ABNER MARES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES


RIVERSIDE, CA. (May 16, 2018) – Four-time world champion Abner Mares, along with trainer Robert Garcia, hosted media at their training camp in Riverside, California Wednesday ahead of the featherweight world title rematch between Mares and Leo Santa Cruz Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo taking on former world champion Austin Trout in the co-main event.

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 or click HERE.

Mares and Garcia put media through a workout of their own before Mares stepped into the ring to show off his skills. Here is what Mares and Garcia had to say Tuesday from the Robert Garcia Gym:

ABNER MARES

“I feel great right now. I’m strong and in really good spirits. I feel like I’m going to be peaking at the right time. I’m on weight and on track for fight night.

“I have to be a poised and relaxed Abner Mares on June 9. I can’t go in with the same exact mentality as last time and try to knock Leo’s head off. I have power, but I’m not a one-punch knockout artist.

“I trained well for the first fight but I got tired toward the end of the fight. I got desperate and frustrated at times and it took a toll on my body. Now we’re here and I’m happy to have my chance at redemption.

“I’m confident because I have such an experienced trainer in my corner. I’m just trying to be the student to his master teachings and absorb everything he tells me. I’m always asking him to push me and tell me when he needs more from me.

“The difference between our fight in 2015 and now is that I’m a more mature and seasoned fighter. I’ve been in this sport a long time, and now with having Robert Garcia in my corner, he’s really helped my mental game and given me great guidance.

“There’s no doubt that Leo and myself will both train hard and be ready physically for fight night. This fight won’t be about physical strength, it’s going to be about the mental tools we have and the ability that we both have to adjust during the fight.

“We knew last time and we know going into this fight that Leo is a volume puncher. He comes forward and tries to tire you out. But I know that he’s also a vulnerable fighter and I just have to take advantage of it this time.

“There’s nothing to say right now, the talking between me and Leo is going to take place in the ring on June 9. I would just tell him to be ready for the best Abner Mares.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“This is probably the biggest fight of Abner’s career and the biggest since me and Abner have teamed up together. This is a fight that Abner wanted very badly and as his trainer, I want this win badly.

“We know that this isn’t going to be an easy fight. But the way that Abner has been training and the way that he follows instructions, it’s going to make a big difference in his performance June 9 compared to the first fight.

“I was at the first fight and I thought that Abner looked for big single punches too much and fought too rough of a fight. He made it harder on himself. It was still a very close fight despite that.

“With a little more speed and by fighting smart going in and out, Abner could make a huge leap in his performance this time out. We know we have to look to throw combinations and break Leo down.

“We’ve been getting sparring partners that are a little taller and throw a lot of punches and the results have been great. Abner just has to be in shape to 12 rounds, because Leo is a fighter that finishes as strong as he starts. We can’t perform for eight rounds and then tire out because there’s a chance Leo comes on strong and puts us in trouble.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Red Hot 154-pound Division Continues to Sizzle With Undefeated World Champion Jermell Charlo Defending His Title Against Former World Champion Austin Trout Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2018) – The 154-pound division continues to heat up as undefeated world champion Jermell Charlo defends his belt against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout Saturday, June 9 in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by WBA Super World Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz battling WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Abner Mares in an anticipated world title rematch.

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 or click HERE.

Super welterweight is one of the deepest and most ferociously contested divisions in boxing with unified champion Jarrett Hurd and Charlo on a collision course for supremacy in the weight class. Virtually all of the most significant fights in the division are taking place in 2018 on SHOWTIME, with the three consensus best fighters, and at least five of the consensus top-10, facing off in what has become an unofficial tournament.

Charlo (30-0, 15 KOs) has blasted his way to the top of the division, having stopped four of his last opponents by knockout. The 27-year-old from Houston won the title with a knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. Since then he has successfully defended it twice, including scoring a devastating first round knockout victory over top contender Erickson Lubin in his last fight in October and a Knockout of the Year contender against Charles Hatley in April. Charlo and his twin brother, Jermall, were the only twin brothers to hold world titles in the same weight class simultaneously before Jermall relinquished his 154-pound championship to campaign at 160 pounds.

“Trout is no journeyman. He’s a former world champion, someone who has a name and he comes to fight. The name means he’s worthy of another title challenge,” said Charlo. “Trout is the man that has been chosen for me and I have to take care of him. I’m super excited to be fighting and defending my title again.

“The only thing I’m going to tell you about what I’m going to do against Trout is, I’m going to surprise you guys. I plan to show my skills and show why I’m the best at 154 pounds. The most important thing is to make my mark and claim my territory.”

The 32-year-old Trout (31-4, 17 KOs) is one of most accomplished boxers in the 154-pound division, having stepped into the ring against champions like Miguel Cotto, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd. Representing Las Cruces, New Mexico, he won the super welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Rigoberto Alvarez in 2011. He successfully defended the title four times, including a victory over Cotto, before losing the championship to Alvarez in 2013 and a decision to Lara eight months later.

After winning four straight, Trout stepped in for a world championship against Jermall Charlo but lost a close unanimous decision in 2016, although he is the only person to go the distance with Jermall since 2015. Last October he took on Hurd for the title, but lost via 10th round TKO – the first time in his career that he’d ever been stopped. Trout is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel on Feb. 17.

“I’m more than excited. I’m happy because I’m still a threat in this game,” said Trout. “People can write me off all they want. Even when I was a champion people wrote me off. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I’m approaching it is as my last opportunity. Everybody is counting me out and I’m hoping he is too. I’m going to shock him and the world.

“I feel like I’ve done this before because I fought his brother. Jermell uses more of his skills where Jermall uses more of his brute strength. I fought the bigger one and I fought Hurd who was like his bigger brother. Now I get to fight someone who is closer to my size.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Video: Santa Cruz vs. Mares II: Kickoff Press Conference | June 9 on SHOWTIME




Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes


LOS ANGELES (April 10, 2018) – Featherweight world champions Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares met face to face at a press conference in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday and discussed their world championship rematch taking place Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Santa Cruz and Mares first battled in August 2015 at STAPLES Center with Santa Cruz earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. Now, Santa Cruz will put his WBA Super World Featherweight Title on the line against the WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Mares.

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 or click HERE.

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday at the open to the public press conference from STAPLES Center in Star Plaza in Los Angeles:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“It was a really close fight the first time. Before the fight, I told him I would give him the rematch, just like I would have wanted if I lost. Now is the time and I think this fight is going to be even better than the first fight. Mares will be better with Robert Garcia. He has many champions and I’ve seen the improvement. That’s great motivation for me.

“I know he’s going to seek revenge, but I’m not going to let that happen. My dad is a smart man too and he always knows how to send me to the ring with the right style.

“When two Mexicans get in there, you know it’s going to be a war. I hope everyone comes out June 9 because it’s going to be a fight to remember.

“Every time I step into the ring, I do it for the fans. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. I always want the fans to go home happy. I want to give the fans a great show on June 9 just like in the first fight.

“I think that Abner is going to be a little smarter than the first fight. He said in the first fight he didn’t train for the right fight. I know Robert Garcia will have him bring a smarter fight. We’ll be able to adjust and do what we have to do to win this one.

“I have to make some little changes. There will be adjustments. We have to be prepared to box. I’ll listen to what my dad tells me to do. We’ll know early and take it from there. I know how to fight different styles, but brawling is what the fans love. I’m going to do that while still being smart in the ring.

“This fight is dedicated to my dad as he battles cancer. The only way I can pay him back or try to lift his spirits is to train hard in the gym and give him this win. If he sees me not giving up, I think it will give him the courage to keep fighting his battle.

“It was hard after the loss to Carl Frampton. I got a lot of fan support that inspired me to get back to training and win my title in the rematch. My plan was to retire undefeated, but at the end of the day, the loss means nothing. As long as I give the fans great fights, that’s all that matters.”

ABNER MARES

“This is going to be another great one. Leo Santa Cruz is a great person and a humble guy. You have to be the bad guy against Leo. I could talk about what I’m going to do in the ring, but my fists and my brain will do the work for me.

“Once we get in the ring, you already know what it’s going to be. It was war from the first bell last time. Nothing could stop either of us. We pleased the fans and gave them a great night. This is going to be the same thing. We’re two young fighters, fighting for pride.

“The fight is here now and it’s official. I’m eager to get this win and get redemption. There were things I could have done that would have made the fight easier for myself. Once you get in there, I know we all have a plan, but once you hear the crowd, it can go out the window. I’m a warrior and that type of fighter who’s looking to get the win no matter what.

“I’m not worried about the decision in the first fight. I think he landed the clearer punches but it was definitely a close fight. I was happy with my performance as far as pleasing the crowd. I’ve moved on to the rematch. I’m going to make adjustments and get the win.

“I can talk about how I’ve changed, but you just need to look at my last two performances. People thought Jesus Cuellar was going to knock me out, but I was the one who dropped him That lets you know what type of team I have and what kind of Abner Mares you will see on June 9.

“It feels good to be back fighting Leo for the second time at STAPLES Center. Every time I fight here in Los Angeles the people show me love. This is my hometown and STAPLES Center is my house.

“I’ve always seen holes in Leo’s game that I can take advantage of. It’s a matter of going in there with the perfect game plan. I feel like there’s no way I can lose this fight. That makes it a more exciting fight. If he wants to box, I’m more natural than him doing that. We’ll see who’s done their homework and who can translate it to the ring.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer

“My fight with cancer is the toughest one of all. But I’m fighting very hard and I’m not going anywhere. I’m right there by Leo’s side all the way for this fight.

“For the first fight for Frampton, I had to try to prepare Leo from a distance. This fight is different because I’m right there every step of the way. I’m telling him what to do and guide him every day.

“I think Leo is even more prepared this time than for the first fight with Mares. Leo is doing great mentally because he’s such a brave kid. I tell him not to worry about me and to keep working hard. He seems really motivated right now. He knows he’s doing well.

“Right now we’re working on maintaining speed, being smart and not looking for too much of a clash of a fight. I know Leo can win with his speed and his brain. He’s learning and growing as a fighter. I think Mares has reached his peak. Robert Garcia is a great trainer, but at a certain point, there’s nothing the fighter can do to surprise anyone.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“I was there live for the first fight and it was a great matchup. I knew then that Abner was much better than the fight he gave that night. He left the fans happy, which is all that matters to him. But with me in the corner, it should be a different fight.

“I think the fans have seen what we’ve done with Abner for his last two fights and they know that it’s going to lead to a totally different outcome in this fight.

“Abner tried to blitz Leo from the first bell and he knows that was a mistake. Leo is a tremendous fighter and you can never count Leo out. He takes a great punch and throws a lot. I think working with me for three years now will work out in Abner’s favor.

“Leo always goes out and pleases the crowd. That’s what he loves to do. It’s my job to get Abner to fight smart and not focus on the crowd. He has to focus on what I’m telling him. I’ll do what I have to to make sure he is.

“We’ve been training already for a little over a month. Sparring will start next week. Having Abner in the gym, we’ve taken his strength and conditioning to a level where he’s really doing the right work. He’s giving me good work each day so I know he’s focused.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is one of the most anticipated fights of the sport. It’s a rematch we’ve all been waiting for between great warriors in Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.

“STAPLES Center has a rich tradition of bringing the best and biggest fights in Los Angeles here to this fantastic venue. STAPLES Center always seems to bring out the best in fighters as they fight under the brightest lights.

“Week after week we are witnessing great battles and great matchups on SHOWTIME. Every week is another ‘Fight of the Year’. They are pushing the best to fight the best and that is what we are going to see with these two great fighters on June 9 in Los Angles.

“We all witnessed the great first fight. Over 2,000 punches were thrown between these two fighters. It’s impossible when you have Leo and Abner in the ring to see a boring fight. We are going to have the pleasure of seeing these two guys going again. Once again, it’s a 50-50 fight. We don’t know who’s going to win, but we do know it will be all action here at STAPLES Center.

“Abner is a tremendous fighter inside of the ring and one of the most decorated fighters in recent history to come out of Mexico, but he’s equally impressive outside of the ring. He has a fantastic family and is truly one of the good guys in the sport of boxing.

“I’ve known Leo and his family for a long time and have been involved in many of his fights. He is truly, just like Abner, a family man who just so happens to be one of the best fighters in the world. He’s certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world and it’s my pleasure to be able to watch him fight again on June 9.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be an incredible night. Los Angeles has always been a great fight town going back more than a hundred years. Any time you put two Mexican warriors together like this, you can’t help but get another great fight night in Los Angeles.

“In the first fight, Santa Cruz won an incredibly hard fought decision over Mares. From the opening bell they blasted away at each other, the crowd went wild and there was an all-out brawl underway for 12 grueling rounds.

“The last fight with this kind of significance in Los Angeles was when Bobby Chacon stopped Danny ‘Little Red’ Lopez in a now legendary featherweight fight in 1974. They fought for the mythical city championship on that night. While there are world titles on the line in this fight, I also know that these fighters have a lot of pride in Los Angeles and they’ll be fighting for the championship of this city on June 9.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




SHOWTIME® ADDS TWO FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHTS TO 2018 BOXING LINEUP

NEW YORK (April 10, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports added two featherweight bouts to its robust boxing schedule with two high-stakes matchups from the U.K. streaming live on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms, free to boxing fans in the U.S.

Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton will battle former four-division champion Nonito Donaire on Saturday, April 21 in Belfast, Ireland for the interim WBO Featherweight Title. Then, on Saturday, May 19, IBF World Champion Lee Selby will defend his 126-pound title against undefeated Josh Warrington live from Leeds, England. Both SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offerings will stream live in the U.S. on SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. The events are promoted by Frank Warren with live coverage provided by BT Sport and BoxNation.

The previously announced rematch between WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz and former three-division champion Abner Mares will take place just a few weeks later on Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME® from the Staples Center in L.A.

In all, five of the consensus top-10 ranked featherweights will clash on SHOWTIME platforms in two months, including two world champions and four former multi-division champions. These matchups between titleholders and top-ranked featherweights will give further clarity to a stacked division.

“As we’ve seen at welterweight, super welterweight and even heavyweight, the top fighters in the featherweight division are looking to prove that they are undoubtedly the best in the world,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “They are doing so by facing their toughest challengers and ultimately seeking to unify world titles. SHOWTIME proudly leads the industry with fights like these—the most competitive and important fights in boxing’s most talent-laden weight divisions. We commend the fighters who have dedicated themselves to this simple, yet dangerous premise. Their effort has been inspiring and contagious.”

Below are complete details on both upcoming events. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

April 21: Frampton vs. Donaire – SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Two Fighter of the Year award winners will meet in a 12-round bout for the interim WBO Featherweight Title. Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs), of Northern Ireland, will face Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) of General Santos, Philippines, on Saturday, April 21 from SSE Arena in Belfast live in the U.S. via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

Frampton’s all-action style and willingness to take tough challenges has made him a fan favorite all around the world and the 2016 Fighter of the Year. He handed featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz his only defeat after conquering rival Scott Quigg in their 122-pound unification bout in 2016. Fighting out of Belfast, the Irish national amateur champion became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Kiko Martinez to earn a super bantamweight title. Frampton, 31, lost his featherweight belt in a hard fought rematch against Santa Cruz on SHOWTIME in January 2017. He defeated Horacio Garcia via unanimous decision last November.

Donaire, the consensus 2012 Fighter of the Year, is working his way back to another world title fight. The two-time winner of The Ring’s Knockout of the Year award, “The Filipino Flash” turned pro in 2001 and has won championships in four weight divisions. Donaire has participated in nearly two dozen world title bouts thus far in his career. He lost his featherweight title to Jesus Magdaleno in 2016 and is coming off of a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision win over Ruben Garcia Hernandez at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The winner of this fight will be in position to challenge WBO Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez, who is recovering from injury following his fourth title defense, a UD win over Scott Quigg on March 10.

The livestream of Frampton vs. Donaire will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader that features former four-division champion Adrien Broner and former champion Jessie Vargas in a 12-round welterweight bout live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will face Hugo Centeno Jr. for the interim WBC Middleweight World Championship and Gervonta Davis will meet Jesus Cuellar for the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship.

May 19: Selby vs. Warrington – Elland Road Football Ground, Leeds, England

Featherweight world champion Lee Selby (26-1, 9 KOs) of Cardiff, Wales, will make his 2018 debut when he puts his IBF belt on the line against undefeated Josh Warrington (26-0, 6 KOs) on Saturday, May 19. This main event bout will stream live in the U.S. via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The fight will take place in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, at the Leeds United’s Elland Road Football Ground.

Selby, the 31-year-old Welshman, has held the IBF Featherweight Title since 2015 when he wrested it from Evgeny Gradovich with an eighth-round TKO. He has since made four successful defenses, the latest being a unanimous decision over Eduardo Ramirez last December.

Warrington, 27, won the British Featherweight Title in just his twelfth outing as he outpointed Chris Male in 2012. He stopped Samir Mouneimne in his hometown of Hull to win the Commonwealth Championship in 2013 and continued his campaign with victories over Martin Lindsay, David Dieli and Dennis Tubieron. He defeated Dennis Ceylan via stoppage in the 10th round in his last outing to earn his shot at the IBF title.




Featherweight World Champions Leo Santa Cruz & Abner Mares Square-Off in World Title Rematch Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, June 9 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Live on SHOWTIME


LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2018) – A rematch between featherweight world champions and Southern California rivals Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will headline action Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale today at 12:00 p.m. PT. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE at 12:00 p.m. PT.

Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) and Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) first met in August 2015 at STAPLES Center and went toe-to-toe for 12 fast-paced rounds, with Santa Cruz eventually earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. Now, Santa Cruz will put his WBA Super World Featherweight Title on the line against the WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Mares.

The initial matchup garnered “Fight of the Year” recognition and warranted a rematch between the consensus top five featherweights who will look to put on a repeat of the performance that saw them throw over 2,000 punches combined.

“This is a fight that fans have been clamoring for and a fight that is certain to deliver action and drama,” said Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports. “This is once again a true battle for Los Angeles, with only one man able to walk out of STAPLES Center with that crown as the best in the city. Fans should get their tickets early, because this is sure to be a hot ticket given the styles of each man and the motivations they have to win this fight. I can’t wait to see what happens on June 9 and I look forward to another memorable fight.”

