Tag Archives: Stephen Espinoza

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Ruben Villa to take on Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO World Featherweight Title on Friday, October 9th

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Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions

PHILADELPHIA, PA/ / ORANGE, CA. (Sept. 21, 2020) – On Friday night, October 9th, undefeated WBO number-two ranked featherweight contender Ruben Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) gets his much deserved world title shot when he takes on former WBO super bantamweight world champion, and WBO number-one ranked contender, Emanuel Navarrete (32-1, 28 KOs), in a battle for the WBO World Featherweight title.


Navarrete is undefeated in the last eight-years, which spans 27 fights.


The fight will take place at “The Bubble” inside the MGM Grand Conference Center, and will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.


“I have been working my butt off since I was a little kid for this opportunity, and I just can’t wait to get in there and fight for the title,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “Navarrete is a real aggressive Mexican fighter. He is coming to win. He was a former champion, and I am the underdog, but I have the style to beat him. We have kept the camp the same. We just treat it like it’s every other fight, just that this fight is for a world title.  All my hard work is paying off. I am honored and excited to represent everyone who has supported me and my journey to become a world champion, and I plan on bringing the world title back to my home city of Salinas, California.”


“This is what we envisioned for Ruben when we signed him out of the amateurs, to be fighting for a world title,” said Artie Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions. “That opportunity has now arrived, and we expect Ruben to put on a great performance on October 9th and win the WBO Featherweight World Title. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Stephen Espinoza and Gordon Hall of Showtime for all their help with the development of Ruben’s career, by showcasing him on ShoBox that has helped get him ready for this fight.”


“Ruben Villa is a terrific fighter and has the ability to make his dream to become a world champion a reality. The hard work that Banner Promotions and us at Thompson Boxing have put on his career will surely pay off,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing. “Navarrete is a terrific champion and it will be a huge challenge for our fighter, but I’m sure Ruben will rise up to the occasion and make us all proud.” 
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME BOXING WITH ERIC RASKIN AND KIERAN MULVANEY PODCAST FEATURES INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN ESPINOZA

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Raskin and Mulvaney Examine The State of Boxing And What May Lie Ahead

Listen to SHOWTIME BOXING HERE

WHAT: This week’s installment of SHOWTIME BOXING WITH ERIC RASKIN AND KIERAN MULVANEY podcast features an interview with Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. In the new episode, veteran boxing reporters Raskin and Mulvaney discuss a wide-range of topics with Espinoza, including the current state of boxing and what may lie ahead for the network’s boxing programming once the current hiatus comes to an end. For the full interview, click on the following link: https://s.sho.com/3bkvFp1.

Below are excerpts from the interview with Espinoza:

On SHOWTIME Sports’ interim content plan…

Espinoza – “It is therapeutic to look forward to and make plans for things that are more reflective of normal life for us, absolutely. Our goal is to fill that gap with a lot of the stuff we have. We have a deep library of documentaries and we are definitely surfacing a lot more of the archive both ON DEMAND and we will look at it on linear more regularly.”

On what lies ahead when boxing resumes…

Espinoza – “It’s going to be a wild ride. There’s a lot to be made up. There are a lot of fighters that need fights to happen, and I think we could be in for a pretty interesting period of time where there’s a lot of activity in a relatively short window … I think we’re going to see an action-packed, jam-packed schedule whenever we return, whether it’s in three, six or nine months – and we may see people taking a different tact on taking fights.”

On what fight you wish you could go back in time to attend live …

Espinoza – “Chavez vs. Haugen on February 20,1993 for the WBC Light Welterweight Title at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City… It wasn’t a great fight or great opponent but it’s my pick because of the legendary status that fight has within Showtime’s hallways. There were 132,000 people in attendance, you had Chavez taking the presidential helicopter to events [and] you had Don King getting robbed on his way from the airport to the hotel as soon he got into town. There were so many things around the atmosphere. It was one of those legendary events I would’ve loved to be at for the atmosphere.”

The weekly SHOWTIME BOXING podcast features Raskin and Mulvaney diving deep into the boxing and SHOWTIME boxing events. New episodes are release in all major podcast platforms every Monday, including Radio.com.

