WHAT: SHOWTME Sports released the first installment of ALL ACCESS DAILY: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER, the first of four daily digital features that will chronicle fight week leading into this Saturday’s welterweight blockbuster between two of boxing’s biggest stars. WATCH:https://s.sho.com/2CnI2Rf
Manny Pacquiao will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his WBA Welterweight World Title against must-see attraction Adrien Broner this Saturday in the first marquee boxing event of 2019.
ALL ACCESS DAILY delivers the same intimate access and signature storytelling as the network’s Emmy Award-winning ALL ACCESS series. New installments of ALL ACCESS DAILY: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER will publish each day on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms leading into Saturday’s SHOWTIME PPV® from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Former Four-Division World Champion Broner Takes on Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao Saturday, January 19 on SHOWTIME PPV®
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
From the MGM Grand Garden Arena In Las Vegas
Click HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (January 15, 2019) – With fight week underway in Las Vegas, former
four-division world champion Adrien
“The Problem” Broner hosted
a media workout Monday before he battles Manny
Pacquiao for the World Boxing
Association Welterweight World Title Saturday, January 19 in the main event of
a SHOWTIME PPV® event
from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Tickets
for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and
TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now
and start at $100, not including
applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge
by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box
office.
Broner,
along with trainer Kevin
Cunningham, have been at Barry’s Boxing in Las Vegas finishing up training
camp after spending most of camp in West Palm Beach, Florida preparing to face
boxing’s only eight-division world champion in Pacquiao. Here is what they had
to say Monday at Barry’s Boxing:
ADRIEN BRONER
“Every
fighter is different, but I know if I touch him flush, I’ll put him out. It’s
no secret, he’s been to sleep before.
“I’m
in shape and ready to go. We had a tremendous training camp. I could have made
weight weeks ago. We’re prepared to go out and execute.
“I’ve
been here before, and even though I haven’t been in a fight of exactly this
magnitude, I’m just treating it like any other fight. He’s another opponent.
“A
lot of people are saying that Pacquiao’s age will be a factor, but I’m not
looking at it like that. You see guys like Floyd Mayweather who stay undefeated
at an older age. I’m just focused on being me. As long as I do what I have to
do, I will be victorious.
“We’re
ready for whatever this fight is going to end up being. It could definitely be
a war. I’ve always been an underdog. I came from the trenches and I’m bringing
that mentality into the ring.
“I
can take over boxing with a win over Pacquiao. There are a lot of great
fighters in this sport, but they just don’t bring what I bring to the table.
With a win like this, it would put me right where I was always meant to be.
“I’ve
always wanted to fight the big names like this and I knew that I just had to
keep working hard and the time would come.
“Once
that bell rings, I’ll make my adjustments and go ahead and get my victory. I
don’t have anything I want to go out and prove. It’s just about winning. That
will say everything.”
KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Broner’s Trainer
“Preparation
has been great. Camp has been tremendous. Adrien is ready to go and extremely
focused for this fight. He came into camp that way and it’s stayed that way.
“We
added some things this training camp, because we know he’s fighting a legendary
fighter. This is one that he has to have and he realizes it. I expect a
spectacular performance.
“I
think on Saturday night that Adrien is going to be that guy that everyone
expected him to be from day one. It will open a lot of eyes. I believe that we
put the work in. I can’t see Adrien coming out of there without a victory.
“The
key to victory is for Adrien to just be himself. He has to do what he does best
with no hesitation. He’s going to throw the right punches at the right time.
“Pacquiao
still throws combinations but they don’t come in as fast or as sharp as they
used to. He can throw as many punches as he wants to throw, but if they’re not
landing, it doesn’t mean anything.
“I
think Adrien is the quicker fighter. Quickness offsets speed, all day, every
day. It’s all about being quick enough to time the guy with your hand speed.
It’s different than just throwing a bunch of fast punches.”
# # #
ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BRONER
Pacquiao
vs. Broner is headlined by Senator
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion,
ending his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight
World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction
Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, January 19 in the main event of
a SHOWTIME PPV® event
from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The PPV
begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature two-division world champion
Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA
Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking
on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship
and unbeaten WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora defending against
former world champion Hugo Ruiz.
