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VIDEO: ROBERT EASTER JR. LIVING OUT HIS DREAM AHEAD OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION AGAINST MIKEY GARCIA LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“When I came out of the womb, I was throwing punches… I love kicking butt.”

 

This Saturday At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME

 

 Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2mESWdU

 

 

WHAT: Days ahead of his 135-pound title unification showdown with Mikey Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 KOs) reflects on the path that has led to the most important night of his career in a video feature released today by SHOWTIME Sports®.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Easter dreamt of one day accomplishing what his father, also a professional boxer, was never able to accomplish: becoming a world champion.

 

 

 

“My dad had a short career and I made a promise to myself that I would make him live out winning a world championship through me,” said the 27-year-old Easter. “Winning a world title was a life-changing experience for me. We both lived out our dreams at that moment.”

 

 

 

Easter, who has made three successful defenses since winning his world title in an exciting contest over Richard Commey in 2016, decided to make the move to conduct training camp with Kevin Cunningham in West Palm Beach ahead of Saturday night’s unification against the WBC Lightweight Champion Garcia. Cunningham has worked with former world champions Devon Alexander, Cory Spinks and Adrien Broner and recently spurred Gervonta Davis to a dominant knockout of Jesus Cuellar.

 

 

 

“Moving to West Palm Springs took me out of my comfort zone,” Easter said. “I knew Kevin Cunningham had a strong camp and there’s no slacking in his program. I can really focus on boxing and on me.”

 

 

 

Live coverage of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) returning to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) and opens with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios(21-0, 13 KOs) taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Robert Easter Jr. Talks Unification Showdown with Mikey Garcia, Training in Florida & More

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“On July 28, I’m going to show everyone what they’ve been sleeping on & why I’m a world champion,” – Easter

 

Unbeaten Lightweight World Champion Faces Mikey Garcia Saturday, July 28Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE for Photos from Jose Pineiro/SHOWTIME

 

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (July 19, 2018) – IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. has made the most of his inaugural training camp with Kevin Cunningham and will look to bring that same level of focus to the ring when he challenges WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

“I decided to go to Florida for a different environment than I usually trained in,” said Easter, a Toledo-native who had trained in his hometown for much of his pro career. “I needed to be taken out of my comfort zone. At home, I was focused on too many other things. Coming to West Palm Beach has allowed me to focus on nothing but myself and boxing.”

 

 

 

Easter saw what Cunningham had done for his close friends Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis, who both trained with Cunningham leading into April 21 fights on SHOWTIME that saw Broner battle to an entertaining draw against Jessie Vargas and Davis capture a second world title with a spectacular knockout of Jesus Cuellar.

 

 

 

“I was with Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis every step of the way during training camp with Kevin Cunningham earlier this year,” said Easter. “I saw for myself that it was something I needed to do. I talked with my dad about getting away from the distractions and we agreed this was the right move.”

 

 

 

Easter burst onto the scene in 2016 with a dominant knockout of former champion Argenis Mendez before beating Richard Commey later that year in an entertaining battle to capture the lightweight belt. Easter’s last two defenses however have seen him narrowly escape with decision victories, something the unbeaten champion believes won’t be a factor on July 28.

 

 

 

“People are paying attention to my last couple of fights when I wasn’t using my height and reach,” said Easter. “I can improve on that by taking it back to what I had been doing before. I was knocking people out fight after fight.

 

 

 

“If you’re looking at just my last two fights, you aren’t giving me credit for everything I bring to the table. I faced two tough southpaws recently but on July 28 I’m going to show everyone what they’ve been sleeping on and why I’m a world champion.”

 

 

 

The 27-year-old Easter will now step up to take on one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best in four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. For Easter, this is a fight that he’s had on his mind and one that can put him into the top echelon of the sport.

 

 

 

“I’ve always wanted to fight the best in my weight class and now I have my chance to unify,” said Easter. “I know that Mikey is going to fight his fight and look to counter. He wants to wait for you to make a mistake so he can take advantage.

 

 

 

“What I have to do is go in there and impose my attributes on him. My height and reach are my advantages, but also my speed and power. I just have to combine all that and focus on my footwork.”

 

 

 

Although Easter will be fighting in Garcia’s hometown of Los Angeles, he has no plans to let the partisan crowd effect his focus as he looks for his biggest pro win in the same building where he made his professional debut.

 

 

 

“It doesn’t matter to me where we fight,” said Easter. “None of the fans can help him fight. It’s only about me and him in that ring together.

