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Tag Archives: Premier Boxing Champions
SAMPSON BOXING AND CANNERY HOTEL & CASINO ANNOUNCE TWO-FOR-ONE FIGHT TICKETS FOR FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE AND MILITARY ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
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Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos
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DAVID BENAVIDEZ BECOMES BOXING’S YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION BY WINNING SPLIT DECISION AGAINST RONALD GAVRIL FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®
Devastating Accidental Head-Butt Ends J’Leon Love-Abie Han Fight in Technical Majority Draw;
Caleb Plant Stays Unbeaten With Shutout Decision Over Andrew Hernandez
Catch The Replay Monday, Sept. 11, At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 8, 2017) – At 20 years, 9 months old, David Benavidez became boxing’s youngest world champion – and the youngest ever in the super middleweight division – with a split decision victory over Ronald Gavril on Friday night on an exciting night of 168-pound action on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. See the video of the decision via Twitter link HERE.
Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs) placed the previously vacated WBC Super Middleweight belt around his waist after winning the title against former European amateur standout Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) in what Benavidez later described as quite possibly the “Fight of the Year.” One scorecard had Gavril winning 116-111, with Benavidez winning on the other two scorecards, 116-111 and 117-111 in the event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
“It feels amazing to win this title,” said the Phoenix resident Benavidez. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid. It’s everything I’ve dedicated myself to and I’ve worked hard for. It finally paid off.”
The 31-year-old Romanian Gavril, who trains at Mayweather’s Gym in Las Vegas by Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, sent Benavidez to the canvas with a left hook with just 50 seconds left in the wild 12th and final round.
“I feel I won the fight. I dominated the pace. I can’t say anything else other than it was up to the judges,” Gavril said, who was watched by his promoter all-time great Floyd Mayweather from ringside. “The only thing I can do is to ask for a rematch.”
Benavidez, who turned pro at age 16 and only had 15 amateur fights, took control of the fight early on, but Gavril seemed to gain steam mid-fight, out-boxing and being more active than Benavidez in the seventh, eighth and ninth rounds. In rounds 11 and 12, Benavidez out-landed Gavril 66-35 overall and 53-14 with power punches.
“I felt my performance was good except for the last round when I got too anxious and wanted to knock him out,” Benavidez said. “I let my young side takeover and I wanted to give the fans a great fight. I didn’t really feel hurt but it was a shock knockdown. I know to be careful and more cautious. It was a learning experience.”
In another super middleweight contest, Abie Han suffered a devastating accidental head-butt againstJ’Leon Love at 1:02 into the eighth round and the fight went to the scorecards. One judge had Las Vegas’ Love winning 79-73, and the other two 76-76 making the decision a technical majority draw.
Following an exchange of punches, Love (23-1-1, 13 KOs) leaned in and the two fighter banged heads in violent fashion. Han (26-3-1, 16 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, was left stunned and fell to the floor as blood gushed from his forehead above his left eye and he was immediately checked on by referee Kenny Bayless.
Han, who left the arena sitting up on a stretcher before hearing the decision, won the statistical battle in the ring. Han landed more blows (78-47 overall, 20-12 jabs, 58-35 power) and did so more accurately (24 percent to 17 percent overall, 16 percent to eight percent jabs and 30 percent to 27 percent power).
SHOWTIME boxing analyst Al Bernstein had Han winning by one point at the time of the stoppage.
“I can’t rate my performance as great because I didn’t get a victory, I got a draw,” said Love, who once trained at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit under Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.
The 29-year-old Love ended nearly a one-year layoff with his return to the ring. “I’m kind of rusty but I feel like I pressed the action and tried to take it to him,” he said. “Other than that I feel like I landed the cleaner shots.”
In the opening bout of the telecast, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Caleb Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) recorded a 10-round shutout decision against a tough Andrew Hernandez (19-7-1, 9 KOs), 100-90 three times.
Plant, who resides in Las Vegas by way of Ashland City, Tenn., was the more active fighter against the 31-year-old switch-hitting journeyman Hernandez, who took the fight on just eight days’ notice after Alan Campa dropped out. Plant jabbed effectively (81 of 271, 30 percent) while neutralizing Hernandez’s usually effective jab (46 of 325, 14 percent). Plant was also sharp with his power shots landing 44 percent to Hernandez’s 19 percent.