“It is rare that a rematch is as highly anticipated as the initial match, but Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 is one of those rematches,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Since their first match both Leo and Abner have gone on to solidify their positions at the top of the featherweight division, making a second meeting between them even more compelling. The winner will definitely become the man sitting at the top of a very competitive 126-pound division.”

“We are incredibly excited for this rematch of Southern California rivals to take place at STAPLES Center,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center.” Boxing fans are in for an amazing night of fights in downtown Los Angeles on June 9th.”

“SHOWTIME is proud to deliver yet another pivotal matchup between two of the consensus top-five featherweights in the world,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programing, Showtime Networks Inc. “Santa Cruz-Mares 1 was a Fight of the Year-caliber fight with non-stop action from start to finish, and the rematch promises more of the same – with not just a world title at stake, but also Southern California bragging rights. This is the type of marquee bout that has become a hallmark of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, a true 50-50 showdown with high stakes implications.”

The popular Mexican-American Santa Cruz fights out of Los Angeles and most recently stopped Chris Avalos in October 2017 after a pair of high stakes showdowns against Irish star and two-division world champion Carl Frampton. While Santa Cruz lost a close majority decision in their first matchup, he bounced back in January 2017 to defeat Frampton by majority decision and regain his 126-pound title. Prior to that, Santa Cruz won belts at 118 and 122 pounds while earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most active and exciting fighters. The 29-year-old also holds victories over Cristian Mijares, Kiko Martinez and Eric Morel and has competed in world title bouts in 14 of his last 16 fights since 2012.

“The fans can expect a full-action fight just like the first one, maybe even better,” said Santa Cruz. “I know Abner Mares changed his trainer and Robert Garcia is a great trainer who will bring the best out of him. But we’re also smart and I have a strong team that will bring the best out of me. It will be a great fight once again for the boxing fans in Los Angeles.”

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., Mares became a four-time world champion in December 2016 when he dropped Jesus Cuellar on his way to a unanimous decision and another featherweight world championship. Mares most recently scored a technical decision over Andres Gutierrez in October 2017. A Mexican Olympian in 2004, the 32-year-old won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to capture the bantamweight crown. He continued to rise in the pound-for-pound list with victories over Anselmo Moreno and DanielPonce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight. The June 9 bout will be Mares’ third contest with World Champion trainer Robert Garcia, who helped Mares to a title-winning victory in their first fight together.

“It’s been over two years since I fought Leo Santa Cruz and all I’ve been thinking about is redemption,” said Mares. “Now that I’m with Robert Garcia and his team, you’ve seen the change. If they think I’m going to fight the same way, they are in for a surprise.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez Scores First Round KO in San Antonio, TX

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 10, 2018) – Last night at the Mi Mercado Event Center in San Antonio, TX, TMB & PRB Entertainment, sponsored by Mikey Garcia Promotions, presented “Friday Night Fights”. Special guests Mikey Garcia, Abner Mares and Bones Adams were all in attendance.

In the main event, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, defeated Jose “El Cuate” Casiano (0-2) by way of first round knockout. A right hook to the head put Casiano down for the count at the 1:33 mark of round one.

In the co-main event, Angel Alejandro (2-0, 1KO) went the distance with Jose Elizondo (2-6-1), winning a unanimous decision. Scorecards read 40-35 and 39-36 twice, all in favor of Alejandro. Alejandro dropped Elizando in round one before cruising to victory.

Undercard Results

(4-round super-middleweight bout)
Patrick Clarke(1-0, 1 KO) defeated Taylor Saucedo (0-4). A left hook to the head ended the bout at the 2:59 mark of round one.

(4-round Middleweight bout)
Steven Ramos (2-0, 2 KOs) defeated Jacob Landin (0-2). Aright hook by Ramos dropped Landin in the early part of round two, then a straight left followed, ending the bout.

(4-round jr bantamweight bout)
Aaron Morales (1-0, 1 KO)defeated Jorge De Leon (0-2)by way of first round knockout. A left hook to the body put De Leon down, ending the bout at the 1:42 mark.

(4-round heavyweight bout)
Brandon Glanton defeated Tyrrel Herndon. Herndon was disqualified for holding and quit. The bout was stopped at the 1:02 mark of round three.

(4-round Featherweight bout)
Vincente Loredo (1-0, 1 KO) defeated Ben Guerrero (0-2). A flurry of punches by Loredo ended the bout at the 1:23 mark of round three, giving Loredo the TKO victory.




SHOWTIME SPORTS® AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE INDUSTRY-LEADING, ALL-STAR BOXING SCHEDULE


NEW YORK – January 24, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions have announced the television lineup for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® for the first half of the year. Airing 10 live world-class boxing events – featuring 12 world champions and 12 world title fights – PBC and SHOWTIME are establishing an industry standard for a top-flight boxing season and a level of organization never before seen in the sport.

The schedule features more than two dozen elite fighters competing in boxing’s deepest and most talent-laden weight divisions and boasts the largest collection of stars in the sport today. The slate offers seven matchups of top-10 ranked fighters, four matchups of top-five ranked fighters, four top-10 pound-for-pound rated world champions and one world title unification bout.

Led by SHOWTIME and PBC, boxing experienced a renaissance in 2017 with established world champions Mikey Garcia, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Leo Santa Cruz and Anthony Joshua, alongside budding stars Gervonta Davis, Errol Spence Jr., Jermell and Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez. In 2018, all are taking center stage in the wake of the retirement by Floyd Mayweather, Wladimir Klitschko, Miguel Cotto and others.

“The stars have truly aligned, and SHOWTIME and PBC will once again set the pace for a landmark year in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “To continue with the positive momentum, our goal is to deliver the very best fights on a consistent basis to the broadest possible audience. This lineup delivers pivotal bouts with frequency and purpose – all free to our subscribers. SHOWTIME is far and away the No. 1 destination for boxing fans nationwide.”

The 27 fighters unveiled in this industry-leading lineup own 731 total wins, 106 world title victories and a staggering win percentage of .957. Fourteen of the fighters are undefeated and all but four have earned at least one world championship. Also included in this lineup are four of the consensus top-10 ranked welterweights, two of the consensus top-five ranked featherweights, and three of the consensus top-five fighters in the 154-pound division.

The full slate of boxing events airs live across all SHOWTIME platforms – television, mobile and the network’s internet streaming service.

In 2017, SHOWTIME Sports delivered the industry’s most significant and consistent schedule – 25 nights of live boxing featuring 33 world championship fights and more than 70 bouts in all. Once again, the brightest stars will face off as the network presents the most comprehensive and compelling schedule in boxing, shown below:

2018 SHOWTIME BOXING SCHEDULE
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Jan 20 SPENCE vs. PETERSON Brooklyn
IBF Welterweight World Championship
EASTER JR. vs. FORTUNA
IBF Lightweight World Championship

Feb 17 GARCIA vs. RIOS Las Vegas
WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator
BENAVIDEZ vs. GAVRIL II
WBC Super Middleweight World Championship

Mar 3 WILDER vs. ORTIZ Brooklyn
WBC Heavyweight World Championship

CHARLO vs. CENTENO JR.
WBC Interim Middleweight Championship

Mar 10 GARCIA vs. LIPINETS San Antonio
IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship
BARTHELEMY vs. RELIKH II
WBA Super Lightweight World Championship

April 7 LARA vs. HURD
154-Pound World Championship Unification

April 21 BRONER vs. FIGUEROA
WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator

GERVONTA DAVIS

May 19 KEITH THURMAN Brooklyn
WBA/WBC Welterweight World Championship

May 19 STEVENSON vs. JACK Canada
WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship

June 9 SANTA CRUZ vs. MARES II Los Angeles
WBA Featherweight World Championship
JERMELL CHARLO
WBC Super Welterweight World Championship

June 16 ERROL SPENCE JR. Dallas
IBF Welterweight World Championship

2018 Event By Event
Jan. 20: Spence vs. Peterson – Barclays Center in Brooklyn
One of boxing’s most highly regarded young champions, unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. (22-0, 19 KOs) kicked off the schedule with an eighth-round TKO of former two-division world champion and top-10 ranked welterweight Lamont Peterson (35-3-1, 17 KOs) in Spence first title defense. In the co-feature, undefeated IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. (20-0, 14 KOs) won a close, split-decision victory over former world champion Javier Fortuna (33-1-1, 23 KOs) in an action-packed fight.

Feb. 17: Garcia vs. Rios – Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas
Two-division world champion Danny Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs) returns to the ring to begin his quest toward another welterweight world championship. Garcia’s long reigns at 140 and 147 pounds ended last March in a close decision loss to unified champion Keith Thurman. Now, Garcia will challenge tough former world champion Brandon Rios (34-3-1, 25 KOs), an all-action fighter who has fought the best in the sport. In the co-main event, boxing’s youngest world champion, 21-year-old David Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs), will make his first title defense in a rematch against top contender Ronald Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs). The super middleweights fought a thrilling fight last September that ended in a controversial decision for Benavidez.

March 3: Wilder vs. Ortiz – From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
The revival of the heavyweight world championship division continues. America’s undefeated, No. 1 heavyweight, WBC World Champion Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs),will face fellow unbeaten challenger Luis Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs) in an anticipated matchup of consensus top-5 ranked heavyweights. Wilder has held the coveted green belt since January 2015 and made six successful title defenses. Now, Wilder faces a highly skilled Cuban pugilist with big punching power in Ortiz. The co-main event will feature former super welterweight champion and top middleweight contender Jermall Charlo (26-0, 20 KOs) taking on once-beaten contender Hugo Centeno Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs)for the Interim WBC Middleweight World Championship.

March 10: Garcia vs. Lipinets – Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs) will attempt to make history by capturing a world title in a fourth weight class. Standing in his way is unbeaten power-puncher and IBF Jr. Welterweight Champion Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs), who is making his first title defense. Two 140-pound titles will be on the line as two-division champion Rances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs)looks to become the first Cuban boxer to ever win world titles in three different weight classes when he faces Kirly Relikh (21-2, 9 KOs) in a rematch of their controversial May bout, this time for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight title.

April 7: Lara vs. Hurd – Location TBD
WBA World Champion Erislandy Lara (25-2-2, 14 KOs) and IBF World Champion Jarrett Hurd (21-0, 15 KOs) will meet to unify titles in a defining moment for the 154-pound division. In 2017, SHOWTIME televised eight matchups featuring all of the top-five ranked super welterweight champions and challengers in an unofficial tournament. This unification match will pit the technical wizardry of Cuba’s Lara against the strength and determination of Hurd.

April 21: Broner vs. Figueroa – From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Four-division world champion Adrien Broner (33-3, 24 KOs) has established himself not only as one of the biggest draws in the sport, but as a fighter who is always willing to face the toughest competition. That will continue when he takes on undefeated former world champion Omar Figueroa (27-0-1, 19 KOs), an all-action brawler who never takes a step backward, as the former champions meet in a WBC Super Lightweight Final Eliminator. The co-main event will feature one of boxing’s brightest young stars in Gervonta Davis (19-0, 18 KOs) as the 23-year-old undefeated former champion looks to regain his title.

May 19: Thurman Defends Worlds Titles – From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Keith Thurman is the only unified 147-pound world champion and the consensus No. 1-ranked fighter in boxing’s preeminent weight division. The undefeated Thurman(28-0, 22 KOs) has held the WBA title since 2015. He claimed the WBC belt with a decisive win over previously undefeated Danny Garcia last March in the most watched bout of the year, a presentation of SHOWTIME Boxing on CBS. Following an elbow injury that required surgery, Thurman will return to action against an opponent to be determined.

May 19: Stevenson vs. Jack – From Canada
WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs) has scored knockouts in six of his eight title defenses and will face perhaps his toughest challenge when he battles two-division champion Badou Jack (22-1-2, 13 KOs).Jack captured a 175-pound world title in his light heavyweight debut in August and relinquished the belt in order to immediately make this matchup of top-five ranked light heavyweights.

June 9: Santa Cruz vs. Mares II – From Los Angeles
After their 2015 title showdown brought the Staples Center crowd to its feet, WBA Featherweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz (34-1-1, 19 KOs) and three-division world champion Abner Mares (31-2-1, 15 KOs) will meet again in their shared hometown of Los Angeles. Santa Cruz, who also has held titles in three divisions for the past six years, remains one of the most prolific fighters in the sport today. Mares, a former world champion at bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight, aims to exact revenge after the close majority decision loss to Santa Cruz in 2015. This high-stakes matchup between consensus top-five ranked featherweights will give further clarity to a stacked division that includes Gary Russell Jr., Carl Frampton and Lee Selby. The consensus No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds, Jermell Charlo (30-0, 15 KOs) will defend his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship in the co-feature against an opponent to be determined.

June 16: Spence Defends Welterweight Title – From Dallas
Fresh off a dominating performance against a top-10 former welterweight champion, pound-for-pound great Errol Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KOs) returns to his hometown of Dallas for the second defense of the IBF Welterweight World Championship.

About Showtime Networks Inc.
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 Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. 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




Mares wins technical decision over Gutierrez

Abner Mares defended the WBA Featherweight title with a 10th round technical decision over Andres Gutierrez due to cuts.

In round two, Gutierrez was cut around the left eye from a headbutt. Gutierrez tried to fight through it, but Mares dominant and the cut worsened to the point where the fight was stopped.

Mares, 126 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice is 31-2-1.. Gutierrez, 126 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 35-2-1.

Former world champion Antonio Demarco stopped previously undefeated Eddie Ramirez in round one of their scheduled ten-round super lightweight bout.

DeMarco landed a huge barrage of punches on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 1:56.

Demarco, 141.8 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 33-6-1 with 24 knockouts. Ramirez, 142 lbs of Aurora, IL is 17-1




WORLD CHAMPIONS MIKEY GARCIA AND ROBERT GUERRERO JOIN FOX SPORTS BROADCAST TEAM FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: SANTA CRUZ VS. AVALOS


Los Angeles – Today, FOX Sports announces multi-division and current 135-pound world champion Mikey Garcia (@mikeygarcia) and former multiple division world champion Robert Guerrero (@GHOSTBOXING) join the broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: SANTA CRUZ VS. AVALOS live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Oct. 14 (7:30 PM ET), from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Garcia and Guerrero team with blow-by-blow announcer Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) calling the fights. Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) hosts the broadcast.

On FOX Deportes, Jaime Motta (@MottaJaime) joins blow-by-blow announcer Jesse Losada to call the action in Spanish.

The sixth installment of PBC ON FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by sensational three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs), who defends his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos (27-5, 20 KOs). The co-main event features four-time world champion Abner Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) defending his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs).

The television broadcast opens with an exciting 10-round match featuring undefeated rising junior welterweight contender Eddie Ramirez (17-0, 11 KOs) versus former world champion Antonio DeMarco (32-6-1, 23 KOs).

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, fights are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more, visit FOX Sports Press Pass, www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com, www.tgbpromotions.com, and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Media Workout Quotes


CARSON, CALIF. (October 11, 2017) – Fighters competing on the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes card taking place this Saturday, October 14 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. held a media workout Wednesday at Wild Card West Boxing Club in Santa Monica before they enter the ring Saturday.

PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz defending his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos, while four-time world champion Abner Mares defends his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez. Televised coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT with unbeaten rising contender Eddie Ramirez taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.

Additional undercard action features Ivan Redkach in his super lightweight debut and unbeaten 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis in a welterweight bout against Cesar Hernandez.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday in Santa Monica:

CHRIS AVALOS

“I’ve had a lot of experience with Leo when we were growing up. We really know each other inside and out. It’s going to be a non-stop war. I know that he won’t let up and I’ll never give an inch.

“This has been a really great camp. I feel really strong and fresh and ready for a 12-round battle on Saturday.

“I’m going to try to use my familiarity with Leo to my advantage. Obviously we’ve both grown up, but it definitely gives me some extra confidence.

“It’s very important that I put on a good performance Saturday. A lot of people have written me off and it’s my job to just prove them all wrong.

“It’s going to be a really good fight. It’s going to be action from start to finish. I’ve been on this kind of platform before so my nerves are all calmed. I’m just really excited to get in the ring.”

ANDRES GUTIERREZ

“Everything has gone really smoothly in training camp. I feel 100 percent physically and I’m ready to fight.

“I’m going to have to come forward and fight strong for 12 rounds against Abner Mares. I have to use my power punches and attack the entire fight.

“I’m very happy and motivated heading into this fight. I’m eager to get a chance at a title for the first time.

“The fans are going to love my style. I come forward and throw punches. Fans appreciate that and I want to give them a memorable performance.

“It’s going to be a war. I’m not giving an inch and at the end of the night, I will have both hands in the air and a belt around my waist.”

EDDIE RAMIREZ

“It feels good to be on this platform. This is just the start for me. All the top guys have been in my position and they took advantage of their opportunities. I have to put on a great show to lead up to these two title fights.

“Training camp has been really good. We worked hard every day and I’m ready to fight. I just can’t wait.

“DeMarco is a crafty veteran. I need to be strong and smart. It’s all going to come down to me being the better overall fighter.

“I’m ready to do anything in the ring. If I have to box, I’ll do that. If I need to brawl, I’ll do that. We’ll see how the fight goes but I’ll be prepared to adjust and do what it takes to get the win.

“I’ve tried to make myself a smarter fighter in the last year. I have to work smarter. That’s really going to let me unlock the rest of my potential.

“If I’m able to get a stoppage, I’m going to jump on it. I’m prepared to be the more intelligent fighter and use my brain to get the win.”

ANTONIO DEMARCO

“I came back to the ring because I am 100 percent mentally ready to compete. Any issues that I had in the past are gone. Most importantly, my sister has beaten cancer and she said that if she can come back, then so can I.

“I feel really strong right now. I came back with the team that made me world champion and it’s got me very motivated to enter the ring and give the fans a beautiful fight on Saturday.

“I have no fear of any opponent. I have the normal nervous energy leading up to the fight, but I have been in this situation before and faced a lot of great fighters.

“Ramirez is a young, strong opponent. He’s undefeated and I know that he’s going to be motivated to keep his perfect record. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get the win.”

IVAN REDKACH

“It’s been a very tough training camp. I’m in excellent shape from working in the gym with Leo Santa Cruz for about three months. I’m excited to make my debut at 140-pounds.