 

 

 

“My first pro fight was at STAPLES Center and even though it was early on an undercard, I still felt like there were 10,000 fans watching me. I just fought my fight. It’s all about staying focused. There will be no excuses on July 28.”

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Barrios Take on Jose Roman Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from 
STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by 
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowksi

 

 

OAKLAND, CA. (July 18, 2018) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to deliver a sixth-consecutive knockout when he faces Jose Roman on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)is headlined by a lightweight title unification showdown between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) made the leap from campaigning at 130-pounds to the super lightweight division in December 2016 and has stayed busy while knocking out increasingly difficult opposition as he nears world title contention.

 

 

 

Here is what the 23-year-old Barrios had to say about his July 28 matchup and more from training camp in Northern California with Virgil Hunter:

 

 

 

On his fight against Jose Roman:

“Roman is a very dangerous fighter with a good record. He’s a tall fighter like myself, so that will be a different challenge for me to overcome.

 

 

 

“There is no doubt he will be my toughest opponent to date. These are the kind of difficult fights I need to win and win convincingly to get to the championship level. I’m going in there on mission July 28 and I’m going to prove I’m ready for a title shot.

 

 

 

“I know he’s motivated going into this fight since he’ll be fighting near his hometown. I’m just going to stick to my game plan and focus on what I must do, and that’s throw hard punches with precise accuracy.”

 

 

 

On his current knockout streak:

“Since I’ve move up to super-lightweight, my body has adjusted to the weight gain, and I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. I’m still growing into my man strength and my power is growing as well. I never go into a fight looking for the knockout, but if I get my opponent hurt, I promise I’ll be looking to take him out.”

 

 

 

On his training camp for this bout:

“I’ve had a tremendous training camp. For the first few weeks I was training in San Antonio at the South Park Boxing Gym with my dad and Rick Nunez laying the groundwork for what we wanted to accomplish.

 

 

 

“Then I finished it off in up in Northern California with Virgil Hunter, who will be guiding my corner. Together we all make a fantastic team. I’ve had tremendous sparring for this fight, my health is good and I’m ready to go.”

 

 

 

On making his SHOWTIME debut:

“I’m really excited to be making my debut on SHOWTIME debut on this card. I always knew I would be fighting on the big stage at some point in my career. Now it’s time to show the world what I’m made of. I’m very grateful to my team for giving me this opportunity.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Fabian Maidana Battles Veteran Andrey Klimov & 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas Enters the Ring on Saturday, July 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions Event

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Plus! Undefeated Terrel Williams Clashes with Unbeaten Prospect Jamontay Clark on an Action-Packed Night of Undercard Fights

 

LOS ANGELES (July 16, 2018) – Undefeated super lightweight Fabian Maidana will square off against former title challenger Andrey Klimov a 10-round bout that highlights undercard action Saturday, July 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The action continues with 2016 U.S. Olympian and rising unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight plus Terrel Williams(16-0, 13 KOs) taking on unbeaten welterweight prospect Jamontay Clark (13-0, 7 KOs)in a 10-round fight.

 

 

 

The event is headlined by a lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

Maidana (15-0, 11 KOs) is the younger brother of two-division world champion Marcos Maidana. The 26-year-old from Buenos Aires, Argentina is coming off an impressive TKO victory over Justin Savi on April 21 after defeating Johan Perez by decision in his prior fight. Klimov will present an increase in competition for Maidana as he continues on the path from prospect to contender.

 

 

 

The 35-year-old Klimov (20-4, 10 KOs), who was born in Klimovsk, Russia, but now lives in Beverly Hills, stopped Ruben Movsesiani in his last fight on Sept. 30, 2017. That win snapped a three-fight losing streak in which he dropped decisions to former world champion Jose Pedraza, Liam Walsh and Alejandro Luna after a three-fight winning streak that led to the title fight against Pedraza.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Balderas, a first-generation Mexican-American, competed on the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before turning pro in April 2017. Representing Santa Maria, Calif., he most recently made his STAPLES Center debut on June 9 with a first round knockout of Alex Silva to remain unbeaten in his promising professional career.

 

 

 

The card will also feature former title challenger Roberto Marroquin (27-4-1, 20 KOs) against Panama’s Ricardo Nunez (20-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-round showdown, once-beaten super featherweight Ivan Delgado (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout and undefeated prospect Jerry Perez (7-0, 5 KOs) stepping into the ring for a six-round super featherweight fight.