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA DAVIS AND BADOU JACK DISCUSS UPCOMING DECEMBER 28 MATCHUPS – Davis To Face Yuriorkis Gamboa For WBA Lightweight World Championship While Jack Challenges WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Jean Pascal Live On SHOWTIME® From State Farm Arena In Atlanta

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WHAT: Gervonta Davis and Badou Jack met with members of the media last Saturday in Las Vegas to discuss their upcoming matchups taking place Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a special year-end Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
Two-time super featherweight champion Davis will take on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight World Championship as the 24-year-old Davis looks to conquer another division.  In the co-main event of a special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast, former two-division champion Jack will challenge WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal. 
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through Ticketmaster.com.
 
Also participating in Saturday’s luncheon at Wolfgang Puck at MGM Grand were Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, and Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
 
Here’s what the fighters and executives had to say:
 
GERVONTA DAVIS:
Thoughts about Gamboa and moving up in weight:
“We know Gamboa is a veteran and that he’s had a lot of wars, so we know we have a tough fight. He’s definitely dangerous. He can hit. He can fight.
 
“His last fight he made 134, so we know he can get bigger than me at that weight. I’m going into this knowing he’s a bigger fighter than me. I’m just going to bring my power and capitalize on that weight class and becoming world champion.
 
“I believe I’m one of the top fighters in the world, but I don’t compare myself to other fighters. I just go out and get the job done.
 
“Atlanta is my second home. I’m confident I’ll sell it out.”
 
On his ability and uniqueness as a fighter:
“I come from a different cloth than these other guys. I’ve been through everything in my life. A lot of people haven’t experienced what I have. If I ever get beat it would have to be by someone who’s been through what I have been through. It can’t be anyone who’s just been training all their life.
 
“Every time I step in the ring I’m willing to leave it all in there. A lot of people haven’t seen my full skills because I haven’t fought an opponent that has brought them out.”
 
On his potential in the sport:
“The boxing world hasn’t seen my true potential as a fighter, they’ve just seen my power. I’m the type of boxer where if you don’t belong in there with me, you won’t be in there too long. Some fighters like to take their time. I’m the type, if I know you’re not on my level, I’m going to show it. The world will see. I’ll fight anybody.”
 
BADOU JACK:
On his upcoming matchup against Pascal:
“I’m excited for this fight. I actually called Pascal the day before his last fight and let him know I was rooting for him. But this is business at the end of the day. I’m coming to take back my title.”
 
On how he feels at this age:
“I feel like a young 36 years old. I live a clean life. I’m always in the gym training and I try not to take any punishment. I have a couple of years left and I’m more motivated now than ever. I needed that little break. I hadn’t had a break since I was an amateur twenty years ago. I took time to relax with the family and eat good food. Now I’m hungry.”
 
On his last performance against Marcus Browne:
“Everyone who saw me in my last fight could see I was flat. My fighting instinct kicked in at that point. He was fighting a dead man.” 
 
On the Davis vs. Gamboa matchup:
“It’s a great fight. Gamboa is a little older, but he looked good in his last fight. I’m a big, big fan of Tank – the way he fights, his speed, his athleticism, everything. He has star power. He was on my undercard, now I’m on his. He’s going to bring great things to the sport and as long as he stays focused, he’s going to be a superstar.  He’s already a superstar.”
 
LEONARD ELLERBE:
On Davis’ position and progression in the sport:
“We’re going to show everyone how he’s going to become the biggest star in the sport. In 2020 we’re going to blow this out of the water.  We’ve been able to think outside the box.  That’s how you grow the sport.  We’ve made a concerted effort to cross him over to the mainstream; working with the Baltimore Ravens, his parade, now Atlanta. 
 
“Our plan is to make the biggest and best fights out there. We’re going to call the shots and it’s going to be on our terms, and we’ll let everyone know when that happens. Everyone wants to fight Tank. There’s one common thing when you talk about 126, 130, 135, and now 140. There’s one name that’s common among the fighters and that’s Tank. This is going to be a great journey and you better get on it now.
 
“If he can get past Gamboa on December 28, then in 2020 he’s going into that pay-per-view world. When you have that kind of star power and you’re thinking outside of the box, not just boxing fans, we’re going to make the biggest fights out there in the world.”
 
On Badou Jack:
“Badou’s a promoter’s dream. He’s a guy who gives you no problems. He’s out there doing wonderful things for himself and his family. He’s doing so much to help so many others. He’s using his platform in the right way. It’s an honor to work with a fighter like him.
 
