world have been clamoring for them to face each other,” said Ken Hershman, President HBO Sports. “And now, on May 2, in what everyone believes will be the biggest boxing event of all-time, fight fans have been granted their wish. May 2 will be a signature moment for the sport of boxing and HBO Sports is thrilled to be a part of this spectacular event. I know the fighters and their teams will be primed to excel and we plan to work closely with everyone involved to deliver the same level of performance from a broadcast perspective.”

 

“When Showtime Networks signed Floyd Mayweather we began planning for spectacular events throughout the term of our agreement.  For both Floyd and for us, this fight was the top priority,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The overwhelming anticipation for this fight is driving us to work around the clock on virtually every aspect of the event to deliver a world-class presentation worthy of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.”

 

“Like boxing fans worldwide, we’re very excited that the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight has come to fruition,” said Richard Sturm, president of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host this championship fight at MGM Grand, home to the sport’s biggest events. This May weekend will prove to be one of the most electric weekends Las Vegas has ever experienced.”

 

One of the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport, the undefeated Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) is an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions and is universally recognized as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. With his trademark speed, defensive prowess and ability to read his opponents Mayweather has amassed wins over 20 world champions in his already legendary 19-year career.  In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Forbes, Fortune and Sports Illustrated have named Mayweather the world’s highest-paid athlete multiple times. His events

average more than one million pay-per-view buys per fight, which is the highest average of any boxer in history. Mayweather holds the all-time record in gross pay-per-view receipts and has participated in three of the top six highest grossing pay-per-view events of all-time. Thus far, Mayweather is the only fighter to have participated in two events that generated more than 2 million pay-per-view buys each. Mayweather has been decorated with awards for “Best Male Athlete” and “Fighter of the Year” by various organizations including five ESPN ESPY Awards and two Boxing Writers Association of America awards.

 

Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines (he was reelected to a second term, running unopposed in 2013), is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions.  A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resumé features victories over present and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Márquez. From 2008 to 2010, five of his seven victories were world title victories in five different weight classes, from 130 to 154 pounds.  No active boxer has sold more live tickets in the U.S. than Pacquiao, who is also credited with more than 13 million domestic pay-per-view buys.  Pacquiao regained the WBO welterweight title last year, on April 12, via a scintillating unanimous decision over Timothy Bradley Jr., avenging his controversial 2012 split decision loss to the undefeated two-division world champion.

 

HBO Sports has brought the best in sports to television for four decades — from world championship boxing events, to intriguing documentaries and specials, to the most honored and compelling reality programming franchise, and the most provocative sports magazine program on TV. HBO has covered the sport of boxing unlike anyone else over the last 40 years. Three series comprise the HBO Boxing franchise, including the flagship

World Championship Boxing® series, theHBO Pay-Per-View® service, which isthe pay-per-view arm of Home Box Office and a premier supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry, and the late-night HBO Boxing After Dark® series, which was introduced in 1996.

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound.  Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert.  The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to annual events including Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and the Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comwww.toprank.comwww.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweatherwww.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.facebook.com/TRBoxingwww.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

DEBUT OF “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” ON NBC IS MOST-WATCHED BOXING BROADCAST SINCE 1998

 

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


PBC Leads NBC to Victory in Adult 18-49 Demographic


More than 575,000 Minutes Live Streamed Via 

NBC Sports Live Extra

 

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11

Live at 8:30 PM ET on NBC


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

NOTES & QUOTES FROM DEBUT OF “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” ON NBC

 

“Keith Thurman won the fight, Robert Guerrero won the fans.” – Marv Albert


 “This is what makes stars, this is what makes champs, coming back.” – “Sugar” Ray Leonard on Robert Guerrero


“His speed, his reflexes, his athleticism. Adrien Broner is a problem.” – B.J. Flores on Adrien Broner


PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11, Live 

at 8:30 PM ET on NBC


LAS VEGAS – Mar. 7, 2015 – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC made its primetime debut tonight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert and analyst “Sugar” Ray Leonard called the action, with Al Michaels as host, corner analysts Laila Ali and B.J. Flores, and reporter Kenny Rice.

 

The debut of PBC on NBC featured a pair of 12-round bouts – Keith Thurman‘s unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero, and Adrien Broner‘s unanimous decision over John Molina Jr. 


Following are notes and quotes from tonight’s debut telecast:

 

PBC ON NBC DEBUT


Al Michaels: “Tonight, boxing returns to primetime…in the debut of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC. This is a brand new boxing series that will showcase many of the top fighters in the sport on network television, making boxing far more accessible to fans, with less of an emphasis on jockeying for belts and more of a focus on competitive fights.”

 

“Sugar” Ray Leonard: “It doesn’t get any better than this – boxing is back on primetime TV. My career, amateur and professional, began on network television. These boxers know the power of the networks. Yesterday, they said they want to be champions and also famous. It all begins right here, right now.”