 

 

 

Additional fights will see unbeaten 19-year-old prospect Wesley Diana facing Pennsylvania’s Evincil Dixon in a four-round 140-pound attraction, undefeated Brandon Glanton taking on Mexico’s Daniel Najera in a six-round cruiserweight bout and once-beaten featherweight Luis Coria facing Mexico’s Guadalupe Arroyo in a six-round showdown.

 

 

 

Rounding out the lineup is unbeaten prospect Jose Balderas in a six-round fight, undefeated Lina Licona in a four-round junior flyweight women’s bout and an eight-round clash between undefeated Neri Romero and Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Four-Division World Champion Garcia Battles Lightweight Champion Robert Easter Jr. in 135-Pound Title UnificationSaturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia worked out for the press Tuesday at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles as he prepares for his 135-pound title unification against IBF titlist Robert Easter Jr. Saturday, July 28live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

Here is what Garcia, his brother and trainer Robert Garcia and Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer had to say ahead of Garcia’s first title unification fight:

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

 

 

“It’s been seven years since I last had the chance to fight here in LA, and that was even before I was champion. Now after all of my accomplishments, I get to come home and put on a unification match for my local fans.

 

 

 

“Every time I walk into the ring, there’s a moment where I get butterflies and feel the emotions from the fans. This time it’s with my hometown fans and that’s really special. I’m really looking forward to it because I know the fans are going to show up and show their love and support.

 

 

 

“I think I’m in my prime right now. I’m in the best shape physically and mentally that I’ve ever been in. I need to take advantage of the moment right now and take on the biggest challenges. I want to give the fans fights to remember. Those are the fights that excite me the most.

 

 

 

“I know Easter is very tall and has a longer reach than me. In the gym, we’ve been working on sparring partners who present different challenges and made adjustments from there. I have to catch him reaching in or put pressure and work my way inside. There are different things that I’m capable of doing.

 

 

 

“I’m pretty experienced from fighting taller guys in the past, so I don’t think it’s going to make too huge a difference. It’s a disadvantage on paper, but once fight night comes, I’ll be ready.

 

 

 

“This is a big fight for me and I’m sure it’s the biggest fight of Easter’s career so far. I’m glad to hear he’s training extra hard. It shows me that he’s motivated and hungry to show off his very best, just like I am.

 

 

 

“This is my natural weight and so far everything in camp has been smooth. The weight started coming off right away and now just restricting the diet enough so we get to where we want to be.”

 

 

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

 

 

 

“We know that Robert Easter is training like never before to be ready for this fight against Mikey. He has a huge reach advantage, so we know he’s going to come in and use that. He has a new trainer [Kevin Cunningham] who is going to try make us box with him.

 

 

 

“We don’t listen at any criticism of Easter for having close decisions in his last couple of fights. We know that Easter is going to come in having trained like never before. It’s going to be the best Robert Easter Jr. possible on fight night.

 

 

 

“Mikey fighting at home in front of his hometown fans is huge for us. We know that there’s extra pressure that comes with it, but everything we’ve done together so far in his career has prepared him for it. I’m confident it’s going to bring out the best in him.”

 

 

 

“We have to use our experience advantage. Mikey has fought the better competition, but Easter is a young guy who wants to take Mikey’s spot. Mikey is very smart, so he’s going to look for the right punch to do damage.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“Mikey Garcia has the opportunity to dominate at 135 and 140-pounds, plus he even wants to move up in weight and challenge himself against the best at 147-pounds. It shows the character and strength of Mikey Garcia. No challenge is too big for him.

 

 

 

“Whenever Mikey Garcia fights, it is must-see TV. He’s as good as it gets in the sport. This challenge against Robert Easter Jr. is the kind of fight that can turn you into a boxing fan. This is going to be a barnburner. They say that styles make fights and these two styles are made for each other.

 

 

 

“There was always somebody who carried the sport of boxing who was in Los Angeles, but right now there isn’t. Mikey is coming to fill that void. To have Mikey back at STAPLES Center is a perfect pairing of fighter and arena. STAPLES Center tends to bring out the best in fighters and that’s sure to happen again on July 28.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGGER LUIS ORTIZ RETURNS TO TAKE ON RAZVAN COJANU IN CO-FEATURE BOUT ON SATURDAY, JULY 28 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AND PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

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Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Mario Barrios Battles Jose Roman To Open Three-Fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Headlined By Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. World Championship Unification Event

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returns to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)will open with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

After having heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder nearly out on his feet in their March classic, Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) eventually succumbed to the power of the unbeaten champion. Now, Ortiz looks to get back to world title contention on July 28. Originally, from Camaguey, Cuba, now residing in Miami, Fla., Ortiz will fight in Los Angeles for the first time as a professional. Ortiz quickly became one of the most avoided men in boxing with victories over Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott on his way to the memorable showdown with Wilder.