“I always knew he was a great talent and sometimes you can find the diamonds in the rough. Everyone’s always looking at the guys coming out of the Olympics. We saw him in the gym and he really messed a guy up. We had an eye on him and we worked out a deal with Lou [DiBella] and the rest is history.
 
“We had one setback, but everything happens for a reason, and he’s just taken off since. He’s a great fighter and I like the fact that he’s always willing to fight the best. Never had to second guess that he’s willing to fight everybody.” 
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA:
“There are advantages and disadvantages to promoting a show on this date. There has been a lot of success promoting music shows on that weekend. It’s not apples to apples, but it’s one of the factors that went in and there’s a way to turn this into something special and unique because of Gervonta’s fan base.
 
“It’s great to have skilled boxers but we need, for the health of the sport, guys like Gervonta who are putting butts in the seats. That’s the key in bringing him to Atlanta. Boxing is a part of a culture that crosses over into music and sports. There’s not an athlete who doesn’t watch a pay-per-view boxing match. Tapping into that with a personality like Tank is only going to expand the sport.
 
“There’s an authenticity and an openness about Gervonta. There’s a lot of people who’ve had setbacks who don’t talk about it, like Tank. It takes a risk to talk about that and that’s why a lot of people can relate. This is Tank. What you see is what you get. It’s very real. It’s very authentic and I think that’s why people connect with him the person as opposed to him the fighter.”
 
# # #
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
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SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO PRESENT DILLIAN WHYTE VS. DERECK CHISORA HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL To Air Live At 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME And The Network’s Streaming Service

NEW YORK – December 18, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated rematch between top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora this Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. As with all SHOWTIME programming, the event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights, live from London’s The O2 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL.The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch. 

“SHOWTIME continues to lead the industry by delivering more of the most compelling boxing events from around the world to our premium cable subscribers and online streaming customers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “This network has televised all of the most important heavyweight fights during the division’s renaissance and we are proud to join Matchroom Sports in delivering Whyte-Chisora II to our audience. Their first fight was action-packed from bell to bell. Now, with the stakes as high as they have ever been for both men,this bout promises to be even better. I hope that the boxing pundits have not yet cast their vote for Fight, Knockout and Round of the Year. Saturday’s matchup may challenge some of this year’s best.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood calling the action. 

The stakes are high in the rematch, as both Whyte and Chisora have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder. Whyte holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, as well as the WBA’s No. 4 position. Chisora is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, as well as No. 9 by the WBC.  Their first matchup was widely regarded as the best heavyweight matchup of 2016, and round five of their “sensational fight” earned Round of the Year honors from ESPN.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS INK MULTI-YEAR BOXING PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT

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New Agreement Extends Long-Standing Partnership And Ensures Network Will Continue To Deliver The Industry’s Most Significant Events

 

2018 SHOWTIME Boxing Upfront, January 2018 in NYC; Courtesy Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK – August 30, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions have entered into a three-year boxing programming agreement extending their long-term partnership. The deal calls for a monthly series of events presented by Premier Boxing Champions to air live on SHOWTIME, ensuring the network’s access to the deepest talent pool in boxing and its continued ability to deliver the industry’s leading programming. The agreement also calls for Premier Boxing Champions to deliver content for a significant expansion of live boxing programming from SHOWTIME Sports coming in 2019. The announcement was made today by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

Premier Boxing Champions, a live boxing series created by Haymon Sports, LLC, features more than 160 boxers from around the world. Founded in 2014, Premier Boxing Champions boasts the largest collection of world champions from bantamweight to heavyweight, 14 in total and far more than any other entity in the sport.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions have collaborated to set the standard for live boxing where the brightest stars in the sport compete in the most compelling and competitive matchups on a consistent basis.

 

 

 

“Over the past seven-plus years, SHOWTIME has developed the most comprehensive slate of boxing programming in the world,” said Espinoza. “We have consistently been recognized for making the most significant contributions to the sport of boxing, both financially and editorially. Building off our industry-leading live event schedule, this long-term deal with Premier Boxing Champions ensures that SHOWTIME will remain the No. 1 destination for the world’s greatest fighters and their passionate and diverse fans.”

