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MIKEY GARCIA BECOMES A FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER SERGEY LIPINETS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM FREEMAN COLISEUM IN SAN ANTONIO

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Kiryl Relikh Dominates Rances Barthelemy To Capture WBA Super Lightweight World Championship In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature

Catch The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Replay Monday, March 12 At

10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

SAN ANTONIO (March 11, 2018) – Mikey Garcia captured a world title in his fourth weight division, outpointing previously undefeated Sergey Lipinets to win the IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship Saturday on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.

With the victory, Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs) joined Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as the only fighters in history to win titles at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds.

“It’s a great feeling. Winning this fourth title in a fourth division is an honor,” Garcia said.  “To get to be mentioned with Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is a huge honor for me.  It just leaves a little chapter in boxing with my name, my brother, my dad.  I think people will remember the Garcia family for ages to come.”

Garcia, who was fighting for just the second time at 140 pounds, relied on a steady diet of combos to back up Lipinets, who was making the first defense of the IBF title he won last November on SHOWTIME.  Garcia floored Lipinets for the first time in his career, connecting on a counter left hook midway through the seventh in a rousing moment that sent the pro-Garcia crowd at Freeman Coliseum to their feet.

Garcia, who won by scores of 116-111 and 117-110 twice, connected on 46 percent of his power shots compared to 36 percent for the defending champion.

“He came in exactly as I expected – a very tough, very hungry and strong fighter,” Garcia said.  “We worked with angles behind the jab.  He’s very dangerous, but we had a great game plan and we were able to prevail.

“I know I carry the power, but I was fighting a bigger man and he could take a punch.  I didn’t want to get caught and I had to be patient.”

After the fight, Garcia, who still holds the WBC title at lightweight, reiterated his mantra that he’s seeking the biggest fights available, regardless of weight division.

“What I love is I have all the options,” Garcia said.  “I could go down to 135 to unify titles, which is what I really want to do.  And in a couple of fights you’re going to see me at 147.

Despite being the defending champion, Lipinets (13-1, 10 KOs) was fighting in just his 14th professional fight.  The Russian, who was born in Kazakhstan, delivered a valiant effort against one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

“It was probably experience that took over at some point,” Lipinets said.  “Mikey is a great fighter, he can obviously crack.  It was just experience that I was lacking.

“I want to go back in the gym and work on the problems I showed in the ring.  There are a couple of holes I need to close.  I’ll be back.  It’s a learning experience.”

In a rematch of one of 2017’s best and most controversial fights, Kiryl Relikh handed former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy the first loss of his career with a wide unanimous decision victory to capture the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship.

Relikh (22-2, 19 KOs) was the more active fighter and controlled the co-main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from the opening bell, throwing 1,237 total punches compared to just 494 for Barthelemy.  Relikh, who many thought won their first matchup, consistently worked off his jab, connecting on 103 punches per round while Barthelemy landed an average of just 41.

While Barthelemy (26-1, 13 KOs) won a disputed and wide decision in their first bout there was no controversy in the judges’ scorecards in the rematch, which was scored 117-110 and 118-109 twice.

Relikh became just the third fighter from Belarus to win a world title while Barthelemy came up short in his bid to become the first Cuban to win a world title in three weight divisions.

“Last time I was not ready,” Relikh said.  “I didn’t have proper preparation in the first fight but this time, with my new trainers, I was ready.  I’m very happy. I’ve waited for this dream for 20 years.  I’ve worked hard for this dream and now it’s mine.

“Coming in we were looking to box all the way.  My jab has developed so much since the last fight.  They probably thought that I would run out of gas like last time, but I trained like a champion this time.  Everything was geared toward becoming champion and that’s what we did tonight.”

Barthelemy, who picked up the pace a bit in the final three rounds, didn’t dispute the decision.

“My heart is broken because I came in to this fight trying to get that third world title,” Barthelemy said.  “I have to admit defeat and say that Relikh deserved to win that fight, but I will be back.

“At this point I have to look forward and put it behind me.”

 

The featured attraction of the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast saw San Antonio’s own Mario Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) deliver a sensational second round knockout of Eudy Bernardo (23-3, 17 KOs) in front of his hometown fans.