“It had been too hard to cut weight for lightweight. It was draining all of my strength. I’m going to have a lot more power and show a lot more of my game on October 14.

“I’ve trained sparring partners of every kind. I also did some work in Jorge Linares’ camp leading up to his fight. I’ve been testing myself every day to get better.

“Being in the gym with Leo gives me lots of motivation. He also helps me with all of the technical parts of my game. He stays on top of me and has helped me get better.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“Working with Freddie Roach has been amazing. He’s shown me so many new things and I’m really blessed to be in this position.

“I just had a fight three weeks ago so I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’ve stayed in shape the whole time, which is what I want to do. I’m always mentally prepared to step in the ring as well as physically.

“It’s a great motivation to be on a big card like this. I can’t wait to perform in front of these fans and show them my skills.

“My style is like a Mexican-style. I like to put pressure on my opponent and throw punches. I can do it all in the ring and I can’t wait to show off all of it.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com,www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Leo Santa Cruz vs. Chris Avalos & Abner Mares vs. Andres Gutierrez PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Media Conference Call Transcrip


Richard Schaefer
Hello, everybody. Welcome to today’s media call.

I’m really excited that we have a little over a week to go until this great doubleheader at the war grounds at StubHub Center in Carson, California. We all know that fights there always deliver.

Somehow it always brings out the best in fighters. The atmosphere is just one of a kind. I can report that ticket sales are very strong. They have been very brisk and actually some of the price categories were sold out. We’re trying to put some more 30 and 50 dollars for sale, so I anticipate a big crowd at StubHub Center on Saturday, October 14 for a huge night of world championship boxing.

Two world championship fights with Leo Santa Cruz versus Chris Avalos, and Abner Mares versus Andres Gutierrez. The Premier Boxing Champions card will be on FOX, network FOX, and FOX Deportes. Live coverage will be starting at 7:30 pm ET and 4:30 pm PT.

The doors will open at 12:30. The first fight will be shortly after. We’re going to have a big night of fights in Carson, 12 fights in all.

It’s going to be a very exciting undercard as well, the non-televised portion. We have among them, two Olympians, A Mexican Olympian who came home with bronze medal for Mexico, as Misael Rodriguez will be fighting his fourth fight. He’s 3-0 with two knockouts.

He’s trained by Robert Garcia. And then we have Eimantas Stanionis, who is quickly developing a huge following here in Los Angeles and he’s training at the Wild Card with Freddie Roach. He will have his fourth fight as well. He has three wins, three knockouts at the welterweight division. We have more experienced guys as well like Robert Marroquin and Ivan Redkach on the card, so a little bit of everything. We have two kids from Oak Hill, California, Jerry Perez and Jose Perez early on in their career showcasing their talent.

So, be sure you tell your readers or listeners to come out early and to be part of a great Saturday afternoon and evening at StubHub Center. The weather is beautiful here now in California this time of the year, so really excited to see you all there.

I’d like to thank as well Tom Brown and Brittany Goossen-Brown of TGB Promotions for this co-promotion again. And I understand Tom is not on the call, but I’m sure we’re all going to see him during fight week.

The first fight of the televised card is going to be Eddie Ramirez against Antonio DeMarco. We all know Antonio DeMarco from Tijuana is a guy who always comes to fight. One of those guys who is never in a bad fight.

He is looking to give a stern test to an undefeated fighter, Eddie Ramirez, with a 17-0 record with 11 knockouts in the super lightweight division. So, I think that’s going to be a very exciting fight and I think it’s going to really show us all where Eddie Ramirez is in this particular point in his career. We know that Antonio DeMarco will certainly come to fight.

Next up is going to be the world championship fight between one of the most legendary and biggest names in the sport, multi-division, multi-time world champion, Abner Mares versus Andres Gutierrez. Andres Gutierrez joins us from Guadalajara, Mexico. He has a record of 35 wins, one loss, one draw and 25 knockouts.

He was actually supposed to fight earlier this year in a title eliminator against Carl Frampton. He looked very strong, it looked great and then he had the freak accident in the shower, I understand, over there in Ireland and he couldn’t fight. He suffered severe cuts.

But he is ready to go. And he gets another bite at the apple as they say. He was supposed to fight Frampton, one of the big names at the 126-pound weight class and that didn’t happen.

Now he has a chance to go with an even bigger name, Abner Mares, here in Los Angeles. And this all Mexican showdown, this all Guadalajara showdown, actually, is surely going to light fireworks. I’d like to introduce to you now, Andres Gutierrez.

Andres Gutierrez
I am ready, I’m very focused, excited down here in Guadalajara. My training camp is going well and I’m extremely motivated. All right.

R. Schaefer
It is always a pleasure — a special pleasure, frankly an honour – form me to introduce one of my closest friends in this sport. An amazing champion inside the ring and an amazing father, husband and human being outside of the ring. A fighter I have known since actually before he went to the Olympics in 2004 where he represented the Mexican Olympian team.

He obviously came and conquered the professional world, facing some of the best 118, 122 and 126-pound champions over the years. He is born in Guadalajara as well and trains in California with famed trainer Robert Garcia who really, I think that Robert Garcia and Abner Mares make the perfect team. I think Abner Mares most recently dropped Jesus Cuellar in a hard fought victory last December for the WBA Featherweight title.

We saw the game plan Robert and Abner put together and how Abner executed against this fantastic game plan. I think they make an unbeatable team. Abner Mares is here to stay and has great fights ahead of him. But, first comes first, he knows that the Gutierrez is a tough customer and has only one loss, is a good puncher as well. It’s going to be fireworks. And it’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you, Abner Mares.

Abner Mares
Richard, everybody on the line, thank you so much for having me on. I’m really honoured and happy to be fighting on this card. I’m fighting once again in, you can say my hometown, Los Angeles.

I always showcase great fights here at StubHub Center in Carson, California. I’m looking forward to showcasing once again alongside Robert Garcia, the new Abner. I know every fighter always says that, but I think I’ve proven it. I approved it against Cuellar in my last fight in December and I will once again against Andres Gutierrez come October 14.

Richard, a close friend of mine, thank you so much and I’m excited to have my second fight promoted by Ringstar Sports. My first fight was with Cuellar and now second fight, so I’m looking forward to that.

Everybody in my camp from Robert Garcia all the way through, thank you everybody so much. I’ve been waiting for this.

Robert Garcia
Like Abner said, or like Richard said, we make a really good team together with myself and my family.

Everything that’s working is working really good. Training has gone great, sparring is beautiful. We have great sparring partners, young, hungry kids that want to prove themselves against Abner. And Abner is doing his work being able to control those young contenders that want to get in there and hurt him.

Abner’s been able to do it all. Things have gone great. We’re waiting for a good fight. We know Gutierrez is a young kid that is hungry for this title opportunity. So, we know we’re going in there against a hungry, young fighter that wants to become a world champion.

That’s why we have to be very well prepared and come October 14, now we’re going to prove what we’ve done in the gym and bring it to the ring.

Q
When you started to lay the groundwork for this training camp, were you trying to put a game plan in and prepare for the rematch with Santa Cruz and then a little surprise and things change? Or, can you just take me through when you realized that it would not be the rematch next?

R. Garcia
Look, we were training for Leo Santa Cruz and we started training camp early, like three, four months ago we were already in the gym and preparing for Leo Santa Cruz so that’s what we were expecting. But, then when the news came that, that we had to fight somebody else, we wouldn’t stop. We continued training, we continued sparring the same way we were sparring. We didn’t do many changes.

I added a couple of kids to sparring, two kids. A couple that were already getting Abner ready for Leo, which, you know are a little big taller than Abner and fight a little similar to Leo, but I kept them because we’re not looking past Gutierrez because he a hungry kid that’s coming to become a world champion. I want to continue doing the work that I’m doing.

So, if everything goes well on the 14th, by the time we fight Leo we get another four, five, six months, whatever it takes of preparing for Leo because Leo’s not an easy kid to beat. So, we got to start preparing to beat Leo like we were. Things happen for a reason. The fight was postponed until next year. But that just gives me what is it four, five, six months more of training Abner to be able to beat Leo.

Q
Is that a good thing to have more time to train with Robert to prepare for trying to get revenge on one of your losses?

A. Mares
You know what, that’s the way I look at it. At first, I’m not going to lie, and most people know I felt upset. I felt a little irritated that I wasn’t getting that fight.

Because at first it was solid, but at the same time, things happen for a reason, like Robert said. But, it gives us that much time to get ready even more for the Leo Santa Cruz fight. But, again we’re not looking past Gutierrez, he’s a great fighter, he’s a hungry kid, I’m not that old and people make me sound old, but I’m not.

But, I remember when I was that age, 26, and I got my opportunity for a world title. So, I can imagine how happy he is and really looking forward to this fight. But, again I’m no push over, I’m in my prime, I’m in my movement, I’m strong, I feel great.

I already said I’ve been doing really, really good in spar sessions. I really look forward to just making a statement that we are here to stay.

Q
You’re the one with the tougher fight, it seems between you and Leo. Can you give me your thoughts about being put in that position when you’re supposed to be getting ready to fight the rematch?

A. Mares
You can put me in the first fight, second fight, last fight. It doesn’t matter, there’s no such thing as, I mean obviously there is, a main event, but people know which one is the best fight out there. So, I think people are going to go watch both of us, obviously, see how we look. But I do feel like I got the tougher opponent, but you know we are planning to make it seem like it’s a showcase but it’s a good fight. But I’m not looking at his opponent, I’m focused on mine, he’s focused on his opponent. At the end of the day I just want to perform, look great and get ready for not just Leo but any fight that’s going to happen.

Q
Richard, could you speak to your challenges in promoting a double header of probably will be action fights, but it’s not the rematch. So, some people perceive it as, “Oh, it’s a good card”. But it’s not what they thought it would be, which is the rematch between Abner and Leo?

R. Schaefer
Well, it certainly has been a bit of a challenge because the people are really excited to see these two, Abner and Leo, fight each other again. But I have to say this fight here, “The Jaguar” against Abner, this is a real fight.

This is not a soft touch. This is not, like, a tune up and Abner knows that and they know as well that the Jaguar is going to be coming to take what is his, what is Abner’s, that world title. So, this is by no stretch of the imagination, anything even remotely close to a tune up.

This is a real fight. And it will be real action fight because both guys are, I think, stylistically very made for each other. So, I think it will be a great fight. And I think fight fans, true fight fans, the Hispanic fight fans, the Mexicans and the others, they know that this is a real fight and that’s why I think they will come and they will support Abner.

Everybody has something to look forward to for the early part of next year. I’ve been told by the fighters and their management teams that a deal structure is in place. Assuming everything goes well, that they will fight each other March of next year here in Los Angeles.

Q
Were you going to fight on this card even if there was no assurance that a Santa Cruz rematch was coming, or was it important to know that the next fight would in fact be a rematch?

A. Mares
Mothing’s for sure in boxing, to be honest. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring. I got Gutierrez now. That’s the guy I’m fighting, that’s the guy I’m focused on. So, I’ve been saying, if it’s not Leo the next fight, even though they saying it is, it might be 90 percent, I want Frampton too.

And if not Frampton, I want Oscar Valdez, if it’s not Oscar Valdez, any world champion out there. So, we’re not just looking at Leo now because we’ve been through that. So, that was a good question you’re asking, so my answer is I just want any champion, but obviously there’s a key and the fighter to fight will be Leo after Gutierrez.

R. Schaefer
I can just add to that as well. I agree with Abner. Abner is one of the most legendary and biggest names coming out of Mexico in the sport period. So, Abner Mares is not going to be sitting around and waiting around and waiting around for anybody, and I really mean anybody.

The fact is the 126-weight class is pretty deep and as a matter of fact, I talked to Frank Warren earlier this week as well. And I know that Abner would be absolutely open to a Frampton fight because that’s what he told me. But, you know first thing’s first.

This is not, as I said, this is not a tune up and we don’t want to give it away, but once this fight is over and everything goes well, then I will very quickly sit down with Abner and his team to map out, okay, can we get Leo, yes or no? Obviously, that’s what we want and if we can’t then, you know, we move on.

Q
They said you’re not going to sit around and wait for anyone. But this is only your second fight in almost two years. How frustrating has that been for you?

A. Mares
It is, and it isn’t. I think timing is the best thing and being realistic. To be 31 and to be learning so much right now with Robert Garcia, it’s just amazing.

Not too many people could say that, at this age they’re still learning and doing things that you never thought I could have done. it’s just excitement to showcase them now on a final fight.

So, going in again with Gutierrez, we plan on doing like we did with Cuellar and move forward. So like I said, it is, and it isn’t. Here’s how I look at it, obviously this is my Christmas list.

If I get Frampton over Leo next on the list, any order, Leo, Frampton, Gary Russell Jr., Oscar Valdez and if I could make it jump to 130 and if you’re still there Gervonta Davis. I’ll fight them. That’s four or five fights that could totally be my career right there.

So, I’m putting a number on my career because you got to think of the future, so that’s the way I see it.

Q
How has training camp gone and how do you feel leading up to fight night?

A. Gutierrez
I feel great. This is an unbelievable moment in my career. I’m very much deep in training in Guadalajara very excited for this matchup and working with Alfredo Guzman and we’re ready to go to the United States and make our journey there.

Q
Can you tell me what is the most difficult part of facing somebody like Gutierrez who has nothing to lose and everything to win?

A. Mares
I’ve been there, I know how he feels, so I work with that. I don’t feel like I’m no pushover, so it’s just excitement to be fighting someone good and at the end of the day I’m going to go in history. Knowing I’m someone that’s fought nothing but great fighters. So, I’m really proud to be fighting Gutierrez.

Q
What are your thoughts on the people that are saying you’re being brought in to lose and you’re a heavy underdog? What are your thoughts on that?

A. Gutierrez
Look, I’m coming to surprise everybody. I feel very good. It is my dream to bring home the World Championship and I’m going to go ahead and really shock boxing fans in Los Angeles. I am not just an opponent.

Q
Robert what have you seen in Gutierrez that you have to change if you were training for Santa Cruz?

R. Garcia
We just added a couple sparring partners that are more similar to Gutierrez. But we continue doing the same thing and continue to fighting the way I want against Gutierrez or Santa Cruz and we just continue doing the same kind of workout, the same plan that we already have because I want to continue preparing Abner because I know eventually that fight will happen.

We’re not looking past Gutierrez. Gutierrez is a young lion and I told Abner and I told everybody in camp, “You know, these kids are the most dangerous guys because they got nothing to lose and they come to fight or become world champions.”

So we’re definitely prepared for Gutierrez with adding a few sparring partners that fight similar to him, but the training camp and the plan continues to be the same.

Q
Could you ask Andres how devastating it was to go through what he went through the day before the Frampton fight?

A. Gutierrez
The reality is I’m back 100% from what happened in the whole Carl Frampton situation. That’s all behind me. My focus is Abner Mares. I’m ready for Abner Mares. You all will see on October 14 that I am 100% and extremely focused and ready.

R. Schaefer
Thank you everybody. If we can have this group make closing statements please.

A. Gutierrez
I want to say thank you to all the media and thank you all to the fights fans. The reality is I’m going to bring my best when I step inside the ring next Saturday, and I feel very strong and I’m looking forward this opportunity.

A, Mares
I just want to thank everybody. I want to thank my team. I want to thank you guys, the media, plus FOX and FOX Deportes. Shout out to everybody that’s making this possible. I’m looking forward to October 14, and let the best man win.

R. Schaefer
Thank you, Andres, and thank you, Abner. We are all excited seeing you next week and we are going to get it going next week with some activities here and around Los Angeles to promote the fight. So I’ll see you all next week.

Now, let’s move on to Leo Santa Cruz against Chris Avalos. With Leo, there’s another guy where you know he’s never going to be in a bad fight. He is definitely, pound-for-pound, one of the most exciting fighters and he throws punches in bunches. So he is going to be coming home here to Los Angeles to the StubHub Center on October the 14th to defend his featherweight world title which he won in great fight earlier this year against Leo Santa Cruz.

He’s facing, with Chris Avalos, somebody who is another exciting fighter who comes forward. He had a shot at the title in 2015 when he was fighting Carl Frampton in Belfast, challenging for the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title. Here he comes again, trying to win to take the title away from Leo Santa Cruz. He’s clearly going into this fight as the underdog.

But it’s exactly these kind of fights where you have the overwhelming favorite, Leo Santa Cruz, maybe taking a round less in sparring because you are such a big favorite. And even mentally, I’ve seen it before where fighters just prepare differently. Then with Avalos, this is his chance. This is his opportunity and he’s going to come in ready and he’s going to come in at the best shape and the best condition he can and we will see who will on Saturday night, October 14. One thing I do know is that it will be an exciting fight because Avalos always comes to fight.

It’s a pleasure for me now to introduce to you, with a record of 27 wins and 5 losses with 20 knockouts, the heavy-handed fighter coming out of Lancaster, California who most recently scored a TKO victory over Miguel Flores on a PBC FS1 card on July 18. Please welcome Chris Avalos.

Chris Avalos
Training’s been good and I’ve been ready, been in training actually since, like March getting ready for the Flores fight. I haven’t stopped training and I’m doing really good in sparring. I did lots of rounds in sparring and jogging every day and every weekend.

R. Schaefer
I like to introduce to you now one of my absolute favorite fighters, a very good friend as well, who I have a pleasure to work with for many, many, many of his fights. He is – just like I mentioned about Abner, he’s a tremendous champion inside of the ring, a great human, a great son and father and husband — afamily man all around. Truly one of the nicest men in the sport.

But also maybe one of the most exciting guys in the ring as well. Never in a boring fight. He held world titles in three different weight classes — 118, 122, 126 pounds — and he is one of the stars, one of the big names in the sport. Please welcome my friend, Leo Santa Cruz.

Leo Santa Cruz
Thank you for the nice words and for the introduction. Thank you to all the media, to all the fans I’m just excited. I’m very happy to be back in the ring. I was ready to go back in the ring and then a long layoff and now I’m ready to get back in there. So I’ve been training hard, sparring, and I’ve been doing everything 100% — learning new things with my dad. I’m just ready to step in the ring and give a great performance for all the fans like I always try to do. I just go out there thinking about the fans and that’s what I’m hoping to do this time, because Avalos is a tough fighter, with big power, so I know we’re going to give a great fight because we’re both going to go out there and, you know, try to get the win, go toe-to-toe and make it a war.

