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Chris Eubank Jr. vs. “King” Arthur Abraham IBO Super Middleweight World Championship To air July 15 live on PPV in United States

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TENAFLY, N.J.(June 29, 2017) – One of boxing’s most polarizing and exciting young fighters faces a dangerous three-time, two-division world champion, as Chris Eubank Jr. defends his International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight Championship against “King” Arthur Abraham on Saturday, July 15, available to watch on Pay Per View in the United States, starting at 2:30 pm ET / 11:30 am PT, live from SES Arena, Wembley in London, England.
“Eubank Jr. vs. Abraham”, promoted by Poxon Sports in association with Team Sauerland, is presented in the United States by Integrated Sports Media and Protocol Sports Marketing, Ltd.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Eubank Jr. vs. Abraham” live in the United States on cable and satellite PPV via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. In Canada, the event will be available on television to fight fans that subscribe to premium pay television network Super Channel.
Outside of North America, “Eubank Jr. vs. Abraham” is being distributed to broadcasters worldwide by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.
Only 27 years old, the British-born Eubank Jr. (24-1, 19 KOs) enters the contest with less experience than Abraham but with power, a mean streak, and meaningful boxing pedigree. Eubank Jr. has won 16 of his last 17 fights by stoppage.
His father, Chris Eubank Sr. (45-5-2, 23 KOs), is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight and middleweight world champion. Eubank Sr. co-trains and manages his son, in addition to being an idiosyncratic presence in and around his son’s fights, and the British fight scene.
A former Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) Middleweight World Champion, Eubank Jr. captured the IBO title this past February, stopping Renold Quinlan (11-1, 7 KOs) in the 10thround. His July 15th fight versus Abraham will mark the confident young champion’s first IBO title defense.
“Abraham is a strong, come forward fighter,” Eubank Jr. said, “but he’s one-dimensional. He’s very good in that one dimension, but a one-dimensional fighter cannot beat me. I see a lot of holes in his game and I’m going to exploit those holes ruthlessly.”
The IBO No. 1 rated Abraham (46-5, 30 KOs) fights out of Berlin, Germany. “King” Arthur is a two-time WBO super middleweight world champion, as well as a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight world champion. The powerful Armenian has a sensational 18-4 (9 KOs) record in world championships, 7-4 (4 KOs) against former or current world champions. Noted victims during his 17-year professional career reads like a Who’s Who of Boxing in the 160- and 168-pound divisions, including world champions Raul Marquez, Hector Javier Velazco, Jermain Taylor, Robert Stieglitz thrice, and Giovanni De Carolis. Abraham has also defeated world-class opponents such as Martin Murray, Paul Smith twice, Lajuan Simon, Edison Miranda twice, Khoren Gevor, Sebastian Demers, Kofi Jantuah, Kingsley Ikeke, Robin Krasniqi and Howard Eastman.
Four of Abraham’s five career losses have been to world champions Carl Froch, Andre Ward, Stieglitz and Gilberto Ramirez. Stieglitz is the only opponent to stop Abraham, who has won 10 of his last 11 fights, the most recent a 12-round unanimous decision win over Krasniqi (46-4, 17 KOs) this past April in Germany.
“I will make sure that I’m in top shape and ready to secure a great victory,” Abraham remarked. “I know Chris Eubank, Jr. is a good fighter, like his dad. I’m expecting a tough fight, but I am confident I will beat him.”
Also airing live is the 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight World Championship match as popular Welshman “Lightning” Lee Selby (24-1, 9 KOs) makes his third defense of the title he captured May 30, 2015, when he won an eighth-round technical decision over previously unbeaten Evgeny Gradovich (19-0-1, 9 KOs).
Selby will be challenged by former WBA Featherweight World Champion Jonathan Victor “Yoni” Barros (41-4-1, 22 KOs), of Argentina, who is the IBF No. 1 contender.
Additional PPV fights will soon be announced.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @IntegratedPPV, @SuperChannel
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

LEO SANTA CRUZ RECLAIMS WBA FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN REMATCH WITH CARL FRAMPTON SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

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Mikey Garcia Knocks Out Dejan Zlaticanin To Become Three-Division World Champion; VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2kGcUC9

 

An Encore Presentation of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Will Air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE For Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 28, 2017) – Leo Santa Cruz reclaimed the WBA Featherweight Championship, executing a brilliant game plan to dethrone Carl Frampton in a rematch of their epic first fight in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday in front of 10,085 raucous fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

With the scores 114-114 draw, and 115-113 twice, both fighters now own a majority decision and promised to settle the score in a trilogy.

 

The fight picked up where the champions left off last July in Brooklyn with tremendous action and back and forth exchanges, but it became immediately evident that Santa Cruz had adjusted his game plan.  The three-division world titlist worked off the jab, fought with patience at range and picked his spots perfectly.  The brawler out-boxed the boxer.

 

Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) was more aggressive in the second half of the fight and attacked on the inside, but his aggression opened him up to effective counter shots from Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs).

 

Santa Cruz, who has made a living with trademark aggression and high volume output, was clearly more patient in the second fight.  He threw 884 punches, well below his division-leading average, including over 400 jabs.  Frampton, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, managed to throw nearly 600 punches, but he connected at just 22 percent.

 

As was the case in the first fight, the rematch was fought at times at a blistering pace, especially in the second half.  Frampton and Santa Cruz combined to throw 193 punches in the final round, 90 of which were thrown by Frampton, the most he threw in any round of the fight.

 

“Before the fight, I said I wanted revenge and I wanted to work hard,” said the 28-year-old Santa Cruz.  “I went to the gym and I worked hard and I did what I had to do.

 

“My head was telling me to go forward and pressure him, but my dad and corner were telling me to box him. That’s what I had to do. I always fight for the fans, but tonight I fought for myself too.”

 

Leading into the rematch, it became evident that Santa Cruz and Frampton were perhaps forever linked.  Santa Cruz had promised to earn back his title and grant Frampton a rematch, while Frampton didn’t shy away from expressing his desire to make their rivalry a trilogy.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2jDj48u

 

“Of course I want the rematch,” Santa Cruz said after the fight.  “I’m a man of my word and I said if I won I would give him the trilogy.  Carl Frampton is a good fighter.  Let’s make a third fight.”