 

 

 

“I’m looking to make a statement on July 28 and get back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Ortiz. “I’m excited to be back in the ring. I am thankful to have this opportunity. To all the fans in Los Angeles, don’t miss this great card at STAPLES Center. ‘The Real King Kong’ is coming to LA!”

 

 

 

A native of Romania and fighting out of Burbank, Calif., Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) challenged then WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker for the title in May 2017. Cojanu took the New Zealand champion the distance but lost via unanimous decision in the champion’s home country. Standing over six-foot-seven, Cojanu scored three straight knockout victories in 2016 to earn the title shot and will return to the ring for his first fight in the U.S. since January 2016.

 

 

 

“I’m proud and confident to know that I will be stepping into the ring against a worthy opponent on July 28,” said Cojanu. “Luis Ortiz is a world-class fighter with a lot of experience, which will give me the opportunity to show my skills to all the fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and watching on SHOWTIME.”

 

 

 

The 23-year-old Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) has been impressive since moving up to 140 pounds last March. He’s scored stoppage victories over Yardley Cruz, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Naim Nelson and most recently a second-round destruction of Eudy Bernardo. The five-foot-ten Barrios of San Antonio had previously campaigned at 130 pounds before making the move to the higher weight class that has helped unlock his power.

 

 

 

“I fought on SHOWTIME EXTREME but making my debut on SHOWTIME has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Barrios. “Now, the time has come to show why I’m here. I’m ready to keep showing why I’m going to become a star and one of the sport’s next great fighters. Come July 28, everyone should tune-in for a great night of fights. It’s ‘Azteca’ time.”

 

 

 

Fighting out of Garden Grove, Calif., Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) scored knockouts in nine of his first 11 pro fights and has won 10 of his last 11 leading up to July 28. The 30-year-old most recently dropped a decision to Wilberth Lopez last September after a run of defeating veteran fighters and will look to put himself back on the path to a world title with a victory over Barrios at STAPLES Center.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity,” said Roman. “Barrios has been on a roll, but I have the experience to take him out. Both of us bring pressure and I know he’s going to be hungry to keep his record perfect. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been for this fight. I can’t wait to put on a show in my backyard for all the great fans in Southern California.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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ANTHONY JOSHUA OUTPOINTS JOSEPH PARKER IN HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® BEFORE CAPACITY CROWD IN CARDIFF, WALES

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Joshua Goes The Distance For First Time In His Career And Now Owns IBF, WBA & WBO Heavyweight World Championships

                                                       

Encore Presentation In Primetime Tonight At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME

 

016_Anthony_Joshua.jpg

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 31, 2018) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua went the distance for the first time in his career, outpointing previously undefeated champion Joseph Parker in a heavyweight unification bout Saturday on SHOWTIME in Cardiff, Wales.

 

IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) added Parker’s WBO title to his mantle with a 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 unanimous decision before a boxing indoor attendance record of more than 78,000 fans at Principality Stadium. 

 

While Joshua was the aggressor throughout, Parker established his jab in the early rounds in an attempt to negate Joshua’s six-inch reach advantage.  And while Parker had his moments, Joshua was more active and landed the more meaningful punches and appeared to stagger the New Zealander on a handful of occasions. 

 

In the championship rounds, it seemed the 28-year-old Joshua was going for the KO against Parker, who displayed a solid chin in becoming the only fighter to push Joshua the distance. 

 

“I am not going to judge my performance,” Joshua said.  “That’s for my coach to do.  My strategy was to get behind the jab and we did that.  The good jab will take you around the world. 

 

“Through rounds 10, 11, 12, I was focused.  I went the 12 rounds and I fought him hard, but it was light work.  This is boxing.  This is what we do.  Joseph Parker is a world champion.  I knew he was going to be determined.  Sometimes this is how it goes.  It becomes a tactical boxing fight.  This was going to be about finesse, and I controlled behind the jab and used finesse. 

 

“We cannot forget – I am now the unified heavyweight champion of the world.”

 

After the fight, Joshua was asked by Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott if he’d like to face fellow-undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder for the chance to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. 