 

 

 

“Premier Boxing Champions is pleased to extend our relationship with SHOWTIME and continue our commitment to providing the best boxing events with the biggest stars across the most popular divisions in the sport,’’ said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing.

 

 

 

In 2018, SHOWTIME is delivering more live boxing than any other network—more than 30 presentations in total by the end of this year. In 2019, anchored largely by Premier Boxing Champions’ events and including content providers from around the world, SHOWTIME will present an even larger schedule with live boxing from virtually every level of the sport—prospects and contenders, to world championship bouts, world title unifications and pay-per-view tent pole attractions.

 

 

 

In addition, SHOWTIME Sports will continue to grow its burgeoning slate of shoulder programming in support of the sport and its athletes including the three-time Sports Emmy Award winning series ALL ACCESS, the cutting-edge talk show BELOW THE BELT WITH BRENDAN SCHAUB, and digital-only series such as SHO REPORT, FIGHT NIGHT and RING RESUME.

 

 

 

By the end of 2018, SHOWTIME will have presented more than 26-world championship fights this year, including four world title unification bouts and 10 bouts pitting top-five rated opponents from around the world. In all, SHOWTIME will have delivered more than 70 live bouts spanning ShoBox: The New Generation, SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and SHOWTIME PPV.

 

 

 

The 2018 lineup, hailed as the strongest in boxing, was revealed in January at the inaugural SHOWTIME BOXING UPFRONT, an event that established a top-flight boxing season and a level of organization never before seen in the sport. Planning for the 2019 SHOWTIME boxing schedule is underway, and the first slate of main event matchups will be revealed in January.

 

 

 

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 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.

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MIKEY GARCIA UNIFIES LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST ROBERT EASTER JR. SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

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Luis Ortiz Registers Second-Round TKO of Razvan Cojanu in Co-Feature

Video: https://s.sho.com/2mPpH8r

 

Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated With Eighth-Round TKO Against Jose Roman

 

Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirmano/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 28, 2018) – Mikey Garcia became the 10th lightweight champion to unify the division with a unanimous decision against Robert Easter Jr. Saturday on SHOWTIME, and immediately afterward set his sights on boxing’s best, namely Errol Spence Jr.

Full fight highlights here: https://s.sho.com/2LzlnJ6

 

 

 

 

All three judges scored the fight in favor of Garcia,118-109, 117-110, 116-111, in an electrifying fight in front of 12,560 fans at Staples Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

 

The four-division world champion Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) – who was fighting in his native Southern California for the first time in seven years – keeps his 135-pound WBC title, and also claims Easter’s IBF Lightweight belt

 

 

 

 

“I’m here for the biggest challenges,” said Garcia, 30, who unified a title for the first time in his career. “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence. I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen. I think it can be made. I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

 

 

 

 

“I feel I have the power and the skillset to compete in any division up to welterweight. He’s the toughest guy at welterweight so I want to face him.”

 

 

 

 

Garcia scored a knock down in the third round against Easter (21-1, 14 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, who was sent to the canvas for just the second time in his career. A strong right jab put Easter out of position, immediately followed by a devastating left hook sent Easter down with 24 seconds remaining in the round.

 

 

 

 

Garcia got better as the fight progressed. In the final four rounds Garcia out-landed Easter 95-34 in total punches and ended the fight being the more active fighter throwing 555 punches to Easter’s 507. He connected on nearly 40 percent of his power shots while Easter landed at a 24 percent clip.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a great accomplishment being here in L.A.,” Garcia said. “I was in control most of the fight, and I did what I had to do. I knew he was a tough opponent. He’s a tough warrior. He gave a great fight but I was a better fighter. I was in control of the fight and I did what I had to do to win.”

 

 

 

 

Easter, who went into the Garcia locker room after the fight to congratulate his opponent, was gracious in defeat.

 

 

 

 

“Whenever we step in the ring we are both putting our lives on the line and tonight Mikey was victorious,” said Easter, who entered the fight as the longest reigning champion at 135 pounds. “I just couldn’t find the timing and I just couldn’t let my right hand go. He caught me with a clean shot and I went down, but I got up like a true champion.”