 

The two-division titlist Frampton, who was the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year, told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray that Santa Cruz deserved the decision.

 

“It was a very tough fight,” said Frampton, who turns 30 years old next month.  “Some of the rounds were close.  I really think Leo deserved it.  He told me what he was going to do. The brawler was out-boxing the boxer. My fault.  I’m sorry. We will have to do it again.  We have to do it again.

 

“He was very clever and he used his reach.  I think he deserved it.  I’m being honest.  But it was a very good fight.  I think I can perform slightly better.  No excuses.

 

“Let’s do it again. I hope he’s a man of his word and comes to Belfast.  I hope he does.”

 

MIKEY GARCIA KNOCKS OUT DEJAN ZLATICANIN

Mikey Garcia became a three-division world champion with a vicious third-round knockout of previously undefeated defending WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin in the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

 

The rousing and definitive victory marked Garcia’s return to boxing’s elite.  The Oxnard, Calif., native was an undefeated two-division champion when he entered a two-and-a-half year layoff due to promotional issues.  He returned last July on SHOWTIME with an impressive performance and made a statement on Saturday by capturing a title in a third weight class in just his second fight in three years.

 

Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) kept Zlaticanin off balance and out of range with his jab, setting up powerful rights that repeatedly backed up his opponent.  The 29-year-old hurt Zlaticanin with a flush right uppercut in the final minute of the third, followed by a punishing and perfectly timed right that immediately knocked the Montenegrin out cold.  Zlaticanin remained on the canvas for several minutes before returning to his feet as a concerned Garcia paced the ring.

 

It was the first time Zlaticanin (18-1, 11 KOs), the most avoided fighter at 135 pounds, was ever hurt or knocked down.

 

“I’m thankful Dejan, my opponent, is okay now,” Garcia said. “We never wish any bad on anyone in this sport and I’m glad he was able to get up and be OK.  I wished him a great career still, and he said thank you.  I told him he’s still a champion.  Once a champion, always a champion.

 

“He kept coming in and I saw the opportunity for the uppercut.  He was hurt.  When he turned back to look at me I knew he was hurt and I went for the overhand right.  I saw it in his eyes.  It was just the perfect time and perfect distance.

 

“I think the layoff allowed me to reignite my fire and my passion and bring back that love for the sport.  And in that two-and-a-half year layoff I always had the support of my loyal fans.”

 

Garcia now sets his sites on unifying the lightweight division.  WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former titlist Anthony Crolla will fight in a highly anticipated rematch on March 25 live on SHOWTIME from Manchester, England.  The WBC, the belt Garcia picked up on Saturday, has mandated that the winner of Linares vs. Crolla II must face the winner of Zlaticanin vs. Garcia.

 

“I’m available to unify any titles. If we can get the organizations to come together and unify titles we would love that. Maybe move up to 140 pounds by the end of the year.”

 

Zlaticanin, who was the first champion in the history of Montenegro, was frustrated with his performance and inability to execute his game plan.

 

“I was just getting ready to pick it up a little bit and I got between the ropes and then he hit me with a good, hard punch,” Zlaticanin said.

 

“Mikey is a good fighter without a doubt.  I never was able to get into the fight.  I was pressuring and trying to break him down in the early rounds.”

 

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHOWTIME EXTREME RESULTS

Ivan Redkach outclassed Demond Brock, utilizing effective uppercuts and body shots en route to an eighth-round knockout victory (2:30) on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Once a highly-touted prospect, Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) was looking to get back to his winning ways after entering 1-2-1 in his last four bouts.  He stamped his return by closing the show in impressive fashion in the eighth and final round, flooring Brock with two big left hooks with little more than one minute left in the fight.  Brock (13-4-1, 4 KOs) beat the count but was on unsteady legs and defenseless against a barrage of combo shots, forcing referee Jay Nady to step in and halt the contest with just 30 seconds left on the clock.

 

“I’m very excited. I couldn’t be happier,” Redkach said.  “I want to thank Team Santa Cruz.   They are my family.  We had a great camp and I can’t wait to see Leo fight.  I’m just so happy I won the fight.”

 

Highly-regarded super middleweight prospect David Benavidez made quick work Sherali Mamadjanov, knocking down the previously once-beaten fighter twice en route to a second round TKO (1:04).

 

The 20-year-old Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs) floored Mamadjanov (14-2, 7 KOs) with just seconds left in the first round with a vicious left hook to the stomach followed by a straight right.  It was the first time the Uzbekistan native had touched the canvas in his professional career.  Benavidez connected with another big left hook to the body one minute into the second, Mamadjanov got up but was clearly unsteady and Russell Mora immediately halted the contest.

 

The Phoenix native connected on 55 percent of his power shots, while Mamadjanov landed just one power punch.

 

“I am a little disappointed because I wanted to give the crowd a spectacular knockout,” Benavidez said.  “This is my first time fighting at MGM Grand and I will never forget it.  The atmosphere here is amazing.  This fight week has been the best experience of my life.

 

“I want to continue to fight as much as I can.  I want to perfect my craft, train as hard as I can and be the best that I can be.”

 

Super lightweight prospect Josh Taylor won a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over a game Alfonso Olvera, scored 79-72, 78-73 twice, in the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  Taylor, who entered the bout with a perfect record of 7-0 with seven knockouts, was extended past the fifth round for the first time in his career.

 

Taylor (8-0, 7 KOs) broke down Olvera (8-3-1, 3 KOs) with a steady diet of body shots, a sharp jab and effective counter punching.  The 2012 Olympic representative for Scotland landed 57 percent of his power shots and 43 percent of his total punches, while Olvera connected at just a 17 percent clip.

 

“I wasn’t surprised he didn’t go down,” Taylor said.  “I wasn’t looking for the knockout. Just wanted to get the win.

 

“He was very awkward.  I couldn’t get going like I wanted to, but I did get some shots off and felt like I hurt him at times.”

 

Taylor’s trainer Shane McGuigan said, “I’m happy with his performance.  It wasn’t his best, but he did enough to win.  He is young.  He is still a novice.  I’m looking forward to continuing to see his progress and what he will do moving forward.”