 

“One hundred percent, 100 percent,” Joshua answered.  “You’re asking me, do I want to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world?  The WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO.  Twenty one fights, six world championship fights.  I am not into the hype.  I am about the business.  So, let’s talk business.  Eddie Hearn can talk with Al Haymon and (Shelly Finkel). 

 

“Just like Dillion (Whyte) said, ‘WILDER, LET’S GO, BABY.’  Let’s go.  On this side of the pond, we are serious.  Great Britain, the United Kingdom, we are representing.  We have all the fighters, champions from heavyweight all the way down to the lower weight classes.  We are about the business.” 

 

Joshua didn’t seem disappointed he was unable to score a KO yet still admitted he wasn’t satisfied with the first distance fight of his career.

 

“Definitely, we are not satisfied.  One step at a time,” Joshua said.  “We are not our best yet but we are at the pinnacle of boxing.  I always go in the deep end, always challenge myself.  I am ready for more challenges.  We will see what’s next.”

 

When pressed who he’d like to fight next, Joshua said, “Wilder.  Wilder or Fury,” referencing fellow Brit and former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who has been inactive since 2015 due to a variety of issues. 

 

“Get him (Wilder) in the ring, and I’ll knock him spark out,” Joshua promised.   

 

The 26-year-old Parker (24-1, 18 KOs) didn’t dispute the decision in what was the first unification fight between undefeated heavyweight champions since 1987. 

 

“Today, I got beat by the better man.  The bigger man,” Parker said.  “My plan is to go home, work hard and come back again.

 

“I would work harder.  Make more punches.  I would love another go.  We could have worked inside more but whatever happened, happened. You can’t go back and change that. 

 

“I am young, strong, fit and ready to come back and challenge again.  We’ll be back again stronger.”

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  Following tonight’s encore presentation, Joshua vs. Parker will air Sunday morning at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

# # #

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ANTHONY JOSHUA SCALES 242 ¼ POUNDS, JOSEPH PARKER 236 ½ FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“I’m willing to take risks and take him out early.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

 

 

“I’m here for a war.  You’re going to have to give everything to beat me.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales

 

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 30, 2018) – IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua weighed-in at 242 ¼ pounds and WBO Champion Joseph Parker measured 236 ½ pounds Friday before a capacity crowd at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff for their Heavyweight World Championship tomorrow live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside at Principality Stadium where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

 

 

 

Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) scaled his lightest in 10 fights, and more than 10 pounds lighter than his October 2017 defense of the IBF and WBA titles, while Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) measured 10 pounds lighter than all three of his world championship bouts.

 

 

 

“Carrying around a bit of extra weight makes things difficult,” Joshua said.  “I’ve been running well, training well.  There’s been tough times in camp, but losing that little bit of extra weight has made things that little bit easier.

 

 

 

“It’s a perfect weight for the fighter I’m about to face tomorrow because he’s nimble and he’s quick.  I’ve got boxing skill and I can control him, but I think the lighter I am the more I’ll be able to match him for speed.”

 

 

 

Parker, who will make his third defense as champion, took note of Joshua’s lighter weight.

 

 

 

“(Joshua’s weight) makes me think that he’s taking the fight very seriously,” Parker said.  “There’s not much of a weight difference, which is good.  I think we’re both going to be fast tomorrow night.  We’re both going to move well and throw some big bombs.

 

 

 

“I saw confidence in Joshua.  He’s a good champion.  I saw confidence so I’m expecting a really good fight.”

 

 

 

American Steve Weisfeld, New Zealand’s Ian Scott and Britain’s Steve Gray have been assigned as the three judges scoring from ringside.  The third man in the ring will be Italy’s Giuseppe Quartarone.

 

 

 

“I’m not worried about a decision,” Parker said.  “We’ve done everything we can in training to prepare.  The biggest thing for me is the challenge of fighting someone like Joshua.  If it goes into a dark place, how long will I stay there for?  How fast can I come back?

 

 

 

“I’m here for a good fight.  I’m here for a war.  You’re going to have to give everything to beat me.”

 

 

 

The massive global event will be watched in more than 215 territories throughout the world, a distribution figure that is on par with some of the biggest boxing events in history.

 

 

 

“You have to remember that even though I’m heavyweight champion of the world, there’s another belt I’m fighting for.  In my mind, I’m a challenger,” Joshua said.  “Scrap my belts.  I’m challenging for the WBO heavyweight championship of the world.  That’s what I’m going for and that’s what my mindset is.  I’m hungry.  I’m determined.  I’m willing to go the distance or I’m willing to take risks and take him out early.  I just want to secure that win one way or another.”