Former Two-Division World Champion Jack Takes On Unbeaten Marcus Browne for WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV® Event From the MGM Grand Garden Arena In Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions &
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
LAS VEGAS (January 10, 2019) – Former
two-division world champion Badou
Jack hosted a media workout at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas Thursday
as he prepares to take on unbeaten
top contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight
Title Saturday, January 19 on the
Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena
in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Tickets
for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and
TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now
and start at $100, not including
applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge
by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box
office.
A
resident of Las Vegas, Jack is preparing to fight in his adopted home city for
the 11thtime as a pro on January 19. He will be making his third
appearance on SHOWTIME PPV, having won a light heavyweight crown against Nathan
Cleverly in August 2017 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor event.
Here is
what Jack, his trainer Lou Del Valle and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard
Ellerbe had to say Thursday:
BADOU JACK
“I
feel young and like I’m still improving. I take care of my body every day. Age
won’t be a problem for me, it’ll be an advantage.
“I’m
a confident fighter. I don’t need to talk and brag about everything. I’m just
comfortable; inside and outside of the ring.
“I’m
battle-tested. I’ve been in there in tough fights. He hasn’t been tested like
that, so we’ll have to see what he’s capable of when the pressure is on.
“Marcus
Browne is an athletic and skilled fighter. But it’s a little different to fight
on the prospect and contender level versus on this world class level.
“One
of my biggest strengths in the ring is my ability to adjust. My trainer, Lou
Del Valle, has really helped in that regard. He’s been in there as a world
champion like me on the big stage. He knows so much about boxing.
“This
is nothing new to me. I’ve been on a lot of big cards, so this is a regular day
on the job. It’s exciting as always and I can’t wait to put on a good show.
“I
feel like it’s my duty to give back outside of the ring. With this platform
that I have, why wouldn’t I? We should use this platform for something deeper
than boxing.”
On the
Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV main event:
“It’s
a really good fight. Pacquiao looked pretty good in his last fight, but Broner
is very talented. Anything can happen in boxing, especially because Broner has
a good chin and can fight. He just has to stay focused.”
LOU DEL VALLE, Jack’s Trainer
“Camp
has been amazing. Every camp has just been better and better. He has improved
on his weaknesses each time we work together. It’s incredible that a guy who’s
35-years-old can keep performing the way he is and still be getting better.
“We
know that we have to be careful because Marcus is a good fighter. Everyone we
fight at this level is quality. We’re only fighting champions and guys with the
top pedigree. The better the fighter, the better we get.
“I
don’t think that Marcus Browne wants to go the distance with Badou Jack. If you
notice in previous fights, guys who fight Badou are not the same after. He
takes a lot out of them and I think it’s going to happen again. Marcus is going
to go for the early knockout, but we’re ready.
“The
experience gap is a big difference. I had only fought one 10-rounder when I
first fought for the title, but I still thought that I could beat him. The
experience that Virgil Hill had over me was really difficult to overcome and I
think you’ll see something similar play out in this fight.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“I
think that this is going to be a very competitive fight. You have two guys in
this fight that are very hungry. There are a lot of options in the light
heavyweight division, and it’s all about timing. This fight gives both guys a
chance to prove that they want to be the best and make a great statement.
“This
fight has a very good chance of stealing the show. I like the fact that Marcus
is very confident. If you’re in a big fight, you have to be. Badou is
even-keeled, and he comes with his workman-like approach to every fight.
“Experience
is everything in big fights. It’s a big deal when you’re under those lights.
Going the distance with top guys, and knowing how to break guys down, it all
plays a big role in fights like this.”
# # #
ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BRONER
Pacquiao
vs. Broner is headlined by Senator
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,boxing’s only eight-division world champion,
ending his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight
World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction
Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, January 19 in the main event of
a SHOWTIME PPV® event
from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The PPV
begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature two-division world champion
Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA
Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking
on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship
and unbeaten WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora defending against
former world champion Hugo Ruiz.