 

The fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions and was sponsored by Corona La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME BOXING VIDEO ALERT

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CARL FRAMPTON VS. LEO SANTA CRUZ
DEJAN ZLATICANIN VS. MIKEY GARCIA

 

“It will be a spectacular night”

 

View on YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2kF4fE6

To Download, Post and Share: https://we.tl/XE3RY7BrBQ

 

Fight night has arrived! Watch this behind-the-scenes video from fight week in Las Vegas as Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz prepare for their highly anticipated WBA Featherweight World Title fight tonight live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In the telecast’s opening fight, the WBC Lightweight World Championship will be contested between champion Dejan Zlaticanin and the challenger Mikey Garcia.

 

# # #

 

ABOUT FRAMPTON VS. SANTA CRUZ II:

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz II is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, Jan. 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.

 

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Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz II Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING & SHOWTIME EXTREME Action This Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 
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for (Correct) Photo Link from
Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (January 26, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Carl Frampton and former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring for their highly anticipated rematch that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event thisSaturday, January 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live onSHOWTIME.
Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia, who also squared-off at the final press conference before their championship showdown Saturday.
The press conference also featured fighters competing in the SHOWTIME EXTREMEportion of the card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Featherweight world champion Lee Selby defends his title against former champion Jonathan Victor Barros, undefeated rising star David Benavidez takes on once-beaten Sherali Mamadjonov and undefeated prospect Josh Taylor will have highlights of his 10-round super lightweight contest featured on-air, time permitting.
Santa Cruz announced at the press conference, that he will be raffling off his ring outfit, gloves and other items following the fight and plans to donate the money to a children’s cancer charity. Additional information will be posted on his social media accounts (@leosantacruz2 on Twitter and @elfamosoterremoto on Instagram).
CARL FRAMPTON
“Both Leo and myself enjoyed the fight, although more importantly, the fans enjoyed it. I have to give Leo credit for taking the rematch and making this happen.
“I think with this fight, there can’t be too much that goes differently. Our styles just gel together. Leo is a tremendous fighter who I have the utmost respect for inside and outside of the ring.
“Both of us fight for our families. That’s really all the motivation you need. Two young men with young kids who just want to give their children a better life. Those are the ingredients for a top quality contest.
“There’s no doubt we both have what it takes to win this fight, but the way things have been going this training camp, I’m extremely confident I’ll get the win. I’m excited for the fight, but I believe that I’m going to come home victorious. This crowd that has come from overseas to support me is incredible and I’m hoping to send them home happy.”
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m happy to be here. Since I was very small it was my dream to be the main event on a big card. I saw all of the other greats fight here and I always said that maybe one day I could fight here. Now I’ve made it, thanks to the help of my family and team.
“Now that I’ve made it here, I want to make sure I shine. I want to give my best. I’m really prepared for this fight. Our first fight was great and this is going to be another tough fight.
“We’ve been working on some little things in the gym. We’re going to be smarter but as a Mexican fighter, I’m going to give the fans a great fight. Every time I step into the ring, I’m trying to please the fans.
“I can use my distance and box if I wanted to, but I want to brawl. I want to bring my heart to the ring and entertain the fans. I’m going to do a little bit of everything.
“I’m going to be the smarter fighter and I’m going to do what I have to do to win this fight. I think this fight is going to be even better than the first fight.
“I need to really fight the best fight of my career. This is a huge fight and it’s the main event in Las Vegas. This is what I dreamed of. I’m seeing the benefits of all of the hard work I’ve put in.
“Carl is a great fighter with great skills. He’s very respectful and I know that he does this for his family too. When you do this for your family, you do it with heart and hunger and you leave everything in the ring.”
DEJAN ZLATICANIN
“Garcia has very good timing and power, especially with the right hand. I don’t think he’s very flexible in the ring though. That will hurt him.
“This is a big fight for me and my country of Montenegro. People love me there and I think the whole country will be awake to watch this fight.
“I think I’m a stronger fighter and I’ve fought just as good opposition. It will be a good fight, but I am coming for the knockout victory.
“I know how dangerous Mikey Garcia is and it’s a big deal that I get to defend my title against him. When they told me about this fight, I immediately accepted because I want to fight against the best.
“People might not know about me right now, but after Saturday, they will know about me forever. This is a risky fight but a win would be huge for me and my country.
“I can’t think about anything but the fight. I just want to get in the ring and show everyone my skills and my heart.
“If Mikey avoids fighting me in the middle I could see it going 12 rounds, but I’ll definitely be looking for the knockout if I can get it.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be here in Las Vegas. To be one of the stars of this show is fantastic. A lot of boxers dream of being in this position and I’m living it.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I had time to experience a lot of things during my layoff that I hadn’t done before. Especially spend a lot of time with my family, but I always stayed in shape and that has kept me ready for this moment.
“I think this was one of the best training camps that I’ve ever had. My focus is on lightweight and winning this title. Depending on how my body feels, I could see myself moving up to 140 pounds later this year.
“This is a chance to add another chapter to my legacy. I just want to add to my legacy and the legacy of the whole Garcia boxing family. I’m going to leave my mark.
“We’re here. Now that I’m back, I’m ready to take over. I’m taking on the biggest challenges available. These are opponents with the credibility that I need. These are the guys I can prove myself against. I want to take the title away from a legitimate champion.
“Dejan is the most dangerous champion in the division. He has great power, but I believe in what I’ve got. We’re picking up right where we left off. Saturday night I’m going to add another title to the collection and give the fans more to enjoy.
“This next stage of my career will be the biggest and best part of my career. Dejan believes he’s going to win and so do I. That’s the recipe for a great action fight.”
LEE SELBY
“I’m happy and excited to be fighting at the mecca of boxing in Las Vegas. I turned professional in 2008 and fought in small venues. Against all odds, I’ve made it here to be defending my title on this great stage.
“I know that I need to look impressive in this one. It’s a great opportunity to be showcased on a card of this magnitude. I’m looking to really build off of what I did in training.
“I worked so hard throughout this camp. I’ve treated it like I’m the main event and I know that will translate in the ring.
“If I can get this victory and if Frampton wins again, that’s definitely the fight I’m looking at. It’s a massive unification in the U.K. and I think boxing fans around the world would be interested in that one.
“Hopefully I’ll give you all a great show on Saturday night. I’ll show my boxing and punching skills and walk out of the ring still a world champion.”
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’ve been training very hard for this fight. It’s an opportunity to show my skills. I’ve been training for three months and I’m as ready as can be.
“It’s going to be a great night of boxing. You don’t want to miss it.
“I believe I have a style that’s going to entertain fans. This is another challenge that’s in front of me on the way to a world title.
“I’m ready to put on a big performance Saturday night. I hope that this will lead to bigger and better challenges for myself.”
SHERALI MAMADJANOV
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m excited to fulfill my dream to fight in Las Vegas. I’ve traveled all the way from Uzbekistan to take this fight.
“I am going to leave everything in the ring in search of this victory. I want to make a name for myself and this is a great opportunity to do that.”
JOSH TAYLOR
“I’m so excited to be here in Las Vegas for the first time. I’m thrilled to be on such a big undercard so early in my career.
“This has been a great training camp and I’m ready to bring that work into the ring and show my skills for the fans in Las Vegas.
“I’m going to bring another victory back home with me and give everyone a great showSaturday night.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“The goal in this promotion was to make this fight as big as it could be and I hope you enjoy it on Saturday night.
“This is a card of winners. These fighters here have around 300 wins with only 30 losses. It’s also a card of punchers, with almost 200 knockouts between these fighters. Tickets start at just $50, which is an amazing value for this kind of card.
“Saturday night will be the happiest place on earth for fight fans right here at the MGM Grand. I guarantee that Saturday night will be a spectacular night of boxing.
“We want to continue to bring these great stacked cards to viewers in the United States and all around the world. If you look at the SHOWTIME boxing calendar, it is truly a great time to be a boxing fan.
“This fight between Zlaticanin and Garcia could truly be a main event on almost any other card. This is two great champions fighting each other and it’s guaranteed to be exciting. This is a very dangerous fight for both fighters.
“Leo always has a smile on his face, even when he gets punches. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and one of the kindest guys. He really defines the word ‘entertainment.’  You will never see a boring fight when Leo is in the ring.”
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Former World Champion, Hall of Famer and Frampton’s Manager
“I’m very excited about this great night. This is going to be a sensational fight. We have great respect for Leo Santa Cruz and his family. They’re great people and they can really fight.
“This is a great main event and the undercard is spectacular. I don’t think I’ve seen one like this in a long time.
“This is going to be a tough fight, but we’re taking the belt home with us.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“SHOWTIME has televised more boxing events from the MGM Grand than any other network. It became our second home. We’re glad to be back and we’ll be back many more times.
“We’re thrilled to present a fight the caliber of Lee Selby vs. Yoni Barros in a world title fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME, where so many great fighters have gotten their start.
“In our main event, Frampton-Santa Cruz was the 2016 Fight of the Year. By wide consensus Frampton was the Fighter of the Year in 2016. This fight has a chance to become a great rivalry. It reminds me in many ways of the Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales at featherweight, several of which took place at MGM Grand.
“The first fight was so close that there was a difference of just 13 total punches in the 12 rounds. It was so action packed that nearly 80 percent of the punches landed, were power punches. It was so close a fight, that the fighters landed within six punches of each other, in 10 of the 12 rounds. That’s the definition of a close fight and we’re thrilled that these fighters agreed to a rematch so quickly.
“Dejan Zlaticanin is one of the most avoided fighters at the lower weight classes. Mikey Garcia is not one who goes with the norm. Zlaticanin is the eighth consecutive opponent for Mikey who has held or fought for a world title. It’s a very special fight.
“Top to bottom, this card is what this sport can be at its best. These are hard-working, professional guys who are really a credit to the sport.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International
“This weekend’s championship event marks the exciting rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz. This international battle kicks off another year of sensational sports entertainment at our properties in Las Vegas.
“We look forward to another Fight of the Year candidate as Frampton looks to remain undefeated while Santa Cruz looks to reclaim his belt. We look forward to seeing youSaturday night.”
ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2
Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 Fighter Grand Arrivals & Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING & SHOWTIME EXTREME Action This Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