“I definitely made a statement tonight,” said Barrios. “I showed the 140-pound division that I’m here and ready for any of them.”

Barrios was dominant from the start and struck early in the second with a vicious straight right that put Bernardo down. Although Bernardo got to his feet and beat the count, referee Jon Schorle had seen enough and waved off the bout 45 seconds into the second round of the super lightweight affair.

“I wasn’t going in there looking for the knockout, but I caught him early,” said Barrios. “I’ve been on a good run and I’m ready to continue that streak. We’re moving up the ranks fight by fight. I’m looking to get a title eliminator by the end of the year and hopefully a title shot early next year.”

In the opening bout of the SHO EXTREME telecast, Richard Commey (26-2, 23 KOs) scored a sixth-round TKO of Alejandro Luna (22-1, 15 KOs) in their IBF Lightweight World Title Eliminator.

“Despite the win, my performance wasn’t up to the level that I hoped it would be,” said Commey. “He was exactly what I expected and if I had connected on more of my punches in the beginning I think the fight would have been over earlier. I was really trying to work on what we had been focusing on in camp but I just wasn’t performing well at the start of the fight.”

The fight was defined by exciting exchanges throughout, with Commey, fighting on his 31st birthday, getting the better early and connecting with power punches that caused Luna’s jaw to swell. Commey’s power broke through in round six when a powerful combination punctuated by a left uppercut sent Luna to the canvas for the first time in his career.

“I’m very disappointed,” said Luna. “All the credit to Commey, but I expect more of myself and I’m going to get back in the gym and come back much stronger and better.”

Luna rose to his feet but was quickly pounced on by Commey, who landed 62 percent of his power punches in the round, and was sent to the mat again. This forced referee David Fields to call a halt to the bout at 1:54 of round six. Commey now becomes the mandatory challenger for IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter, who Commey lost a split decision to in September 2016.

“It is the greatest feeling to get the win on my 31st birthday,” said Commey. “I am looking forward to fighting for the 135-pound world title and becoming champion.”

The SHO EXTREME swing bout featured unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (15-0, 10 KOs) scoring a seventh round knockout of Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado (16-6, 9 KOs) in their super bantamweight clash.

Figueroa, the brother of former champion Omar, continued to show the aggressive style that has defined his early career as he threw an astonishing 178 punches in the third round. That number was good for the second most ever thrown in a single round by a fighter in a super bantamweight bout, according to CompuBox.