LOS ANGELES (January
10, 2019) – – Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s
only eight-division world champion, and former four-division world champion Adrien
“The Problem” Broner hosted media days in Los Angeles
Wednesday as they near their SHOWTIME PPV® clash taking place Saturday,
January 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted
by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with
About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not
including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through
AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts
International box office.
Pacquiao will end his two-year hiatus from
a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing
Association Welterweight World Title against Broner. Along with co-trainer Buboy
Fernandez and longtime trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao
spoke to media and worked out for the cameras at Wild Card Boxing Club.
Broner traveled to Los Angeles from his
current training camp in Las Vegas to talk to media along with his trainer Kevin
Cunningham at Ten Goose Boxing Gym, after spending most of training in
West Palm Beach, Florida.
Here is what the media day participants
had to say from the split-site media day Wednesday:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“My journey in this sport is still
continuing. I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to, but I also want to
continue to keep my name at the top. Even at 40-years-old, I can still show the
best of Manny Pacquiao. I’m going to give the fans the speed and power that
they’re used to seeing.
“I’m sure that Broner is focused on
this fight. They are working hard and I expect him to be in great condition. We
know how his trainer pushes him and has been pushing him in their training
camp.
“I’m not taking this fight lightly. I
don’t listen to any gossip about Adrien Broner, I just focus on my training. I
want to be in 100 percent condition and ready for the fight on January 19.
“Adrien Broner is fast with his hands
and he’s overall a good boxer. This is a big challenge that I’m excited for.
“Me, Freddie and Buboy know each
other well and we have a great coaching staff right now. I’m happy with how
everything has gone in training for this fight.
“Rest and recovery is definitely a
key part of training. Sometimes when I work hard in the gym, my body can’t
fully recover by the next day, so I’ve had to work more rest into the schedule.
But as soon as I can, I’m back in the gym working hard.
“On January 19 I’m going to do my
best. I can’t say a prediction, but I’m going to do the same thing I did for my
last fight. My trainers know how hard I’ve worked in this camp for this win.
“My plan is to take it one fight at a
time. I can’t talk about future fights until I do what I have to on January 19.
You can ask me again after this one.
“This fight means a lot. It’s my
first fight at the age of 40 so I’m excited to give my best and show the world
what I can still do. Boxing is my passion, and public service is my mission. I
love to bring honor to my country.”
ADRIEN BRONER
“Growing up and seeing Pacquiao
fight, of course I always wanted to fight him. I’m a competitor.
One day I want to be the best, and to be the best you have to beat the
best. It starts here.
“This is my first PPV but I was
always supposed to be here. God doesn’t make mistakes. After this
victory, I will be taking over the sport of boxing. This is just the
beginning.
“His last fight he did stop
Matthysse, so I’m pretty sure he still has power. But I’m going to be
ready, I’m going to be ready for whatever he brings to the table. We’re
in shape to get it done, I can tell you that.
“This win makes me an icon.
It makes me what I always wanted to be, and what everybody always thought I
would be. A win here and I’m a legend overnight.
“It’s going to be a hell of a
fight. I just can’t wait till round one. Everybody I fight says
they are going to knock me out. That should be the objective of every
fighter, but that’s not going to happen.
“The sky is the limit for me, but
in boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. You can’t overlook
anybody in this sport. My main focus is Manny Pacquiao and I will be ready.
“A win would mean a lot. It
turns a new page in my book. It’s another beginning. I’m already a
star in boxing, but a win here and I’m taking over the sport. This is
just the beginning.
“It’s not a mystery – he’s been
knocked out before. Not once, not twice, but three times. And he’s
been put down a lot, too. There are many blueprints to beat Manny.
I think I have all the tools to beat him. I will show all the tools in my
arsenal and show all the weaknesses in his.”
BUBOY FERNANDEZ, Pacquiao’s Co-Trainer
“I think it’s going to be a knockout.
If Broner opens the door, we’re going to get it early. I’ve seen from previous
fights that he’s a slow starter. So we need to get inside and go first.