 

Michaels introducing blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert: “And yes Marv is here, and it counts.”

 

Marv Albert on calling NBC’s last major primetime bout (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “The Truth” Williams, May 20, 1985): “Yes, I do recall very well that night in Reno, Nevada some 30 years ago….30 years ago, I was 12 at the time.”

 

Albert: “Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger is with us [at ringside], should there be some issues, controversies, or bizarre occurrences… But that never happens in boxing.”

 

ON THURMAN-GUERRERO


Leonard on Thurman (pre-fight): “Thurman, he’s so analytical, he breaks down his opponents, he has knockout power in both hands, he puts his punches together well, and if he gets you in trouble, he’s coming after you.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero (pre-fight): “Guerrero, he went the distance with Floyd Mayweather, his defense is his offense. He’s aggressive, relentless, durable, and has never been knocked out.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 1: “Most fighters have a problem with southpaws…but Thurman looks pretty good here.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 1: “Guerrero needs to use his jab to work his way inside.”

 

Albert on Thurman in Round 2: “It has been all Keith Thurman on the attack… he’s a power puncher, looks for the early knockout…he’s off to a terrific start.”

 

Steve Smoger on Thurman’s injury after an unintentional head-butt in Round 3: “If Thurman cannot continue after the 4th Round, they’ll go to the cards. That’s the situation and that’s pursuant to Nevada rule.”

 

Leonard on Thurman’s Round 4 right hand to Guerrero’s head: “Most guys would have gone down from that shot.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 7: “He’s in such control.”

 

Leonard on Round 7: “Thurman can’t fall asleep on Guerrero, who still has power in both hands.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 8: “Guerrero needs to be more aggressive and cut the ring off.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 8: “Thurman has taken full control of this fight.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 8: “When Guerrero lands a punch he should stay there and throw more punches, more combinations.”

 

Albert on Guerrero at the end of Round 9: “Saved by the bell.”

 

Albert on Round 10: “How about Guerrero coming back!”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 10: “This is what makes stars, this is what makes champs, coming back.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 11: “The heart of Guerrero is just impressive.”

 

Albert on Round 12: “12th and final round and they continue to go at it.”

 

Albert: “Keith Thurman won the fight, Robert Guerrero won the fans.”

 

ON ADRIEN BRONER- JOHN MOLINA JR.


Leonard on Adrien Broner: “I had a little showmanship in me in my years, but Broner definitely is a showman. I knew when not to cross the line…Broner is a gifted fighter, but sometimes gets a little vulgar in his antics. I just don’t want that to overshadow his talent.”

 

Albert on Broner: “At times he has been off-the-wall outrageous.”

 

B.J. Flores on Broner (pre-fight): “His speed, his reflexes, his athleticism. Adrien Broner is a problem, and a mismatch for anybody he faces because of those natural gifts. Now, whenever he gets in the ring, he likes to stand and use those reflexes and that speed for offense, combination punching and defense.”

 

Leonard on Molina Jr. in Round 1: “He needs to make this an ugly fight.”

 

Leonard in Round 1: “Broner has the best eyes…he sees and anticipates everything coming and is able to counter those punches.”

 

Laila Ali on Round 1: “Molina’s corner is not happy with his inactivity.”

 

Ali on Molina Jr.’s inactivity after Round 6: “So far Molina has not been listening to his corner.”

Leonard in Round 8: “Molina waited too long to become an aggressor.”

 

Albert on Broner talking as fighters clinch in Round 8: “There are sweet nothings being whispered into the ear of John Molina.”

 

Albert on the fighters’ continual chatter in Round 10: “I get the idea that there is a talk show going on up there and the guests are Adrien Broner and John Molina.”

 

Smoger on the officiating in Broner-Molina Jr. in Round 10: “I just think we’ve had a bit of over-officiating. Once the referee goes in and starts to lecture, it breaks the flow of the fight and it takes the fighters out of their game plan. He’s trying to control the fight, but I think he’s over-officiating.”

 

Albert on exchange by fighters at end of the Round 10: “What a finish!”

 

Ali on Molina in the Round 11: “Joe Goossen has been pleading with John Molina to listen to him.”

 

Leonard on Molina in the Round 12: “When Molina watches the tape of this fight he’s going to be very disappointed in himself, because he has more.  He’s a warrior.”

 

Albert on Broner: “It will be a convincing victory for ‘The Problem,’ who was a problem for John Molina.”

PBC on NBC returns on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, as  undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) faces Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight world champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) takes on the undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

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

 

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

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

KEITH THURMAN

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

JOHN MOLINA JR.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

‘This is going to be dogfight on Saturday night.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ABNER MARES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ARTURO SANTOS REYES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, PBC on NBC Analyst and Legendary Boxer

 

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

 

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

 

JON MILLER, President, Programming NBC Sports & NBCSN

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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