 

 

 

 

 

During an interview at the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host desk, Spence, a fellow top-five pound-for-pound great, said he would “definitely” welcome a fight with Garcia. “I feel like that’s the best fight available for me right now with Shawn [Porter] and Danny [Garcia] fighting in September. Keith Thurman is still recovering and needs a tune up.

Full interview here: https://s.sho.com/2veXH1T.

 

 

 

 

“He’s daring to be great, he wants to be great, he wants to move up and dethrone me and it’s not going to happen. It’s definitely going to be an easy fight. [Garcia] will be pound-for-pound No. 1 if he beats me. He has great skills but I see myself winning. I don’t really see anything that concerns me. He’s technically good, but I don’t see him hurting me at 147.”

 

 

 

 

Heavyweight southpaw Luis Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) returned to the ring with a resounding victory, scoring a devastating second round knockout (2:08) of former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs)

 

 

 

 

Ortiz landed 42 percent of his power shots (eight of 19) while Cojanu landed just two of 13 (15%) in the short fight.

 

 

 

 

Ortiz was emotional after the fight. He told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray that just five days ago he learned doctors have found a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a disease his daughter suffers from.

 

 

 

 

“Thanks to God they found a cure for my daughter’s disease,” Ortiz said. “My wife told me while I was boarding the plane to get here. It’s been hard to be away from them. I’m happy I won, but it’s been really hard to be away from them.”

 

 

 

 

 

Both fighters were coming off losses in heavyweight world title fights. Ortiz was fighting for the first time since challenging Deontay Wilder in a 2018 Fight of the Year candidate. The 6-foot-4 Ortiz wasted little time knocking out the 6-feet-7½, 269-pound Cojanu, returning for his first fight since challenging then-WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker.

 

 

 

 

 

“In my mind King Kong has not been defeated. I don’t feel I lost against Deontay Wilder. I want to fight [Anthony] Joshua, but he only fights boxers he’s sure he can defeat. I’m going to ask the government to put me on disability, maybe that way Joshua will fight me.”

 

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) remained undefeated recording his sixth straight stoppage with an eighth-round TKO of Jose Roman (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match. Each of the judges, as well as SHOWTIME expert scorer Steve Farhood, scored the fight 80-70 in favor of Barrios at the time of the stoppage as Roman’s corner didn’t answer the bell for the ninth round.

 

 

 

 

San Antonio’s Barrios relied on effective body work in dominating the fight, connecting on 61 of his 133 body shots. He connected on 44 percent of his power punches (104/239) compared to 26 percent for Roman (34/132), who had just five body shots on the night.

 

 

 

 

“[Body work] is something I’ve been able to work on,” Barrios told Gray in the ring. “You put the body work in early and by the end of the fight they have nothing left. That worked perfectly for this fight. This was the farthest I’ve gone in a while. It was great work and I feel like I’m transitioning to the fighter that I always thought I’ve be.”

 

 

 

 

Barrios, who suffered a cut above his left eye in the first round, sent Roman to the canvas at 1:15 of the fourth round with a strong right that dazed Roman, then a left hook that put Roman down for the seventh time in his career. Barrios ended the round with a flurry of punches that left Roman stunned.

 

 

 

 

 

The 23-year-old Barrios sent Roman down again with 1:38 remaining in the eighth round. Roman survived the round, but his corner refused to answer the bell and the fight was over.

 

 

 

 

“I feel I’m ready [for a title shot)],” Barrios said. “I feel strong. I feel fast. I’m young, but whatever my managers throw at me I’m ready. If I could get it tomorrow, I’d take it.”

 

 

 

 

 

It was a star-studded night at Staples as current and former world champions attended the fights, including Jarrett Hurd, Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Gervonta Davis and Adrien Broner.

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn Porter was also in attendance. It was recently announced that Porter and fellow former 147-pound world title holder Danny Garcia will square off against one another for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME Saturday, Sept. 8 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

 

 

 

“I’m just a different type of athlete,” Porter told SHOWTIME’s Brian Custer. “When you talk about having the tools to become a two-time world champion; I have the tools, the athleticism, the tenacity the ring generalship. You will see all of that on Sept. 8.

 

 

 

 

 

“We always say that the business has to make sense [to make fights], And it sounds to me like the business has played its part. I win the WBC Championship and you’ll get Shawn Porter vs. Errol Spence.”