“We know that Broner is a good
counter-puncher with a strong right uppercut. Broner is a real fighter and a
smart fighter in the ring.
“I’m happy that Manny has shown that
he moves as well as ever, even at 40-years-old. He’s learning even more now. I
told the team that I think he’s already prepared for this fight.
“We just want him to maintain this
shape and energy level. Manny is 110 percent ready. I don’t think there’s a
fighter who can keep up with what Manny brings.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Co-Trainer
“I can’t wait for this fight. Camp
has been great and he’s been training very well. Everything is back to normal
and he’s looked amazing.
“Manny and I have been together 15
years, so I had no reason to ever be mad at Manny. Everything has worked out
really well and we’re working together as a team right now.
“I’m working on the game plan for
how to fight Broner. He’s a counterpuncher who doesn’t like to come forward too
much. Manny will have to be the aggressor in this fight and use his feints to
trap this guy into making it more of a fight.
“I feel we’re going to see an
aggressive Manny Pacquiao. There’s a rumor that Manny has been telling people
he’s looking for a knockout. I love that attitude. I think his knockout of
Lucas Matthysse was so satisfying and he saw that that’s what the fans really
want. I think that’s going to carry over to this fight.
“Pacquiao and I have a deal. Once
his work ethic drops, I’m going to tell him and he’s agreed he’ll retire. His
work ethic is unbelievable right now. He hasn’t slowed down at all. He hit me
with a shot in the chest two or three days ago, and I’ve never been hit harder
in my life.”
KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Broner’s Trainer
“Everything went tremendous in
Florida. I’ve never seen Adrien this focused and I’ve been around him for
years. He came to camp with a look on his face like this is the one he’s got to
have. He prepared for nine hard weeks and we didn’t miss a beat. Everting was
on point.
“He’s ready. He’s focused. We had
tremendous sparring. Everything went great. We didn’t have any hiccups, any
injuries or setbacks. He’s ready to go and he’s going to look spectacular on
January 19.
“Manny fights with a high punch
volume and he’s aggressive with it. But sometimes he’s reckless with it. Adrien
is a sharp counter-puncher. He gets off first and last. If Adrien comes to the
ring mentally sharp like I know he will, because physically he’s as sharp as
ever, as long as his mind is on point, I think it’s going to be a long night
for Manny and it’s the wrong fight for Manny.
“There’s a lot there to exploit. I
know Manny throws a lot of punches and Adrien doesn’t throw a lot, but this
fight is not about matching Manny’s punch count. This fight is about throwing
the right shots at the right time.
“There’s a big difference in Adrien
from the last camp. He didn’t take Jessie Vargas as seriously as he’s taking
this legendary eight-time world champion in Manny Pacquiao. There were some
things that went on that showed he wasn’t as focused as he is for a fight like
this. He’s just been on point. He’s not screwing around. He’s not looking for
days off to go have a good time. He’s just locked in on Manny Pacquiao.”
Trio of Unbeaten Prospects Also in Action as George Kambosos, Jr., Desmond Jarmon & Destyne Butler All Enter the Ring
LAS VEGAS (January 7, 2019) – Welterweight Jayar Inson and flyweight Genisis Libranza make their U.S. debuts on the big stage as part of the non-televised undercard headlined their fellow Filipino countryman Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, January 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Inson (18-1, 12 KOs) will battle in an
eight-round welterweight match, while Libranza (17-1, 10 KOs) takes on
Nicaragua’s Carlos Buitrago (30-4-1, 17 KOs) in an eight-round
flyweight match as the two fighters from Davao City, Philippines look to
continue their respective win streaks.
In the main event, Pacquiao, boxing’s only
eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing
ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association
Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and
must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner on SHOWTIME PPV®.
Three unbeaten prospects will also do
battle in non-televised action as Australia’s George Kambosos, Jr.
(15-0, 9 KOs) takes on Rolando Chinea (15-2-1, 6 KOs) in an
eight-round lightweight match, Cincinnati’s Desmond Jarmon (7-0,
4 KOs) clashes with St. Louis-native Canton Miller (3-1-1, 1
KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout and Chicago’s Destyne
Butler (4-0, 3 KOs) fights in a four-round welterweight match.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted
by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with
About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not
including applicable service charges, and can be purchased on line through
AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts
International box office.