“I’m very pleased with my performance,” Plant said. “I boxed well and I dictated the pace. I pressed when I needed to press and boxed when I needed to box. I felt I put on a great show for the fans. I want to be star in boxing. I know with hard work I can accomplish anything.
“Hernandez is tough, I sent him with everything and he stood tall and my hats off to him. He’s a tough competitor.”
Hernandez, from Phoenix, Ariz., suffered a cut under his left eye in the third and it caused him problems throughout the fight, opening up and bleeding over the final two rounds.
“All respect to Caleb Plant on his performance tonight,” Hernandez said. “He put on a solid fight and he’s got a great future. I was happy I was able to stay in there and last the entire 10 rounds.
“I felt Caleb won, but I don’t think it was 10 rounds to none. But that’s not for me to decide. It’s all up to the judges at the end of the day it only matters what they think.”
Plant added: “I’m ready to step up in competition and fight anybody in the top 10 of the super middleweight division. I got my eye on Benavidez and all the other world champions. I’m coming!”
Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. ET/PT, and Monday, Sept. 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.
Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with Bernstein and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
DAVID BENAVIDEZ vs. RONALD GAVRIL FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS
FOR TOMORROW/FRIDAY, SEPT 8 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION
L to R: Caleb Plant, J’Leon Love, David Benavidez, Leonard Ellerbe, Ronald Gavril, Abraham Han, Andrew Hernandez
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
“This is the biggest fight of my life, and I have to take advantage.” – David Benavidez
“They say he’s a highlight reel, but he will be exposed on Friday night.” – Ronald Gavril
Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 7, 2017) – All six super middleweight boxers made weight on Thursday, one day before a stacked tripleheader tomorrow/Friday, Sept. 8 on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition live onSHOWTIME® (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:
David Benavidez: 167 ½ Pounds
Ronald Gavril: 166 ¾ Pounds
J’Leon Love: 168 ¼ Pounds
Abraham Han: 167 ½ Pounds
Caleb Plant: 167 ¼ Pounds
Andrew Hernandez: 166 ¼ Pounds
FINAL QUOTES:
DAVID BENAVIDEZ:
“I’m a little surprised the title shot came this early. My dad told me to be ready and if the opportunity came, I need be ready to show up.
“[Gavril] thinks I’m a kid, I know it. I’m 20 years old, but I’m going to let him make the mistakes and let him come forward, then I’m going to take over.
“He’s never faced someone like me. I’ll let him think what he wants to think. I know what I can do. This is the biggest fight of my life and I have to take advantage.
“Leaving Phoenix was probably one of the best things I’ve ever done, especially for my boxing career.
“I can’t keep my mind away from boxing and I have to stay sharp because the fights are getting harder and harder.
“The last few fights have been tough and I can’t go in there just thinking about the knockout. I have to take them apart piece by piece. My approach has changed. I’m not going in there just wailing away like Mike Tyson. I’m going to dissect them.
“I see that he’s a pressure fighter and has good body work. He only has one speed and doesn’t have any other gears. I’ve watched a lot of film on him and feel like he has some weaknesses that I can expose. I’m going to end this in a knockout! I’m ready to go 12 rounds, but I’m going to knock him out.
“I’ve dedicated myself the most I ever have for any fight this time. I had sparring partners exactly like Gavril.
“I feel comfortable at this weight, but I can see myself going up to 175 at some point, maybe three or four years from now.
“I know if I win I’m going to be the youngest super middleweight world champion ever. That’s just frosting on the cake.”
RONALD GAVRIL:
“Our camp was extended by two weeks because we were supposed to fight on Aug. 26. But the world title fight came up so we had to go for it.
“I’m going to make him fight. I’m a more experienced fighter and have a higher boxing IQ than my opponent.
“I’m not overlooking Benavidez. He’s a tough fighter and we know it. My trainer [Eddie Mustafa Muhammad] has been working with me on a game plan. I’m going to be ready for whatever he has to bring.
“It was a great camp and we had the best sparring partners, including Badou [Jack] and Jose Uzcategui.
“I’ve watched video of Benavidez. He throws lots of combinations and quick hands. They say he’s a highlight reel, but he will be exposed on Friday night.”