 

 

 

 

 

In streaming coverage of live undercard fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, undefeated super lightweight prospect Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), the brother of former champion Marcos Maidana, recorded a seventh-round stoppage (2:32) against former world title challenger Andrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs).

 

 

 

 

 

Also on the live stream, 2016 U.S. Olympian and unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) dominated 54-fight veteran Giovanni Caro (27-24, 21 KOs) scoring a stoppage at 2:09 of the fourth round in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

 

 

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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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MIKEY GARCIA vs. ROBERT EASTER JR., FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® 

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT From Staples Center In Los Angeles, Calif.

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

 

WBC & IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds

Mikey Garcia – 135 lbs.

Robert Easter Jr. – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (N.J.), Edward Hernandez Sr. (Calif.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds

Luis Ortiz – 241 lbs.

Razvan Cujanu – 269 lbs.

Referee Jerry Cantu (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Mario Barrios – 141 ½ lbs.

Jose Roman – 142 lbs.

Referee Gerard White (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

 

 

FLASH QUOTES

Mikey Garcia

“All the work is done; the talking is done. Now it’s time to settle this thing in the ring.”

 

 

 

Robert Easter Jr.

“I told Mikey there ain’t no more talking. I’m coming in shape. It’s going to be an exciting fight for all the fans that are here from my side and from his side. We’re just ready to fight and put on a great performance for LA.

 

 

 

“This fight is champion vs. champion. It’s going to determine who’s the best, for real. Tomorrow is going to be the best of the best and you’re going to see the best out of me.”

 

 

 

Luis Ortiz

“I’m going to do what I’ve always done in my career and even in the amateurs, and that’s just fight. It’s going to be no different. I’m going to come out punching.

 

 

 

“Every fight is an important fight and tomorrow night I will show what I can do. I’m going to show why I’m known as the most avoided fighter.”

 

 

 

Razvan Cojanu

“I’m in very good shape. Tomorrow night it’s SHOWTIME. We’re going to bring the pain.

 

 

 

“The secret to beating Luis Ortiz is two things. One, I cannot say because I’m in front of the cameras but the other one is the heart.”

 

 

 

Mario Barrios

“Everything about fighting on SHOWITME excites me. I’ve been working for this and dreaming about this day since I was a little kid. Now it’s here and I want to take full advantage of it.

 

 

 

“I hope the fans can expect a lot. I’m here to showcase my talents and they are going to see fireworks. I always get a lot of love from the fans when I fight in L.A.”

 

 

 

Jose Roman

“I have a special motivation for this fight. My cousin’s son is battling leukemia so I dedicate this fight to him. He’s only three years old. It’s really hard because I’m a father and just imagining that breaks my heart.”

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

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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WATCH NOW! THE APPROACH: MIKEY GARCIA – Four-Division World Champion Explains His Mindset Before a Fight

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THE APPROACH: MIKEY GARCIA

 

Four-Division World Champion Explains His Mindset Before a Fight

 

Garcia Faces Robert Easter Jr. in Lightweight World Title Unification Bout

 

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

 

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2AgFPt5

WHAT: Four-division world champion Mikey Garcia explains his mindset in the final moments before a fight in this new digital offering from SHOWTIME Sports®.  The Approach: Mikey Garcia provides a first-person glimpse into Garcia’s psyche and unique tendencies as he prepares to enter the ring. 

 

 

 

“The ring walk is the most special moment of a fight itself,” says Garcia. “Sometimes I get very emotional and I want to cry because it’s unbelievable that all of these people are there to support me.”

 

 

 

Garcia, the unbeaten WBC Lightweight World Champion, will meet IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. in a 135-pound unification showdown tomorrow night, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Live coverage of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 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.

 

 

 

The night kicks off with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, as former three-division champion Abner Mares joins boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix to preview the night’s tripleheader and call live undercard bouts from ringside in Los Angeles. SHOWTIME’s fifth digital presentation of live boxing in 2018 will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

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Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Lightweight World Champions Clash in Unification Fight That Headlines Action Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2018) – Lightweight world champions Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they enter the ring for a 135-pound title unification Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Joining them Thursday and competing on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) were Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz and former title challenger Razvan Cojanu, who meet in a 10-round bout plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Jose Roman, who compete 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 the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Conga Room at L.A. Live:

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

 

 

“This will be my first title unification match. It means a lot to face another unbeaten champion. It will help my legacy and my career. I’m taking the proper steps to move forward and cement my name for the ages.