The pay-per-view undercard will see
two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender
Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world
champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC
Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that
was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast,
unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a
12-round featherweight clash.
Three-Part ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER Premieres Friday, January 4 on SHOWTIME®
NEW YORK – December 28, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will chronicle the buildup to the welterweight world championship between Senator Manny Pacquiao and must-see attraction Adrien Broner with a new installment of the Emmy Award-winning series ALLACCESS. The multi-part series premieres Friday, January 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and airs on consecutive Fridays leading into the January 19 SHOWTIME PPV® from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONERwill peel back the curtain as Pacquiao transitions from the final days of Senate in his native Philippines to training camp in Los Angeles for his first fight in America in more than two years. The immersive series will document Broner, one of boxing’s most colorful personalities, as the four-division champion prepares for a chance to become a two-time titlist in boxing’s glamour division.
Episode two of ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER will premiere Friday, January 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE, which spotlights the immediate buildup to fight night and the solemn aftermath of world championship prizefighting, will premiere on Saturday, January 26.
The acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports original series will be accompanied by digital features released throughout fight week on the networks’ social media channels. ALL ACCESS DAILY will deliver the same intimate access and signature storytelling as the intensity builds toward fight night. New installments of the digital series will be available each day beginning Wednesday, January 16 on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.
Filming for the series is underway as Pacquiao recently begun phase two of his camp in Los Angeles under the legendary Freddie Roach. Cincinnati’s Broner, the second-youngest four-division champion in history, is in the midst of training camp in West Palm Beach, Fla., under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham.
MIAMI (December 18, 2018) – Four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout at Miami Beach’s famed 5th Street Gym on Tuesday as he prepares to face Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, for his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.
Tickets for the event,which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at$100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGMResorts International box office.
Cincinnati’s Broner, one of boxing’s most popular and colorful personalities, is training under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham in nearby West Palm Beach, Fla.
Here is what Broner and Cunningham had to say Tuesday:
ADRIEN BRONER
“This fight is real important. This is a hell of a fight not only for me but for the sport. This is a fight that needed to happen for the sport and we are going to put on a hell of a show.
“I always knew that one day I would be having fights like this. Honestly I thought he [Pacquiao] would be done with boxing by now but I always knew I would have a fight of this magnitude on this platform, pay-per-view and all and now I’m here.
“I knew what to expect. I knew he [Kevin] was going to be real strict and I just came prepared.Ready to put it all in and put it all on the line.”
On what he does in his down time:
“I try to rest as much as possible. I’m training so much and training real hard. This will be my second workout of the day and then after this I have another workout at 8:30 p.m. so that will be the third workout for the day so you know all my off time I try to eat properly, stay hydrated and stay focused.”
On how it feels to train
in a gym that hosted greats like Muhammad Ali:
“It’s lovely. I never knew this gym existed and this is my first time ever being here or ever hearing about this gym being legendary. Muhammad Ali paved the way for guys like me and Sugar Ray Leonard and everyone else so, it’s legendary.
“I always tell other fighters and other people it takes more to be a star than just boxing. I just have everything it takes to be a mega star.”
On Pacquiao’s last fight against Lucas Matthysse:
“I didn’t see it but I heard he looked good. I don’t know what to expect. I’m just training for the best Pacquiao. And I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get the victory.”
How do you feel training in South Florida?
“I’m not focused on the clubbing and stuff and all that stuff will be here after the fight. I’m 110 percent focused on this fight.”
What he will do after the Pacquiao Fight?
“Boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. My main focus is getting past Manny Pacquiao first and then we can talk about other things.”
On whether or not
Pacquiao has a weakness:
“It’s not a mystery. He has seven losses. It’s not a mystery that he can lose but anyone can lose on any given day. It’s whoever prepares the best and I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do. I don’t care about stopping him or whether it’s a unanimous decision, as long as I’m victorious.”