Q
How surprised were you that you were tapped to get this shot at a world title against the featherweight that many people consider the Number 1 guy in the weight class?

C. Avalos
Yes. It was a big surprise but even though it was a surprise I honestly thought I was going to get a world title shot later on, maybe next year, like middle of next year. But now that it’s here now, I’m ready.

Q
What it would mean to sort of derail the best laid plans for a Santa Cruz versus Mares rematch?

C. Avalos
Yes, it’d be a blessing. I’ve been in training and I’ve been working hard, staying focused, at the gym and jogging and if I’m not in the gym I’m with my family. So it’s been a really good chance for me, so yes, I’m really planning to pull an upset that night.

Q
Is this do or die for Chris Avalos’ career?

C. Avalos
Exactly. Yes, well actually it is. Yes, and that’s how I feel about it. That’s exactly how I feel about it.

Q
From your point of view, why is the rematch with Mares not happening now?

L. Santa Cruz
We both came from a long layoff. He fought in December. I fought in January. I think we had both decided to get a fight before but I’ll never overlook under any opponent. Every opponent is dangerous to me and they say the underdog opponent are the most dangerous because they come hungry, they come for the opportunity.

I did think it was a matter of time and just wanted to set the right time and I think that’s why it got changed because people thought it was maybe too soon. We had the Mayweather/McGregor fight, the Canelo and Triple G fight. So there were other big fights and it would definitely be hard to focus on this fight right now.

I was ready for any opponent. I was get ready for any opponent. If I’m going to fight the champion or any opponent, I’m training the best and I’m going to go out there and be very smart and patient and do what I have to do.

Abner says that it was actually your team that said, “Forget about the rematch right away, as far as this fight.” And said that it was really the decision that your father made. Can you address that please?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes. I think it was kind of my father’s decision because I was getting ready because they told me I was going to fight Mares, so I was getting ready for Mares. I was in camp, and then they came and I think they asked my dad that for his opinion or something like and I think my dad said I had the long layoff and that he wanted me to get another fight before going in there with Mares. So that’s what I think – that’s what happened. But, yes, I think it was kind of my dad’s decision that he would prefer for me to go and and get a fight before fighting Abner a second time. So I said, “All right. If that’s what you want, well let’s go for it.”

Q
How did that decision with you and your father go down?

L. Santa Cruz
I said, “I’m ready. I could fight (Mares) right now.” And my dad said, “Yes, I know you could and everything but I think you don’t know how your body is going to react. This is the longest layoff you have had. I really don’t know how your body’s going to look or feel, so I don’t want to risk it.” and I said, “Okay. I’ll listen to you and we’ll go with that.”

Q
Okay, but if everything works out for you guys on October 14, Leo, are you committed to fighting in the early part of next year as Richard said — approximately March?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes. Of course. When he told me that, I had told him, “Okay. Yes, but I want to get this fight and if I win. We get Mares, I want to face him right away.” And they say, “Yes.” So they’re going to do everything that’s possible to make it as soon as possible. And I think that’s going to be next fight if everything goes good.

Q
Chris, do you believe this is your last shot at a title?

C. Avalos
Yes. I believe it is like I answered earlier, I didn’t expect it’d be so soon. But I feel like I’m ready and I’ve been training hard for it. So I really can’t say if it’s my last or not. Just know that I’m ready for it. I’m going to give it my all October 14. I will leave everything I have in the ring.

Q
How bad do you want the fight with (Mares)?

L. Santa Cruz
Really bad. I want it ever since that first fight. He said right after that he wanted the rematch I said I would give it to him. The fans loved that fight. We both gave a great fight and it was a great turnout, so I said, “I’ll give it to you. Why not?” I said, “If he would have beat me, I would have liked him to give me the rematch.” I said, “Since I beat him, I said I would give him the rematch.” But he has that – there was never a talk about it anymore or there were no probably no interest or anything until now.

I said, “One night, I want that fight.” And like I said, I’m not looking past this fight. First I want to get this fight, and if we both get our wins, we’ll work everything to get our fight next – in the beginning of the year.

Q
And as far as Avalos, are there any excuses that you might have if something goes wrong in your training or the lack of fighting?

L. Santa Cruz
Anything can happen in boxing. Sometimes you get caught with a big shot or it’s not your night. Anything’s going to happen. If I lose, I know how to recognize that he was better fighter. I don’t make any excuses. I’m training 100% like if I’m fighting any other champion. And that’s what I’m looking for in this fight. He’s going to come with everything he got. I know this is an opportunity and a dangerous fighter so I know I’m really focused, real dedicated, and putting everything in the ring and come October 14, there are going to be no excuses.

Q
My question is for both Leo and Richard. Given the events of last month in Mexico, I was wondering what you guys thought the emotions would be and what the emotions are right now heading into what is essentially an all- Mexican card?

R. Schaefer
Well first of all, I want to just send my condolences to everyone affected by all of these incidents, whether it was Mexico, the earthquake, or Puerto Rico, or more recently that horrible shooting in Las Vegas.

What always encourages me in all that tragedy, puts a little smile on my face, is how the boxing community comes together whether it’s promoters helping financially or fighters helping and cheering up the local communities, the boxing community is really a fraternity and I’m very proud to be part of that and I hope we all rally and try to help and do whatever we can. And I think, for the fighters on the card, being Mexican, my wife is Mexican is born in Mexico, for them to unify to do something for their countrymen and countrywomen it’s very significant and I’m sure that they are going to give their best for the pride of Mexico, fighting for their country.

And maybe giving some much needed distraction to these people in Mexico or in Puerto Rico or whereever it is around the world to maybe just forget for a moment and through their actions in the ring, their entertainment in the ring bring some joy into their lives. And I am sure that Mares or Gutierrez or Avalos or others on the card would all second that sentiment.

Q
Have you gotten a sense from him or any of the other fighters how difficult this has been?

R. Schaefer
It’s very difficult because there is a very close Mexican community – and I see it in my own family with my wife as well. We all have relatives in Mexico, in and around Mexico City so it definitely impacted many, many lives, whether it’s immediate family or friends or other relatives. Clearly lives were impacted everywhere. So that’s definitely something which is on everybody’s mind.

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, I’ve been upset listening to all those things, disasters like the earthquake, plus everything in Texas, and Puerto Rico and now the shooting in Las Vegas.

I put myself in those people’s shoes that have families there or the people that were there, that you could never take anything for granted. You can never take life for granted and it’s very hard and I wish to help in any little way I could.

Right now, my main focus is the fight. I want to go out there and give a great fight for the fans and everything I’m going to do on that fight day and everything I’m going to do out there is for all those fallen people that have been killed in the earthquakes and the shootings and everything. We’re going to go out there and fight for them to bring them something to distract as best we can.

I just feel very bad and I want to help everyone. Right now I’ve been very busy in training and trying to go out there and just give my family a good future.

R. Schaefer
Well then, I’d like to thank all the media members and I just want to say something which is really interesting through here on this conference call and something which one of the first people who actually asked a question mentioned. How difficult was it to sort of like overcome the fact that Leo and Abner are not fighting each other?

You see that in this call today as well, it makes this card that much more interesting from in-the-ring action because we’ve seen many examples in boxing — in sports — where the underdog turned around and beat the favorite. Was it because of maybe the favorites — or the world champions in this case — maybe didn’t prepare as much? Is it because the underdogs came in better than anyone expected?

Many examples are out there and to talk about the potential Santa Cruz/Mares fight early next March, I think only throws oil into the fire for Avalos and Gutierrez to really come and give their very best to become world champion. Both of those guys have tremendous opportunities to become world champions and I know they will be ready, and I hope that my two friends, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares, know what’s at stake and that they know that they have a target on their back and they better be ready.

So it will be an exciting night, an exciting double-header with two of the most exciting fighters, two Mexican superstars fighting life network FOX and FOX Deportes. What a showcase for boxing. What a showcase for these fighters on this card. What an opportunity and what a great deal for the people up in Los Angeles for as little as $30 to be able to be part of this exciting night of boxing.

So with that, for those who are not be able to be in Carson, make sure you watch it live – 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. Looking forward to see you all next week.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com,www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BOXER ABNER MARES BRINGS MEDIA WORKOUT TO L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF’S CENTURY BOXING GYM THURSDAY


LOS ANGELES – September 29 – Southern California’s four-time world boxing champion Abner Mares hosted an open media workout at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Century Boxing Gym Thursdayin advance of Mares’ Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes bout against Andres Gutierrez – a ‘Fight for my Community’/’Peleando por mi Comunidad’ at StubHub Center in Carson, CA on Saturday, October 14. Televised coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

The October 14 bout will be the second since Team Mares and renowned trainer and former world champion himself, Robert Garcia have joined forces in the corner. Mares, Garcia and Team Mares strength and conditioning coach Luis Garcia demonstrated some training techniques for media and members of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Century Boxing Gym.

Mares is the current WBA World Featherweight Champion and former three-division world champion. He is a supporter and mentor of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s youth boxing program that is located at the Century Boxing Gym. Born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. at age 7, he grew up in Hawaiian Gardens, CA and credits programs such as the Sheriff’s as helping kids stay out of trouble and stay in shape. Mares hosts multiple community events during the year including the back-to-school drive at the Century Gym, an annual Thanksgiving turkey meal drive in Downey and most recently donation drives for the people of Mexico after the earthquakes, as well as Puerto Rico and Houston.

Here is what Mares & Garcia had to say at the special media workout:

ABNER MARES:

“We went into this training camp thinking I was going to fight Leo Santa Cruz and then when we were told I wasn’t, we just never stopped training. We’ve kept the same pace, same desire, which is to win and look spectacular.

“Working with Robert Garcia and Luis Garcia has been great. I really haven’t stopped training with them for the past two years. I think everyone saw the reinvigorated Abner last December when I won my fourth title and that work ethic and skills has not gone away. I’m stronger, focused and have a great team around me 12 months out of the year. ”

On holding his media workout at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Century Boxing Gym:
“It’s great to be here within the community showing what I go through for a fight. Going in and winning is good but this sport is more than that, it’s putting in the work and showcasing. We are excited to donate some tickets to the kids in this program, let them see what a professional fight is like and let these kids see themselves there in the future. ”

On hosting and leading charity events and donation drives:
“The message we should all send is not only giving back but also being united. Being one, being peaceful, it’s God sending us a message – waking us up, smacking us in the head – and letting us know that we need each other. So we’re all getting together and uniting, uniting as family and as human beings.”

Robert Garcia
“With Abner already being the world champ it’s more rounds, more private timing and training for him since this is a world title fight. With the younger guys in the gym they train with Abner, Luis sparred with him. It’s good for the to train with a world champ, see what it takes to train to be a world champ and more importantly stay a world champ. It’s great experience for the younger guys.

“Abner trains with me every day, he’s doing everything he’s told and that’s what a real champ needs to know and do. We’re excited and ready for this fight.”

The diversity of the program:
“With my gym I’m impressed in what I see with Abner; I see a world champion who’s already a three division world champ, four time champion of the world, who stays in the gym for another two hours to work with a Jose Aldo, or give tips to a young fighter coming up. I don’t see many world champs doing that. He needed a gym where he can see a champion from MMA like Jose Aldo as well as a champion like Mikey Garcia.”

Important fight:
“This fight is probably the most important fight, if we don’t get past this fight all the plans for 2018 are done. So we have to train very well, Abner has to continue to follow instructions and do what he has to do fight night. If he does everything we’ll have a great fight and our 2018 will mean bigger and better fights. ”

“Abner’s continued to get stronger, more focused and again, he’s shown up every day, very consistently training not only with me but Luis Garcia his strength and conditioning coach.”

Also on the fight card at Stubhub is three-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz who will defend his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos. If Santa Cruz and Mares win their respective matches, they have both agreed to terms to meet in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBA featherweight title in early 2018.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.




Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Press Conference Quote


LOS ANGELES (September 5, 2017) – Three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and former title challenger Chris Avalos spoke to media at the Conga Room at L.A. Live Tuesday ahead of their world title showdown Saturday, October 14 that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Also in attendance Tuesday was four-time world champion Abner Mares, who takes on Andres Gutierrez as he looks to setup a rematch with Santa Cruz in early 2018.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“Hopefully I can come out victorious and then face all of the big names. I want to rematch Mares and Carl Frampton then unify the division. I’m going to be ready to face anyone.

“Some fighters when they take long layoffs feel a little bit rusty. I wanted to get in there and test my body and see how I feel heading into the bigger fights in the future.

“Chris Avalos is a tough fighter. He has 20 knockouts so I’m not going to underestimate him. Up there in the ring anything can happen. I’m going to be smart, be patient and do what I have to do to win the fight.

“I’ve known Avalos since the amateurs. I beat him the one time we fought but it was a really good, close fight. We went toe-to-toe. He definitely thought he had won the fight. They’ve wanted a rematch since the amateurs.

“I’m very happy to be back fighting here in Southern California. I owe all of this to me team and all the fans who make this possible. I love fighting here and I’m going to give you a great show.

“A lot of people think this will be easy for me, but I don’t see it that way. I’ve been in there with him so I know. I’ll never underestimate an opponent. Anyone who gets in that ring with me is dangerous.

“Avalos has good power that I have to be prepared for. I’m really focused on beating him. We both like to come forward so I’m thinking it’s going to be a war.

“If I can get the win, I’m going to rematch Abner Mares. It was a really close fight the first time and I think the fans will really enjoy the rematch, especially now that he’s working with Robert Garcia.”

CHRIS AVALOS

“I’m not a big talker but I’m ready for this battle. It’s going to be a good fight. This is going to be a war. I like going toe-to-toe and so does he.

“I think fighting close to home is exciting, but it doesn’t matter where the fight is. I think there is certain motivation to do better. I have been working hard in this training camp for this fight.

“My last world title fight I wasn’t really focused. I was running around with the wrong crowd. I am more focused. I stopped talking to everyone I used to. I am a new person. I am a new fighter. Seeing this opportunity in front of me is a blessing. I’m really excited for this fight.

“We did spar in the past and I’ve been wanting to fight him. We aren’t enemies by any means, but it has been forever that I have been waiting for this opportunity.

“I have a lot of tactics on how to fight him strategy wise. It is going to be a good fight and I appreciate they gave me the opportunity.

“We are going to see the best Chris Avalos. I am going to bring the best. It is going to be a fight to remember.”

ABNER MARES

“Andres Gutierrez is a tough fighter and he’s only got one defeat. He’s no tune-up fight. He’s going to give me a good fight. I’m going to learn a lot and try to make the best of it and put on the best performance that I can.

“Leo and I have two tough opponents in front of us. My opponent was ready to fight Carl Frampton and Richard even said that he thought Gutierrez was going to win that fight. I’ve been training hard for this fight because we all know that young fighters like Gutierrez are warriors.

“Gutierrez is no easy test, but he doesn’t have the talent that I have. He doesn’t have the heart that I have. He doesn’t have the corner that I have. I’m going to come out victorious and give the fans a good fight.

“I’m excited to be back fighting in Southern California to perform in front of my fans. I think that Robert Garcia brought the best out of me and we’re going to continue to shine on October 14.

“Having the new relationship with Robert Garcia has really changed my career and given me a whole new outlook. It’s made me a better fighter. I’m more mature and I still feel fast and strong.

“I’m excited to show-off a new Abner Mares. I say this before most of my fights but it’s really true. I’m always learning more and you will be able to see it in the ring when I defend my title.

“I’ve been sparring a lot of young guys and it’s got me feeling great in the gym. I can still hang with the 18 and 19-year-olds coming out of the amateurs. So I’m feel rejuvenated heading into this fight.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is a great fight card on October the 14 from StubHub Center in Carson, California. Los Angeles has clearly become the fight capital of the world. Not only do we have several world champions making Los Angeles their home, but we really have some of the best venues and the absolute best fight fans.

“This is a great doubleheader. Double trouble I have been calling it. Two of the most recognized names in the sport. Two Mexican-American world champions defending their world titles. This is going to be a special night for fight fans.

“This is amazing to have these two fights live on a major network like FOX, and also on FOX Deportes. The StubHub Center is nicknamed the “War Grounds” and I really can’t remember a bad fight at the venue. It truly brings out the best of the fighters.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com,www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Leo Santa Cruz Defends Title Against Chris Avalos; Abner Mares Takes On Andres Gutierrez in Title Match as Pair of Featherweight Showdowns Set the Stage for Santa Cruz vs. Mares Rematch


CARSON, CALIF. (August 30, 2017) – Sensational three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will defend his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos, while four-time world champion Abner Mares defends his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on a show presented by Premier Boxing Champions live on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, October 14. Televised coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

If Santa Cruz and Mares win their respective matches, they have both agreed to terms to meet in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBA featherweight title in early 2018. Santa Cruz won a hard-fought, narrow decision against Mares in a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate that saw the two men go toe-to-toe for 12 fast-paced rounds and combine for over 2,000 punches thrown.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.

“Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are two of the best featherweight champions in boxing and to have them both fighting on the same card is a treat for boxing fans,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Against Avalos, Santa Cruz will have the opportunity to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the most skilled and durable fighters in the division and in his first defense since winning the title Mares can expect a rugged challenge from Gutierrez, who has only lost once in his career and by a close decision.”

“This is going to be a jam-packed afternoon of can’t-miss action for boxing fans in Southern California,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “StubHub Center brings out the best in fighters and I expect that to continue when Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares defend their titles against two hungry challengers in Chris Avalos and Andres Gutierrez. Ringstar Sports, along with TGB Promotions, are looking forward to putting together an exciting card full of future stars and compelling bouts for the great fans at StubHub Center and watching on FOX and FOX Deportes.”

Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) established himself as one of the top featherweights in the world in matches against Mares and Carl Frampton. Cruz lost a close decision to Frampton in 2016 and avenged the loss with a decision victory on Jan. 28 in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 33 pro fights on his way to world titles at 118, 122 and 126-pounds. With a victory over Avalos, Santa Cruz, who fights out of Los Angeles, will cement his hold on featherweight supremacy and stay on the path to that showdown with Mares.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Santa Cruz. “I’ve been working hard in camp and it’s great to be back in the gym. Chris Avalos is a tough contender who’s fought the best in the division. I love my fans and I’m planning on giving them a great show. I never overlook any opponent, but my plan is to put on a great performance, and then give fans more exciting fights against Abner Mares and Carl Frampton. I’m ready to prove I’m the best featherweight in the world.”