 

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/

Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (January 25, 2017) – Fight week officially kicked-off Wednesday with fighter grand arrivals and media workouts before the Premier Boxing Champions event this Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME.

 

Headlining the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING card and Wednesday’s workout were featherweight world champion Carl Frampton and former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, who meet in a rematch of their July Fight of the Year candidate. Televised action begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.

 

Also participating in the workout were a pair of fighters who will be featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Featherweight world champion Lee Selby defends his title against former champion Jonathan Victor Barros while undefeated rising star David Benavidez takes on once-beaten Sherali Mamadjanov.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

 

CARL FRAMPTON

 

“I think I’m going to get another win. I feel like I’ve been improving during training and I feel like I’m getting stronger and punching harder. If I have to go into the trenches again, I’m prepared to do that.

 

“This is my second fight at featherweight, so I think I’m getting more used to the weight. I feel more comfortable overall this time. Going into this fight, I have the psychological edge. I’m relaxed, excited and happy about boxing again.

 

“Leo and myself are both very motivated. I want to prove that the first fight wasn’t a fluke and that I’m a better fighter. I’m going to show that the awards I picked up last year are justified.

 

“I think if you look at Leo’s style, it’s exciting and it’s made him a three-weight world champion. The whole way through his career he’s fought with aggression. He has a high work-rate and he tries to bully opponents. I don’t think he’s going to do a lot different this time.

 

“If I can get a lead on the scorecards and make him desperate, that’s where I’m really going to capitalize.

 

“I believe that if I hit anyone in these weight divisions clean on the chin, they can go down and out.

 

“I believe that I’m going to face a very tough Leo Santa Cruz, as always. This is going to be another difficult fight, but if I make the adjustments I’ve had to in the gym, I’ll win the fight more convincingly.

 

“It’s great to see people already out here supporting me, but there are more coming. Most people arrive tonight or tomorrow. This is just a fraction and it’s going to be really exciting on fight night.

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

“I’m very excited and happy to be here. I know that this is going to be another tough fight. This is what we want. We want to give the fans great fights and I think this is going to be another war. I’m looking to go in there and get my belt back.

 

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting back at MGM Grand. I’ve wanted to fight here since I was a kid. I never thought it would come true, but now that it is, I’m honored and excited to be fighting in the main event.

 

“It was very hard to lose for the first time. I was disappointed in myself and I knew I had let my fans down. I got a lot of great support thought and I felt a lot better. It motivated me to get to this fight.