On whether or not this is the biggest fight of his career:
“This is definitely my biggest fight, biggest magnitude, biggest platform I’ve ever been on but you never know. I could probably go in there and make this look like the easiest fight of my career you just never know.”
KEVIN CUNNINGHAM
“I think he’shaving even a better camp than the last. He’s added a new strength and conditioning coach and everything is working out perfect and camp is going extremely well and smooth. AB’s looking fast and explosive. I have no complaints.
“Adrien’s got everything; he’s a real throwback fighter. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got quickness, he’s got footwork. He can punch and he can bang and he can box.He’s got skills and he can be slick if he wants to be. So he’s the total package.
“We have an idea of the way the fight is going to go. We’ve studied tons of Pacquiao footage and he pretty much fights the same every fight. Manny’s a rhythm fighter so it’s all about getting in his rhythm. He pretty much does his thing. But outside of that I’ve never really seen him make too many adjustments. He’s pretty much the same guy.”
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, January 19
From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Plus! Former World Champion Rau’shee Warren
Meets Unbeaten Nordine Oubaali for Vacant WBC Bantamweight Title &
Unbeaten Featherweight Jhack Tepora Takes on
Former World Champion Hugo Ruiz
LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2018) – Two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The pay-per-view undercard will also see former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic match up that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten JhackTepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.
In the main event,
Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world
champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns
to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title
against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien
“The Problem” Broner.
Tickets for the event,
which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in
association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at
$100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online
through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM
Resorts International box office.
“Not
only will the fans witness a tremendous main event, they will get to enjoy
three action-packed match-ups that will add another level to the pay-per-view
portion of the card,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather
Promotions. “Both Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz are looking to make a name
for themselves in the stacked featherweight division, while Rau’shee Warren and
Nordine Oubaali are in the prime of their careers and battling for the WBC
title. Mayweather Promotions’ Badou Jack has made an exemplary statement for
his career inside and outside of the ring and is focused on further
strengthening his resume, while Marcus Browne is looking to showcase his talent
on boxing’s biggest stage.”
Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs)
has fought twice at light heavyweight since relinquishing his super
middleweight world title to campaign at 175 pounds. The 35-year-old, who was
born in Stockholm, Sweden, represented his father’s Gambia in the 2008 Olympics
and now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the super middleweight world title with a
majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the
title three times before he relinquished the belt following a hard-fought
majority draw against James DeGale in one 2017’s best fights. In his first bout
at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light
heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against Adonis Stevenson
in his last fight on May 19.
“I’m looking
forward to getting back onto another big stage to perform for my fans across
the globe and prove I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said
Jack. “I plan to show off my skills with a dominating performance on
January 19. I always want to fight the best, and he’s the best that’s
available right now. I’m always 100 percent ready and I’m going into this
fight stronger, faster and with more experience than ever before.”
The 28-year-old Browne
(22-0, 16 KOs) will be taking a step up to face an elite opponent when he battles
Jack. A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Browne moved up the
contender ladder in the 175-pound division with brute force and power, scoring
three straight knockout victories against Thomas Williams, Jr., Sean Monaghan
and Francy Ntetu. Browne, who was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y.,
scored a unanimous decision victory over Lenin Castillo in his last fight on
August 4.
“This is really an
honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to showcase my talents on a big
time pay-per-view card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner,” Browne
said. “Badou Jack is a championship-caliber fighter and one of the
toughest guys you can fight in the light heavyweight division. I’m ready for
the step up in competition and focused on being a household name in the sport
sooner rather than later.”
Warren (16-2, 4 KOs) is
looking to return to the world championship ranks with a victory over Oubaali.
The 31-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he
qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012. His Olympic run
came to an end against Oubaali when he lost a narrow 19-18 decision in the
first round of the 2012 London Games. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren
won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan
Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by
split-decision.