Fighting out of Lancaster, California, Avalos (27-5, 20 KOs) will be vying for a featherweight title for the first time. He came up short in his other world championship bout, losing the 122-pound world championship Carl Frampton via knockout in 2015. In his most recent bout, Avalos scored a TKO victory over Miguel Flores when the fight was stopped on cuts in the fifth round on July 18 in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

“I grew up with Leo Santa Cruz, so I know how to fight him,” said Avalos. “We did a lot of sparring wearing headgear as amateurs, and I put a hurting on him back in the day. I’m not scared. I’m ready to fight. I know in the back of his mind, he’ll be thinking about that. I know I’m the underdog, but I’m not scared. I have a game plan and I know I’m going to win. I’ve fought two champions and lost to Carl Frampton and Oscar Valdez, but I’m a much better fighter and I’m more focused now than I was for those fights. I’ve got the opportunity I’ve been waiting for and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) has fought some of the best competition between the 118-126 pound divisions and has claimed world titles in three different weight classes during his pro career. The 31-year-old climbed back into the championship ranks in December of 2016 by dropping featherweight Jesus Cuellar in a hard-fought, narrow decision victory. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Robert Garcia’s gym in Riverside, Calif., Mares has taken down former champions Daniel Ponce De Leon, Joseph Agbeko and Anselmo Moreno in a career that dates back to his time representing Mexico at the 2004 Olympics.

“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring on October 14 at StubHub in Los Angeles on FOX and FOX Deportes,” Mares said. “My fans will once again see the boxing style and strength that won me my WBA Featherweight title in December. I’m stronger, faster and committed to keeping that title and taking the others. My opponent is a strong challenger and we will bring an action filled fight for boxing fans. I am the people’s warrior and a boxer they can believe in. You don’t want to miss this fight.”

The 24-year-old Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career when he dropped a narrow decision to tough veteran Cristian Mijares last year. That interrupted a 16-fight win streak that included nine knockouts and began after he fought to a draw with Jesus Ruiz in 2011. Gutierrez, of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was set to fight Carl Frampton in a title eliminator in July, but the fight was called off when Gutierrez fell in his bathroom in Belfast, Ireland and broke his nose, lost two teeth and cut his chin.

“I am coming to destroy Abner Mares,” said Gutierrez. “I am in great shape and I’m very hungry to get in the ring and prove I’m one of the best in the world. I will be world champion and reach my dreams on October 14.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com,www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Santa Cruz and Mares to fight separate opponents on October 14


Featherweight titlists Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will angling for an October 7th rematch, but instead they will be fighting separate opponents on October 14, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

If both win, they are supposed to meet in early 2018.

“Yeah, I am a little disappointed because for a second there I thought everything was 100 percent confirmed and I was excited to face him again, but it happens,” Mares said on Friday in the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor media center.

“Whatever comes my way, I’m ready. I was ready for Leo Oct. 7, so regardless, whoever they put in front of me, it’s a fight away from the Leo fight.”




“PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” STARS LEO SANTA CRUZ, ABNER MARES, DANIEL JACOBS, SHAWN PORTER, RANCES BARTHELEMY, ALFREDO ANGULO CONFIRMED FOR THIRD EDITION OF BOX FAN EXPO TAKING PLACE ON CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND, SATURDAY MAY 6, IN LAS VEGAS


Las Vegas (May 4, 2017) – Premier Boxing Champions stars Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares,Daniel Jacobs,Shawn Porter,Rances Barthelemy, Alfredo Angulo have confirmed that they will appear to Meet & Greet their fans at the “PBC Booth” at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Boxing fans will have an opportunity to get autographs signings of gloves, photos and merchandise. Fans can register to win the PBC fan pack as well be greeted with giveaways at this years’ Expo.

PBC is a television boxing series organized by Al Haymon boxing. The Television series seeks primarily to bring renewed mainstream exposure to the sport of boxing, emphasizing a modern “concert”- like atmosphere, “high-quality” cards, television broadcasts through major networks and cable channels as opposed to pay television and pay-per-view events, and the use of technology to provide enhanced insight to the bouts.

PBC joins Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Daniel Jacobs, Shawn Porter, Rances Barthelemy, Alfredo Angulo, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, Marcos Maidana, Jessie Vargas, WBA, Mayweather Promotions, Marco Antonio Barrera, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
http:www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the Event, there will be more announcements on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




Santa Cruz, Mares ordered to rematch by WBA


WBA Featherweight champion’s Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares have been ordered to rematch by the sanctioning body, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Since we’re both under the same management, I don’t think there will be any issue with it going to purse bid,” Mares told ESPN on Monday. “It’s definitely the fight I’ve been wanting since my defeat. It was a really close fight, a great fight, and now, in a different moment in my career, it’s the perfect timing for a rematch. If this happens now, it will be a totally different Abner Mares with a different game plan to get the win this time.”

“I haven’t reached out [to] Mr. Haymon yet about this fight, but I will let him do his work,” Mares said. “But after the Cuellar fight, I asked for the rematch with Leo again. That’s the first fight I asked for.”




FOUR-TIME WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP EVANDER HOLYFIELD JOINS FOX SPORTS BROADCAST TEAM FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT SATURDAY


Los Angeles – FOX Sports announces that four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and current featherweight world champion Abner Mares join the FOX Sports broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: WILDER VS. WASHINGTON live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Feb. 25 (8:00 PM ET), from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Ala. In addition, FOX Sports and industry leader NextVR team to deliver the two-hour show in virtual reality.

Holyfield makes a special appearance as a guest analyst with the broadcast team of blow-by-blow announcer Brian Kenny, fellow analyst and long-time boxing trainer Virgil Hunter, Mares and reporter Kristine Leahy, during the exciting heavyweight bouts. The main event features the title fight between WBC world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) and unbeaten heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (18-0-1, 12 KOs), as well as the 10-round clash between hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs) and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KOs).

Holyfield reigned as both the undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion in a career that spanned more than three decades from 1984 to 2011. He successfully defended the undisputed heavyweight championship three times.

Holyfield and Wilder share a connection. Both were born in Alabama – Holyfield in Atmore and Wilder in Tuscaloosa, where he still resides. Holyfield has followed Wilder’s career since the 31-year-old champion was a member of the U.S. boxing Olympic team and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

There is another Olympic connection between Holyfield and Ugonoh’s trainer, Kevin Barry. Holyfield and Barry met in the semifinals of a light heavyweight bout at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The match was marred by controversy after Holyfield was disqualified in the second round for hitting Barry on the break. Because of the disqualification, Holyfield won the bronze medal for the U.S. team in the 1984 LA Games.

The fourth installment of PBC on FOX features the two heavyweight bouts, as well as a junior middleweight title fight. Once-beaten Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and undefeated Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) battle in a 12-round affair for a vacant 154-pound world championship.

Working with NextVR, the two-hour PBC on FOX show is also broadcast live in virtual reality. For the second year in a row, multiple cameras set up around the ring capture the action in immersive, high-definition virtual reality, providing fans with the best seat in the house. The PBC on FOX boxing experience is available for free through the NextVR app. Fans with a Google Daydream or Samsung Gear VR headset, along with a compatible smartphone, can access the virtual reality experience by downloading the NextVR app from the Oculus or Google Play Stores.

Once the fights are done on FOX, the boxing continues for two more hours on FS1 & FOX Deportes, with Kenny calling the action with analysts Mares and Hunter. That show is headlined by unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (14-0, 10 KOs) against Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono (25-6-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

On FOX Deportes, former featherweight world champion and 2000 Mexican Olympic team member Daniel Ponce de Leon joins blow-by-blow announcer Ricardo Celis to call the action in Spanish.

FOX Sports also presents PBC’s exciting Tuesday night series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes. Follow on twitter at: @holyfield, @MrBrianKenny, @virgilhunter7, @abnermares, @KristineLeahy, @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, fights are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.




Mares dethrones Cuellar to win Featherweight belt


Abner Mares won the WBA Featherweight title with a 12-round split decision over defending champion Jesus Cuellar at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.

Mares was the more active fighter and he floored Cuellar with a hard right in round 11.

Mares won by scores of 117-110 and 116-111. Cuellar took a card 115-112.

Mares of Guadalajara, MX is 30-2-1. Cuellar of Bueno Airies, Argentina 28-2.

Jermall Charlo retained the IBF Junior Middleweight title with an emphatic 5th round stoppage over previously undefeated Julian Williams.

In round two, Charlo scored a knockdown from a jab that put Williams on the seat of his pants. In round five, it was a perfect counter right uppercut that dropped Williams face first. Williams got to his feet, but it was only for a few seconds as a big combination dropped him for a 3rd and final time at 2:06.

Charlo of Houston, Texas is 25-0 with 19 knockouts. Williams of Philadelphia is 22-1-1-1.




Cuellar-Mares, Charlo Williams Weights


WBA Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Jesus Cuellar – 124 Pounds
Abner Mares – 126 Pounds
Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dave Moretti (Nev.)
IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Jermall Charlo – 153½ Pounds
Julian Williams – 154 Pounds
Referee: Wayne Hedgepeth; Judges: Eddie Hernandez (Calif.), Patrick Russell (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)
SHOWTIME BOXING ON FACEBOOK LIVE – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds
Sergey Lipinets – 139¾ Pounds
Lenny Zappavigna – 139½ Pounds
Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Erickson Lubin – 157 Pounds
Juan Ubaldo Cabrera – 159 Pounds
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares & Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams Final Press Conference Quotes


LOS ANGELES (December 8, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title showdown that headlines action this Saturday, December 10 at Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles and live on SHOWTIME®.

The press conference also featured super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top rated challenger Julian Williams who meet in a battle of unbeaten rising stars that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

Additional action on Saturday will be shown via SHOWTIME BOXING on Facebook Live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and feature unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets battling Australia’s Lenny Zappavigna in a junior welterweight world title eliminator and undefeated prospect Erickson Lubin taking on once-beaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from the Galen Center Founders’ Club:

JESUS CUELLAR

“I’m feeling healthy and on weight. I’m really happy with the work I put in during camp and what I’ve accomplished so far.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my pro career. This is historic and I definitely think that it will be a memorable fight for fans. Because of who I’m fighting and what we’re fighting for, it makes it crucial that I get the victory.

“I’m a warrior. My style is to be aggressive and fight with my heart. If I have to let the warrior out, I am ready. But if I have to box, I am ready for that too.

“We are finally here and we are ready. I am willing to give it all for this fight. I’m very excited to perform.

“I want to give the fans a great performance. I know that he will have a lot of support here in California, but I’m going to make them Jesus Cuellar fans. I will bring the heart of an Argentine warrior into the ring.

“Mares is a great fighter and has been a great champion. But I don’t think he’s ever faced anyone with my power or ability. It’s not going to be an easy fight for either of us, but I’m very confident that I will win and probably knock him out.

“I want to thank my great team for the amazing training camp. I am sure that I am going to bring my title back to Argentina.”

ABNER MARES

“People said I could have taken a tune-up fight, but there’s no point to that. Jesus Cuellar is one of the hardest punchers in the weight class. Of course I’m aware of his power, but I’m not scared. This is a contact sport. I can punch back.

“I’m looking forward to this test. Every single fight is a test for me. I’m going to make you guys believe. You will see a tremendous fighter in the ring on Saturday night.

“I’m really excited about this fight. It’s been a long year of waiting. It’s been a process. Having this fight so close to happening makes me really happy.

“I don’t pay attention to the fact that I’m a three-division world champion. That’s in my past and it’s my history. It’s always going to be part of me, but I’m looking for that fourth world title.

“He says he’s going to try to box me. If he wants to do something that’s not really who he is, that’s on him. We’re going to go in there and do what we do. We’re going to stick to a game plan.

“You guys know that I’m always going to give you a good fight. Win or lose, it’s always exciting. I fought last year and lost to Leo Santa Cruz, but I didn’t feel like I lost. It was a close fight and now I’m here. This is going to be an early Christmas present to the fans.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“I had a great camp. Everyone stood by my side as I prevailed through camp. Everyone is here to support me. I’m fighting for more than a world title. I’m fighting to keep my legacy alive.

“There is no fighter equal to me. I grind different and I shine different. I’m not worried about what Julian does well. I’m focused on my game plan and doing what I can do well.

“This is a very interesting fight. I’ve been under these lights before and I’ve felt the pressure of a big fight. You always have to keep looking forward. I could easily have moved up to middleweight, but this is about legacy. This is about giving the fans what they asked for. That’s what I’m here for.

“As hungry as Julian talks, I expect him to come at me. I expect him to come in crazy, which is what I want to do. I’m going to use my brain and my smarts. I know when it’s time to turn it up. I’m a fighter. There’s nothing you can do when I’m placing my punches in the right places.

“I’m planning to fight fire with fire if I have to. If he comes to box me I plan on doing everything perfectly.

“I was near-sighted but now I can see perfectly. I’ve been fighting without perfect vision all my life so now I feel like it’s going to play a big factor in the fight. Things that used to be fuzzy won’t be fuzzy anymore.

“I’m going to fight. I hope he is too. I see a guy who’s ready to give go in there and give it his all. I also see a guy who’s ready to run into the traps I have planned for him.

“I don’t think for one second that I’m not going to win this fight. There’s not one second of this fight where my foot won’t be on the gas. This guy is coming to take my belt and I have not forgotten about that.

“Saturday night, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, or who you are, I know what I came to do, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I want to thank Jermall for being a true champion and taking this fight. It’s going to be a tough fight. We had a rough training camp, but it was really good. I’m really excited about this fight.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to prove to people what I can do. I’ve been underrated and overlooked a lot, but Saturday night is my time to shine.

“I don’t plan on losing any rounds on Saturday night either. Let’s give these fans what they want to see.

“The only way it’s not going to be a tremendous fight is if he doesn’t show up. I expect a firefight. I think this will be a shootout.

“I don’t want to say too much about my strategy, but this is going to be an amazing fight from the start till whenever it finishes.

“I feel really good and focused on getting the job done. Training camp has been amazing. We had about seven or eight sparring partners and it’s definitely the most intense training camp we’ve had.

“There’s always a lot of determination in camp but this is definitely the most important fight of my life. Of course all of my fights before were the most important at that point, so it’s just been building on that to lead to this moment.

“Records don’t lie. My record doesn’t lie. I’ve faced all different kinds of opponents. Fighters from everywhere. I’ve faced them all.

“There’s no beef. He might want to create a beef, but this is boxing. This is a business. He has something I want, and I’m coming to get it.

“I’ve been good on weight. I don’t struggle. I’m eating what I want. I ate breakfast this morning.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I can’t wait to go out there on Saturday night and show why I’m one of the best 154-pounders out there. I know that Cabrera is going to come ready to fight like I am and I hope people enjoy the show.

“I’m very happy with where I am in my career. I’m here on a great card ready to fight someone who is going to push me higher in the rankings if I get past him. I feel like everything is playing out how I wanted to and I just want to keep pushing it forward.

“I plan on putting on a great performance and then 2017 is going to be a huge year. I’m going to go right back to the gym after this fight. I love staying active and busy. I just always want to get better and stronger in the gym.

“I expect my opponent to come ready to fight. I expect every boxer to do that. He only has one loss and I plan on coming out victorious.

“Next year I’m looking for a world title shot. WBC, IBF, any of them. I’m coming for them.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is one of the best cards that I can remember — two evenly matched fights at the top of the card and really a great night from top to bottom.

“When you look at these two fights, you really have two events that could be main events anywhere. These four guys are really made for each other. It’s going to be a very entertaining night.

“Galen Center is a beautiful facility. It’s the newest indoor venue in Los Angeles and it’s perfect for boxing. It’s great to be here on the campus of USC.

“When you think about punchers, you think about Argentina. Jesus Cuellar is a guy who more often than not ends a fight with a knockout. He’s always ready to take on any challenge and ready to make a name for himself. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.

“A few times a year you just know that a fight is going to be a ‘Fight of the Year.’ This main event is one of those fights. You can bet the house that Cuellar vs. Mares is going to be a good fight. You want to be there to see what happens.

“Abner Mares is easily one of the most accomplished and exciting fighters to come out of Mexico in recent history. Here he is trying to reach for the stars again. You’ve seen how exciting he is. You also know that he is a great young man outside of the ring. It’s always very special for me to introduce Abner in particular.

“I was fortunate enough to know Jermall and Julian since early in their career. They are extremely talented fighters and their records prove that.

“Jermall Charlo is the kind of champion who doesn’t shy away from fighting anyone. He’s always ready and prepared and looking for the best challenges. These are the fights that turn champions into legends.

“Jermall and his brother are truly two great young men. They always carried themselves very well and you could always feel their hunger to be world champions. It’s really just the first step. The question is then where you take it. Can you become a superstar? That is what both brothers have in them.

“Jermall already has two title defenses and has come out successful. He continues to take on anyone and that’s just the kind of warrior he is.

“Julian is another truly exciting and gifted fighter who has been waiting for his opportunity for the world title. We often hear fighters say they’re hungry, but Julian defines that. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who was so ready for this. This is really an amazing matchup.

“Julian Williams hasn’t lost a round in his last 10 fights. I challenge you to find another guy in the sport who has performed like that. He’s been waiting for his opportunity and now it is here.

“This is the first time that I’m introducing Erickson Lubin and I hope it’s the first time of many. He has the flash and power in both hands, combined with the charisma to be a big star. Don’t miss his fight.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“In 2016 no other network has made a more significant contribution to the sport of boxing than SHOWTIME. Through Saturday we will have televised more than 22 world title fights. Overall, across our platforms we will have televised 68 total fights and we’re thrilled to be this committed to the sport.

“It’s not just quantity we’re delivering; we’re bringing the most significant matchups in the sport. This card is another example of it.

“This card starts an incredible run over the next five months. All of the fights we have coming up are top 10 versus top 10. These four guys here are top six in their division if you ask anybody. Some have them even higher. The fact that they’re willing to fight each other is great for this sport. This is a card we’re very proud of.