 

 

 

“There isn’t another fight in front of me right now that gets me excited other than this one against Robert Easter Jr. He’s going to come with everything he has. This is definitely his biggest fight and I believe we’ll be able to bring the best out of each other.

 

 

 

“Me and Robert Easter Jr. are the only unbeaten champions in the division. So in my eyes, the winner is the best fighter in the division.

 

 

 

“I’m very happy to be fighting again in Los Angeles. It’s been seven years since I fought here. To give fans a chance to see this big fight live at STAPLES Center is a great thing. I’m very thankful that we could have the fight here. Most opponents wouldn’t have come here.

 

 

 

“I’m coming back to STAPLES Center as a world champion and I have a chance to unify in my hometown. There’s nothing better that I could ask for. I’m going to do everything I can to come out victorious on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“I’m glad that Robert is confident coming into this fight. I believe that he will show up the best possible version of himself. That’s what gets me even more motivated and excited for this fight.

 

 

 

“I’m here to take the biggest fights and biggest challenges. I will be at welterweight very soon and I look forward to taking on the best there. Everyone says not to do it, and that’s what excites me and motivates me the most.”

 

 

 

ROBERT EASTER JR.

 

 

 

“I really don’t pay attention to being ‘overlooked’ or what my opponents say leading up to a fight. On July 28 we still have to get in there and throw these hands. Nothing said by him or anyone outside bothers me at all.

 

 

 

“The only big name Mikey Garcia has beaten is Adrien Broner. I’m going to give him problems. I believe with our skills and record, the winner of this fight is the best fighter in the weight class.

 

 

 

“This can add big attention to my career. It can help me get the recognition that I deserve. I look at all my fights like a big fight, but obviously this is unification. You will see two warriors in there on Saturday.

 

 

 

“It’s been a long time since I made my pro debut at STAPLES Center. You’re going to get a lot of action and excitement on Saturday night. Expect the unexpected.

 

 

 

“I had such a great training camp with coach Cunningham and my dad. It was all boxing all the time and really what I needed heading into a matchup like this.

 

 

 

“Everyone will be able to see my hard work pay off on Saturday night. I’m not the one who likes to talk about it, I want to show everybody what I got.

 

 

 

“These are the kind of fights that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. It’s a big fight that I know the fans are going to really enjoy. I’m going to give them something to remember.

 

 

 

“Being the underdog is what it is. Only one of us can be the favorite. We did what we had to do to prepare for this fight and on July 28 you’ll see it all in action.”

 

 

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother and Trainer

 

 

 

“There’s always risk in any fight. We’re very well-prepared for this big challenge and Mikey is in a great place mentally. Easter is a tall guy who I’m sure will try to use his reach and fight from the outside. But we’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

 

 

 

“This is obviously a big fight for Mikey against another elite boxer. When two undefeated guys are unifying, it’s always big. We had great sparring partners who prepared Mikey to be at his very best.

 

 

 

“We’re ready for the best Robert Easter possible. I’m not even looking at his past two performances. We’ve done what we had to do to be ready for this fight and the best version of our opponent.”

 

 

 

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Easter’s Co-Trainer

 

 

 

“Robert has always been a tremendous fighter and an excellent boxer when he wants to box. We just put extra emphasis on how we want to fight Mikey Garcia. Robert has the natural skill and ability, plus the size and reach to get this done.

 

 

 

“We’re prepared to dictate the tempo, control distance and range and do everything we want to do. We’ve done it so far in camp and we’re going to bring it into the ring on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“It’s obvious for the last couple of weeks that Garcia has been talking more about future fights than this fight on Saturday night. I look at that as him overlooking Easter. However, Mikey is a pro with a seasoned trainer so I doubt he’s being totally overlooked. He better be ready.”

 

 

 

ROBERT EASTER SR., Easter’s Father & Co-Trainer

 

 

 

“I always feel very confident about Robert’s chances every time he steps into the ring. We had a good camp and I know he’s ready. He’s always ready, just like he’s been for every fight leading up to this one.

 

 

 

“This fight is going to live up to the hype. Robert is going to go out there and show the world what he is really made of.