The 21-year-old Figueroa continued to put the pressure on, battering Delgado until referee Gregorio Alvarez halted the fight at 1:55of the seventh round.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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Garcia vs. Lipinets Junior Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (February 20, 2018) – Three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets participated in an open media workout in Los Angeles Tuesday as they prepare for their world title showdown Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also see two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Joining Garcia and Lipinets at Tuesday’s workout was former title challenger Josesito Lopez, who competes in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum on March 10.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from the City of Angels Boxing Club in Los Angeles:
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m excited to have another opportunity on March 10 to show my fans what I’m all about and what I can do in the ring. I’m preparing to win another world title and that’s all that’s on my mind right now.
“Neither one of us wants to lose. We’re both undefeated and no one wants to give up that ‘0’. That’s going to make this a great fight for the fans.
“I don’t have a number of titles that I’m chasing, but I do believe I will be a champion at 140-pounds and eventually at welterweight. Each fight is unique and I’m going to keep taking it one fight at a time.
“I’ve been winning and dominating my fights, but I still have room to show the fans more of my skills. I need opponents who will bring the best out of me. I’m going to keep trying to dominate each fight and make it easy for myself in the ring.
“It was a little upsetting that we had to wait to have this fight, but it’s part of the sport. We took a day off when we heard the news and then we went back to work. Now we’re ahead of schedule so it worked out great.
“We’re excited to be where we’re at and to have the opportunity to win another world title. I’m most excited that this really takes me closer to the kind of recognition we deserve and the goals I want to achieve.
“Sergey Lipinets is the number one priority right now. He’s an undefeated world champion and I can’t take him lightly at all. I’m going to follow my game plan and right now I’m on track to put on a great performance.
“The number one thing I see in Sergey is his size. He’s the bigger man so I’ll have to be prepared for the weight. Because he’s a young new champion, he’s really got nothing to lose. He’s coming with everything he has.
“I know he’s going to take this fight more seriously than any other he’s taken. I know that he has that fire in him. I have to be aware of his power and use my boxing skills to overcome it.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“This is going to be a great fight. We’ll both be at 100 percent on fight night and ready to give our best. This won’t be a one-sided fight. It’s going to be two gladiators going at each other.
“Mikey is a great fighter. He has a lot of skills, especially defensively. I’m going to be ready for him. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears.
“If you’ve watched my previous fights you know that this will be a great fight. We’re both going to be there in front of each other and we won’t be kissing and hugging.
“I’m very excited to be in this position and I’m planning to take advantage of it. It meant a lot to win a world title, but these are the kind of fights you get into boxing for. This is a chance to really put my name in the history books.
“Everything is on schedule for the hand. I’ve been using it at will with no problems. I’ll be ready to go on fight night. I never stopped working so the transition was very easy once the hand had healed.”
JOSESITO LOPEZ
“I can’t wait to show some new things that I’ve worked on in camp. I feel really strong, fast and quick and I’m excited to put it all together on fight night.
“Sparring with Mikey Garcia has been good for me. He’s a really intelligent fighter, he’s very precise and he does everything with a purpose. Being in there with him makes me a better fighter.
“I’m anxious to get back in the ring. I’ve worked hard with Robert Garcia on different game plans and perfecting my style. My body feels good and I’m ready to compete with the top fighters.
“Robert has a great gym in Riverside with a lot of talented fighters. We’re always working and you have to be ready to spar with anybody. The young guys have really given me good work and kept me on my toes, which I’ve needed these last few years.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“Lipinets has power and we’re fighting in his weight division. Lipinets is the naturally bigger fighter and we know he’s a dedicated fighter. I’m sure he’s training like never before.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Lipinets. Winning this fight puts him in a great position, so we have to be very careful. We can’t take him lightly, because it won’t be easy. But fighters like Mikey, with his skills, are sometimes able to overcome any disadvantage.
“Fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were able to move up in weight and still dominate, because of their great skills. Very few fighters are able to do that. We believe that Mikey is one of those special fighters.”
BUDDY MCGIRT, Lipinets’ Trainer
“The key is to not be one-dimensional. Sergey is going to give him different looks all night. Once he steps on the gas, we’ll see what Mikey’s made of.
“Mikey hasn’t fought anyone competitive since he came back. I believe it’s been awhile since Mikey’s been in a fight where he’s had to dig down and work. Once Sergey steps on the gas, we’ll see what’s inside of him. I don’t doubt him, because he comes from a family of great fighters and trainers. But sometimes that ring rust will kick in at a time when you can’t afford it.
“We’re prepared for any and everything. Once we get in there, we’ll give Mikey all we can when the time comes.
“We’re watching Sergey and we could tell if he’s hesitating or holding back when throwing his right hand. He hasn’t been doing that. It’s just a matter of time now. Everything is running on schedule.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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UNDEFEATED 140-POUND CONTENDER & SAN ANTONIO NATIVE MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE EUDY BERNARDO ON SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® SATURDAY, MARCH 10 FROM FREEMAN COLISEUM