 

 

 

This will be just the 11th unification in heavyweight history.  Previous winners of unifications include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.  The last fighter to win a unification between undefeated champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

 

 

 

“These wins are creating history,” Joshua said.  “This type of fight where two champions who are undefeated come together is history.  The last person to win was Mike Tyson thirty years ago.  If I do win, I haven’t spoken about it much, but providing I do get this win we’re going to set history in late 2018.  I’ll become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

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VIDEO: SHOWTIME SPORTS® PREVIEWS SATURDAY’S ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. JOSEPH PARKER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION

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“We have two undefeated heavyweight champions.  How big of a night is this?  It’s massive.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

“They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

Watch, Share & Embed Via SHO Sports YouTube: https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

 

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Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

WHAT: Hear from undefeated heavyweight world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker in this SHOWTIME Sports video preview in advance of Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship Unification live on SHOWTIME. VIDEO:https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

 

IBF and WBA Champion Joshua and WBO Champion Parker will square off in the 11th unification in heavyweight history on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.  The blockbuster in Cardiff, Wales is expected to tie the all-time indoor attendance record in boxing with nearly 80,000 fans packing Principality Stadium on Saturday. 

 

“I’m not worried about no one,” said Joshua, who owns a perfect 20-0 record with 20 knockouts.  “I’m facing all challengers.  Undefeated champions, I’m beating champions, I’m beating legends.”

 

Countered Parker: “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time.  They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.”

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HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ANTHONY JOSHUA & JOSEPH PARKER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS IN ADVANCE OF SATURDAY’S UNIFICATON SHOWDOWN ON SHOWTIME®

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Joshua & Parker Make First Appearance In Cardiff, Wales, Where Nearly 80,000 Fans Will Witness Heavyweight History At Principality Stadium

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® | 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 28, 2018) – Undefeated Heavyweight World Champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker made their first appearance in Cardiff on Wednesday, working out before a packed house of enthusiastic fans at St. David’s Hall just three days before their Heavyweight World Championship Unification this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales is a prelude to the record-tying audience expected at Principality Stadiumon Saturday where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as IBF and WBA Champion Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) and WBO Champion Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) meet in just the second unification between undefeated heavyweight champions in history.

 

 

The 6-foot-6 Joshua will make his fifth defense as champion against the 6-foot-4 Parker, who defends his title for the third time.  Joshua owns a 100 percent knockout ratio while Parker has never been knocked down as an amateur or professional.

 

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

 

“This is bigger than last time. Boxing is bigger than ever right now. This is the golden era and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 

 

“It’s good news that he wants a war. In boxing, all you need is a good chin and a right hand but I’ve been working on finesse, technique, counter punching. I hope Joseph Parker falls into my booby traps because I’m going to set him up with some power shots as well. Yeah, I’ll be up for a war. I’ll hopefully be up for some blood, sweat, and cheers from my corner.

 

 

“Physically I believe in my ability.  I’m focused and I understand it’s a boxing match and the people are expecting the pinnacle of boxing.  Hopefully they’ll be able to see me through to victory.

 

 

“You need to still keep that challenger’s mind-set. I’m still the challenger in my head, and sometimes I don’t want to be seen with the belts around me too much. Now that I’m the hunted, it’s no time to just put my feet up and relax. I’m out there defending my throne on Saturday night.

 

 

“I can’t worry about it [future bouts]. Saturday night is where it’s at. Saturday night is big enough. Saturday night is massive.”

 

 

JOSEPH PARKER:

 

“Since we’ve been here we’ve been welcomed with open arms. I expect a good crowd, a fair crowd. There are a lot of people supporting Joshua here, but we have a lot of support back home. It’s great to see all my family and friends here, and we’ve got some support here, as well.

 

 

“All Black (New Zealand rugby) style has always done well here in Wales, so I’m looking to keep that record clean.”

 

 

“I think some of the things our team has said has gotten under his skin. I’m not unhappy. He looks a little unhappy and a little tense. I think everyone’s different in how they approach a fight. We’re quite relaxed and calm. I’m excited about this fight, but it’s a controlled excitement.

 

 

“Klitschko’s a great fighter and champion who we respect, but Klitschko is Klitschko. I’m a different story altogether. I’m young and hungry, I’m fit and strong and I got my speed back. I will show that on Saturday.

 

 

“I’ve got the speed, power, skills, technique, all of the above.

 

 

“See you soon, [Anthony Joshua]. Let’s go to war!”