“This fight means
everything for me and it’s about to be the biggest moment of my career,”
Warren said. “Not only am I fighting for the WBC belt, but it’s on
pay-per-view. When I first won the title it was like winning the gold medal at
the Olympics. After I lost the title, it made me much hungrier and I want to
get it back even more. I fought this guy in the Olympics, so I’m fighting for
revenge. This isn’t the Olympics. This is 12 rounds and I don’t think he’s
fought anybody like me. I have no choice but to put it all on the line on
January 19.”
The 32-year-old Oubaali
(14-0, 11 KOs), an unbeaten southpaw from Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France, has
knocked out his last five opponents. His most recent KO of Luis Melendez on
April 17 moved Oubaali up the ranks to position him for a world title shot.
Oubaali, who is the sixth of 18 children born in France to parents who are from
Morocco, twice represented France at the Olympics, qualifying in 2008 and 2012
when he defeated Warren.
“Many people are
waiting for this fight because it’s the second time we meet,” said Oubaali.”I
beat Rau’shee Warren at the 2012 London Games in a great battle. In the
meantime, Rau’shee captured a world championship and lost it. Right now, I’m
the WBC No. 1 ranked bantamweight fighter in the world. It will be a great
fight in Las Vegas on January 19 and I intend to beat Rau’shee again to become
the new WBC world champion.”
The 25-year-old Tepora
(22-0, 17 KOs) has steadily risen up the ranks since turning pro in 2012 and
most recently captured the WBA interim featherweight crown with a ninth-round
stoppage of Edivaldo Ortega in July. Representing Cebu City, Philippines,
Tepora enters his U.S. debut on January 19 with stoppage wins in 11 of his last
12 contests.
“It
has always been a dream to fight in the United States,” said Tepora.
“I never dreamed that my first fight in the U.S. would be on a card with
Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner. I look forward to a tremendous fight
on January 19 and defending my title versus former world champion Hugo Ruiz. As
you all know the best rivalry in boxing is Filipino vs. Mexican. It’s going to
be a great fight.”
Fighting out of Los
Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ruiz (38-4, 33 KOs) will make his featherweight debut
on January 19 after picking up two victories in 2018. The 30-year-old won a
super bantamweight world title with a first round stoppage of Julio Ceja in
2016, avenging his previous loss to Ceja in one of 2015’s most exciting fights.
He now seeks to position himself for a world title at 126 pounds with a victory
against Tepora.
“I
expect it to be a good fight because Tepora is undefeated and a good Filipino
champion,” said Ruiz. “But I’m ready. I don’t think he can handle my
power. I’m going to knock him out. I want to do my best to win the title. I’ve
been watching videos of him and I’ve been training hard. I’m really focused on
how to beat him. I’m still young, but I’ve got the experience to handle him in
this fight.”
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – November 20, 2018 – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and former four-division champ Adrien “The Problem” Broner were all business on Tuesday as they concluded their two-city press tour in Los Angeles announcing their Saturday, January 19 showdown for Pacquiao’s WBA Welterweight World Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, tickets to the Pacquiao vs. Broner welterweight world championship event will go on sale on Saturday, November 24. Tickets are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.
Here are what the fighters and executives had to say on Tuesday.
MANNY PACQUIAO:
“This fight is going to be a good fight. I have to pass through him before fighting Floyd Mayweather. I want to prove to the boxing fans that Manny Pacquiao is still in the pack. You will see more fights with Manny Pacquiao here in the United States.
“He’s young and he’s fast – and he’s fast with his mouth. There will be more action in the ring – we know what the people want. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a fight you will never forget.
“I continue my career as a boxer because boxing is my passion. When I hung up my gloves once, I felt sad not being in the ring and giving inspiration to people in the Philippines and boxing fans.”
On potentially fighting Floyd Mayweather again:
“I don’t think Adrien will agree with that, because I need to pass through him. This is not an easy fight.”
On working with Al Haymon:
“I have only good things to say about Top Rank – they helped me a lot. But I’m really thankful to be partnered with Al Haymon and have a chance to work with him.”
“[Broner’s] a funny guy. I think after his boxing career, he could have another career as a comedian. I don’t get upset about the jokes. I can’t help but laugh when I look at his face.”
Will the Mayweather rematch be next?