 

“I have to be smarter in this fight. I need to be more patient. Frampton is a great counter-puncher so I think I need to counter the counter puncher. I’ll use my reach and do a little bit of everything to get the win.

 

“I think this will be even better than the first one. I’m more determined and hungrier this time and I think Carl Frampton is too. We’re going to come with everything we’ve got.

 

“I look at Carl Frampton and I see myself because I know that he is doing this for his family. This is what we do. Once we get in that ring, it’s all business. We respect each other outside of the ring.

 

“I can feel that it’s going to be a great atmosphere. This is where we want to be and these are the kinds of fights we want to be in.

 

“I know a lot of Irish people will be out to support Carl Frampton and I know the Mexican fans will be here to support me. That’s what I want. We both deserve support because we’re going to give a great fight for the fans.

 

“We want a trilogy. If I get the win, I will happily give him a third fight and make this a great rivalry that goes back-and-forth.

 

“Since I started boxing, I’ve been throwing a lot of punches. The kids couldn’t take my pressure and they said I destroy them like an ‘earthquake.’ That’s where ‘Terremoto’ comes from.”

 

DEJAN ZLATICANIN

 

“I’m very happy to be here for this huge event at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I’m very grateful to my team for making this fight possible. We’re striving to be the best. I’m a world champion and I’m going to leave the ring a champion. Mikey can try and take away my belt, but he’s not going to be able to do.

 

“I’m going for a knockout. I’m the kind of fighter who is going to be aggressive. I always want to impress the fans and give them excitement.

 

“If Mikey stands in the pocket with me, it will be a short night. If he wants to box, it will take a little longer. But My goal is still to knock him out.

 

“It’s going to be hard in Las Vegas to get a decision against a Mexican icon like Mikey Garcia and this is why I’m trying to make it exciting and bring the fight to him.”

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

“I love to jab and use it to set up other big punches. It’s a foundation for everything, even defense. A lot of fighters don’t use it, but I could use it for an entire fight. All of those big punches can change a fight, but the jab sets everything up.

 

“This fight is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to take advantage of it. This is a new division for me and I believe I’m facing the toughest guy in the division. This is going to be a great division for me. I feel fast and strong and really believe you will see the best Mikey Garcia at lightweight.

 

“Had I been fighting during my layoff; I would probably be close to retiring by now. The time allowed me to go enjoy life and my family and come back to the sport with a new mindset and ready to work.

 

“There are still a lot of things that I want to accomplish in this sport. This would be my third division with a world title. I would obviously want to unify titles or go after title at 140-pounds. I’m going to do whatever it takes to elevate myself in this sport.

 

“This is a great fight. Dejan is going to come to win. I’m coming to take his title. It’s going to be a great show but I feel that I’m going to win a world title in my third-division.

 

“If I could get the winner of the Jorge Linares-Anthony Crolla rematch, and claim supremacy in the division, that would be great. I’ll go anywhere in the world to do it and I definitely want these challenges.

 

“I think this is going to be a great fight but I do believe that I’m going to become the new world champion on Saturday night.”

 

LEE SELBY

 

“This is massive for where I came from. To build myself up to this moment is amazing and I’m excited to be here.

 

“I think every boxer dreams of fighting in Las Vegas, especially in the U.K. We’ve watched Floyd Mayweather fight here for years and we want to emulate that. It’s not an unrealistic dream now.

 

“My opponent is a big physical guy with a lot of experience. He can definitely punch and he’s going to try throw shots from an unorthodox position. Hopefully my angles will help me be successful.

 

“I think people have been overlooking my fight. It’s going to be a very tough battle. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight, but if I can come through okay it would be a massive fight against Carl Frampton next. I think it would be one of the biggest in the U.K.

 

“Having already fought in the U.S. is valuable because it helps me know what to expect. But fighting in Las Vegas will be different. Carl Frampton has brought a lot of fans over and we’ll see whether they cheer or boo me. Either way it’ll be a good atmosphere.

 

“It was hard to pick a winner between Frampton and Santa Cruz in the first fight and I was sitting ringside. I’m rooting for Carl Frampton this time so we can make that huge unification fight.

 

“This is a great opportunity for fans to see two international stars like Carl and myself in-person and we’ll certainly put on a great show.”

 

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

 

“I trained really hard for this fight. I have a strong, tough opponent but I’m going to go in there and prove to everybody that I can be the best.

 

“I’ve always wanted to prove to my older brother (unbeaten welterweight Jose) that I could do this just like him and make a name for myself in the sport. I’m looking to be part of a new generation of fighters.

 

“This is a good fight for me on my way to a world title shot. I’m just working hard to get better every day so that I can earn my spot in the ring with the top guys.

 

“I think my time is coming. If I can keep performing and taking advantage of these opportunities, my goals are in reach.

 

“I think I’m going to be at 168-pounds for a while. I make the weight comfortably. I’m hoping to get a world title opportunity in that weight class first.

 

“I just want to be an exciting fighter. I want to be a fighter that everyone gathers around the television to watch. I always want to give the fans a great fight. I think I can do that while becoming one of the best fighters in boxing.”

 

ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 

Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

A Look Back At The First Carl Frampton & Leo Santa Cruz Fight, And A Look Ahead To TheirJan. 28 Rematch

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“Forever Linked”

 

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Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz II Fight Week is officially here and SHOWTIME Sports® kicks it off with this video as both fighters reflect on their thrilling firefight last July and their plans for the eagerly anticipated rematch this Saturday, Jan. 28, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

Frampton, the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year, narrowly outpointed Santa Cruz to become a two-division titleholder last July on SHOWTIME.

 

“You always need a dance partner, and Leo Santa Cruz could be mine,” Frampton said.

 

“Hopefully, that night it goes my way and we get the third fight and we make it a trilogy,” Santa Cruz said.

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CARL FRAMPTON & LEO SANTA CRUZ REVEAL THEIR MOTIVATION FOR JAN. 28 REMATCH IN INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS WITH MARK KRIEGEL

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The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Carl Frampton: http://s.sho.com/2iLpy1b

The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Leo Santa Cruz: http://s.sho.com/2k1ZoZ0

 

Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz sat down with SHOWTIME Sports® reporter Mark Kriegel as they prepare for their eagerly anticipated rematch next Saturday, Jan. 28, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  The interviews are the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing’s emerging stars.