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Undefeated Lightweight Alejandro Luna To Face Former World Title Challenger Richard Commey In IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator In
Opening Bout On SHOWTIME EXTREME Live At 8 p.m. ET/PT
Plus! Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Takes On Jonathan Aguilar
 in Super Bantamweight Attraction
SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 12, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios will face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.
The SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 8 p.m. ET/PT and features undefeated Alejandro Luna facing former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.  The IBF champion is Robert Easter, who Commey fought to close-split decision for the vacant IBF belt in 2016.
Also in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum, unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa takes on Mexico’s Jonathan Aguilar in an eight-round super bantamweight bout that, time permitting, will round out the SHO EXTREME telecast.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets and also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
Barrios (20-0 12 KOs), who is trained by Virgil Hunter, returns for his first professional bout in San Antonio since he scored a 2015 knockout over Manuel Vides at AT&T Center in 2015. The 22-year-old has won three straight fights by stoppage since moving up to the 140-pound division last year.
“I haven’t been back home in a while, and I’m looking forward to putting on a tremendous performance in front of my family and hometown fans,” Barrios said. “If the knockout comes, early or late, I’ll take it. If not, we’re going in there to do what we do best, and that’s win. I’m trying to show that I’m on the level where I can get one of those titles either later this year or early next year.”
Fighting out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Bernardo (23-2, 17 KOs) enters this fight having scored knockout victories in his last two contests. The 31-year-old, who appeared onShoBox: The New Generation in April 2016, has fought professionally since 2009 and was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights.
“I hope that Barrios isn’t underestimating me, because I am full of confidence and positive that I’m going to win,” said Bernardo. “I have a great plan that I’m going to use to catch him by surprise. I don’t care if it’s by knockout or decision, I will win.”
Luna (22-0, 15 KOs) and Commey (25-2, 22 KOs) enter this fight ranked 11th and 3rd respectively by the IBF. The 26-year-old Luna, fighting out of Bellflower, Ca., most recently dominated Andrey Klimov on his way to a unanimous decision last April and faces his toughest competition to date on March 10. Commey rebounded from the narrow defeat to Easter and a subsequent close loss to Denis Shafikov with a unanimous decision victory last March in his native Ghana.
“Commey’s a tough competitor whose losses were very close, disputable fights that could have gone either way, so I’ll go in being smart, using my jab and sticking to our game plan,” said Luna. “We’re both boxer-punchers who like to mix it up, throw bombs and brawl if we have to. There’s going to be a lot of action and we might steal the show. We’ll give the fans their money’s worth, either way.”
“I think this is a good fight where neither of us are the favorite,” said Commey. “After losing two close decisions there is natural pressure to go for the knockout. But I believe that the judges will be fair and reward me if it goes the distance so I can earn another shot at the title. This is my first fight with Andre Rozier and I’m inspired working in his gym with guys like Daniel Jacobs and Sadam Ali. I’m 100 percent focused on clearly beating Luna and earning my rematch with Robert Easter Jr.”
Figueroa (14-0, 9 KOs), the younger brother of former lightweight champion Omar Figueroa, will make his 2018 debut against the 24-year-old Aguilar (20-7, 17 KOs), after picking up four wins in 2017.
“I’m happy to be on such a big card. San Antonio is like my second home,” said Figueroa, who is 5-0 with four knockouts in San Antonio. “I’m getting a lot of exposure fighting on this world class event that is headlined by Mikey Garcia. It’s the kind of step-up I need. Little by little I’m becoming well-known, not only in the United States, but by people from around the world.”
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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MIKEY GARCIA vs. SERGEY LIPINETS WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME AT THE FREEMAN COLISEUM IN SAN ANTONIO & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

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Unbeaten Three-Division World Champion Garcia Challenges Unbeaten Junior Welterweight World Champion Lipinets in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Main Event
 
SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 19, 2018) – The highly anticipated showdown between undefeated three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 10th. The Premier Boxing Champions event was set to take place on February 10th, but Garcia’s quest for a fourth world title had to be rescheduled following a training injury to Lipinets’ hand. The fight will be live on SHOWTIME and will remain in San Antonio but move to the Freeman Coliseum.
Ticket information will be released early next week.  Those holding tickets for the original date at the Alamodome will receive priority on seat exchange for the new venue.   Tickets are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and will be available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 210 556-6390.  The event is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, in association with Leija-Battah Promotions.
The remainder of the card will remain the same including the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, which will see two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title. The doubleheader of title bouts in the wide-open 140-pound division sets the stage for a potential unification match.
The 29-year-old Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs), emphatically returned to pound-for-pound lists in 2017 by scoring a highlight reel knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin to win the WBC Lightweight World Championship in January and then dominating four-division champion Adrien Broner on his way to a unanimous decision in July. Garcia is a member of a renowned boxing family, and is noted for his sportsmanship and his commanding presence in the ring, honed by his brother and acclaimed trainer Robert Garcia.
Garcia, of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., returned to the ring after a two-and-half-year layoff in July 2016 without missing a beat by stopping former champion Elio Rojas. Garcia, who has held world titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, has stopped 19 of his last 22 opponents including Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez and Orlando Salido.
With a win, Garcia would become only the third fighter in modern history to become champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao*.
The unbeaten Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs) captured a super lightweight world title in just his 13th pro fight by defeating Akihiro Kondo via a unanimous decision on November 4 on SHOWTIME. He is originally from Kazakhstan but moved to Russia when he was six years old. He currently lives in Beverly Hills, California, Lipinets and is trained by Buddy McGirt.
The 28-year-old moved up the 140-pound rankings with victories over then unbeaten Haskell Rhodes, Levan Ghvamichava and Walter Castillo before knocking out Leonardo Zappavigna in a world title eliminator last December. Lipinets will look to stamp his place as an elite fighter when he takes on the accomplished and dangerous Garcia on March 10.
*Pacquiao won lineal championships at 126 and 140-pounds, although he did not win alphabet titles.
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Rances Barthelemy & Kiryl Relikh Look Forward to Big 2018 Beginning Saturday, February 10 When They Meet in140-Pound World Championship Rematch Live on SHOWTIME