“I can’t give you an answer, but if you ask me, it would be good for me to have that fight.”
ADRIEN BRONER:
“January 19, I am coming to win. Screw the money, I’m going to be victorious. They keep talking about a Pacquiao-Mayweather 2, but I’m going to mess those plans up. I just don’t see Manny Pacquiao beating me.
“He’s still in great condition. He’s trained his ass off. I have to keep my composure and stay focused on my game plan. But I’m not going to tell you what that plan is.
“Hope isn’t my strategy – there will be no luck. I feel like he can’t beat me. Look at my resume – what do I do to southpaws? I stop them. Going into this fight, I’m very confident. I’m going to do what I always do to southpaws and dismantle him.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
“These two fighters have resumes that you’re all familiar with. On the surface they seem very different, but they’re more similar than you’d think.
“They’re two of the most entertaining and popular fighters in the sport. They are also two fighters who are all heart. We’ve seen them in tough fights, and there’s one thing you know you’re going to get out of Manny Pacquiao and AB, and that’s 100 percent effort throughout the fight.
“When Adrien Broner and Manny Pacquiao fight, it’s a huge event. Add in Mayweather Promotions and MGM Grand and Las Vegas, and it’s one of the biggest fights of the year. There’s a lot at stake – this will be an all action fight. It will be a special weekend, and we can’t wait.”
JOE RAMOS, Head of MP Promotions
“We all know Adrien is hungry, but he’s fighting boxing’s only eight-division champion. Manny will show the world that he’s the best fighter on the planet come January 19. Don’t miss a chance to be part of history.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We know we have a great fight come Jan. 19. You’ll see a future Hall of Famer in Manny Pacquiao, and a guy in Adrien Broner who has never backed down from a challenge. He knows he has to be at his best to beat Manny Pacquiao. The style matchup with these two guys is very intriguing. I promise you this will be a great fight.”
RAVONE LITTLEJOHN, Co-Head of About Billions Promotions
“It’s going to be a great fight. If my man AB hits the right shot, it could be a short night. We’ve never been down for the count, and we’re not going to start now. We know the position we’re in. It’s a pleasure to fight a legend like Manny Pacquiao.”
RICHARD STRUM, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports
“This fight kicks off another tremendous year of entertainment for MGM. I’d like to welcome Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner, two of the sport’s most iconic fighters, back to MGM Grand and Las Vegas.”
The Most Significant Heavyweight Fight In The U.S. Since 2002
Airs Live On SHOWTIME PPV On Saturday, December 1 From Los Angeles
NEW YORK – November 20, 2018 – For the first time, Showtime Networks Inc. is offering viewers the opportunity to purchase the blockbuster WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV directly through the SHOWTIME app. Subscribers and non-subscribers will be able to purchase and live stream as WBC World Champion Wilder defends his title against lineal champion Fury via the SHOWTIME app on Apple mobile and AppleTV (4th Generation) devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Android phones and tablets and directly on Showtime.com for $74.99 or through cable, DBS, telco and streaming providers nationwide. The showdown of undefeated heavyweights will air on Saturday, December 1 live at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. For more information on where the fight is available and pricing per distributor, visit: SHO.com.
The bout is currently available for purchase on Showtime.com and will roll out on select platforms via the SHOWTIME app during fight week. Customers who purchase the PPV event through the SHOWTIME app and have never subscribed to the SHOWTIME streaming service will receive a 30-day free trial offer. Viewers can purchase the fight through a number of distributors including ATT U-Verse, Comcast, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Frontier, Optimum, PlayStation Store, Spectrum, Verizon Fios and more. The Wilder vs. Fury fight will also be available through Fathom Events in movie theaters and at select bars and restaurants nationwide. Showtime Networks will continue to roll out PPV capabilities on additional streaming devices in time for the highly-anticipated SHOWTIME PPV event of Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner on January 19.
Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of Fury. America’s only heavyweight champion since 2007, Wilder has 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights, including knockouts in all seven of his title defenses. Fury is a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion who is undefeated in 27 professional fights and holds boxing’s coveted lineal heavyweight title.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