 

 

 

“We’re going to go out there and get the win. We’re going to impose our game plan on Mikey and make it a really long night for him.”

 

 

 

LUIS ORTIZ

 

 

 

“My hunger and motivation to become world champion has not changed at all. My opponent is very big, but in the ring everyone is the same size. We’re going to be smart and I’m going to do my job on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“The Wilder fight is what it is. It’s the past now, and I don’t regret it. At the end of the day I want the rematch and I believe I deserve the rematch. They’re still running from me and they’re obviously running from Wilder, but I’m running from no one.

 

 

 

“A victory on Saturday night will put me back in line for the rematch with Deontay Wilder. Fighting is what I know how to do, and that’s what I’m coming to do on Saturday night. We’re both hungry for a win and we will see who comes out on top.

 

 

 

“I learned that I need to train even harder, fight harder, throw more and connect more. If I hadn’t been fatigued, I’d still be punching him today. I threw the clock away at the gym. We’re going to be smarter going forward.”

 

 

 

RAZVAN COJANU

 

 

 

“I am very ready for this matchup. When we got this call, I was already in shape. We just had to make the adjustment to fighting a southpaw. We have about a month of really fun sparring leading up to this fight.

 

 

 

“I feel very comfortable against the southpaw, especially one that everyone is familiar with like Ortiz. I know I have the skills to take home the victory.

 

 

 

“The Wilder vs. Ortiz fight was a great fight and I congratulate him for that performance. I saw plenty of things that I can expose. The main thing is the sharp one-two combination that gives him trouble.”

 

 

 

MARIO BARRIOS

 

 

 

“This is definitely the toughest test of my career. I’m very happy to have this big fight. This is going to be the breakout performance that I’ve been looking for.

 

 

 

“Whichever title is available to me is the title we’ll go after. It doesn’t matter who I have to face, I’ll be ready. I’m gunning for the very best.

 

 

 

“This is a great opportunity to make my debut on SHOWTIME. This is a card packed with talent, but I plan on stealing the show. I’m going to show everyone the kind of fighter that I am.

 

 

 

“I know that Roman is going to come to fight but so am I. I can’t wait to fight in this building. All the greats have fought here and I can’t wait to put on a great show.”

 

 

 

JOSE ROMAN

 

 

 

 

“Barrios’ best weapon would be his speed and his range and I think we have the perfect game plan to oppose it. I know that I have to be patient in there because I have a difficult opponent. I’m doing this for my family and no one can stop me.

 

 

 

“A win over Mario Barrios would be huge for me. The fans can come in there expecting a war between two Mexican warriors who will leave it all in the ring.

 

 

 

“When I’m not fighting I’m going to Cyprus College and majoring in Mathematics. I’ve been really good at math since I was a kid. I’m on a great track right now in my boxing career and in life.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“This is a top to bottom amazing card. It’s a boxing spectacular taking place here at STAPLES Center. We have a little bit of everything on this card. That includes talent from Robert Garcia’s gym, plus 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who I believe will one day be headlining at STAPLES Center one day.

 

 

 

“The televised portion of this card has a stellar lineup as well, including an undefeated Mario Barrios, who represents Texas well and makes his state proud. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the division and will have a tough challenge in Jose Roman.

 

 

 

“Luis Ortiz is the kind of fighter that you just don’t want to miss a minute of when he fights. He is coming off of one of the best fights of this year, when he challenged WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

“The matchup between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. is the cherry on top of an amazing night. I know that these fighters are ready to entertain and showcase their talent.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

“There are fighters who say they want tough fights and then there are fighters who actually take tough fights. There’s a big difference between these two. Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. are the fighters who actually take the top fights.

 

 

 

“This is the third world title unification on SHOWTIME this year. No other network has delivered this level of fights to boxing fans. That’s more world title unifications than all the other networks combined this year.

 

 

 

“Mikey is a top pound-for-pound fighter and Easter is the longest reigning champion at lightweight and probably the most avoided fighter in the division. No one is rushing to fight either of these guys, yet, this was an easy fight to make.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.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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MIKEY GARCIA BECOMES A FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER SERGEY LIPINETS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM FREEMAN COLISEUM IN SAN ANTONIO

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

Catch The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Replay Monday, March 12 At

10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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