J’LEON LOVE:
“I know I’ve had a year-long layoff, but I’ve always been in the gym just working on my mistakes and polishing my game. I’m past the prospect stage and now I’m a contender.
“He’s not as smart as me. I’m coming to make a statement. He’s going to try and bring the fight to me, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve had some bigger guys in sparring, light heavyweights.
“It’s easy to be comfortable, but I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’m blessed to have Floyd [Mayweather] in my life, but he won’t always be there. I have to be able to do some things for myself. Everyone knows Floyd has it all, but he still busts his ass and works hard.
“Theo Chambers is back training me now and I had to go back to Kronk Gin Detroit to let the dog come out. I started with him when I was 14 years old.
“I want guys like James DeGale, and the winner of Benavidez and Gavril. Why not? I’m hungry for whatever. I’ll do whatever I have to do be world champion.
“Sometimes you need some time off and a layoff is good. I healed my mind and my body. We’ve worked on some things and now we are ready to put it on display. I’ve learned from my mistakes.
“Boxing just comes natural to me and I’m feeling really good about my chances Friday night.”
ABRAHAM HAN:
“I wasn’t always focused on my career, but I’ve gotten it back and my sister [current IBF women’s Featherweight World Champion] Jennifer is a big reason for that. I had to figure some things out. She beat my butt all the way through high school. Guys would see me with black eyes and know that she would beat the crap out of me. It was kind of embarrassing when you get beat up by your sister.
“This is a big opportunity for me. I lost two split decisions [to Sergio Mora and Fernando Guerrero] and both could have gone either way. I had the only knockdowns in both fights, but I was on the ‘B’ side so you know how it’s going to go.
“El Paso is trying to become a fight town and we have a lot of good trainers, but we still have a ways to go.
“I injured my shoulder a few years ago and couldn’t use my right shoulder so I started fighting more southpaw. I’ve done a lot of mixed martial arts growing up, and it hasn’t been hard switching from that to boxing.
“J’Leon Love has one of the best teams in boxing in Mayweather Promotions. I have to throw punches in bunches.”
CALEB PLANT
“I’m just going to go in there calm and relaxed as I always do and make adjustments as I need to. I could tell you everything I plan to do, or what could happen, but this this is boxing and everyone knows how it works. It depends on what’s going on inside the ring, and I will make adjustments.
“My opponent does different things and is very durable and comes to fight. We know he moves well and can do different things and be the aggressor. He has different dimensions. We’re not overlooking him.
“This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and it won’t be the last, having to face a different opponent than we trained for. At the end of the day it’s all about being able to make adjustments, in the ring and in life. I don’t expect anything less than an A-plus performance.
“I’m not taking this fight lightly. This is no joke. Boxing is life and death to me. It’s all I have and it’s been my whole entire life since I was nine years old. I don’t have anything else.”
ANDREW HERNANDEZ
“I’ve had about a week notice for this fight. Of course I’m going to say yes. I’m not going to run from any fighter or opportunity. Caleb is a tremendous prospect and they are talking about him fighting for a world title soon. So much opportunity can come from this.
“[Caleb] doesn’t have many weaknesses. He has good hand speed and pretty good power and very good defense. He’s the total package and I have my work cut out for me. But I’m very confident in myself and I hope I can take him into deep waters.
“Hopefully I will fight the best fight I can and pull off the upset.”
“I’ve had some upsets during my career. I’ve been doing this long enough and hopefully someday maybe I’ll fight for a world title and get a nice payday before it’s all said and done. I’m very hungry.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
Premier Boxing Champions Rolls Into September With An Exciting Slate of Shows
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Boxing Doubleheader Features Two Blockbuster Shows on Separate Networks from Both Coasts & Showcases Five World Championship Matches on Saturday, October 14 Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
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Caleb Plant Wraps Up Final Days of Training Camp, Talks New Opponent
Photo by Sean Michael Ham – Premier Boxing Champions
Download more photos Click Here
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 5, 2017) – Unbeaten middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) is just a few days away from making his SHOWTIME debut this Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Plant will face late opponent, Andrew Hernandez (19-6-1, 9 KOs) in a ten-round bout. Tune inthis Friday on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).