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From the Alamodome in San Antonio & Presented by

Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Their First Fight

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 10, 2018) – Unbeaten two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy and former title challenger Kiryl Relikh will both look to kick off their new year with a world title victory when they meet in a rematch for a vacant 140-pound title Saturday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT and will be headlined by three-division world champion Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs) taking on unbeaten 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs).

 

 

 

“Obviously the number one goal for 2018 is to bring home that belt on February 10,” said Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs). “Then I want to unify with all the other champions. My New Year’s resolution is to surround myself with good people and win multiple world titles.”

 

 

 

“First I have to win this fight in February,” said Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs). “But then I have hopes of a great year defending my belt against the mandatory and eventually a unification fight. This will be the year I reach a new level in this sport.”

 

 

 

Barthelemy and Relikh will fight for the WBA’s vacant Super Lightweight World Title after their title eliminator bout in May ended in a debatable decision for Barthelemy. This time the fighters will look to leave no doubt with the full title on the line.

 

 

 

“This is my second time fighting for a world title and it will be a second lesson for me,” said Relikh. “This is my time to become champion. I need to do much more during this fight.

 

 

 

“I have to be aggressive right from the start. I’m sure that I need a knockout to get the victory. He can try to run, but he won’t be able to hide from me.”

 

 

 

“Winning this title would be a dream come true for me,” said Barthelemy. “I’d be the first Cuban fighter in history to win a title in three different divisions. The last fight was very close and deserving of a rematch.

 

 

 

“I just need to stick to my game plan and show everyone that I’m the best 140-pound fighter in the world. The key will be to stay disciplined and land hard shots all night.”

 

 

 

Both fighters have sacrificed in training camp on the road to what they hope will be a celebratory moment on February 10, training hard through the holiday season to stay on target for fight night.

 

 

 

“My whole team has done a fantastic job so far in camp,” said Barthelemy. “Ismael Salas and Joel Casamayor are giving me great tips and keeping me focused on my goal. One new thing I’ve added this camp is Bob Santos for nutrition and strength and conditioning. It’s made a big difference over the holidays where I usually eat too much. He’s kept me on a strict diet and training has never been better.”

 

 

 

“These last few weeks through the holidays have been the hardest of my camp, so there was no room for distractions,” said Relikh. “I spent New Year’s with my family and then I was right back into training camp in the morning.”

 

 

 

With two belts in the 140-pound division on the line in the same night, the winner between Barthelemy and Relikh will be in a great position to begin a path toward unification after February 10.

 

 

 

“I will have my eye on the main event for sure,” said Relikh. “I’m focused on Barthelemy now, but I want to unify and if that means fighting Garcia or Lipinets, I will be ready.”

 

 

 

“Garcia vs. Lipinets is going to be a great fight and I definitely want the winner,” said Barthelemy. “Although Lipinets is the underdog going into this fight, I think he’s going to give Garcia all he can handle. But I still think Garcia will come out on top, setting up war between us in a unification bout.”

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

 

 

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook

 

at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.