 

Frampton, the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year who narrowly outpointed Santa Cruz to become a two-division titleholder last July on SHOWTIME, opens up about growing up during “The Troubles” in Belfast, his unique bond with Hall of Fame mentor Barry McGuigan, and how his legacy could forever be connected to Leo Santa Cruz.

 

A three-division world champion, Santa Cruz discusses the pain of his first defeat, the affect his father’s battle with cancer had on his training, his plans for the rematch and hope for a legendary rivalry.

 

Below are bites from the separate interviews:

 

KRIEGEL: “You make good on your father’s dream, and now you’re scared of him dying.  The cancer – how did you train?”

 

SANTA CRUZ:  “It was hard, it was hard to train, to concentrate.  I still went to the gym and trained, (but) I didn’t train as hard.  I didn’t train as the other fights because my dad wasn’t there.  My dad was going to chemo, he was going to radiation…I thought to myself, maybe tomorrow he won’t wake up.”

 

KRIEGEL: “What did you tell your father after you lost?”

 

SANTA CRUZ: “I told my dad, sorry.  I’m sorry we didn’t get the win and that I disappointed you.  My dad told me, ‘that’s alright.  You didn’t disappoint anybody.  We’re going to get him in the rematch.’ ”

 

FRAMPTON INTERVIEW:

KRIEGEL:  “Ali and Frazier had each other, Leonard and Duran had each other.  In order to be recognized as a great fighter you need an epic antagonist.  And for all the talk, you might actually have one in Leo.”

 

FRAMPTON: “I would like that – I would like a rivalry where in 20, 30 years from now people remember it.  You always need a dance partner, and Leo Santa Cruz could be mine.”

 

KRIEGEL: Barry says you could end up as the greatest of all the Irish fighters.  Aren’t you almost beyond that already?  Aren’t the stakes already higher?

 

FRAMPTON:  “No, potentially I could be.  After Santa Cruz I want to continue to fight big names and be involved in big fights.  There’s never been a Northern Irishman, apart from myself, to win a world title in two weight divisions.  If I set my sights sometime in the future for the 130-pound division and become a three-weight world champion, I may feel comfortable calling myself the best Irish fighter of all time.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Barry represented a symbol of peace during one of the darkest times in Northern Ireland.  What does Carl Frampton represent?”

 

FRAMPTON: “People want to look at me as a new figure for Northern Ireland. I’m a Protestant, married to a Catholic.  This is a new age thing.”

 

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Carl Frampton Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Irish Star & Undefeated Prospect Josh Taylor 
Prepare for Saturday, January 28 Showdowns at 
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (January 17, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Carl Frampton hosted media at his training camp in Las Vegas Tuesday ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz onSaturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and live on SHOWTIME.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.
Frampton was joined by undefeated prospect Josh Taylor; who’s 10-round super lightweight contest is set to be featured as part of bonus coverage on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from Porter Hy-Performance Center in Las Vegas:
CARL FRAMPTON
“This camp has been even better than the last one. I had a few problems with my hand during the last training camp but this camp has been brilliant. I’ve been able to put a lot of effort into every session.
“I’m hungry to prove that this wasn’t a fluke. I see some people talking on the internet that I got lucky last time or that Leo would have won with his father in camp the whole time. But I believe there is a lot more to come for me. I’ve been performing better this camp than ever before. I think I win this fight more convincingly.
“I think Leo is a confidence fighter. I think his pride has made him go straight back to the deep end again. He’s always been bigger than his opponents. At both bantamweight and super bantamweight he was bigger. Even though Leo is taller than me, I’m the bigger man. On fight night I’ll be heavier and stronger than him. He’s been able to bully opponents and wear them out, but he can’t do that to me. I think he’s making a big mistake jumping right back in.
“I got drawn in to Leo’s type of fight last time, which made it very exciting. Because of our styles, it’s always going to be a good fight. If it’s two wins to nil for me, I’d rather move on and fight someone like Lee Selby. I just want to be involved in big fights.
“Obviously, being from where I’m from, fighting in New York was a major appeal, and a lot of guys on the East Coast are attracted to an Irish fighter they haven’t seen before. So I got a lot of new support from the East Coast. We brought a lot of people across with us, as well. But now, to be fighting, topping the bill at the MGM in the fight capital of the world, it’s something I never really thought about when I was a kid or when I turned professional. I never really believed I could get to this. But it’s here, and I’m hoping that it can continue for a long time.
“We’re staying at Robert Guerrero’s training camp house, which is a big thing for me in itself. We drove past the MGM Grand and saw my face on the side. That was pretty surreal in itself. I just can’t wait to soak it up.
“This was a big fight enough in New York, now I think it’s going to be like New York on steroids. I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere on fight week, can’t wait for all of my fans to get here, I think it’s going to be a real carnival atmosphere and people are going to enjoy it.”
“Fighting Leo Santa Cruz in the United States, a 3-weight world champion who a lot of people thought was going to beat me and beat me comfortably, that was a big deal. That was the real turning point of my career. And I think there’s more to come. I’m 30 in February, but I don’t feel any signs of slowing up.
“I genuinely feel like I’m getting better and I think Leo’s going to be in for a tough night here. If I can do what I’ve been doing here in the gym, perform like I’ve been performing in sparring, I’m hurting sparring partners, knocking sparring partners out. I feel like I’m developing, developing into a proper featherweight and I feel like he’s going to be in for a tough night.
“We’ve got a chef in the house that we’re staying at, cooking and preparing our food. We’re training at Shawn Porter’s gym here. It’s a great facility and they’re looking after us, Shawn and (Kenny) Porter. It’s nothing really to deal with apart from the time difference. I reckon it takes a day for every hour of time difference.”
JOSH TAYLOR
“This is the first time I’ve been in Las Vegas and I’m definitely a little star struck by the strip and the big buildings. I’m really have a great time though and it’s a good experience.
“This is a great setup we have here at the gym and I’m getting a lot of good work here. I’ve been sparring with former world champion Shawn Porter and Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas. I couldn’t ask for better work.
“I feel very confident. I’m getting great preparation. It’s not every day you get to spar with guys like this, especially with only seven fights under my belt. I’m feeling really good.”
SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton and Taylor’s Trainer
“Training camp has been going really great. Santa Cruz feels like he didn’t have his best performance last time but I don’t think Carl was at his best either. I think we’ll see the same victory this time.
“Carl’s confidence is through the roof. He never lacks in that department. He always rises to the occasion. He performs his best when he’s out there in front of a huge crowd. Leo Santa Cruz is going to bring out the best of Carl Frampton.
“Fighting in Las Vegas is amazing. This is what Carl has been dreaming about since he was a kid. I’ve been dreaming about it too. My father was an amazing fighter but this is a new era of massive crowds coming across the globe. It all starts on January 28 and it’s going to be a great time.”
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion and Hall of Famer
“It was definitely Carl’s toughest fight but I think Carl is still getting better. I think Carl will win even more convincingly this time, but it’s going to be a great fight every time they meet because of the clash of styles.
“Carl has knocked out at least two of his sparring partners in preparation for this. He’s looking very strong and he’s working very hard.
“Santa Cruz is talking about using his range, but I think that’s all smokescreens. Once that bell rings he’s going to come straight at Carl and we’ll be in for another great fight.
“We had the option to squeeze in a mandatory defense before the end of last year. But we thought it was best to rest and get this big fight in by the end of January.”
ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2
Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Leo Santa Cruz, Dejan Zlaticanin & Mikey Garcia Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos  

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Fighters Enter the Ring Saturday, January 28 from
the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Live on SHOWTIME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ricky Horne/TGB Promotions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (January 10, 2017) — Former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz continued to prepare for his featherweight world title rematch against Carl Frampton and hosted a Los Angeles media workout Tuesday before he headlines action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME®.
 
Also working out for the media at Fortune Gym Tuesday were lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin and former two-division champion Mikey Garcia, who meet in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“My dad is my trainer full-time. He’s always been the one who knows how to point out and correct the mistakes I make in training. I think having him full-time will be a big difference. He will push me more.
“I think I have to land more clean punches this time. I’m going to work the body more and break him down. I’m going to sit on my punches a lot better. I couldn’t land my punches clearly and with enough power.
“I’m excited because Las Vegas is like my second hometown. I’ve fought there throughout my career. They give me great support. I know that when I’m tired and hear them scream, it will give me the energy to go the distance.
“I don’t think I had trouble adjusting to fighting on the East Coast. But there aren’t as many Mexican fans over there; so hopefully I will have some more support this time. None of that really matters once we get into the ring though. It’s just me and Carl in there.
“I have the loss in my head. I don’t just want to do it for myself. I want to do it for everyone who has doubted me. Once I prove them wrong and win this fight, then I’ll be proud of myself.
“I’m going to fight like this is for my first world title. I’m going up there as a nobody and I’m going to go make a name for myself. I’m coming with that kind of hunger.
“I’m going to show everyone what I’ve been working on. I want to prove that I’m better than Carl Frampton. If everything works out, we’ll get the victory.
“My fans have kept me motivated and given me the hunger to go out there and reclaim my title. That’s what I want to do. I hope it’s another Fight of the Year, but this time I will get the victory.
“I feel stronger since the last fight and I’ve been preparing for everything. We’re sparring some bigger guys just to keep me prepared. We have strong, fast and heavy opponents. Carl Frampton won’t have anything we aren’t ready for.”
DEJAN ZLATICANIN
“If Garcia tries to go toe-to-toe or stay in the center of the ring, I will knock him out. If he tries to jab and move, then I will have to find my way to his head and break him down.
“Training camp has been going great. I feel very good. I can’t wait to get in the ring and perform. I’m proud to be on a show like this against a star like Mikey Garcia.
“It is a big deal to be the first boxing champion from Montenegro. I’ve lived the dream that I’ve had since I was a child and first stepped into a boxing gym.
“I’m not worried about Garcia’s layoff. That is something he has to worry about. I just have to focus on January 28. I believe that I will be victorious.
“All of the fans are going to enjoy this fight and they will see me successfully defend my world title.
“I feel great training out here in Los Angeles. It’s totally different from in Europe and this style of working and training has really helped me.
“I change my style for every fighter. Each fighter is totally different and you can’t fight any two guys the same way. You have to adjust.
“A champion needs to fight everyone. That’s what I believe. There are some champions right now who do not want to face me.
“Mikey Garcia is already talking about fights with Manny Pacquiao and Vasyl Lomachenko, but he hasn’t gotten past me. He has a big test in the ring and I am going to stop him.
“I am very motivated by Garcia talking about future fights. I will show everybody that the talk means nothing. They will see everything in the ring.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m picking up right where I left off. My second fight back and I get to fight against an undefeated world champion. The quality of Zlaticanin means a lot more to me than picking up a world title. I’m super motivated for this win and to make this a great year.
“This is a big opportunity for me. It’s a very dangerous fight. That’s why I took it. These are the kind of challenges that I want. I’m ready to prove to everybody that I’m back right where I belong.
“I’m not overlooking Zlaticanin, but everybody else seems to be. People ask me about what I’d want for future fights, but I know how dangerous this guy is. Anything could happen. But I know that I have what it takes to beat him. He has power, but I also have power. The best man is going to win that night.
“Becoming an undefeated world champion like my opponent doesn’t come easy. It happens for a reason. He may be not as known to the casual fan, but anybody can tell you how dangerous he is. Some people think it’s a little too much for me right now. But I’m ready to prove everybody wrong and take on this challenge.
“I have to prepare for anything. I’m not there to dictate pace or anything, I’m there to make sure I win at all costs. I’m ready to fight any style and beat Dejan on January 28. This is a great way to get back in the position I want to be in.
“I expect him to come in and try to knock my head off. He’s a power puncher and that’s what he does. If he wants to pressure me, I’ll be ready for that.
“I never felt like I left. I was inactive from fighting but I never stopped training. The intensity is fully picked up right now. This is my job and this is what I need to do to win this fight.
“I’m ready to turn up the notch and focus in on having a great training camp. I have a great team and we’ve had quality sparring. It’s been a fantastic camp.
“You have all of the elements here for a great fight. My opponent is hungry, he’s ready and undefeated. I’m more motivated than ever. So you know it’s going to be a great fight.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“The first fight between Santa Cruz and Frampton was, in my opinion, the Fight of the Year. We have two other world title fights on this card and top to bottom it’s one of the best cards I can remember. I’m going to make sure I’m in my seat early.
“Mikey Garcia has the potential to become the biggest superstar in the sport. He has a great personality and can really fight. All the ingredients are there. Here he has a very tough fight though. Zlaticanin is the ‘King Kong’ of Montenegro. He’s a dangerous puncher and it’s going to be a great fight.
“It’s a great card but if I had to pick one fight to steal the show, it would Zlaticanin vs. Garcia. That is going to be a spectacular knockout, one way or the other.
“The main event is as good as it gets. It’s going to pick up in round 13. Leo knows that he has to make adjustments. He knows he wasn’t at his best the first time. He was out of his comfort zone and had distractions. If Leo is properly prepared physically and mentally, then he should come out victorious.
“Leo knew as soon as the results were read that he wanted the rematch. That’s the kind of mindset he has. He knows that he’s a better fighter than he showed in July. He knows what he needs to do.
“By becoming Fighter of the Year, and everything that comes with it, Frampton is flying high. This is a guy who is now a pound-for-pound great fighter. He worked all his life for that spot and he doesn’t want to give it up. For the UK fighters, fighting in Las Vegas is the pinnacle of the sport. I think there will be a lot of Irish people there and I just can’t wait for the first bell to ring.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer
“I feel really good. My cancer is dormant right now and I feel like I’m recuperating and getting back to my normal self. I’m making sure that everything is fine and I’m doing well with the doctors. Right now everything on the health forefront is good.
“I am happy to be part of Leo’s training camp again. I think that was the major difference in his last fight. I’m back pressuring him again and making sure he keeps the pressure on his opponent. I think my presence in the gym reminds him of the work he needs to do.
“Leo wasn’t defending the way that he should have in the last fight, he kept throwing punches without blocking. He was throwing sluggish, slow punches.  I’m getting him back on point and making sure that he doesn’t let up.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“Dejan Zlaticanin is a very strong fighter, not only physically, but mentally. We’re training like never before. We’ve been training hard for two months and preparing for a really tough fight. This fight is a big fight and it brings even bigger ones after.
“Mikey wants these big challenges. Zlaticanin is a polished champion with tremendous power. The challenge is ahead of him. There are so many big names at lightweight and other weight classes. His goals are to get there, and it starts with this fight.
“It’s been a few years since Mikey’s last fight in Las Vegas so it’s really exciting to be on the card headlined by Frampton-Santa Cruz 2. We know it’s going to be a huge crowd and they’ll be supporting Mikey. Plus, with all the Frampton fans that will be there, we know that it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere. Mikey knows this is the beginning of huge things. After this, Mikey will be the one headlining.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby Defends Title Against Former World Champion Jonathan Victor Barros Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT)

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Unbeaten Rising Star David Benavidez Faces Once-Beaten
Sherali Mamajoniv & Bonus Coverage of Undefeated Prospect
Josh Taylor’s 10-Round Super Lightweight Bout
In Additional SHOWTIME EXTREME Action
 
Saturday, January 28 from the
 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
LAS VEGAS (January 9, 2017) – A winner of 19 in a row, featherweight world champion Lee Selby (23-1, 8 KOs) will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros (41-4-1, 22 KOs) live on SHOWTIME EXTREME Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage on SHOWTIME EXTREME begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast, and features unbeaten rising star David Benavidez (16-0, 15 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight showdown against once-beaten Sherali Mamajonov(14-1, 7 KOs). The telecast will also include bonus coverage, time permitting, of undefeated prospect Josh Taylor (7-0, 7 KOs), who will enter the ring in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a young kid to box in a world title fight in Las Vegas, the mecca of boxing,” said Selby, who is making his Las Vegas debut. “I’ve seen U.K. fighters like Lennox Lewis, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan box in Las Vegas and I always knew that’s where I wanted to fight. My mandatory challenger is experienced, dangerous and I will not take him lightly. I’ve had a strong training camp and I am 100 percent focused on putting on a show for the American fans and the travelling fans from the U.K. My number one objective is to bring my world title back to Wales.”
“I’m very excited for this opportunity to compete for another world title in Las Vegas,” said Barros. “I have worked hard to put myself in this position and I am going to make the most of it. Selby has never faced anyone as dangerous as me and I plan on making it a long night for him. I am going to become another Argentine world champion and bring the title back to my country.”
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is headlined by the highly anticipated world title rematch between Ireland’s Carl Frampton and former three division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with unbeaten lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin defending against undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
Representing Wales, Selby has been referred to as the “Welsh Floyd Mayweather” because of the elusive style and ring generalship that led to him winning his featherweight world championship via a technical decision over Evgeny Gradovich in May 2015. Since then, the 29-year-old has defended his belt successfully against former champion Fernando Montiel and top challenger Eric Hunter.
A pro since 2004, Barros was unbeaten in his first 29 fights in Argentina before losing in a world title fight to Yuriokis Gamboa. Barros won a world title in his second opportunity by stopping Irving Berry in the seventh round of their 2010 showdown. Barros went on to defend his title with victories over Miguel Roman and Celestino Caballero. He has won seven fights in a row to earn another world title opportunity after most recently beating Satoshi Hosono in Japan.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 16 wins in 16 starts at just 20-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and continued with four more in 2016 including blasting out previously unbeaten Francy Ntetu in June and tough contender Denis Douglin in August. Benavidez will look for his ninth straight victory inside of the distance on January 28.
Fighting out of Namangan, Uzbekistan, Mamajonov will be making his United States debut and enters this fight the winner of his last four bouts. He won three times in 2016 including his most recent victory, a decision over his most experienced opponent to date in Mikheil Khutsishvili. The 29-year-old turned pro in October 2009 and was victorious in his first 10 starts.
A 2012 Olympian for Great Britain and an amateur standout from Edinburgh, Scotland, Taylor will fight in the U.S. for the third time in his young career on January 28. The 26-year-old stopped Archie Weah in his pro debut in Texas in 2015 and made quick work of Evincii Dixon in July 2016 in Brooklyn. He continued to impress in his last outing, knocking out his most experienced opponent to date, Dave Ryan, in the fifth round of a October 2016 bout.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.