With just a few days away from the fight, Plant gives is thoughts on facing Hernandez, training, and more, as he wraps up the final days of camp.
On his matchup with late opponent Andrew Hernandez…
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, I’ll fight anyone. I was originally supposed to fight Alan Campa, but he pulled out, like most of my opponents. Hernandez recently fought so I know he’s in good shape. I’m happy that he stepped up, but I’m going to put tips on him. There’s no two ways about it, I’m coming out on top.”
On his recent training camp…
“Training camp has been unbelievable. It’s no doubt, one of my best training camps ever. My weight is perfect and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’ve been looking in the gym. My trainer Justin Gamber is doing a phenomenal job, as well as my dad Richie. Larry Wade, my strength and conditioning coach, has got me in tip top shape. We are going to dictate our game plan on Hernandez, and try to get him out of there before the final bell. If it goes the distance, I’ll be ready.”
On making his Showtime debut…
“I’m very excited to be making my debut on Showtime. This is the first of many as I believe I can become a household name on their network. Showtime is looking for their next star and I believe it’s me. I’m going to put on a spectacular performance. Everyone watching can expect to see a very skilled and determined fighter when they see me fight this Fridaynight.”
On fighting in his new hometown of Las Vegas…
“This will be my third time fighting in Las Vegas, the mecca of boxing, and I want to stamp my legacy here. Since moving here from Nashville about a year ago, I’ve been getting some great work with some top-level fighters. Nashville will always be home, but Vegas is where I’m at right now. I have a lot of new fans out here and I can’t wait to put on a great show for them.”
On what a victory will do for his career…
“A win this Friday will get me one step closer to a world title shot. I’m currently ranked WBA #7 and #11 by the IBF. I’m right there knocking on the door. David Benavidez is fighting for the WBC title in the main event, and he’s definitely someone I want to fight. J’Leon Love, who’s world ranked, is also on the card. Both are on my radar. I’m want all the champions in my division. I’m going to be a world champion when I get my opportunity.”
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Press Conference Quotes & Photos
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SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Unbeaten Rising Contender David Benavidez & Former European Amateur Star Ronald Gavril Battle for Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Title
in Main Event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Friday, Sept. 8Live on SHOWTIME at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 5, 2017) – Fight Week is here for the six boxers competing in this Friday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast, headlined by unbeaten rising star David Benavidez and contender Ronald Gavril who will battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.
The event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will feature two additional showdowns in the super middleweight division. Once-beaten J’Leon Love (23-1, 13 KOs) will battle Texas-native Abraham Han (26-3, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout while unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on 31-year-old Phoenix, Ariz., switch-hitter Andrew Hernandez (19-6-1, 9 KOs), who steps in for Alan Campa for the 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Tuesday, Aug. 22. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
The following is a training camp update from each of the fighters on this Friday’s tripleheader.
David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez
- He trains out of The Summit Gym in Big Bear, Calif.
- His trainer is his father, Jose Benavidez Sr.
- With a victory, Benavidez (age 20) would become the youngest Super Middleweight to ever win a world title and the youngest current world champion.
- He’s very familiar with the gym because his brother Jose Benavidez Jr. (former WBA interim super lightweight champion) used to train there when he was active.
Benavidez on training camp:
“My training camps are always fairly long. I only take a week off after every fight and go back into training. For the first couple weeks, it’s just moving around, then we slowly work into the hard training. For this one, I probably had like a month and a half, two months.”
On his opponent:
“I feel like he [Ronald Gavril] has a really good style for me to showcase my skills, like how I did against Rogelio Medina. With our sparring partners, we have brawlers and we have boxers, as well. Whatever style he fights on that night, I’m going to be prepared for it.”
Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril
- He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
- He is a former European amateur standout.
- His trainer is Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (65 years old; former WBA light heavyweight world champion, retired in 1988 with a record of 50-8-1, 39 KOs).
Gavril on training camp:
“I feel really sharp and I’m really happy with how everything has gone during training. This is the opportunity that I’ve worked so hard to get to and I’m definitely not letting it slip by. I know that everything needs to be 100 percent on fight night so I’m pushing myself to be ready to do whatever it takes to leave with the belt.”