“The main event fighters have fought a combined 24 times on the SHOWTIME platforms. Jesus and Abner will be the fifth featherweight world title we’ve televised this year. This is an exciting time in the history of the featherweight division and we’re excited to bring it to you.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares & Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams Trainer Media Roundtables Quotes

LOS ANGELES (December 7, 2016) – Four of the top trainers in the sport, Freddie Roach, Robert Garcia, Ronnie Shields and Stephen Edwards met with media in Los Angeles to discuss their fighters’ respective showdowns this Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center at USC and live on SHOWTIME®.

Saturday’s event is headlined by featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar defending against former three-division world champion Abner Mares in a long-awaited showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with junior middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top-rated challenger Julian Williams in a world championship battle of undefeated rising stars in their prime.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

Roach (Cuellar), Garcia (Mares), Shields (Charlo) and Edwards (Williams) spoke to media at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown about their fighters and the highly anticipated matchups taking place this weekend in Los Angeles.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

FREDDIE ROACH, Cuellar’s Trainer

How has your relationship with Cuellar developed?
“I’ve gotten to know Cuellar quite well and have spent a lot of time with him. I think he’s learned a lot and I think he’ll carry that into the fight with him. He’s prepared and he won’t go out there just trying to look for a knockout. He’s a good puncher and everybody thinks he’s looking for the KO, but I told him to just let it happen. If you force it, it will never happen.

“He’s going in there with a good opponent, an experienced fighter with a lot of good fights under his belt. He’s caught punches before and knows how to handle it. And if [Mares] moves, we’ll cut the ring off to make it smaller and set traps for him. If he tries to come forward, I want my guy to show his power either way and show him who the boss is.”

On Garcia having the upper hand by having trained Cuellar:
“I don’t really know how their relationship is and I don’t really know how long they’ve been together. I heard that during his training camps that he had gone to Florida for another trainer so I don’t know how great they’re really getting along but again, I don’t really worry about the other side so much. I know my guy is ready for a hard 12-round fight.

“He does know my fighter well and I’ve tried to improve my fighter a lot and he said he never learned anything over there, but every day he learns in my gym. I just don’t think he’s the same guy that Robert is used to seeing and I think he’s improved a lot in a lot of different areas and I think he’ll show it in the fight.”

What are you predicting for Cuellar?
“I’m predicting better angles, not so wide with the punches, not so big with them. He goes out there looking for knockouts so many times and I’ve told him to just let it happen. He needs to get behind his jab a little bit. He has a good jab but he just doesn’t throw it that much because he’s always looking for the home run. So, we’ve worked a lot on not only looking for the home run right away and going out there and breaking this guy down.”

What’s the game plan if Abner comes to box?
“I think he’s going to try to box us, yes, so we have to put pressure on him and we have to keep him close to the ropes. We have to set traps on the ropes and into the corners and we’re well prepared for that. We did prepare for [Mares] coming at us also, trying to maybe catch him early and I want Cuellar to show his power right away because I think if we can get him to box and move, he can’t win the fight by moving away.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“Cuellar is very strong and hits really hard. He has tremendous power. He’s very strong physically and mentally. He has that warrior mentality that just goes out there looking for the knockout.

“I don’t have the secret recipe. It’s just that I know Abner is in great shape and we’ve had a year to prepare for this fight. And I know Cuellar very well. I know how he thinks and that could be a plus. I think facing a guy I used to train can be an advantage for us.

“I know Jesus and how he is in locker room. And I can use that against him. Even though he’s with a great trainer in Freddie Roach, he has never walked out to the arena with him. I did it for five fights and for two years. But I don’t think I need those advantages.

“If Abner does everything that he needs to do, there’s no doubt he will walk out of there a world champion. But this is my first fight with him so I don’t know if during the fight he will forget all I told him, and do what he is used to doing. He’s picked up a lot of good things from me, so I think he’ll stick to the game plan.”

What has impressed you most about Abner this camp?
“For a full year training and having dates and then the dates being cancelled, postponed, changed. It’s been four dates. They were scheduled to fight in March, then June. Then we were supposed to fight in October and now December. He never showed any signs of frustration or being upset. He always thought like I think: Things happen for a reason and this just gives us more time to work together and to learn from each other. So, I think it was the best thing that happened.”

Did you always have aspirations of becoming a trainer?
“Never did. It’s funny how it happened. When I had my last fight at 26, my plans were to forget about boxing. I hated boxing. The last couple of fights I had I didn’t want to be in the ring. I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. But then I started to come around my Dad’s gym in Oxnard (Calif.). The thing that I loved the most was the travel — because I traveled around the world during the amateurs and the pros. My first three fights were in Japan. But we didn’t enjoy it. I was always trying to make weight. And I never got to enjoy it. But I never thought I’d be in this position to train nine world champions.

“I will have my 10th world champion, and I’m hoping it’s this Saturday. I’m very confident about it. One day I’ll have 15 or maybe 20, but that’s one thing I hate to do is predict it. But I do feel really good we can pull this one off.”

Who is your pick for Trainer of the Year?
“Manny Robles had two world champions and has two really good fighters. And Freddie Roach had a great year with Pacquiao. So, I think they would be good picks. I believe Manny Robles deserves it.”

Have you gotten the credit you are due?
“It’s mostly politics and who you know. Will I get it again? I really don’t care. My fighters are happy and my family is happy. I get the love from you reporters and the fans. And that’s all that’s important to me and my team.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer

“All I hear is Charlo is scared. Jermall isn’t scared to fight anyone. Why would a guy who is champion of the world be scared of fighting [Williams]?

“Jermall and Julian ran into each other a few times as amateurs, but not as professionals. I think they both realized they would meet in the ring and that it would happen.

“I’m not really surprised this fight happened this early in their careers, because both guys are great fighters. And they are both deserving to be at the top.”

On Charlo calling Williams an “undefeated nobody”:
“That’s just Jermall [laughing]. All fighters are confident in their ability, and he just feels like he’s the better guy. And I’m glad he feels that way, because I don’t have to do anything extra to motivate him. He’s highly motivated, and ready to go.”

How do you think this fight will end?
“I don’t look at the ends, I only look at the beginnings. If you go in looking to knock the guy out in the early rounds and don’t get it, what’s going to happen in the later rounds? I think I’ve got Jermall to the point where he can go 12 rounds with anyone. He doesn’t care who it is.”

What does Julian Williams do well?
“I think Julian does a lot of things well. You have to have the simple fundamentals in boxing, which I think carries a lot of fighters a long way. You have to have a good jab, combination of punches. And Jermall has the same thing. I think it will come down to who has the biggest will to win this fight. My guy has a huge will to win this fight.”

What is underrated about Jermall that fight fans might now know?
“I think that a lot of people don’t know how smart an individual he is. Outside of the ring, and inside of the ring. He’s so different than he appears in public. He’s a really quiet guy and does not really boast a lot.

“These days you see a lot of fighters using different guys, and not just the same guys [in terms of trainers]. I think a lot of fighters are trusting different people, and not just the same guy.

“I’ve known Jermall since he was eight-years-old and I know what type of guy he is, and what his will is. I just don’t see anybody beating him. He just has such a strong will to win, and he does everything right. And that’s hard to say about the other guy.”

“This could be Jermall’s last fight at 154 pounds. But he will make weight on Friday. If there was a chance he wasn’t going to make weight, I wouldn’t let him [fight at 154 pounds] because I realize it’s too dangerous, and I’m not going to take that chance with my guys.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ Trainer

“We were ready for this fight, maybe a year and a half ago but unfortunately it took a bit longer than we thought to come into fruition. But he’s had a great camp. I know Jermall is a formidable fighter, he has a great coach and I’m expecting a great fight. I think it’s really, really difficult to beat an undefeated fighter that does not know how to lose.

“We have a big task in front of us but he’ll be the third undefeated guy that Julian has fought. So, he’s used to being up under that kind of stress.”

On knowing Julian’s past life on the streets:
“I knew him but I wasn’t training him at the time. Ironically, I knew Julian in 2007 and I used to work at the shelter that he was at. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances I didn’t meet him until I was having a fight party for the Floyd Mayweather-Ricky Hatton fight and we became pretty good friends and then later I started training him in 2010. When he came to the party I knew who he was from attending some of his amateur fights and when he was ready to turn pro, he asked me for some help. We have a relationship outside of boxing and then I started working with him and here we are.”

Did he open up to you about his story shortly after you knew him?
“I kind of already knew it so it wasn’t a revelation. It kind of happened organically, you know, as you get to know somebody and you’re around them, I kind of started to learn different things about him and we started talking more about it. Actually, a lot of things came up through boxing because I would ask him ‘How do you not win Nationals as good as you are?’ I thought he was the best amateur in the city. I would say: ‘How long do you run?’ and ‘What kind of diet do you do?’ and he would say ‘I just lose weight by taking laxatives.’ I thought he was killing himself and that’s when I wanted to take him on in training. I said man, if he was 77-10 as an amateur taking laxatives to lose weight, he is ruining the lining of his stomach and decreasing his energy level too. So, I said to myself ‘this kid has a big upside.’

“If I could just get him to buy into a diet, buy into doing things the right way, he could be a world champion. I think that I believed that he was going to be a world champion before he did. That’s how the stories started to unravel about his homelessness, that he didn’t have anything to eat, that he would work at McDonalds and other places and that would be his diet.

“This is a national level fighter, ranked No. 3 in the country on a McDonald’s diet. So I always just kept in the back of my mind that he had an unbelievable upside and regardless of what was going on or what people were saying, I trust my eyes more than I trust anybody else’s and that’s what I believe.”

How much do you think his past goes into the way he fights?
“I definitely think that he has a hint of anger. He’s a little introverted and I’m very similar in certain things that we don’t talk about. Getting him ready for the Hugo Centeno fight when his mom passed away, we never talked about it. It’s the weirdest thing in the world. I hugged him, I told him I would help him with the funeral arrangements because he’s a young guy and he didn’t know how to handle those things.”

What can you say about Jermall?
“He’s not better than Julian at anything. I’m not trying to concede anything. He doesn’t punch harder, he’s not faster and you all can quote me when I say he’s not better than him at nothing. And determination. If it comes down to a point of who’s really willing to lose his life in the ring, I already know who’s willing to lose his life in the ring. But he’s not better at him at anything. Nothing. Not just determination, Julian is just the more skilled fighter and he has more on the inside and he’s going to show everyone on Saturday night.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Get to Know Main Event Fighters Jesus Cuellar & Abner Mares

Jesus Cuellar
LOS ANGELES (December 6, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares will meet in a long-awaited world championship showdown this Saturday, December 10 at Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles and live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with junior middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top-rated challenger Julian Williams in a battle of undefeated rising stars in their prime.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

The hard-hitting Cuellar of Argentina and the decorated Mares of Southern California shared some fun facts and spoke about their interests outside of boxing before they lace up the gloves and meet in the center of the ring on December 10.

Read below to learn more about the two fighters before their main event showdown:

JESUS CUELLAR

1. If you could have one super power, what would it be?

It would be super strength. My nephew already calls me The Incredible Hulk.

2. What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a very good cook. I can cook lots of things for myself. I love cooking for my family.

3. What is your favorite snack?

A torta dulce, a sweet sandwich served in Latin American countries throughout the world.

4. Least favorite food?

I hate pickles.

5. What do you do for extra motivation?

I watch the movie “300” during training and before fights.

6. What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is “Martin Fierro,” a 2316-line poem written by Argentina’s Jose Hernandez.

7. If you weren’t a boxer, what would you be doing?

I would want to be a horse jockey. Their job is very interesting. My body would look a lot different, but I think I could be good at it.

8. What is one of your most impressive physical feats?

I’ve done as many as 1,200 sit-ups in a day.

9. Do you have any fight night superstitions?

It’s not really a superstition, but I wear red and white in the ring during every fight.

10. If you could have dinner with one historical figure who would it?

It would be former unified middleweight world champion and Argentine legend Carlos Monzon.

ABNER MARES

1. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a ‘dance dad.’ My oldest daughter Emily is on a dance team that went to the national championship in Connecticut when I fought Leo Santa Cruz. We stopped the workout at the track and the entire team huddled around my iPhone to watch her. It made me really proud – she did really well! She has her winter recital on the night of the fight, but I’m hoping to watch part of it on Facetime while I’m in the locker room.

2. What is a guilty pleasure you have?

It’s definitely my collection of sports cars. I call it my ‘auto wardrobe.’ My favorites are the different Mercedes I have.

3. What’s the most extravagant thing you own?

I wrapped one of my Mercedes in pure gold. That would have to be it.

4. Do you have any business endeavors outside of boxing?

My wife and I just opened up “Nathalie’s Essence of Beauty.” It’s a full service makeup salon in Downey that I’m excited to see grow.

5. What is a food you hate?

Olives. I’ve never liked them and I never will.

6. Who’s your favorite musician?

My favorite music is from Ariel Camacho. He was a regional Mexican singer who died in a car accident in 2015 in Sinaloa, Mexico. He walked me out for my fight against Oquendo and then the band walked me out for my fight against Santa Cruz after Ariel had passed. The band is called Los Plebes de Rancho and “El Karma” is a must-have CD.

7. What is your ideal birthday present?

The one thing my friends always get me that I love is cologne. I have cologne from all different brands from all over the world. I like smelling good.

8. What is your favorite snack?

Definitely a Snickers bar. They’re another guilty pleasure, but not during training camp.

9. If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be?

I would say Pablo Escobar. He’s a guy I couldn’t pass up meeting.

10. If you weren’t a boxer, what would you be doing?

I would want to be an architect. I love the art, structure and function of buildings – homes and offices. From the design, to the way it’s used, it’s something I’m very interested in.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Jesus Cuellar, Abner Mares & Josesito Lopez Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes

Jesus Cuellar
LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares participated in a media workout in Los Angeles Tuesday in advance of their long awaited showdown taking place Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center in USC in Los Angeles and live on SHOWTIME.

Also in attendance Tuesday at City of Angels Boxing was former title challenger and local fan favorite Josesito Lopez, who competes in a welterweight bout on the undercard. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features junior middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo taking on top-rated challenger Julian Williams in a battle of undefeated rising stars in their prime.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

JESUS CUELLAR

“The fight is here and I’m ready to step in the ring. I have defended my title six times already and I want to be the best in the division. He’s one of the best and I’m willing to challenge him.

“This is an important fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. It’s an important fight for my career and to prove to everyone how good I am.

“Abner Mares is a high level fighter. I have to beat him to reach the next level of this sport. That’s what I’m preparing to do.

“You’re going to see everything I’ve learned on December 10. I love to train hard and I’ve improved greatly as a fighter. I’m going to put it all together in the ring.

“There’s no pressure for me coming into this fight. I know that I’m in his backyard but I have the people of Argentina behind me. This is going to be a really good fight.

“I’m ready to go to war. I know Abner is ready and he has a goal in his mind. I’m ready to do what I have to do in the ring.

“It’s been almost a year. We came here in January to fight Mares and now the time is almost here to accomplish our goal.

“I have to go out there and do my job. I’m going to show Abner a lot of different things. I have a lot more skills than people give me credit for. It will all be on display in the ring.

“I know that I’m going to be at 100 percent. I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been that I’m prepared for this fight and I’m going to win.

“Freddie Roach is getting the best out of me. He knows what I like to do and he knows how to correct my mistakes. He’s doing a really good job in training camp.

“I’m working to go 12 rounds and end the night with a victory for Argentina. I came here to achieve a great victory for my country.”

ABNER MARES

“I’m so happy and excited to be fighting in Los Angeles and in my backyard again. SHOWTIME is the reason I’m famous.

“On paper I thought that Cuellar is probably going to be toughest, strongest fighter I’ve been in with. I can’t say for sure because we haven’t fought yet. But I know that he is a strong, powerful champion who is coming in to keep his title.

“There’s always a reason behind something bad that happens. In this case, me not being able to fight twice (due to postponements), it just gave me the opportunity to get to know Robert even better. I’ve had a whole year leading up to this fight. You will see a difference in me. I’m very eager and excited to fight.

“It’s going to be a tremendous fight. I think Cuellar only has one style, and that’s to rely on his power punches. He’s a come forward type of fighter that seems to always be looking for the knockout. But I’ve been known to give a fight too and make for great fights.

“My plan is to make the fight as easy for myself as possible. I feel I have the tools to give him different looks that maybe he hasn’t seen before against a fighter of my talents. For me to win another world title would mean the world to me. It would be an early Christmas present for me, my family and my friends.

“Coach Robert Garcia brings the discipline and the demanding voice of a trainer. We have to do things his way and I like that. It’s bringing the best out of me. I’m really excited for this fight.

“Fighting in my hometown of LA, I feel like I have the home field advantage. I don’t feel any pressure at all. I feel like I’m in as good of shape as I can be and there will be no ring rust. I’ve actually had three training camps for this fight, after postponements in March and June.

“If you look at Cuellar he looks much naturally bigger. But we’re both going to weigh just about the same at the weigh-in. He has to make the same weight as I do. I felt a little bit of pressure before the Leo Santa Cruz fight, but none this time.

“Bringing in Robert Garcia has been a great thing for me. He’s brought a lot of experience and he’s one of the best coaches out there. I can’t wait to show the fans what I’ve learned from Robert.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’ve been anxious to get in there but I’m ready now and excited to get back to doing what I love. I healed up from some injuries that I suffered. Now that I’m fully healed I have felt the power returning and it’s time to go.

“The most important thing is that I’m 100 percent ready mentally and physically. I’ll be right there in the ring on December 10.

“This is my first quiz in going back to school and working my way toward a world title. I’m back in the gym and putting everything together so that I can use it in the ring.

“I am going to be smart and work hard in the ring. I know I have to make the key adjustments during a fight that will make the difference when I meet the elite fighters.

“Just a few months ago when I sparred for the first time in a while, I realized I missed getting hit. Why? Because I love the chance to hit back. Even just having the Vaseline back on my face was something I missed. I’ve probably watched more boxing than I had in my entire life since I’ve been gone.

“This absence has brought back the fire in me. There are several titles that are accessible to many guys in my division. I know I’m right there and I just need to take the right steps to get to that point.

“I have undivided attention in training camp with Robert Garcia and I’ve worked very hard to get myself ready. I feel like I’m still improving and getting better.

“I’m really excited to get back in the ring. I can hardly wait. There’s nothing I love more than performing for my fans. I’m going to do what I always do, which is make sure the fans see a great fight when I’m in the ring.”

MARVIN SOMODIO, Cuellar’s Assistant Trainer

“Cuellar is in great shape. We’ve been training Jesus at Wild Card since June. I think that this time is going to the perfect time for us. I’ve always thought that you need some time to improve the fighters and now we’ve gotten that.

“I think the postponement helped us more than Mares. I feel like I know Cuellar 100 percent and we’ve studied up on Mares and his strengths and weaknesses.

“I expect the early rounds the fighters will be smarter, but as the rounds go on, these fighters are warriors, and I expect them to fight inside.

“Jesus loves to fight. Especially in the early rounds, he loves to throw hard punches. We tried to change everything so that he’s setting his opponent up.

“Mares is going to try to box. But in the middle of the fight Mares will do what he does. He’s going to come forward and exchange. We’re ready for anything and we expect everything from Mares.

“I don’t think Cuellar’s layoff will be a factor. We’ve almost had no time off. He’s been in the gym and sparring with world champions. He’s a great guy to train. You will never hear him complain. He loves to work hard and train. If anything we have to make sure we don’t over train him. Freddie and Jesus get along very well.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“I think basically what Abner needed was just a new voice. He had been working hard and training in a nice gym that he liked. But he was calling his own shots. I think he was getting a little too comfortable. I just think he needed a new voice.

“He’s never questioned one thing I’ve asked of him. He’s done everything I’ve asked. I said that he can stay in Riverside or he could make the drive. Eventually he decided to stay in Riverside.

“Abner is hungry now. When he introduced himself to me, he might have lost some of that. He wasn’t listening to trainers’ instructions. But the moment he came to me, he’s been doing everything he’s supposed to. He’s old enough to know that he’s not a kid anymore.

“Cuellar is a very strong fighter both physically and mentally. He’s the hardest hitter in the featherweight division. He’s dangerous and dedicated.

“I know that Freddie Roach is a great trainer. One day I want to say that I’ve accomplished as much as he has. He is very good when it comes to strategy and adjustments during the fight. This is a more challenging fight with Freddie but I love challenges.

“Training has been great and everything we got out of it was positive. He transitioned to me easily and I can’t wait for December 10.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares Media Conference Call Transcript

Jesus Cuellar
Richard Schaefer
Thank you very much, and thank you to all the media for being on today’s call. It was an interesting weekend, but boxing goes on and boxing goes on in a big way here on Saturday, December 10 as a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader with two toe-to-toe fights that will electrify the sport, and I’m really excited to be able to host and promote this card here from Galen Center in Los Angeles.

The fight we are discussing today is for sure going to be one of those potential Fight of the Year candidates, and I know these days those words are being used quite a bit, but I really feel these fighters are right for each other. This is a fight in one of the most stacked divisions in boxing. Before I introduce the two fighters, just some other things, the card will take place from the Galen Center at the USC Campus in Los Angeles.

The Galen Center is a first-class arena. It’s actually the newest indoor arena in and around Los Angeles. Televised coverage will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT for those people who can’t make it to the Galen Center. The co-main event is really a main event in its own. It’s one of the most anticipated and asked for fights in another great weight class, the junior middleweight division where you have arguably two of the best, if not the two best fighters in that division against each other: Jermall Charlo defending his title against top-rated challenger Julian Williams.

This is a fight Julian Williams has been waiting for, for a long time, and it’s a battle of unbeaten up and coming stars in their prime. There’s going to be a terrific, non-televised card as part of this event, as well. So, those people that are going to be able to make it out to the Galen Center, they’re going to really be in for a treat. I’m going to tell you about some of those fights, which my co-promotor, Tom Brown from TGB Promotions, has put together and I want to thank Tom for a job very well done. These are greatly matched fights, and I’m excited and looking forward to seeing them.

Included on the undercard is junior welterweight title eliminator featuring unbeaten Sergey Lipinets, with a record of 10-0, with 8 KOs, taking on Australia’s Lenny Zappavigna with a record of 35-2 with 25 KOs. Great match ups. They will also see a pair of undefeated prospects who are looking to cement their status as championship contenders. In the super welterweight division Erickson Lubin, who is 16-0, with 11 KOs of Orlando, Fla., and junior lightweight Mario Barrios, with a record of 16-0, with 8 KOs out of San Antonio.

The card will also include an array of local talent from Los Angeles or the greater Los Angeles area, including Oxnard’s Hugo Centeno, Jr. with a record of 24-1 with 12 KOs, former title challenger Josesito Lopez with a 33-7 record, with 19 KOs and personally one of my favorites. He’s always there to give a fight, just an amazing warrior and I’m happy to see Josesito Lopez on this card. Then we also are going to see Abner Mares’ younger brother, Adan Mares, who has a record of 14-3. I’m looking forward to having him there as well. It really is a can’t-miss night, and for those people here in Southern California, please come and see this card. It’s going to be great fighters, great matchups.

The doors are open at 3:30 pm, and the fights begins shortly thereafter. Tickets for the live event are on sale now, and they start at $35, yeah 35, what a steal. Students get a special $10 off. There’s a $25 student ticket available as well, and they’re available at www.galentix.com.

Now, the man who made is all happen and is not only a very close friend of mine but really a man with a passion for the sport of boxing, the Executive VP and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
This fight is one of the fights I’ve been most excited about on this year’s schedule. As many of you remember, this was a fight that was originally set for June and had to be rescheduled. It was such a strong fight that we didn’t want to lose that, and I know that required some sacrifice from both fighters, and we’re deeply appreciative for that. That they’re willing to wait shows what kind of guys both these guys are, as they’re looking for a challenge and neither one wanted to walk away from what, as Richard mentioned, could be one of the best fights of the year.

This is the fifth featherweight fight that SHOWTIME will be televising this year. It is one of the most talent, deep divisions, and we’re thrilled to have such a wealth of talent and thrilled to be focusing on it this year. It is a 50-50 fight between two fighters that are, in the consensus top six of the division supported by an incredibly strong undercard, and we are very happy and very proud to be ending the year on such a strong note. We look forward to December 10, and I’ll turn it over back to Richard.

R. Schaefer
Right, thank you very much Stephen. Now, it is a privilege for me to introduce to you Abner Mares. Abner Mares, as you all know is certainly one of the greatest fighters at this time to come out of Mexico. He was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was a 2004 Mexican Olympian and that is how long I’ve known him and how long I’ve been involved with his fights. He lives now and fights out of Downey, California and trains with one of the best trainers in his corner, Robert Garcia. If you look at his resume, it is as impressive as it comes. He is a former world champion at 118, 122 and 126 pounds, has really fought everybody and from Ponce de Leon, from Oquendo, from Moreno, from Darchinyan and the list goes on and on.

He will be fighting in California for the 10th time in his career, including his last bout which was a terrific Fight of the Year candidate against Leo Santa Cruz. Abner Mares is the kind of fighter, who in all the fights, has never been in a boring fight because he knows how to entertain. He wants to give it his best, and he has the will to win. Here he goes, at this point in his career, for yet another world title and it is a pleasure now to turn it over to Abner who can talk a little bit about training camp, what this fight means to him and maybe give us some Thanksgiving thoughts as well. Abner.

Abner Mares
Definitely, Richard. How you doing? I want to start out by thanking God. All you guys for making this possible, Richard, Stephen Espinoza and obviously, the great boxing fans out there who are always supporting and even the ones who are not there to support, they just give you a bad time, but you know at the end of the day, they support the sport in a way.

So, I’m really honored and privileged to be fighting December 10 in my hometown in LA. It’s going to be a great fight against a great fighter, Jesus Cuellar, a puncher, a guy who has a lot of strength, a guy that has lots to prove. Like Richard has mentioned, I’m just really looking forward to this fight. As you guys know, I’ve never been in a boring fight. I always entertain. I find a way to give you guys explosive fights and this will be just that. It will be an exciting fight, like Richard mentioned, this is perfect for an entertaining fight and I’m going to give you just that.

An early Christmas present to everyone, hopefully a late birthday present for me, since it’s going to be a week after my birthday. It’s going to be great. You can’t miss it, like Richard mentioned; in this stage of my career, I think this is my second wind. I’m looking forward to showing you guys a different Abner and what you guys don’t know already. This is going to be a year since I started training with well-known coach Robert Garcia, a whole year we had to train and get to know each other, so you will see the difference. So with that said, I think this is a fight you can’t miss on SHOWTIME. You can’t miss live at the USC Galen Center.

This is a Fight of the Year to close the end of the year and I’m looking forward to that — not so much looking forward to Thanksgiving like Richard said because we will still be on a diet, we won’t be able to eat as much, but obviously spending time with the family being thankful for everything that God has given us. It’s been a blessing. Thank you all for tuning in and thank you all again. I can’t wait for December 10th to make history once again and become a four-time world champion.

Q
Abner, you mentioned the year with Robert Garcia. How has it transformed you? How has it changed you from who you were?

A. Mares
I know once you get a new coach they tend to get a fight right away, and they tend to fight the next six to eight weeks, and you don’t see much of a difference. Why? Because you only have that small period of time to train and get to know each other, and I just mentioned a whole year with Robert and not only a whole year with Robert, a whole year of getting ready for this fight against a southpaw and you guys know what type of coach Robert is. Not only does he bring education to your boxing skills but also that motivation, it’s always good to have that motivation knowing that you have one of the best in your corner. So, you will see a different Abner and I think the best way to answer your question is you will just see a more mature fighter in me.

Q
A lot of people who are looking at this fight are saying that dealing with Cuellar’s strength and power is going to be the most difficult thing for you. How do you get through that and what are your own thoughts?

A. Mares
Once you get hit hard or anything that you can’t think of happens in the ring, I don’t think it’s based on your experiences, it’s more based on your willingness, your heart and the desire to continue. I think that comes from deep inside, and I think I have that. I think I’ve showed it in many fights. I’ve had difficult times in different fights, so I think it just comes from inside. You can’t teach that, but again, yes, experience has helped a lot to get you out of certain things but, again, I think this is going to be one of the smartest fights we’re going to be able to fight.

Q
How disappointed were you and how surprised were you that you would were not allowed to fight that particular bout in Brooklyn because of the location of the match?

A. Mares
Well, it was difficult. It’s not the first time something like this has happened to me — not in the sense of me being injured or anything but a fight being cancelled. I’ve had fights being cancelled or postponed, years back so it’s nothing different. But I am a human being, I have feelings, obviously, and I just felt sad at the moment because I love to fight.

Yes, I was disappointed, not so much in myself, just the situation, but, again, I have to take people back. I’ve got them pretty much fighting this whole year. I was supposed to fight in March, that got postponed because of an injury and then it got postponed for June and then that June fight got postponed so here we are December 10th, and again it’s just a way of seeing that mental strength and that circle you have around you. You know my family kept me strong and those long talks with my advisor kept me going and again here we are and still healthy and we will continue to give you guys good fights.

Q
Abner, could you at all just explain the situation with the eye. For whatever reason, they have different rules in New York, but can you explain what that situation is with that eye and which eye is it?

A. Mares
It’s like you said, different rules for different states. We know they’re stricter on that side. I think that tells you they’re stricter and then, obviously, the issues they’re having at the moment and it’s nothing bad. It’s something that happened in 2008. I have been fighting since. I’ve been cleared in every state I’ve fought in, other than New York. I fight in California, I fight in Texas, I fight in Vegas. I fight in Philly, too. I think there was a red flag for them because, obviously, I had surgery done again in 2008 and they just didn’t want to take the risk, but again I think, like Richard, myself and my doctor said, we’re good to go. We have been. I have the same risk. I don’t have it higher or less than any fighter out there. My surgery is done. I’m good and like any other fighter I have the same risk of getting one open in the ring, so there’s no risk higher of me getting one.

Q
Abner, which eye was it you had the surgery on back in ’08?

A. Mares
It was in my left eye.

Q
Abner, do you have any concern whatsoever about rust?

A. Mares
Not at all, you have to see it and look at it on the positive side. Obviously, I haven’t been in the spotlight, no cameras around me, no lights, but I’ve been active. Since March, I’ve been getting ready for the fight. Every single fight has been postponed the week of the fight, so I’ve practically done training camps for two fights. So, that does not worry me, but if it happens you will feel it in the ring, and it’s just a matter of adjusting to it. It wears off within one or two rounds and just getting the rhythm of the fight going. I think we’re safe and we’ll be good.

Q
Richard, when you started to go and work on this fight did you have any issues with Abner’s medical situation or were you were sort of like surprised it was postponed and then, when he went through the testing you were very satisfied that everything was okay? What was your take on the postponement because of New York?

R. Schaefer
I think, first of all, New York has other issues related to boxing to well. With the insurance requirement they had a very difficult year, New York, as it situates to what happened with all the ins and outs of the commission and I think anybody in boxing or anybody would agree it’s a bit of a mess out there. Then you look at California. I think California is one of the best run if, frankly, not the best-run commissions and so of course when the fight was postponed or cancelled or whatever in New York, I not only talked to Abner and his wife. They were both in my office and I talked to them, but I asked Abner for permission to actually talk directly with his attorney and with his doctor, who is one of the most recognized surgeons and specialists as it relates to eyes and eye injuries in the world.

When I talked to the doctor I asked him straight out, is Abner okay? He said yes. I asked him is Abner at a higher risk than any fighter who enters the ring and he said absolutely not and that gave me the confidence to go forward and promote this fight. I had the same conversations with the California Commission and their medical board was satisfied with their requirements to make sure Abner was okay because of course if it’s the commission or anyone involved in this fight, first and foremost is fighter safety and Al Haymon, Abner’s advisor, asked me numerous times, I mean numerous times, and he said look if we’re going to do this fight, make sure Abner is okay and make sure he is absolutely okay, and I feel confident that I did that and so we’re ready to go.

R. Schaefer
Okay, great. We’re going to have Jesus make some comment and then opening up for both fighters to answer any questions.

It’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you the current WBA Featherweight World Champion with a record of 28-1 with 21 knockouts. He’s one of those other tough, hard hitting, fighters coming out of Argentina, in this case Buenos Aries and he’s in his first fight under legendary coach Freddie Roach, so you’re going to have an interesting matchup there also with Robert Garcia’s trained fighter, Abner Mares, against a Freddie Roach trained fighter Jesus Cuellar and you know those two guys, Roach and Garcia are very competitive, and so I think that adds some extra spice to the matchup. Cuellar won his world title in 2013 and has gone to defend it five times since then, including victories over Rico Ramos, Vic Darchinyan and Juan Manuel Lopez. It is a pleasure now to introduce Jesus Cuellar.

Jesus Cuellar
I feel very good. We’ve had a great training camp with Freddie and my entire team. I have been concentrating on this matchup and looking forward to the fight with Abner.

R. Schaefer
Okay, very good so let’s open it back up to questions now from the media. Any more questions for Abner or Jesus Cuellar please.

Q
What did that fight against Santa Cruz tell you about what you have left to offer in boxing?

A. Mares
I think that part itself tells you what I have left. I gave it my all. I think it was a close fight and it lets you know I have a lot left. I gave a hell of a fight and it’s just different styles. It didn’t really tell me anything other than that I’m ready for anything. It was a great fight against a great fighter and that’s it.

Q
Abner, without giving away any strategy or anything, what do think are some of the biggest improvements you’ve made working with Robert Garcia?

A. Mares
Wow. So, many but I think that number one is definitely on my basic punches, the one, two, hook, three-punch combination. I think we perfected those plus sitting down more, turning more on my punches. It’s crazy how you might think you’re throwing your punches good, and you’re not this whole time. So, I think I’ve learned how to turn more on my punches, how to sit better on my punches and I think my power is coming out really good. My sparring partner has helped me and I think you will see improvement in my power and my defense.

Q
I know he probably doesn’t speak to you about this much, but can you tell me what it would mean for you, because as Richard mentioned before, there’s an obvious rivalry between Robert and Freddie. What would it mean for you to win one for him?

A. Mares
Yes, like you said we don’t talk about that. It has nothing to do with Freddie Roach. I think it’s a fight between a fighter and myself and just winning the fight for us as a team will mean the world to us. We have no desire on throwing this in anyone’s face. It’s just a win, and there’s no rivalry.

Q
Abner, when you think back about your journey and the opportunities you’ve had in boxing, what are you most grateful for? What are some of the things you’re most grateful for this month, in advance of Thanksgiving?

A. Mares
First, all of the great people I have around me. My circle, my friends, the opportunities I’ve had, and just the opportunity to be fighting for another world title before the end of the year is something I’m really grateful and then I thank, obviously, the great team, SHOWTIME, my advisor and then everyone for this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to making myself and my family proud for everything overall. Like you said, I came from nothing to something and there is something I’m trying to do in this sport and that’s to just try and be an example for my kids and for the young kids growing up that anything is possible.

Q
Jesus, how long have you been with Freddie Roach so far in camp and how has that made a difference in your style and your confidence going into this fight?

J. Cuellar
I’ve definitely learned a lot. I feel extremely improved. We have a lot of confidence heading into this fight. I want to thank God for the all the blessings I’ve had. It’s been nice to go back to Argentina, but this was a great opportunity to come up with Freddie and get ready for December 10th.

Q
Do you think that your power and your size advantage make you different from southpaws Abner has faced in any way? What do feel separates you from those southpaws and or anyone else that Abner has faced?

J. Cuellar
I know that I have the size advantage and I’m the bigger fighter but I certainly cannot rely on that. I realize this is going to be a difficult matchup, and I have to bring my best because Abner is a heck of a talent.

Q
What are you thankful for in advance of Thanksgiving?

J. Cuellar
I’m relaxed, I’m calm and I’m thankful that I’m going to spend the time with my family and friends.

Q
This past Saturday we saw a very controversial decision with Ward and Kovalev. Abner, I’ll begin with you, when you see a very controversial decision like that, as a boxer, does it bother you the fact that we’re still seeing controversy when it comes to the judges and does that motivate you at all to try to go for the knockout, not to leave it in the judges hands?

A. Mares
I’m sorry, I’m not going to lie. I did not watch the fight. I wasn’t able to see the fight, because I had a turkey drive the following day on Sunday, so I was getting ready for that, but obviously I saw the tweets, I saw everything. I heard about it, and I heard it was a really controversial decision, but I think there’s no judges like the people. I think those are the ones that you have to prove something to, not so much the actual judges in the ring.

Though, I think it’s divided. I think 50 percent think Kovalec won and another 50 percent think Ward won. Coming from the ground and getting back up and just winning the fight speaks a lot for him. So, again I did not watch the fight. I can’t go into detail, and for myself you just take that and put it on my fight. I don’t have to do anything to impress the judges. I think just my boxing itself. I think we have professionals up there, and they’re going to do their jobs, so I don’t even have to think about that or put that in my head that I have to do something different just to impress the judges. No, I’m going to go in there and just do my job.

Q
You mentioned before, after your last fight was cancelled, that you spoke with Al Haymon and he gave you some advice and counsel to lift your spirits. What advice did he give you after your last fight was cancelled?

A. Mares
Just having him as a friend, as an advisor, just being positive, him saying Abner ‘we’re in this together.’ Just hearing those words, ‘we’re in this together, we’re going to get through it, we’re going to get you a fight soon. Do not worry.’ That did it all. I was, obviously, I was still worried but it calmed me down. It calmed me down and like I said here we are a couple of weeks away and, again, I’m really thankful for my team.

Q
Jesus, everyone who saw you at the news conference was talking about how big you were. Is weight going to be a problem for this fight and traditionally have you ever had any weight difficulties?

J. Cuellar
No, I’ve never had any issues when it comes to weight and I’m very thankful again for the training camp we’ve had and continue to have and I’m ready for the fight.

Q
How much do you weigh right now?

J. Cuellar
130.

Q
Jesus, why did you want to fight Abner specifically?

J. Cuellar
Well, Abner is a fantastic fighter and you have to beat the best in the world to be the best. Now we just have to get ready for December 10th in Los Angeles.

R. Schaefer
Okay, great. I want to thank all of the media members again. I know that many of you from the East Coast are planning on being here for this fight. I just want to say, I know you guys are going to be treated to a very special night. I am going to host a spectacular media dinner on Friday night as well. This is my first fight back, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better doubleheader with Cuellar and Abner Mares and Charlo and Williams and all the other fights I mentioned before. So, I’m really excited about the fights, but I’m really excited to see you guys from the East Coast as well and appreciate the relationship that we have and look forward to working with you. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and all of your families. Thank you very much.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar Battles Former Three-Division World Champion Abner Mares, Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall Charlo Faces Undefeated Top Contender Julian Williams Saturday, December 10 From USC’s Galen Center Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Friday, at 3 p.m. PT!

Jesus Cuellar
LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2016) – Hard-hitting featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) is set to take on former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in a world title showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event on Saturday, December 10. The exciting doubleheader will be live on SHOWTIME from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGÒ event begins with super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) meeting top-ranked contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs) in a highly anticipated matchup of undefeated stars.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, October 28 at 3 p.m. PT and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

“This is the most important fight of my career as Mares is one of the best in this loaded featherweight division,” Cuellar said. “We had to wait very long for this fight to happen, but everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful that the time is almost here. I know that this fight will be a war. I’ve been working hard with Freddie Roach and I’m excited to show what I’ve learned and get my frustration of waiting off my chest. I am more motivated than ever to keep my title and prove who is the best in the division.”

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and win my fourth world title,” said Mares. “I’m 100 percent healthy and ready to go. I’m looking forward to showing that to my fans and the entire audience on December 10. Los Angeles is my town. This is a fight that I’ve wanted and I’m glad to be giving the fans a great show at the end of the year. Come watch me on December 10 and see what a warrior looks like.”

“Camp for me started a month after I defeated Austin Trout,” said Charlo. “From that point on, I’ve been in the gym working and I got my vision corrected, so I’m feeling great. I’m looking forward to putting my clearer vision to the test and I’m so prepared and ready for this fight. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s the best fighting the best. Julian brings an undefeated record to the table and I know he’s watched a lot of my past fights because we always knew we would fight one day. So who’s the best? We’ll find out, but I know I’m ready to rumble.”

“I’m excited to get my first title shot, but more than anything I’m just focused on winning,” said Williams. “Jermall Charlo is strong and fast, but I will be better than him on December 10. I’ve been waiting for this fight for the longest time and I know this will be a great night for the fans. I plan on giving them an exciting, explosive fight and most importantly a win.”

The action-packed doubleheader features two evenly matched showdowns as all four men, firmly in the top 10 in their division, will enter the ring believing that they will be the one leaving with a belt around their waist. Cuellar and Mares look for supremacy in a crowded featherweight division brimming with contenders while Charlo and Williams each look for a career-defining performance to boost their burgeoning profiles.

“I am elated to be promoting this great night of action for boxing fans around the world,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Both of these fights are 50-50 match ups with a lot on the line. These are fights that the fans want to see and pose challenges that these fighters are eager to face. They will have a great stage at the Galen Center at USC and on SHOWTIME to prove that they are amongst the best in the world. I couldn’t be coming back to the sport with a better fight card and I know that the real winner on December 10 will be the fans.”

“We’re very excited to present this highly anticipated featherweight world title fight between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “I’m thrilled to work with Richard Schaefer on the debut promotion of Ringstar Sports and look forward to many more world-class collaborative events. I also want to thank Stephen Espinoza and the SHOWTIME team along with the Galen Center staff for their help in making what will undoubtedly be an outstanding night of boxing.”

“These two world title fights exemplify what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has and will continue to deliver – true ‘pick-em’ fights between top-rated fighters in the prime of their career,,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Cuellar vs. Mares is arguably the toughest to predict of the five featherweight world championships we’ve presented this year. And in Charlo vs. Williams, our latest in a series of significant bouts at 154-pounds, we have a prime example of how great this sport can be. These are major fights between the top players in two of boxing’s deepest divisions.”

A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar isworking toward his 12th consecutive victory when he gets in the ring to defend his 126-pound title against Mares. His power in both hands has helped him deliver seven knockouts in his last 10 victories, including an eighth-round knockout of former world champion Vic Darchinyan in June 2015. The 29-year-old won his world title with a unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero in his U.S. debut in August 2013. He went on to defend his title against Rico Ramos, Juan Manuel Lopez and Ruben Tamayo.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif., Mares won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to capture the bantamweight crown. He continued to rise in the pound-for-pound list with victories over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight. The 30-year-old won three straight fights leading to a massive showdown with Leo Santa Cruz last August. Mares showed the same explosiveness that made him a multiple-division world champion in a thrilling “Fight of the Year” candidate which he lost by majority decision. The always-exciting Mares will enter the ring for the first time under the tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Garcia and strength coach Luis Garcia as he seeks to capture another world title.

Twin brother of fellow 154-pound world champion Jermell, Jermall Charlowill be making the third defense of the super welterweight crown he won last September with a dominant stoppage over Cornelius Bundrage. The 26-year-old is coming off of a career-best, hard-fought decision over crafty former world champion Austin Trout in May in Las Vegas. Training with Ronnie Shields in Houston, Charlo will look to silence Williams and stake his claim as the best in the division.

One of the most highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams, of Philadelphia, will be getting his first world title opportunity. The 26-year-old has dismantled opponents on his way to accumulating an unbeaten record. Williams solidified his status as a fast-rising star by defeating veterans Luciano Cuello and Arman Ovsepyan in addition to a shutout victory over contender Joey Hernandez in 2015. He earned his No. 1 ranking and title fight by stopping Italy’s Marcello Matano in the seventh round in March.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




SHOWTIME SPORTS® ANNOUNCES SEVEN MARQUEE BOXING MATCHES PITTING TOP-10 CHAMPIONS VERSUS TOP-10 CHALLENGERS

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NEW YORK (Oct. 25, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports will present seven marquee boxing matches pitting top-10 rated champions in the prime of their careers against fellow top-10 rated challengers over four consecutive months beginning in December. The schedule, which is the second robust boxing programming announcement from SHOWTIME in 2016, was announced today by Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. The lineup includes two long-awaited championship matchups, Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares and Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams; the can’t-miss featherweight rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz, and a welterweight unification blockbuster between undefeated champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia. All four of these anticipated bouts will be presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME Sports produced the strongest lineup of world-class boxing events of any network this year, delivering 18 world title fights devoid of mismatches and “tune-up” fights. The best fought the best, and the results were spectacular: two “Fight of the Year” contenders, Thurman-Shawn Porter and Santa Cruz-Frampton; a “Knockout of the Year” frontrunner by one of boxing’s biggest punchers, Deontay Wilder; and the arrival of one of boxing’s most marketable new stars in Anthony Joshua. SHOWTIME also featured the trio of junior middleweight champions, the Charlo twins, Jermall and Jermell, and Erislandy Lara, all in title fights on one card; highlighted the world’s best featherweights in Santa Cruz, Frampton, Gary Russell Jr. and Lee Selby; and set the table for the title unification fight between super middleweight champions Badou Jack and James DeGale.

Boxing’s brightest stars will again take center stage on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® as the network prepares to present the following seven matchups, including six world title fights, over a 12-week span. All bouts will air live on SHOWTIME with the exception of Garcia vs. Thurman, which will either air live in Primetime on CBS or live on SHOWTIME.

Seven of the 14 fighters are undefeated, while the champions and challengers in the six world title fights boast a combined 313 wins versus just six losses.

December 10: Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs)*
Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) vs. Julian Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs)*

January 14: Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) vs. James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs)**

January 28: Carl Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs) vs. Leo Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs)* Dejan Zlaticanin (18-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mikey Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs)*

February 11: Adrien Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) vs. Adrian Granados (18-4-2, 12 KOs)

March 4: Danny Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) vs. Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs)**

*World title bout
**World title unification bout

“This is a slate of high-level, evenly-matched, 50/50 fights – the best fighting the best – which has become the calling card of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING,” said Espinoza. “Every fight we are announcing today features a top 10-ranked champion taking on a top 10-ranked challenger; in many cases, it’s top-five vs. top-five.

“This is our second major boxing lineup announcement this year, further proof that no other network is delivering high-quality competitive fights – without relying on PPV – as consistently as SHOWTIME. No other network is as committed to driving the sport forward. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is giving subscribers the best that boxing has to offer.”

Saturday, Dec. 10 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

In a highly anticipated featherweight blockbuster, hard-hitting Jesus Cuellar will make the second defense of his WBA 126-pound title against Abner Mares, a three-division champ who has compiled a staggering resume while collecting belts at 118, 122 and 126 pounds. Cuellar vs. Mares is the latest in a lineup of action-oriented 126-pound showdowns assembled with the goal of unifying one of the sport’s most talent-laden divisions. It will be the fifth featherweight world championship of 2016 on SHOWTIME.

On Dec. 10, there also will be a long-awaited world championship contest between two undefeated 154-pound fighters. Jermall Charlo will make the third defense of his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against No. 1 mandatory challenger Julian Williams in a matchup of 26-year-old fighters at the top of their game. Charlo vs. Williams becomes the sixth title or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in 2016 on SHOWTIME, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters in the division.

Saturday, Jan. 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Super middleweight world champions Badou Jack and James DeGale are set to unify the 168-pound class. Both champions retained their titles on a doubleheader last April 30 on SHOWTIME. Jack kept his WBC belt in a controversial draw with longtime titlist Lucian Bute that many thought Jack clearly won. Earlier that evening, DeGale successfully defended his IBF crown with a unanimous decision over mandated challenger Rogelio Medina. Jack landed 61 percent of his power punches, while DeGale connected on an astonishing 66 percent of his power shots. Now, Jack and DeGale will face off in a long-awaited unification to determine the No. 1 fighter in the super middleweight division.

Saturday, Jan. 28 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

The most anticipated rematch in boxing will take place when Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz square off in an immediate rematch of a leading 2016 Fight of the Year candidate. In their first encounter July 30 on SHOWTIME, former super bantamweight champ Frampton moved up in weight to challenge fellow unbeaten Santa Cruz, edging the three-division titlist in a firefight. The must-see rematch will be the sixth featherweight world championship on SHOWTIME in less than 12 months.

The co-feature pits undefeated lightweights Dejan Zlaticanin against resurgent fan favorite Mikey Garcia. Zlaticanin is making the first defense of his WBC 135-pound crown against the former two-division titlist in Garcia. The champion is the No. 1 fighter at 135 pounds, while Garcia is aiming to become a three-division world champion in just his second fight back from a two-and-a-half year layoff.

Saturday, Feb. 11 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Four-division world champion Adrien Broner will face the streaking Adrian Granados in a matchup of top-10 ranked 140-pound fighters. The flashy Broner, who has captured titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, has scored two consecutive knockouts in the super lightweight division. The hard-charging, all-action Granados, who pulled a stunning upset of then-undefeated WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam in a dominating performance last November on SHOWTIME, thrives in the underdog role and has a deceiving record – his four defeats, all via split or majority decision, have come against opponents with a cumulative record of 52-1.
Saturday, March 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia have been on a collision course for more than a year. Thurman has held a version of the WBA Welterweight World Championship since 2013 but announced his arrival in March 2015 with an emphatic win over Robert Guerrero. Thurman has since defended the title twice, including most recently against former world champion Shawn Porter in a potential Fight of the Year thriller in June on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS. Garcia, after conquering the 140-pound division, captured the WBC Welterweight World Championship with an impressive performance against Guerrero in January. Should Garcia defeat Samuel Vargas on Nov. 12 in a non-title fight, he and Thurman are set to meet in a marquee unification blockbuster between undefeated champions at the pinnacle of their careers. Garcia vs. Thurman will air live in Primetime on CBS or live on SHOWTIME.

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About Showtime Networks Inc.
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 Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. 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.




Schaefer to promote Charlo / Williams; Cuellar – Mares doubleheader on December 10 at USC

Julian Williams
Promoter Richard Schafer will make his return to promoting as he will co-promote this December 10 championship doubleheader that will feature junior middleweight tittlist Jermall Charlo taking on Julian Williams, while featherweight Jesus Cuellar defends against Abner Mares at the Galen Center on the USC Campus, according to to Dan Rafael of espn.com

These are two 50-50 fights and they not only are stylistically great fights, but you can’t imagine either being a boring fight,” Schaefer said on Sunday night. “Both of them are important in their respective weight classes.”

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Schaefer said. “I’m happy to come back with an event like this. I’m excited to be putting [together] great events again. I like to create events, big cards, big events, stacked pay-per-views. Fight fans and fight freaks can look forward to more to come.

“I’m excited to have this kind of card for Ringstar and looking forward to co-promoting it with Tom Brown (of TGB Promotions). It’s my first time working with him on a card.”

“I wanted to make sure Abner is OK, and I sat down with him and his wife and wanted to hear directly from him that he was fit to fight,” Schaefer said. “I wanted to hear from his own mouth there is no issues with his eyes. But I think if you ask a fighter if they’re OK, more often than not they’ll tell you they are, so I also wanted to talk to his doctor.”

“I talked to him and he made it clear to me Abner is clear to fight,” Schaefer said. “I talked to fighter and the doctor and the commission and Abner is clear to fight, and not only clear to fight but safe to fight, so we made the fight. I’m very excited to see the fight because they are both entertainers, and I know they’ll give us a great show.”

Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs), 26, of Houston, whose twin brother Jermell also holds a 154-pound world title, will be making his third defense since winning it in September 2015.

Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs), 26, of Philadelphia, became the mandatory challenger by virtue of a seventh-round knockout of Italy’s Marcello Matano in a title eliminator in March.

“It’s a fight which has been asked for by fight fans,” Schaefer said. “It’s one of the best fights you can make in the division. I expect fireworks. Sometimes with mandatories you are stuck with a fight nobody wants to see, but in this case, it’s a fight everyone wants to see.”

“I wanted to do my first event as a meaningful event where it’s a great card to be proud of, and I really wanted it to be in Los Angeles,” he said. “When this card was shaping up, I threw my hat in the ring and talked to Al (Haymon, adviser to all four featured fighters). I said this is an event I’d like to be involved with, and that’s how it happened. I’m especially excited to be doing the card on the USC campus because that’s where two of my (three) boys go to college.”




UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS JARRETT HURD AND OSCAR MOLINA TO OPEN CBS PRIMETIME BOXING BROADCAST THIS SATURDAY FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

BROOKLYN (June 20, 2016) – An intriguing matchup between undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina will open this Saturday’s Primetime CBS broadcast from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by a welterweight blockbuster between undefeated champion Keith Thurman and once-beaten former titlist Shawn Porter.

The 10-round showdown between the 25-year-old Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) and 26-year-old Molina (13-0-10 KOs) is a rare matchup between young undefeated prospects in one of boxing’s hottest divisions. The winner graduates to contender status in the stacked 154-pound class, a division featuring Erislandy Lara, Jermall and Jermell Charlo, Demetrius Andrade and Julian Williams.

Hurd vs. Molina represents the toughest professional fight for either man.

“The dictionary definition of ‘Swift’ is to happen quickly or promptly,” said Hurd. “So just like my ring name, that’s exactly what you’ll see on Saturday night. I’m so grateful that this fight was made and that the whole world will be able to see my boxing skills on this highly anticipated card.”

“I’m excited for this fight and I’m grateful that it’s even bigger now that it’s on CBS,” said Molina. “I’ve seen Hurd fight. I know what he does well and what his weaknesses are and I’ll be looking to capitalize on them. It’s important for me to defeat the top guys and this is someone I have to beat to become a world champion one day. I’m excited about fighting in Brooklyn on the big stage, but my focus will be on my trainer’s game plan and coming out victorious.”

Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C., has an unblemished record since turning professional in 2012. He is coming off a career-best performance last November with a six-round destruction of previously undefeated Frank Galarza on ShoBox: The New Generation. Hurd, who has never been down or cut as a professional, will be facing his third consecutive unbeaten opponent.

Molina, of Norwalk, Calif., just east of Los Angeles, was a 2012 Mexican Olympian. He tore through his opposition after turning professional in 2013, registering knockouts in 10 of his 14 fights. Molina, who has also never been down, is coming off a 10-round draw with fellow unbeaten highly regarded prospect Dominque Dolton last September. He returns to the ring this Saturday against another undefeated opponent as he looks to make a statement in the 154-pound division.

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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.