On his opponent:
“Benavidez is a strong guy who’s coming in with a lot of support behind him, but I’m not going to let any of that distract me from my preparation. Me and my trainer are going to have a great game plan for him. I know he wants to be active and smother me and we’re going to show him all of the parts of my game.”
Eddie Mustafa Muhammad:
“I got Ronald sparring with the IBF’s number-one super middleweight contender, Jose Uzcategui. He’s giving us good work, too—he can fight. We also sparred Badou Jack for a couple rounds. We’ve got an abundance of guys that we’re working with.
“The way they’re talking about Benavidez, it’s like he’s King Kong. But it’s good—perfect! Ronald is a boxer-puncher, he can adapt. That’s the whole key. He has a wealth of amateur experience. This is our opportunity. We’ve talked about this for a while now, and Ronald is at a point where he’s ready right now…It’s going to be a great fight.”
J’Leon Love
- He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
- His trainer is Theo Chambers.
- He’s been in training camp for about five months
Love on training camp:
“My training camp—it’s been months! I started training in April. Being that we had fights fall out, I always stayed in the gym. That’s the hardest part, because I feel like I’ve had bad luck with fights falling out. But one thing I can say—we train our ass off! I just want to go on vacation after this.”
“We’ve had a lot of good sparring—Lionell Thompson and Denis Douglin have been in here working. We’ve had so many sparring partners throughout this camp, and we’ve just been working, working, working.
On his opponent:
“I remember Abie Han from the amateurs. He’s always been a tough fighter. You can’t look past anybody. Everybody comes in that ring to fight. Everybody comes in with a different mode or a different drive, so this may be the drive he has to really come out and explode on the scene and beat me. So, I’m taking him absolutely, positively serious, like he’s a world championship fighter and we’re fighting for the world title.”
Abraham “The Sun City Warrior” Han
- Trains out of his father’s martial arts studio in El Paso, Texas (Han’s Martial Arts).
- He is trained by Louie Burke — 56 years old; former pro junior lightweight, retired in 1985 with a record of 19-3, 12 KOs; won the “ESPN Junior Lightweight Title” on Apr. 14, 1983, with a 12-round unanimous decision against Freddie Roach; also won a 10-round decision against Roach in the rematch on Nov. 10, 1983.
- He has sparred with former world champion Austin Trout.
Han on training camp:
“I train at my dad’s martial arts studio in El Paso – Han’s Martial Arts. I’m sparring mostly with local people from El Paso, and I also sparred with Austin Trout.
“I’ve been working hard and working with Austin (Trout) and that makes a big difference. Austin makes me so much better. He’s been a world champion and he will be a world champion again. His expertise and his knowledge is amazing. He’s been in those situations and he tells me little things along the way and I think that will make all the difference in this fight.”
Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant
- Moved to Las Vegas from Nashville about a year ago to train
- He is trained by Justin Gamber and his father Richie Plant.
Plant on training camp:
“I’ve been living in Las Vegas for more than a year now – since August 24th, 2016. I’ve been in the gym consistently this whole time since my last fight, but my ‘official’ training camp will be seven or eight weeks. We bounce around to a couple of different gyms for sparring. I’ve had good work this camp – great sparring, good strength and conditioning, good gym work, and I’ve had good rest. I have a good diet.
“I know every boxer says, ‘Oh, this is my best camp,’ and a lot of times they don’t mean it. But this has literally been my best camp. Things are very smooth.”
Andrew Hernandez
- He is managed by his wife Jacquie Hernandez and trained by Alan Beirs.
- Alfred Quintana serves as his cut man and strength and conditioning coach.
- A late replacement, Hernandez got the call on Aug. 29 and accepted the fight; contract signed the next day.
- Trains at Gents Gym in Arrowhead, Ariz.
What Hernandez has to say:
“I’ve known my trainer, Alan Beirs, for a while. He actually helped me with my last couple of fights – we’ve only been together maybe six months or so. He worked my corner in February, but we weren’t working completely together. Then when I got back in the gym in March, that’s when we really started working together.
“I train at a place called Gents Gym in Arrowhead, Ariz. I trained there with the Busted Knuckles Boxing crew – that’s Alan Beirs’ crew. We’re all pushing each other to get better and I know they’ll have me ready for fight night.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions