Philadelphia, PA (November 17, 2022) Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports’ Promotion, has announced the signing of Former Junior Middleweight Boxing World Champion Austin ‘No Doubt’ Trout’ to a multi-fight promotional contract. 

Fighting out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Trout has compiled a professional boxing record of 35-5-1 with 18 knockouts over his illustrious career. The 37-year-old southpaw is best known for his WBA Junior Middleweight Championship victory over Puerto Rican Legend Miguel Cotto on December 1, 2012 at Madison Square Garden. The dominant win was followed by a hotly contested, controversially scored decision loss to Mexican Boxing Icon ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on April 20, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas.

Additional battles highlighting Trout’s career include fights with world champions and top contenders Jermall Charlo, Jarrett Hurd, Erislandy Lara, Terrell Gausha and Delvin Rodriguez.

Said an excited Trout from his training camp in Houston, TX about signing with BKFC, “I’ve been following BKFC for a long-time and the excitement level at their events is truly over the top. Dave and his team have been outstanding to deal with and I’m thrilled to challenge myself in bare-knuckle fighting and start my next chapter with the hottest promotional company in combat sports.”

Stated David Feldman, President of BKFC, “Austin is one of the most talented and toughest fighters in boxing. I’ve watched countless fights of his and he truly displays the warrior spirit needed for success in BKFC. We’re thrilled to start working with him and will announce his first bare-knuckle fight shortly.”  

“2022 has been a phenomenal year of growth for BKFC, promoting huge events all over the world and signing world class fighters but 2023 is going to be even bigger and better, we’re just getting started.”

 “Catch All Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship Action at BKFC.com”

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Former junior middleweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout easily made weight for his showdown tomorrow night against Rosbel Montoya on the inaugural edition of boxing on the Impact Network. Trout tipped the scales at 149.1 pounds as he works his way down to campaigning in the welterweight division. His opponent Rosbel Montoya of Mexico came in at 153.6 pounds.

In the first co-feature bout, Alonzo Butler (31-3-2) weighed in at 295.6 lbs. while his opponent Jesus Albert Martinez (23-13-1) was 292.4 for their heavyweight battle. In the opening televised bout Abel Mendoza (21-0) came in just below the super featherweight limit at 129.7 pounds while his local rival Juan Carlos “Johnny” Guillen weighed in at a lean 127.4 lbs.

The action takes place at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, New Mexico. The televised portion of the card begins on the Impact Network at 830pm local mountain time.

Here are the rest of the weigh in results:

Brandon White (4-0) 112.2
Mario Chavez Tovar (0-3) 116.6

Robert Garcia (5-0) 151.0
Rey Trujillo (1-6-3) 155.3

Rene Palacios (3-0) 122.2
Manuel Rubalcaba (4-32-1) (weighing in later-not yet arrived)

Wanya Reid (pro debut) 167.0
Shawn Hamilton (pro debut) 155.2

Jack Story (pro debut) 208.9
Omar Acosta (1-6-1) (weighing in later-not yet arrived)

BILOXI, MS. (April 11, 2019) – Former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout returns to the ring to take on former title challenger Terrell Gausha in a 10-round super welterweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, May 25 from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In the co-feature, unbeaten super welterweight contender Chordale Booker battles rugged veteran Wale Omotoso in a 10-round bout, while sensational unbeaten welterweight prospect Eimantas Stanionis will open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in an eight or 10-round welterweight fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Monday, April 15 and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.

“Austin Trout has one of the best resumes at super welterweight in the sport today,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He’s been in the ring with some of the best boxers at 154-pounds of this generation and I’ve never seen him in a bad fight. Terrell Gausha doesn’t back down from anyone and that will make for an exciting match against Trout. Chordale Booker will be putting his unbeaten record on the line against Wale Omotoso in what will be one of his toughest tests to date. It’s a show that has something for everyone that attends at Beau Rivage or tunes in to FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

Trout (31-5, 17 KOs) has tangled with some of the top super welterweights of this generation, including Saul Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Jermell and Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd. The 33-year-old from Las Cruces, Mexico, will look to rebound from a majority decision defeat to Jermell Charlo last June. His knockout victory over Joey Hernandez in 2015 headlined the first PBC show on FS1.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring,” said Trout. “I’m ready to take another chop at the world title and this is my way back. I’m really motivated to get that championship belt again. Gausha is a strong, technical fighter with an Olympic pedigree. I’ve got to get in there and take care of him and look good doing it. A good win over him will get me right back in the mix.”

The 31-year-old Gausha (21-1, 10 KOs), a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team from Cleveland, Ohio, will look to put himself back into title contention with a victory over Trout. He came up short in his first title fight against Erislandy Lara, losing a unanimous decision in 2017, before rebounding with a knockout victory over Joey Hernandez in his last fight in December.

“I feel good about this fight and I think it’s the perfect fight for me,” said Gausha. “With Austin Trout being a former champion and having experience fighting all the top guys in the division, it gives me a chance to show where I’m at. It’s not only about winning, but it’s the way I’ll win that will put people on notice.”

Booker (14-0, 7 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel in January on FS1. The 27-year-old southpaw from Stamford, Conn., was busy in 2018, going 5-0 with three knockouts. Booker is very active in his Stamford community as well, running his charity for at-risk youth and training amateurs for the Golden Gloves.

“My expectations for myself are to put on the best performance I’ve had in boxing period – amateur or pro,” said Booker. “I’m looking to showcase every ability that I have, not just brute strength. I want to show people that I’m championship caliber. What I see from him is that he’s a game fighter and comes to fight. He likes to come forward. He’s going to try to take it to me. But I can do a lot of things, box going forward, backwards, sideways, or anything it will take to get this win.”

The 33-year-old Omotoso (27-3, 21 KOs) is a hard-nosed veteran who will present Booker with his toughest test to date. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Omotoso learned to fight in the streets before honing his skills in the boxing gym. He calls himself “Lucky Boy” because he feels fortunate to have made it off the streets alive and become a successful professional boxer. Now training in Los Angeles, Omotoso most recently defeated Freddy Hernandez in December 2017.

“I got the call to fight a young, undefeated fighter in Booker and I said bring it on,” said Omotoso. “I’m really happy he took the fight because most people say I’m too dangerous and too tough. I will give it all I got. When I go to the ring I put all my effort and training into the fight. That’s the way this sport is. I know he’s going to come in with all he’s got, but the toughest man will win.”

Stanionis (8-0, 5 KOs) is from Kaunas, Lithuania and was a member of the 2016 Lithuanian Olympic boxing team. The 24-year-old, who now lives in Oxnard, California, and trains with Ronnie Shields in Texas, is on the fast track toward being a top contender. He’s continued to impress with victories over durable veterans Levan Ghvamichava and Samuel Figueroa in his last two bouts.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES–Leo Santa Cruz gained his 2nd victory over crosstown rival Abner Mares with a 12-round unanimous decision to win the WBA Featherweight title in front of 12,505 fans at Staples Center.

The two stood toe to toe for much of the fight which thrilled the fans at Staples Center.  Santa Cruz was throwing and landing more, but Mares was having his moments.

Santa Cruz was cut around the left eyes in the 9th frame.

Santa Cruz, 125 lbs of Los Angles won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 to go to 35-1-1.  Mares, 125.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 31-3-1.

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“It was a great fight. Another war like we said. I had to be smarter. I had to do what I had to do to win the fight.

“I love the crowd. I love to make them happy. Whatever I can do to please them, I do it.

“A cut is a cut, it’s just blood. If anything, it brings more hunger out of me.

“It feels great to get this victory. Abner is a great fighter. He left his heart out there. It was a tough fight but thank God we got the victory.

“Hopefully I am (the best featherweight in the world). But I leave it to the fans to say who is the best. If they say I’m the best, then thank God they say that.

“I want Gary Russell. Let’s unify. I’m not scared of anybody. Whoever I get, let’s go. I’m ready.”

ABNER MARES

“ It was a ‘Fight of the Year’ like I told you guys. We come here, we pleased the crowd. Win or lose, I don’t care. I’m here to please the fans.

“It is what it is. The judges made their decision. I can’t overturn that. It was a close fight. Do you guys want to see a third fight? Let’s do this.

“It’s always a problem getting on the inside. I fought a hard, close fight. I fought my heart out, but at the end of the day I’m pleased with my performance.

“Without a doubt, Leo is the number one featherweight in the world. I say before the fight that the winner of this would be the best in the world. I take my hat off to him.

“This is our town. Leo Santa Cruz an Abner Mares, let’s do number three.”

Jermell Charlo defended the WBC Super Welterweight title with a 12-round majority decision over former champion Austin Trout.

Charlo scored a knockdown in round three, but Trout showed champions courage and was competitive during the fight.

In round nine, the pressure made Trout take a knee.  After the 2nd knock down for Charlo,  Charlo begins to give the pressure. Lands a hard right to the face and Trout tries to evade. Charlo gets Trout against the ropes and lands a left and right body shot.

Charlo, 154 lbs of Houston, TX won on two cards 118-108 and 115-111 while a 3rd card was event at 113-113.  Charlo is now 31-0.  Trout, 154 lbs of Las Cruces, NM is 31-5.

JERMELL CHARLO

“I went to fish, I tried to get some trout but I couldn’t catch him on the hook.  I know they’re used to seeing me knock boys out but at least they saw me take care of business.

“I already knew Trout was going to come in and try to survive.  Trout wasn’t going down like that.  He’s a veteran, he’s a real fighter, but I don’t know what the judges were looking at.  I won that fight.

“Sometimes you knock them out, sometimes you just beat them.”

On a potential unification with Jarret Hurd:

“Trout will tell you who will win that fight.  Trout moved, that’s why he survived 12.  If Hurd sat in front of me and took those shots he’s done.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“Take those knockdowns away I won the fight.  I can’t make any excuses, the better man won with those knockdowns.

“Both Jermall and Jermell are really good.  They are the future.  But I’m not done yet.  I’m not defined by my results.  I’m defined by the risks that I take.  I’ve taken the risks and I’ve stood my ground every time against giants and killers.  And I’m still here.

On a potential fight between Charlo and Hurd:

“That’s a damn good fight.  Charlo can crack and Hurd is resilient.  I know I’ll be tuned in.”

Lina Licona stopped Brittany Horton at 45 seconds of round three of their scheduled 4-round light flyweight bout.

Licona scored a knockdown in the 1st round and finished the fight in round three.

Licona, 108 lbs of Westminster, CA was making her pro debut.  Horton, 109.6 lbs of Belen, NM is 0-2.

Karlos Balderas dropped Alex Silva twice in the 1st frame en route to a stoppage in that opening frame of their lightweight bout.

The fight ended with a left hook to the body at 2:32 for Balderas, 134 lbs of Santa Maria, CA who is now 5-0 with 4 knockouts.  Silva, 133 lbs of Barstow, CA is 3-8.

Jose Balderas won a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Montellano in a super bantamweight bout.

Balderas, 118.8 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Montellano, 117.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 0-2-1.

Angel Alejandro won a four-round unanimous decision over Erik Rocha in a super bantamweight bout.

Alejandro, 123 lbs of Dallas, TX win by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Rocha, 122 lbs of Houston, TX is 1-4.

Ivan Redkach won an eight-round unanimous decision over Brian M Jones in a welterweight bout.

Redkach, 142 lbs of Bkovah, UKR is 21-4-1.  Jones, 140.4 lbs of Clarksville, TX is 14-9.

Jose Gomez won a split decision over Ryan Lee Allen in a six-round  junior lightweight bout.

Gomez, 128 lbs of Huntington Beach, CA wony by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 is 11-0.  Allen, 126 lbs of Jacksonville, MI took a card by a 59-55 score and is 4-2-1.

Jerry Perez stopped Josh Ross in round three of their scheduled four round junior lightweight bout.

Perez landed first punch for a knockdown to Ross at the beginning of the first round. Ross gets up after what appeared to be a long 9-count.. Ross knocked down for 2nd time of the match towards end of round 2 but gets back up. Perez lands hard body shot with a hook to bring down Ross for the 3rd time in round 3. Ross calls it quits at 2:02.

Perez, 131 lbs of Oak Hill, CA is 7-0 with 5 knockouts.  Ross, 136.4 lbs of West Monroe, LA is 3-8-4.

Antonio Santa Cruz won a four-round unanimous decision over Jordan B Reyes in a super bantamweight bout.

Santa Cruz, 121.4 lbs of San Gabriel, CA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is 7-4.  Reyes, 122 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 2-7.

WBA Featherweight World Championship

Leo Santa Cruz – 125 ¼ lbs.

Abner Mares – 125 ½ lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor (Newport Beach, Calif.); Judges: Reynante Danseco (California), Zachary Young (California), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey)

WBC Super Welterweight World Championship

Jermell Charlo – 154 lbs.

Austin Trout – 154 lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss (Oxnard, Calif.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Connecticut), Eddie Hernandez Sr. (California), Fernando Villarreal (California).

FLASH QUOTES:

LEO SANTA CRUZ: “I always fight for the fans. If I lose, I know I came and gave a great fight for the fans, because that’s what I care most about. I want them to go home happy.

“For me this is not personal. We’re both the best, and we want to prove who is the best and who is No. 1 and who is the best from L.A. There’s no disrespect. Mares is a great guy and a good person; it’s just business. We have to do this.

“I have to be smart. It’s not going to be easy, because I want to please the fans and I have to make it a war and go out there and trade punches. It’s going to be hard because I always try to please the fans. But I have to do it for myself too. We’ll see what happens.”

ABNER MARES: “I let the emotions get the best of me in the first fight, but I have more experience now than three years ago and I’m a more mature fighter, and I’m going to show that come tomorrow night.

“I have to give a good show; there’s no way I’m going to give a bad show. That’s the type of style I bring, and I’m ready for this. Leo’s ready, I’m ready, and it is now just time to show the world that we have reunited and we are both ready to go.”

JERMELL CHARLO: “He says I’m little, but you know I’ll be big tomorrow. My brother just told me, ‘Do what you do.’ Mell and Mall. That’s all.”

AUSTIN TROUT: “I just told him I was ready; he knows we’ve been working and it’s time to go. There’s really not that much talking going on. I’m going to go in there and put on the action.

“Size doesn’t matter. You know, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. We both hit 154 on the button. Head to head. Nose to nose. I’ll push around the bigger guys; I’m ready for this guy. I’m ready for this little guy.

“I’ve felt a sense of urgency my entire career, even when I was undefeated I felt like I can’t lose a fight so I’ve felt that urgency my whole career and that my back’s to the wall and this is what we have to do for every fight.”

Prediction? “My hand’s raised!”

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.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow 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.

LOS ANGELES (June 7, 2018) – Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and four-time world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday, two days before they enter the ring for their highly-anticipated rematch this Saturday, June 9 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also squaring-off at the final press conference were super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo and former world champion Austin Trout, who step into the ring on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed in the West Coast).

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 press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Chick Hearn Press Room at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“The first fight was a really good one, but I think this one will be even better. Mares is a great fighter with a great trainer in Robert Garcia, and that’s the kind of challenge I want. We both want to give the fans great fights.

“I’ve learned a lot from my last few fights. I’m not coming in here worried about losing, I just worry about giving the fans a great show. If Mares is better than me that night, then he will win. But I’ve worked too hard and I’m going to be at my peak on Saturday night.

“I think that Mares has gotten a lot better. Robert Garcia is a trainer who has brought him up to a different level. He’s made a lot of improvements. I learned from the Frampton fights and my dad is a good trainer too. It’s even all the way around and it’s going to be a great fight.

“I think the winner of this fight will be number one in this division. Gary Russell Jr. is a great fighter and I definitely want a rematch of our amateur fight. But me and Abner put a lot of pressure on our opponents and I don’t think Gary would like the pressure from either of us.

“My team motivates me every day in the gym. They’re right next to me running every day towards the same goal. That’s what I love about training camp because it makes me work even harder.”

ABNER MARES

“I could stand up here and tell you what I’m going to do Saturday, but you’ve seen the first fight. You know how exciting the first fight was. I have even more to prove and I’m going to leave it all on the line this time.

“This is going to be an exciting fight. I know Leo has matured as an athlete and fighter by fighting Frampton twice. But if you look at my last couple of performances, they speak for themselves. I think both of us are seasoned and better fighters right now.

“There’s no doubt that the winner of this fight is number one in this division. There’s some great fighters at featherweight, but we’re fighting for the top spot in this division.

“Our focus isn’t on looking for a stoppage. That was my mistake the first fight. I tried to destroy him. I’m going to follow instructions and show I’m the better fighter in there.

“If I win Saturday night, and the fight is just as exciting as the first one, I’m ready for a trilogy. Let’s make it happen.

“I’m going to fight my heart out and win this fight this time. May the best man win. We’re going to give the fans what they want to see. I’m calling this ‘Fight of the Year’ guaranteed.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“My brother and I have been doing this a long time. Austin Trout has done it a long time as well. I’m hoping everyone gets there early, because I’m bringing excitement to the table right from the start.

“Some critics say that me and my brother haven’t fought the people required to be on the pound-for-pound list. My race to the top continues Saturday night to prove all those people wrong.

“A knockout is possible. If he wants that to be the way it goes, then I’m capable. Derrick and I have a great plan that we’re ready to use. None of our experience in the past matters, we’re both 0-0. Anything can happen on Saturday night.

“I look to do what my brother did against Trout, but way better. If that’s with a knockout or just picking him apart, I’m ready. I’m fighting for a lot more than just a win on Saturday. We’re going to keep shining and do what we have to do.

“We want everyone to know that my brother and I come from the trenches. We made it this far, so we’re not stopping now. Nobody is standing in my way. I know Trout wants a belt, but this is the wrong belt to go after.

“I have to deal with Austin Trout. Jarrett Hurd is not my focus right now. I definitely want to unify titles soon and I hope he comes out ringside on Saturday night so I can look at him after this fight. Everyone knows what time it is.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“I’m very excited to be here and have another once in a lifetime opportunity. I believe this is destiny. I’m coming into the lion’s den and I’m going to come out unscathed.

“As great as my win against Miguel Cotto was, I don’t think it compares to this fight here. People complained about Cotto being old after I beat him, but with Jermell, there’s no excuse you can make up. He’s an undefeated world champion, so if I get the win, this is definitely bigger than Cotto.

“I don’t think he’s overlooking me because I bet his brother told him not to sleep on Trout. Everyone’s going to see what I’ve been saying on Saturday night.

“My training camp with Barry Hunter was fantastic. We got all the work in that I needed and Barry is someone who always pushes me to be better than I believe I’m capable of.

“I learned from my mistakes when I fought the bigger brother. I’m going to be even better on Saturday and it’s going to be a totally different result.

“For everyone sleeping on me, you better wake up. It’s going to be an awakening on Saturday night.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer

“Now all there is left to do is wait for fight night. The work up to this point has been done and it has been done well. We are ready to do what needs to be done when the time comes.

“Usually at this point ahead of a fight the biggest feat is to make weight but he had no problem there. Leo was on target weight about a month ago so it’s not something we’re worried about at this point. He’s eating good and maintaining weight well and feeling really strong for this fight.

“Leo is in incredible shape and I am confident he will win on Saturday. I’m sure Abner and his team are going to bring their best and we’re bringing our best too, but on fight night there will only be two who will clash. We’re ready for war.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“Just the fact that Abner is in my training camp and we communicate so well, it’s given me a lot of confidence. Everyone has done a great job doing their part in camp and I believe we’ve worked on all the tools we need to defeat Leo Santa Cruz.

“Leo is a great fighter but Abner knows he can win this fight. The confidence he’s gained, and how much more seasoned Abner looks since joining my camp, should translate to a strong performance Saturday.

“This has been a really smooth training camp and that’s exactly what Abner needed. We’re primed for a big victory.”

DERRICK JAMES, Charlo’s Trainer

“I think that Jermell has shown a great level of maturity while also being an aggressive fighter. He’s also very positive about what he wants to do every day in camp, and in the ring on Saturday.

“Being able to spar with Errol Spence Jr. every day in camp has definitely helped Jermell. They say it all the time, but iron sharpens iron and that’s the mentality we have to help both guys improve and get to where we know they can get to.

“Austin is a crafty fighter who has a lot of experience and a lot of tools. The most important thing though is that we’re focused on getting Jermell to be the best version of himself on Saturday night.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Finally the wait is over. We waited three years for this rematch. Everyone asked me when this fight was going to happen. Now there’s just two days to go.

“You know it’s a big fight when you have the fight here at the premier venue in Los Angeles, STAPLES Center. These fighters here deserve it, because they are the best fighters in the sport, regardless of division. They’re going to show everyone on Saturday night why we love boxing so much.

“Each of these fights could have been a main event in its own right. I’m glad that these fighters were okay all being together on an event that really elevates the sport of boxing.

“Jermell Charlo is a once-in-a-generation talent in this sport. He has all the skills you need, but also has that one thing that makes you a superstar. He has charisma, and you cannot learn that. However, anyone who is doubting Austin Trout, is making a big mistake. I have no doubt that he’ll be more than ready for this challenge.

“I’ve been fortunate to follow these main event fighters from their first fight, all the way to now, with them being multiple time world champions and fantastic men outside of the ring. Leo and Abner live the kind of lives that make this sport proud. But on Saturday night, may the best man win.

“SHOWTIME delivers week after week of the best fighting the best. This fight is no different and will be another treat for the fans watching on SHOWTIME who have come to expect these great matchups.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.

“These four guys up here have been on SHOWTIME a combined 41 times. That’s a lot and it doesn’t happen by accident. The reason it happens is because these fighters embody everything we want SHOWTIME Boxing to be about. They have some of the strongest resumes in the sport. None of these guys have ever shied away from taking a tough fight. They don’t come with excuses, they want the best and biggest fights. We’ ae proud to have all four of them on SHOWTIME.

“Right now we have a matchup between two of the biggest stars and faces of Southern California boxing. The featherweight division has seen top five fighters on SHOWTIME already this year-This is a rematch between two more of the top 5. In the first fight, they threw a combined 2,000 punches, which I would bet will be matched again on Saturday.

“Austin Trout has been in there with the biggest and best stars in the sport of boxing. But Jermell has quite a bit of momentum. He has four consecutive stoppages, which is very impressive at the championship level. As everyone has said this is another main event quality matchup and I look forward to seeing it on Saturday night.”

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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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 5, 2018 – Austin Trout (31-4, 17 KOs), the former super welterweight world champion, is headed to Los Angeles today to meet current WBC Super Welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo inside the ring this 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 begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by the featherweight world championship rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.

In Trout’s words, this fight is finishing the mission. Spiritually centered and in his prime physical condition, it is, in his own words, his time.

“People are underestimating me and overlooking me,” said Trout. “I earned and continue to earn respect in this sport and my competition can choose to ignore it or acknowledge it. I’ve beaten champions and taken titles. I’ve lost in controversial decisions to champions like Canelo. This is my time. Don’t underestimate the power I bring to boxing as well as the international competitors I’ve already stepped into the ring against and beaten.”

After his October fight against Jarrett Hurd and February’s unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel, this WBC title bout, in Trout’s words, is the fight that no one saw coming.

“The Hurd fight was the danger fight,” he said of his October 2017 match. “It was part of the process of knocking out the ring rust, and De Angel was part of that as well. Everything I do or don’t do is circumstantial. Because of the layoffs, it’s been challenging; now I’m back on track timing wise and I plan on changing boxing’s plans for me. I’m not sitting back and waiting.

“I started boxing as a kid to stand up for people that were being disrespected, and as an adult I continue to do that in the ring.”

A long time top ten and former #2 in the 154-pound division by Ring magazine, Trout will be once against be working with D.C. based world champion trainer Barry Hunter, to whom his longtime cornerman, Louie Burke, worked as an assistant.

“We are calling this fight ‘finishing the mission.’ I’m squarely in a dangerous division that’s full of talent. It’s one of the top divisions in my opinion. Everyone’s a killer including myself. It has the perfect balance of speed and power. This is where I excel, plus I have the brain.”

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.

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.

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2018) – Unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo has arrived in Los Angeles ahead of his upcoming showdown Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME against former champion Austin Trout as part of action from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast beings at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by the featherweight world championship rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner 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.

With just over a week to go until fight night, Charlo conducted a media workout with Los Angeles-area press Thursday at Gloveworx boxing gym in Century City. Here is what Charlo and his trainer, Derrick James, had to say Thursday:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I’m ready to go. I’m well-prepared. I’ve been in training camp for about 10 weeks. When you guys saw me before, I wasn’t this built but now I’m ready and I’m excited. I can take on any man in this division.

“Training camp was great. We had world champion Errol Spence Jr. in camp and a bunch of undefeated fighters. I stopped a few, dropped a few, but that’s not the name of the game. It’s all about training and getting the work done to be prepared for June 9.

“Trout is a veteran fighter but I don’t believe he’s going to stand in the pocket and try to fight me. I don’t think there’s a single fighter in this weight division that would try to do that, not even [Jarrett] Hurd. If Trout does try that, the night will end fast.

“I’m definitely growing as a fighter and growing as a man. If Trout wants to bang, let’s bang. I don’t care what Barry Hunter has or what he does, it’s not going to be able to beat me and Derrick James. I don’t necessarily think Trout is as tough as me so if he can’t put up the skills and match my ability, he won’t beat me that night.

.

“The Lara-Hurd fight was a great fight. Hurd did what he had to do but I’m a completely different fighter from Erislandy Lara. I’m not here to waste punches. I’m not saying Lara didn’t do a great job but I do believe that his conditioning wasn’t there. I’ve focused my whole life on training. I’m single, I don’t have a family that I have to focus on like some of these other guys. It’s all boxing.

“This is a doubleheader. I’m not a co-main event or a featured star bout. I did that years ago. How many people leave after I fight? Everybody left after the [Erickson] Lubin fight. I’m going to continue to do what I do. I definitely want to headline for you guys and do it here at STAPLES Center and possibly in Brooklyn. I prefer L.A. though, it’s all nice people and palm trees. They don’t have that in New York.

“I have a great team behind me that won’t allow me to get distracted by the bright lights of L.A. I don’t believe that it’s in my mind to worry about anything outside of the ring. My objective is to win Saturday night and then I can get out of the ring and have a great time with my brother.

“I’m trying to come in and change some things about boxing. I believe I can make it happen. I think every boxer should have their own media day. [Leo] Santa Cruz had his own media day. Abner [Mares] had his own media day. I had my own media day. If we can continue that task as fighters, I think it will bring a much bigger audience to boxing.

“I don’t think that whenever the WBC reaches out about a fight that they’re doing it just to play around. This sport is serious. We would love to be a part of a GGG fight. We’re tired of hearing the media say to put the Charlos in there with better competition. I’ve heard that every fight. As long as I’m winning fights and I’m entertaining the fans, that’s what I’m going to do.

“I think I could definitely fight at 168. I might just keep growing through the weight divisions. It’s easy.

“I was super excited about the video that came out today with Gizzle. It was astounding to me to see an artist come out and produce a song like that about the Charlos and it was even better with the video of the knockouts that me and my brother have.

“My fight is won in the gym. I definitely dedicate myself every time I go into a training camp and I spend thousands of dollars on my body and on my training. I sacrifice the fun of being in L.A. to train and be in the best condition possible to fight.”

DERRICK JAMES, Charlo’s Trainer

“[Jermell] sparred with Errol [Spence] yesterday and he looked phenomenal. He feels great. I think he and Errol are really similar in their level of fighting. At this point he makes weight pretty easily, he’s doing well and I know he wants to unify. So, until that happens I see no reason for him to go up in weight. Right now, with Austin Trout we’re facing a physical fighter and a physical threat to everybody. With him it could be an easier fight or it can be a hard fight. As we know Jermell is a phenomenal fighter who’s very skilled so I’m not thinking about they’re what doing. [Jermell] might be but I’m not.

“Austin Trout is a great guy and he’s a great boxer. Even at an older age, his skill set is so good. If you think about Floyd [Mayweather], even at an older age he was beating everyone he was fighting. So, the way I look at it is that he is going to come back hungrier and he’s looking at this as getting an opportunity to get a new fight.

“I always go in thinking it’s going to be a tough fight. I can’t go in there thinking of it in any other way. If I was thinking it would be easy, I’d be an idiot and I wouldn’t be here now. I have to keep pushing myself to be better and these guys will be ready for a tough fight.

“Jermell is always pushing to do more and do it better. He’s always looking to go further than training. If I tell him to do something he does it and learns from it. He’s a great student. I think he has a lot of heart and a lot of desire, and you will see that come out on June 9th.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow 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.

Richard Schaefer
Thank you so much for being on today’s call. Very excited to have all the fighters here. We only have ten days to go until the big Saturday, June 9 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING World Championship double header which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions. Tickets are still available. They begin at $50 here at STAPLES Center. We had a tremendous demand already. The gross gate already exceeds what those two guys did the first time around, so I do expect a sell out at the STAPLES Center.

I want to introduce to you first, Chris DeBlasio, the Senior Vice President of Sports Communications from SHOWTIME. I think Chris wants to make a few opening comments. And of course, I like to always thank my good friend, Stephen Espinoza, for his commitment to the sport as well. Chris, do you want to say a few words?

Chris DeBlasio
Thanks, Richard and thank you to the fighters for your patience. We’re really excited for this particular fight card. First off, we’re excited to be back in Los Angeles. The fight crowd in Southern California is knowledgeable, excitable, usually star-studded as well. It always makes for a great experience in the arena and that translates onto television and that’s what we’re about, putting on exciting fight cards on our network.

STAPLES Center is a world-class venue. We’re thrilled to be back there. It’s been more than five years since we’ve had an event there. The bottom line is that SHOWTIME continues to lead the boxing industry. We’re delivering the largest slate of live events week after week and month after month. These are the most pivotal match-ups, the most competitive match-ups in boxing’s deepest divisions. It’s just a fact for literally SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event after event.

On Saturday June 9, we have two world title fights with four men ranked in the top 10 of their respective divisions. The main event features two guys that are top five ranked champions. The four fighters on this card have a few things in common. First off, they’ve been amongst the most prolific fighters on our network in the recent era. Between Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Jermell Charlo, and Austin Trout, they fought a combined 41 times on SHOWTIME. That includes a few SHOWTIME pay-per-view events. That’s a pretty remarkable number.

Our audience is familiar with their exciting style and their aggressiveness. Secondly — and I think it’s as important or more important really — these guys have consistently sought the top opposition fight after fight. That’s all four of them. Over the past three years, our network has delivered many 154-pound world title fights, many featuring Austin Trout and Jermell Charlo and Saturday will be our 10th.

We continue to see the best fighters fight the best opposition fight after fight and we’re seeing a move closer and closer towards identifying one, true champion, the one man to beat, at super welterweight. And that’s a really exciting prospect in a deep division like that. Likewise, for the main event on Saturday, SHOWTIME has had four high-stakes featherweight bouts on our network in just the past two months. That’s another division that’s long on talent and the stars of the sport are continuing to battle for the top spot fight after fight.

So again, I thank you for your patience and letting me drop that in there. I think it’s important. We’re thrilled at SHOWTIME to be able to put on fights like this with incredible athletes like the four men we have on Saturday. So, Richard, back to you.

R. Schaefer
Thank you Chris. Our main event is the rematch of one of 2015’s most exciting battles, the Featherweight World Championship between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. And finally, we are here again where those two all-action warriors will meet, not only for the bragging rights here in Los Angeles, but really, who is gonna be the king of the 126 pound weight class, one of the deepest weight classes in the sport.

The co-main event pits the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo against the former world champion, Austin Trout. It’s a 12-round co-main event and with Charlo, we have certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world today, not only with how he performs inside the ring, but his charisma and the way he carries himself outside of the ring as well. So, it’s really a special treat to have Jermell here in Los Angeles defending his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

He’s going to be facing Austin Trout, a fighter who certainly is one of the craftiest in the sport, has a record of 31 wins with only 4 loses. He is trained now by one of the best trainers in the sport, Barry Hunter. He has been a world champion, former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion. I know he wants to take this opportunity and become a world champion again.

We all remember how he turned back Miguel Cotto at the Madison Square Garden back in 2012 and he was also the last fighter to go the distance with Jermall Charlo, losing to him in May 2015. It’s a pleasure now to turn it over to Austin Trout to make a few opening comments and then open it up for questions. Austin?

Austin Trout
Yes, I’m happy to be here. I’m ready to get this going. Woken up from a nap and I’ve got training to go to. Let’s go.

R. Schaefer
Let me introduce to you the man, as I mentioned to you before, one of the toughest fighters in the sport, Jermell Charlo. He’s undefeated. He’s the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion. He has a tremendous personality and he’s just knocking out people. He is from Houston, Texas and trained by Derrick James in Dallas. He is now in Santa Monica this month to finish up camp. As a matter of fact, for those of you that are in around Los Angeles, make sure you stop by tomorrow for the open that media workout.

He won his world title with sensational knock-out of John Jackson in 2015. And of course, him and his twin brother, we all know them, became the first twins to hold world titles simultaneously in the same division in boxing which is boxing history in 2015. And it seems like every time he enters the ring, he outdoes his highlight reel knock-out over and over. And it’s a pleasure, it’s a treat, for all fight fans here and around Los Angeles and, those watching live on SHOWTIME to welcome Jermell Charlo to the STAPLES Center on June the 9th. Please, Jermell.

Jermell Charlo
Only thing I got to say is that Austin Trout is a phenomenal fighter. I’m pleased to be able to face off and square up with a former world champion and someone that has a heart, some one that comes with a dog mentality. We’re all looking to put on a 12-round fight for you guys and we both train our asses off in training camp. I’m ready to deliver whatever I have to deliver at the moment.

Q
Austin, what made you change trainers to Barry Hunter and can you tell us how it’s been going in training camp so far?

A. Trout
Yes, I was with Barry like two years. And then when I stayed home for the next few fights against Jarrett Hurd and then Juan DeAngel, the results were not what I needed or wasn’t what I liked. So I went back to what was working and the only reason why I stopped going to Barry was for the Hurd fight because Hurd trained in the same area and that’s where I actually met Hurd was in Barry’s gym, so, I tried to stay home for that.

Which was a big mistake in my opinion. But things are going good, we’re training good. We’re back and we picked up where we left off and I have to be at my best for a fighter like Jermell, so I had to go get to a place where I was able to get to my best.

In the Hurd fight I felt like, I don’t wanna say issues, but I gassed out. It was really dehydration. But at the same time, I think we would have prepared for the heat that Hurd was going to bring, because Barry does know him. The mistake was that he makes you give your best and accept nothing less than your best. I was able not necessarily able to do what I wanted. So we came back to what was working.

Q
Can you compare Hurd and Jermell maybe what they do differently and how they compare as fighters?

A. Trout
Jermell has a boatload more skills. In my opinion, Hurd’s not very skilled, he’s just a big, tough dude. And Jermell, he’s tough and he’s bigger than most junior middleweights, but he’s also skilled. So we gotta worry about definitely his skillset as opposed to just him taking punishment and making you wind out from beating him up, because that’s what happened with Hurd. I just beat him up until I ran out, till I couldn’t beat him up anymore.

I was just worn down. I had to go to the hospital for dehydration which I’ve never experienced. We were throwing some heat for those first six, seven rounds. And we bugged him a couple times and I felt like with just a little bit more and a little bit more each round until I had nothing left. And that’s when he came on.

Q
Jermell, just wondering if you could tell us what you thought of Austin’s performance against Jarrett Hurd?

J. Charlo
Every fight is different. I never like to worry about what they do and what they did different. Fighter’s styles make fights. Like Trout emphasized on earlier, he got worn out and dehydration does that. With Barry, someone who trains you the way you would fight and the way which you would go through the ring, I just believe that, Hurd was a much bigger guy and I’ve never been in there with Trout before, so there’s nothing I can say about his fighting style and what he actually brings to the table.

Q
Do you hope to beat Trout in a more convincing fashion or a more spectacular fashion than Jarrett Hurd did or do you not even think about that?

J. Charlo
I’m not in competition with those guys. Those guys are competition for me. Unfortunately, they just got the fight first before me. I don’t know what Trout going to bring out. So if he brings out the best in me, then who knows what the end result could be. I’m looking to go 12. I’m looking to fight all the way to the end. I’m in dog shape. I’ve been training for a long time and I do a pre-training. I do a pre-camp before I even get into camp and that’s while my brother was getting ready for his fight with Centeno.

I like myself the first day of camp in particular shape. So it’s all about sharpening my skills and doing what I got to do at my best. I’m growing. I’m turning 28 and I got to look at things a little bit differently. And I know Trout is a veteran himself and he knows what’s right and what fits him and what fits his body.

So it’s just almost like, nah, the only thing that’s on my mind is just getting there to see what this body does and what this mindset that I got now does and who knows the results of it. If it looks good, it’s better than Hurd or any other guys, as long as you all watching and you all kicking it with the Charlos and kicking it with Jermell Charlo, we on.

Q
Jermell, your last two fights were contenders for KO of the Year. Can we expect anything of the same in this one?

J. Charlo
I’m going to do what I got to do like I just answered earlier. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Anything can happen. We both two men putting our life on the line. I don’t know how he views this, but I view it a little bit different. I take this as deep to me. I don’t care about the last fights or what I’ve done before, just like I didn’t know what was going to happen in the Lubin fight. I didn’t know what was going to happen in the Hatley fight.

We in there to go 12. We were in there to fight, be smart, and be cautious and take care of ourselves. So at the end of the day, I don’t care. I don’t know. I’m not with the ruthless. I’m not trying to go in there try to destroy and kill, because I know that’s a mistake that a lot of boxers make.

I grew up watching boxing all my life, and I know for a fact that if you go in there looking for the knockout, it doesn’t come. So therefore, I’m going in there to box, be slick and smart, and be strong at the same time and make it 12 rounds, 36 minutes.

Q
Both Jarrett Hurd and Jaime Munguia, they seem to be heading for England. Where does that leave you as far as title unification goes?

J. Charlo
We could fight in South Africa, I don’t care. As long as they get their fight on and they do what they do, they make the money, they feed they family, we good. They know who the champ is, the know who really the champ is. They know who the guy to come to. They really want some competition and they want to fight, we study this boxing thing, we do this boxing thing. I’m up there, I be there almost every fight this year, if I could make it, I was there. If I was sitting ring side, I was there, you know what I’m saying? And I haven’t fought there so I’m anxious to be in there and I’m ready.

I don’t care about none of them other champions, they got the belts and what they got going on. A lot of these fights that they won was close. This new kid that came out that beat Sadam Ali. He’s nothing like the champions that are reigning now. Austin Trout will beat him and take his title.

However, I’m the best fighter at this weight division and I want to continue to be a champion. I got to continue to feed my family this way and I’m going to do it.

Q
Do you want to outdo your brother against Trout?

J. Charlo
It’s always been something like that growing up, knowing I wanted to be the best. And my brother considers himself the best, I consider myself the best. He fought Trout and I never fought anyone my brother has ever fought since we’ve become elite fighters. I can’t go by what my brother thinks, he might think Trout is strong, I might think he’s not strong.

I don’t feel that my brother feels that the ring. The only thing I do is I feel the emotion that he has and that’s it. So what my brother done to Trout is back in the day. We’ve grown now in 2018. A lot of things are changing, even technology in the gloves is changing. So there’s no way I could say why my brother didn’t get him out of there or why Trout didn’t do the same or vice versa. I look at Trout like a world champion himself and I’m coming to take his title.

Q
You’ve been sparring with Errol Spence for the last couple of years., Is it a coincidence that both your last opponent and Trout are southpaws as well?

J. Charlo
I sparred all kind of different south paws growing up and I believe that has a lot to do with why I’m able to handle it well. My poise in the ring and being comfortable and just being comfortable with what I do. We have 12 rounds to get this fight – to get this W. And I got to – whatever round I got to make adjustments, I will.

It’s just the name of the game and the thing that I got to go through in order to get to where I want. These guys are all diverse and if I ever have to face adversity, I’m ready for whatever it takes and I’m ready for whatever I got to do to continue the Charlo Show.

Q
Austin do you see similarities between the Charlos fighting styles given that they’ve grown up working with each other through the years?

A. Trout
I mean, there’s some similarities, but nah, they two different people. Jermall, he’s a middleweight, but they have – they both have good jabs and a strong right hand. I think Mell has the better skillset he’s been a bit faster. The thing about Mell is I see he takes different approaches to different fights whereas Mall, he kind of comes about each fight the same way.

I watch the fight of me and Mall all week to see what I can do better. Not necessarily to compare in any way. That’s what we watch tape on Mell for.

Dan Rafael: So having watched the videos and preparing to fight Jermell and having gone 12 round with Jermall, do you have an opinion of who you think is better?

A. Trout
I can’t tell you, man. They both undefeated. I’ll tell you June 9 after I have to fight both of them I can tell you who’s the better fighter. I’m looking more so as to be a better Austin. So, be the best Austin Trout I can be in order to take on the best Jermell Charlo. We not fighting Jermall Charlo/ He’s got his own things that he’s dealing with/

That’s not something that I’m concerning myself with. I just got to be the best me in order to deal with the best Mell.

Q
Do you feel like your career is a little bit on the line here?

A. Trout
Honestly, I felt that way when I was undefeated. Every fight my career was at stake. If I took a loss, I have to go back to the bottom. I feel like every fights my most important fight.

But I’m feeling good now. I’m looking forward to June 9. I have a feeling that we can steal the show. It’s going to be a great fight. I got this lion in his prime and I’m going in to tame the lion and become world champion again.

Q
You’ve had one round in now what will be, like, 14 months. Any sense of rust?

J. Charlo
I’m rusty as shit, yes. I think I’m rusty as shit, hell yes. Man, I put my life on the line every time I spar. That’s why we spar with world champions. So if the world thinking, like, yes, this kid, he just got one spectacular knock-out, yes, yes, yes, yes. Man, I’ll shut that shit out the way I was supposed to, and I barely touched the kid on the chin and he went to sleep so that mean I must be doing something right in training.

I’m a clean fighter. I eat clean, I train clean. They test me, I’m clean. Everything is right. I’m not a mistake and everybody got a different favorite. I’m promised for something that a lot of different people aren’t promised. My work ethic and abilities are different, and I watch everything that’s going on in the weight division. So with that being said, I have a big fight in front of me.

Austin Trout was talking about coming to steal the show like he just said. He wants to win another world title. That’s enough for me to get on my bike and know that I got to grind this shit out all the way until June 10. So I’m not focused on anything that I did before. I got 12 rounds, 36 minutes to be am animal every time I step in that ring and I’m going to do what I got to do.

We can go to the 10th round and I promise you I will be the same way I am from the first round. If he beat me, that means he’s better than me and I’ve always known that.

Q
How much longer do you think you can hold 154?

J. Charlo
I ain’t moving up. I’ll tell you all now. I’m making weight. I’m hydrated. Yes, I’m all the way good. Like, I’m right now, I’m waiting on the WBC to – I’m actually for me seven day weigh in and I’m going to surprise them with that. They actually for my 30-day weigh in and they were completely surprised from then. So I’m excited, I love this weight division, especially because I’m separated from my brother. I don’t want to be in the same weight division where it’s almost looking like who the better fighter? Who the better twin?

When it comes down to our careers and stuff, man, different oppositions make different fighters and I’ve always been in there with some of the best in the weight division. I’ve been in there with, to me, some top-tier guys, and so has Trout. You can’t take that away from him at all. He’s fought all of the top guys, everybody. This ain’t a rookie that I’m getting in the ring with. And so, my life is on the line just like his. So may the best win – may the best man win.

Q
Have you had a chance to just kind of reflect on what it says about the career that you’ve had that despite the layoffs and the losses to the top guys in recent fights, that you continue to get big fights and big opportunities like this?

A. Trout
In a sense, yes, but for real? Nah, not really, because I got to look forward. The past is the past and I’m trying to rewrite my story with the career defining win. Beating Jermell Charlo will be career defining. It will be bigger to me than beating Cotto in the Garden, straight up. People will make excuses for that, but looking back, it’s cool and all, but I ain’t looking towards the past. I’m always looking to the future. And the future, it really is going through Jermell.

Q
Are there pieces from other fighters that you’ve been in with that you can compare to him and what he does well?

A. Trout
All I can do is just learn the lessons that I need to learn from my past experiences and I’ve learned lessons from fighting Jermall. I’ve learned lessons fighting Hurd. And that’s just building to making a better me. Not necessarily then comparing to Jermell, because, again, he’s a separate man. He’s his own man and all I can focus on really is just being the best I can be.

Q
Is Louie Burke still involved in this camp and can you talk about his role?

A. Trout
Yes, he’s involved. He came out to help be another set of eyes and he knows me. He’s been with me my whole career and even though I am with Barry Hunter, he’s the head coach, I still have him around to keep me grounded and humble. And he was out here for two weeks of this camp and when I was home we’re in the gym working.

We were on the phone and helps with the game plan and then him and Barry are on the same page with the game plan. Everybody’s on the same page and there’s a lot of unity in this camp. So it’s all good.

R. Schaefer
Yes. All right, now it’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz. These are two guys which I’m very familiar with. I was fortunate to have promoted most of their fights since very early on in their career. In the case of Abner Mares, from his first fight when he came out of the Mexican Olympics. A lot of people leading up to this fight have asked me why did the rematch take that long? The first fight was in 2015. It was a Fight of the Year candidate, it was a toe to toe battle.

It’s sort of like the way those two guys fight. I don’t think Abner Mares or Leo Santa Cruz are capable even if they try and they try really hard to be in a boring fight. They’re there to entertain. They love to fight. And I think if somebody would ask me what is the perfect timing for the rematch, I would have to say it’s June 9, 2018.

Now why do I say that? Well, I think after the first fight, Abner Mares took some time off, he regrouped, he hired a new trainer with Robert Garcia, one of the best trainers in the world and I think Robert has instilled a lot of confidence in him. They mesh extremely well. (Robert) has come up with perfect game plans for Abner in his last two fights and the chemistry is just something which I really have seen very rarely in the sport.

I know as a fact, because I’ve been there with Abner Mares — that he is maybe the best Abner Mares we have seen. Maybe the best Abner Mares ever going back to the time when he was fighting in the super bantamweight tournament on SHOWTIME as well.

With Leo Santa Cruz, last week was the open media day here in Los Angeles, and what I came away with is I was very impressed. I was of course impressed with Leo Santa Cruz. He looked spectacular. He looked fast. He looked strong. But what I was made even more so impressed with his father.

As we all know, his father suffered cancer; wasn’t really much of a factor in Leo’s last few camps and that clearly weighed on Leo’s shoulders. And now to see Leo’s father in full strength, making comments, “I defeated, I KO’d cancer.” You can just see how that weight has been lifted off Leo’s shoulders.

So I have no doubt that we will see the best Leo Santa Cruz we have seen in many years, and we will see the absolute best Abner Mares. I think the timing is perfect for June the 9th for those two guys meeting each other again at the famous STAPLES Center which always brings out the best in the fighters.

It’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you first Abner Mares; doesn’t need much of an introduction. We all know a 2004 Mexican Olympian, pound-for-pound, one of the best and most exciting fighters in the world, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and now fighting out of Los Angeles with a record of 32 wins, two losses. He is a multi-division world champion; always fighting the best, from 118 to 126 pounds. It’s a pleasure for me to turn it over now to Abner Mares to make some opening comments.

Abner Mares
Thank you, Richard, for the introduction. Thank you to the media. Thank you to all you guys.

I am on my way home from a hard work day and I am ready for June 9. I cannot wait. It’s only less than two weeks, almost a week. And I’m just looking forward to another spectacular night where it would be the best, maybe another one for the books. Thank you.

R. Schaefer
The other man is the world champion, Leo Santa Cruz with the record of 34 wins and one loss and one draw. As I mentioned before, he’s the one who throws punches in bunches. He is in spectacular shape. He is a multi-division world champion as well; 118, 122 and 126 pounds. In a stellar victory over Carl Frampton where he regained the featherweight world title.

I think, given the fact that his father feels so much better, I think, I can see a different Leo Santa Cruz. And it’s a pleasure for me now to introduce to you as well, my friend, Leo Santa Cruz.

Leo Santa Cruz
Thank you, Richard, for the introduction. And thank you for the media and thank you for everyone who’s in here.

I’m ready for June 9. I know Mares is going to come with his best but he looks really good. He’s a great guy, great person. And he was the best, one of the best fighters out there. The best fights the best. It’s a guaranteed great fight on June 9. We’ll give a great fight for our fans and we’re ready to just go out there and entertain the fans.

Q
Does your experience with that Frampton rematch give you confidence going into this rematch with Abner Mares?

L. Santa Cruz
I’m confident in every fight. I’m not going to go in there with the mindset that, “Oh no I’m going to lose”. I live by my confidence and my training. I train really hard. I give 100% in my training. And now with my dad in my corner, he’s been a lot better, I’ve been able to focus more in my training and everything.

I know Abner is a great fighter. He’s been training really hard. He’s at his best. He’s got a new trainer. So he’s going to come by his best, I know that so far. I like that when they give their best, it makes me work even harder and bring out my best too.

I’m confident in my training, what I’m doing, doing everything good. And June 9 we’ll see how it goes and hopefully my fight is still great and everything we worked in the gym and give a great fight.

Q
Have you seen any weakness in Leo that gives you more confidence going into this rematch?

A. Mares
I don’t look at tapes, to be honest. I let my coach do that. Obviously I do remember that fight because I did watch it. I was there live. And I mean all I could say from that fight is that you go in looking for certain things and I’ve seen what I need to execute and we’re going to put them to work come June 9.

It’s going to be a great fight, close fight. We’re both in our prime, in our moment like we were in the first fight. And I’m just ready to execute the perfect plan that we have.

Q
Leo what did you feel in your spirit, in your body, in your mind, was there anything missing that night you lost to Frampton as compared to your victory over Frampton in January of last year?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, you know, I think it was more I wanted to see my dad. In the first fight against Carl Frampton, my dad wasn’t really with me, he was mostly in the clinic or in the hospital. He had surgery. He has that experience to tell me what type of fight to fight in. So I think that was the missing key right there.

Then for the rematch my dad was mostly there in the gym. He told me what kind of fight to fight in. What punches to throw and stuff like that. And so I think it was my dad. My dad was the difference in that fight.

Q
I wonder because you’re fighting him in a rematch and you did get that victory in that fight, is there any part of you that says to yourself, “You know what, I beat this guy.” And it’s a little bit harder maybe to motivate yourself?

L. Santa Cruz
I’m more motivated. Like I said, I don’t want to underestimate Abner Mares. I know Mares is at his best. He’s in his prime. He looked a lot better now. And I am a lot better than the first fight so it makes me train even harder/ I have learned a lot too.

So I think you’re going to see a better fight because Mares is going to give his best. He looked the best he had looked. And I’m more motivated. I don’t want to underestimate him.

It’s going to be a hard fight but we have done everything in the gym to get the victory. We have to work hard and we have worked on things that we have seen that worked on him and that’s what we’re going to do. But I know it’s going to be a hard fight and it’s going to tough, but we’re going to go out there and do our best.

Q
What is it that makes you say that you believe that Abner is better now than he was when you fought him three years ago?

L Santa Cruz
He looks good. He fights differently. He has Robert Garcia as his trainer. Robert Garcia is a great trainer; very smart and driven. He knows how to send a fighter to fight. I have seen him and you could see in his training that he is working really hard and everything. But we like that. We like that because he’s going to come in his best and we’re going to give a better fight.

Q
Do you view Robert as that big of a difference and one of the reasons you believe that he is better today than he was three years ago?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes. I know Robert. Robert is a great trainer and I know he might make a difference. But I also have learned a lot. I got a lot of experience over these few years. And whatever he has learned, I have learned too. And I think it’s going to come down to who wants it the most and I think it’s going to be a great fight/

Q
Do you think about a unification fight after this fight, if you’re successful or do you think about maybe moving up in weight?

L Santa Cruz
I want a unification. Hopefully because of the win, I would like to unify with any other champion. There’s Josh Warrington, Gary Russell, Oscar Valdez and even a third fight against Carl Frampton.

So if the fight is going to make it, I’ll be right there. But for any reason or anything that we can’t make those unifications or any other fights, yes, I would like to move up to 130 and look for another title for 130. But mostly I want to make a fight against another one of the champions.

Q
Does the Gary Russell Jr fight interest you more than any other at featherweight after this fight is successful?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, it is. I fought Gary in an amateur. We both went to the finals. He beat me but I’m a lot better now. Hopefully it does happen and I can say that I could beat him.

Q
Do you go in there trying to pick up where you left off and thinking like round 13 against Santa Cruz?

A. Mares
I’m not going to focus on the first fight. It happened already. That’s in the past. It was a great fight and now we’re moving forward. I think Leo brought up a good point, a really awesome point I think that we’re both better fighters now. I’ve grown as a fighter. I’ve learned so much with Robert and with the two Frampton fights he has too. I think he’s grown as an athlete.

So I think now you’re going to get in to some better fights because we just learned so much and then grown in boxing that we’re just going to give it to this fight. But at the end of the day I think where we’re both improved as fighters. We just like to please the crowd.

Q
Are we going to see fight number three after you win this one?

A. Mares
If the fight is that good, again, there’s no other way than to give them the rematch as he gave me a rematch. We like to fight the best and if it wasn’t clear enough, we would do it again and if not, we’ll move forward and take whatever champion is out there.

I think that everybody is a champion. Everybody is good. And just looking forward to June 9 to prove me once again that I am an elite fighter.

Q
Can you tell us where your dad is at in his recovery?

L. Santa Cruz
Thank you very much for asking for my dad. Right now my dad, he is in complete remission. His cancer is zero right now. So anything that he has is like he has back pain, like he’s always like feeling nauseous, he’s feeling sick, he’s throwing up. But even though, it doesn’t stop him to keep going to the gym every day. He’s right there observing me, telling me what to do in the gym and everything. He’s been there every day.

I’m glad to have him in there. And every time I do good in the gym and I do what he wants, it makes him happy and he forgets about all the pain and everything he’s feeling. So again thank you for that and, yes, my dad is, he’s in complete remission and he’s feeling a lot better than before.

Q
How much of a weight was that lifted off of you just to know that your dad was going to be okay moving forward?

L. Santa Cruz
I think my dad is the most important thing right now. And knowing that he has cancer and everything and before I really couldn’t concentrate in my training because I was thinking about if he’s going to be with me in the camp or if he’s going to be with me in the fight or if he’s going to wake up today or tomorrow.

But right now I’ve been dedicated to my gym. I’ve been focused in the gym. Now I can focus and I could relax and I don’t have to worry about dad. I haven’t really been thinking about that. I’m just been thinking about training and then going out there and giving a great fight.

My last fight he was there. He missed a couple of days but he was mostly almost every day in the camp.

Q
Abner what do you think that was like for Leo to go through as a son?

A. Mares
I know he’s going through a hard time and I respect him as an individual, as a person, a father, it’s just tough what they’re going through. And I’m always wishing them the best. And God be with them.

Will it be harder to stay disciplined when you’re facing each other because you guys are both Mexican and want to go at it?

A. Mares
I think it is going to be difficult because the atmosphere, the first was intense. It’s going to be double that. And it’s going to be super hard. So again that’s why we keep addressing that the fight is going to turn out to be a fan-fest type of fight because I just know we both compete like that.

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, I know, it’s tough because we’re going to be fighting on our home town. We’re both from here. Abner Mares is a great guy but I have to beat him. We have to fight for our family and we have to live for our future.

At the end of the day, whoever wins, I thank God and I hope that we both come out clean. We just want to go out there and give a great fight.

Q
What kind of improvements have you seen from Mares?

L. Santa Cruz
Mares has more speed. He has thrown more punches. He has better defense and everything. He has improved. He improved a lot since our first fight. But also I have improved. I have learned. I have experienced a lot. And I had a lot of life experiences.

So I think we’re both going to be on our best. We will both going to go out there and give everything in the ring. And we were going to go out there and give a great fight for the fans and that’s I think what the fans love and we’re just happy to entertain the fans and give them a great show.

Q
Can you tell us what your game plan is against Abner Mares?

L. Santa Cruz
Well my game plan for this is to be smart. I’m going to be a smart fighter. When the first bell rings, I’m going to go out there and see what type of fight Mares brings and it depends on the fight he brings, we’re going to adjust.

My dad he could tell me to box, he could tell me to brawl. We think we’re going to fight different fight. It depends on Mares how he comes to fight, that’s how we’re going to fight. But we’re going to be smart, bigger shots, intelligent and on June 9 when the first bell rings, that’s when we’re going to know how to fight him.

Q
What kind of adjustments are you – have you been making for this rematch? And is it a question of a balance between boxing and brawling?

A. Mares
I’m making every single adjustment I can that is in my power and that I can do physically. As an athlete, we started from the training methods, to everything. We just have to change it all. People ask me, Abner, are you going to fight differently this fight? “Yes, if I don’t fight this one, then I’m going to get a defeat.” So I think that’s the best way to answer them.

Abner, looking back on that first fight, how do you evaluate that strategy that you had and what did you learn from that experience for this fight?

A. Mares
I learned a lot in that fight. Going in that very first round, I got ahead of myself. I got just anxious. I honestly and I’ve been saying it pretty loud, I’ve been open about it. I just wanted to win this fight so bad all I thought about was tearing his head off.

It just got a little confusing there in the corner with directions. But nevertheless, it was a great fight. I think I fought a lot more with heart and desire than technique in that fight.

Q
In that first fight there was enormous amount of punches thrown. Are we going to expect to see something like that?

L. Santa Cruz
Well I think we could expect maybe not as much punches but almost the same punches, because we have learned, right there I throw a lot of punches and I miss a lot. But this time we’re going to try to throw more selective punches that more punches that land.

So whatever I throw, we want to make sure that they land. We don’t want to throw just to throw. So I think we’re going to be smarter and select our punches and just make them count. Make our punches count and we’re still going to throw a lot of punches, be active and Mares is at his best, I’ll be at my best. It’s going to be a great fight and we’ll both going to go and throw a lot of punches. You guys are going to see back and forth fireworks.

Q
Would you like to make a prediction, Leo, for the fight?

L. Santa Cruz
I’m most confident. You never know what’s going to happen. Mares is a great fighter and we’ll see what happens on June 9. We’re going to go out there and look for the victory.

We’ve been training for 12 rounds. If we go 12 rounds, we’re ready for the 12 rounds. If the opportunity comes, we’re going to go for a knockout. But I’ll be happy to come out with a victory.

Q
Abner, would you like to make a prediction also?

Abner Mares
My prediction is June 9, hell of a fight. Thank you so much.

R. Schaefer
Well I can echo that from Abner and from Leo, it’s going to be an amazing night here at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It’s going to be a loaded card as well. One of the most talked about blue chip Olympians from the Rio Olympics, Karlos Balderas from Santa Maria is going to be on the card as well.

So make sure fight fans come early to STPLES Center on June the 9th. As little as $50 you’re going to see these two world championship fights. I have no doubt that both of those fights are going to deliver and over deliver.

These guys are in their best shape I have ever seen them. Both want it and it’s going to come down to may the better man win on June the 9th.

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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.

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2018) – Unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo and former world champion Austin Trout went face-to-face Tuesday as they met with media in Los Angeles to discuss their showdown 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 is headlined by a rematch between featherweight world champions and Southern California rivals Leo Santa Cruz and Abner 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 Palm Restaurant Downtown Los Angeles:

JERMELL CHARLO

“Me and my brother talk the talk and we walk the walk. From this point on in our careers, we’re going full force and it’s going to be nothing but knockouts.

“Every fight in my life is important because the man standing across from me is there to beat me. Kobe Bryant used to talk about how he knew everyone was going to come at him extra hard whether it was practice or a game, because of who he was and the status he had. I know that I can’t take anyone lightly.

“I’m an animal. I love to train. I’m right on weight and really happy about how I feel. I’m in dog shape. I’m going to show everyone on June 9 what’s supposed to happen. You all know what to expect.

“Our careers and our records are growing and you’re getting to see more of the Charlos. We’re jolts of lightning for this sport. We’re giving people real problems. We just get in there and do what we do.

“We’re ready to keep putting on shows for everyone. My brother just did his thing in Brooklyn and now we’re taking it to the West Coast. I love Los Angeles. I live here and I love training here. Me and Jermall both have knockouts at STAPLES Center and we’re going to turn it out on June 9.

“I know that I have to get in there, put my mind to it and do what I have to do. It’s his job to beat me and I’m preparing to stop him. The ‘Charlo Show’ is going to keep going. I’m not worried about Trout’s fight with my brother. Every fight we’ve been growing and changing.

“I didn’t have to go through what Trout had to in his last big fight against Hurd. I’m the fresher younger fighter. I don’t take away anything from what he’s done in his career, but I have my own career and legacy and he’s standing in my way.

“Me and my brother are a force to be reckoned with. We train super hard. I’m not leaving that hard work in camp, I’m taking it to the fight.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“We’re going out there to steal the show. Which will be hard to do because the main event is a barnburner. But I just hope they’re not sleeping on me, because they’ve awoken a sleeping giant. I’ve been busy and active so I feel like I’m very dangerous right now.

“I respect Charlo because he didn’t have to take this fight. Now it’s time to get it on. When I fought his brother, I remember people counted me out and said history had been made before I even stepped into the ring. I’m here again to try to stop the ‘Charlo Show’ and start the ‘Trout Show.'”

“I’m very excited about this fight. I love fighting in Los Angeles. I’m undefeated here and I plan to remain undefeated here. Being at STAPLES Center is a great honor. I’m a big basketball fan so I know what that building means.

“The Charlos act similar, but they’re not the same and they definitely don’t fight the same. I think the difference in this fight is that I’ve been busier leading up to it. I just fought in February so my skills were more refined coming into this camp.

“We started camp already 50 percent of the way there because of my recent activity and it’s allowed me to work even more on game plan. We’re going to be prepared for everything he has. It’s going to add up to my victory.

“My skills are going to be sharper than fans are used to seeing in recent years. The dog in me is fully ready to go. I’m starving. I feel like I’m young and this is my opportunity to prove I’m still the king of this division.

“I’m just using the past disappoints as motivation. Including the fight against Jermall. That’s all the fuel that I need.

“On June 9 you can expect to see my hand raised. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a dog fight. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to come out on top. That belt is going to look on me.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“The only way to make a card like this bigger than it already was with Santa Cruz vs. Mares 2, was to add a world title fight like this with two incredibly talented fighters. Austin Trout is a true champion outside of the ring and inside the ring and he knows what a win over Jermell Charlo would do for his career. He’ll be aided by having a man in his corner in Barry Hunter who always seems to come up with the right game plan.

“There are a lot of great fighters with talent and skill, but you can’t tell me five fighters who can combine those skills with the charisma and personality that the Charlo twins have. The last time I saw crowds of reporters engaged with fighters like this was with Floyd Mayweather. But these guys aren’t following in anyone’s footsteps, they’re doing it their way and they’re doing an absolutely amazing job.

“The Charlo twins are pound-for-pound one and two as having the overall package of skill and charisma. You can’t teach that. You either have it or you don’t.

“The Charlos go into every fight with a target on their back. They know their opponent will be in their best shape possible. That is exactly the personality of Austin Trout and what makes him such a dangerous opponent who has years of experience in big fights to fall back on. Jermell knows that and he will be ready. I know these guys can’t wait to face each other 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.

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.

BROOKLYN, NY–BROOKLYN (Oct. 15, 2017) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara knocked down previously unbeaten Terrell Gausha en route to a 12-round unanimous decision in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center.

The Premier Boxing Champions event featured three world title fights in the stacked 154-pound division, a lineup including five fighters ranked in the top 10, and four in the top five.

The southpaw Lara used a precise jab to set up a sharp left hand in the sixth defense of his world title. The supreme technician, known for his elusiveness, put on a clinic as expected. He fought mostly in the pocket and picked apart the 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha, a Cleveland native getting his first shot at a world title.

Lara landed 45 percent of his power shots and threw 200 more total punches in the bout that was scored 116-111 and 117-110 twice.

“We want to give a lot of credit to Gausha. He’s an Olympian and he came to fight,” Lara said. “I take the rhythm of the boxing match and that’s when I take over. He’s fighting with the best in the division. He’s not a stupid fighter, but he knew who he was facing today.

“I’m ready to box anyone that comes my way. I’m the best boxer at 154 pounds and I won’t shy away from anyone that wants to fight me. I’ll box whoever, just line them up. I’m not afraid. I have proven that I’m a true champion. I’ll fight (Jermell) Charlo if I have to. We are friends, but business is business.”

One of the most anticipated fights of the year lasted only 2:41 seconds as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo knocked out Erickson Lubin with a brutal right uppercut to the chin in the opening round in the second of three 154-pound world title fights. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2yoXIU6

While the matchup of young, undefeated Americans was regarded as one of boxing’s best fights in a year of marquee matchups, Jermell Charlo had other plans. After feeling each other out Charlo, the twin brother of undefeated former champion Jermall, unloaded a strong right uppercut that the highly touted Lubin leaned into. With Lubin struggling to return to his feet, referee Harvey Dock waived off the contest and helped a dazed Lubin return to his corner.

“They were giving him a lot of attention,” a fired up Lubin told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray. “I was quiet the whole time. They said they were going to come take my title. I had to defend it. They didn’t know what I was brining into this and I think (Lubin) was worried about the wrong things.

“We’re going to unify. The other champions want to fight me and I’ll take any of them. Give me another title. I want Hurd. Hurd just won. Give me Hurd.”

The 22-year-old Lubin, boxing’s consensus 2016 prospect of the year, had his hopes of becoming the second youngest titlist in boxing dashed in less than three minutes.

“I’m fine. He caught me with a blind shot. I didn’t see it coming. He landed it. I felt like when I got up I could have kept fighting, but it’s boxing. It happens.

“I’m young and I’m hungry. I know I’m one of the best out there. He caught me with a blind shot that I didn’t see. Like I said, it’s boxing. I’m just going to remain hungry, get back in the gym and become the champion I know I am.

“I’m young and have plenty of fight left in me. This is just a minor setback. I’ll be back sooner than later and hungrier than ever.”

IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jarrett Hurd became the first person to stop veteran former champion Austin Trout with a 10th round technical knockout in the first defense of his world title in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

The 27-year-old Hurd did what Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Jermall Charlo could not after the ringside doctor stepped in to stop the bout following a brutal closing 20 seconds of the 10th frame.

The Accokeek, Md., native often neglected defense in the early rounds and fought back after a slow start to wear down the toughest opponent of his career. The championship affair shifted in the sixth as Trout tired and Hurd picked up his output of power shots despite a bloody cut over his left eye. Trout was practically saved by the bell in the 10th round and trainer Louie Burke did not protest as he was advised that the fight should be stopped.

“It’s most definitely tougher to defend the title than win it,” Hurd said. “I’m always the one that comes on stronger at the end of the fight. We knew we were going to wear Austin Trout down in the later rounds and eventually stop him. My cut made me a little better with my head movement.

“Team Swift, we don’t run from anyone. I’m ready to unify. 2018 is the year for unifications. It doesn’t matter who it is. I’m ready to fight anyone.”

Hurd had a 89-31 edge in power punches landed over the last three rounds and connected on 43 percent of his power shots over 10 rounds.

Trout was taken to Lutheran Hospital for observation after the bout.

Saturday’s telecast will replay on Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

Julian Sosa remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Erick Daniel Martinez in a welterweight bout.

In round three. Sosa dropped Martinez with a hard right hand.

Sosa is now 10-0-1.  Martinez is 14-10-1.

Tony Harrison won an eight-round unanimous decision over Paul Valenzuela, Jr. in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt.  In round five, he was deducted a point for hitting Harrison on the break.

Harrison, 156 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 80-71 and 78-73 on two cards, and is now 25-2.  Valenzuela, 1558.8 lbs of Santa Rosalia. MEX is 20-6.

Cindy Serrano won an eight-round split decision over Edina Kiss in a super featherweight bout.

Serrano, 128.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 79-73 & 78-74, while Kiss took a card 78-74.

Serrano is now 27-5-3.  Kiss, 127.8 lbs of Budapest, HUN is 13-6.

Chrodale Booker remained undefeated by winning a eight round unanimous decision over Malcolm McAllister in a battle of undefeated super welterweights.

In round seven, Booker landed a hard left hook that knocked Mcallister between the bottom and second ropes.

Booker, 154.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 79-72, and 78-73 twice and is now 8-0.  McAllister, 151.8 lbs of Long Beach, CA is now 9-1.

Richardson Hitchins remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Jordan Morales on a welterweight bout.

Hitchins, 143.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Morales, 142 lbs of Pennsylvania is 2-3.

George Arias stopped Mario Heredia in round six of a scheduled eight round heavyweight bout.

It was a back and forth brawl, and Heredia could not continue.

Arias, 230 lbs of Bronx, NY is 9-0 with five knockouts. Heredia, 288.8 lbs of San Diego, CA is 14-6.

BROOKLYN (October 10, 2017) – As fight night nears, six of the top 154-pound world champions and contenders shared their thoughts and analysis of the high stakes matchups taking place Saturday, October 14 in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.

Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is how the fighters see the other the action going this Saturday night in Brooklyn:

ERISLANDY LARA

“Charlo vs. Lubin is really a great title fight between two tremendous fighters. Charlo is going to have his hands full with Lubin. I think Jermell is going to come out on top with a close, split-decision win.

“Austin Trout is a great fighter, but I think that Jarrett Hurd is too young and too strong for him. That’s going to be another going to be a good fight but I’m picking Hurd by a unanimous decision.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“It’s really hard for me to predict these fights. All six of us are going to leave everything in the ring to seize this opportunity. May the best man win.

“No matter who wins this fight, I want the other winners next. I’m extremely confident and my goal is to prove I’m the best in this division. That means I’m going to have to go through whoever else wins on this night.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“Experience is going to be the key on October 14. The fighters who use their experiences to their advantage will prevail.

“If Jarrett Hurd gets by Austin Trout, I definitely would fight him next. Unification is on my mind and I think that would be a fight a lot of people would want to see. We’ll see who is able to come out on top when we’re all in the ring.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I really think Hurd vs. Trout is a 50-50 fight. If Trout can box for 12-rounds and not get tired the way Tony Harrison did, I think he’ll win the fight. But if he slows down in the later rounds, I think Hurd will probably take over and stop him.

“I’m expecting Lara to get the win. No disrespect to Gausha, I know he’s going to come hungry and try to take the title. But the skills and experience of Lara I think will make the difference.”

JARRETT HURD

“Gausha is going to have to keep a high pace and stay in Lara’s face all night, because you know that Lara is going to use the ring. In the end I think Lara is just on a different level than what Gausha has faced. I think Lara will win by decision.

“Charlo vs. Lubin is really a 50-50 fight. Lubin is the faster and sharper fighter, but Charlo is more mature. I would have to lean towards Charlo on this one because he’s been on this stage and been in title fights before. We don’t really know what Lubin can do yet so I give Charlo the slight edge but it’s really close.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“This is really a great night of guys putting it all on the line in tough fights. I’m expecting these to be hard-fought and close bouts. You really can’t know who the winner is until the fight starts, so I think it’ll be exciting for the fans.

“My focus is full on Jarrett Hurd. Boxing has tried to write me off but I’m not going anywhere. I’m a true warrior. I’m ready and if I can get that belt, I’m ready to face any of the other winners as soon as possible to prove that I’m the best.”

# # #

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

BROOKLYN (September 6, 2017) – Six of the top 154-pound fighters in the world spoke to media in Brooklyn Wednesday ahead of their respective Saturday, October 14 showdowns featured in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha plus hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.

Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays CenterGroup discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

ERISLANDY LARA

“I like to do my talking in the ring. On October 14 that’s exactly what I’m going to do. It’s an honor to be headlining on SHOWTIME and we’re looking forward to a great fight.

“I’m excited to be part of this huge card. This is a great event. These are the best guys in the division. It’s a pleasure to be the main event and I look forward to putting on a show.

“Gausha is a good fighter. He’s an Olympian and a guy who wants to win and become world champion. I know what that feels likes, but I also know what it takes. We’ll see how it plays out on October 14.

“I’m excited for this fight. I’ve beat champions, former champions and now I’ll add an Olympian. After I take care of business I look forward to unifying the division.

“My prayers and my thoughts are with everyone down in Houston. I have family and friends who were affected. It’s a sad situation, but Houston has to be strong. That’s why I’m going to have ‘Houston Strong’ on my trunks because we all need to stick together and unite. That’s the way we’ll make it through.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“I was extremely excited to get the call for this fight. I’ve been working for this my whole career and it’s a great opportunity. Lara is considered to be the best in the division and I want to fight the best. Now is my time.

“I’ll have to make adjustments in there. Obviously with Lara you have to cut the ring off. We have a game plan that I’m going to go in there and execute on October 14.

“I’m fighting a tough competitor. He’s crafty. We all know he has skills. But I’ve prepared for this and I’m going to do what I have to do. I like to do my talking in the ring and I’ll leave it all on the line on fight night.

“I’m a more mature fighter now. I’m a true professional. I’ve been through some things in my career that have helped me leading up to this fight. I’m well-seasoned and ready for the test.

“I’m training with my coach Manny Robles in Norwalk, California and it’s been going really well. We’re adding a few things for this fight but mostly just putting in the same hard work that we always do.

“I’m blessed to be in this position. I feel like all my hard work is paying off now that I’m on a big card like this. I worked hard and I deserve this chance.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“I’m honored to be in Brooklyn. This is another exciting fight card like the last card I was on here. I did what I had to do in April. I let the opponent run his mouth and then I took care of him. I’m going to let that happen again.

“I have to take advantage of this opportunity. I know that I have a lot of advantages but I just need to go seize the moment. He’s a tough, strong fighter who’s going to be ready to take my title.

“It’s interesting to see a guy as young as he is come for a world title. I’ve been here a long time in the pro game. It’s a big stage for both of us. I’ve fought a lot of tough guys up to this point. This is what I’ve been preparing for.

“I want to fight Jarrett Hurd after this. I’d also like to get an opportunity to unify against Miguel Cotto. I want to show the old guard that the Charlo twins are as good as anyone.

“I got my hands full with Ericskon Lubin and I know he comes to fight. He’s a dog, but I’m an animal as well. I’m going to step up and do what I’ve done each time before.

“I’m doing this for Houston. Houston is going through a lot. My friends and family are all affected. It really doesn’t seem real to me. I’m ready to help however I can.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“This is the fight I asked for. I said I wanted to go the WBC route and when it was officially announced I was really excited. I’ve been training for this since my last fight. I’m even more motivated now to go get the belt.

“I’ve been sparring with bigger guys. Guys who throw one-two combos like Jermell. I’m getting prepared mentally and physically for this fight.

“Jermell has some power. He moves pretty well, but I’ll be prepared for everything. Whether he pressures or boxes me I’ll be prepared.

“I laugh at people who say this is too soon for me. Mike Tyson was 19 when he dared to be great. This is the perfect time for me to show that I’m not a regular 21-year-old.

“This is a stacked card we have here and I’m ready to showcase my talent. I want to prove I’m the best in this division. I think we’re bringing back the era of all fighters going out there and giving it their all each time they step into the ring. I always steal the show and I’m planning to do that October 14.”

JARRETT HURD

“It means everything to be defending my belt on a card like this. I fought here at Barclays Center on the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter undercard so to be back here against a veteran in Austin Trout is great. I can’t wait to put on a show.

“We’re going to have two buses of fans coming up here. The ‘Swift’ fans will be in the house. It’s going to be a great atmosphere on fight night.

“In my last bout, Tony Harrison won some early rounds by boxing me, so we’ve known that my next opponent is going to try to outbox me. We expect him to move around and use the ring against me.

“This has been a long training camp. We’ve had this bout set for a long time. We’re more than prepared.

“We’ve been training to catch a ‘Trout.’ We’ll put the bait out there and let him come in. If he doesn’t take the bait, we’ll step right in the water and get him out of there.

“I’m going to keep the pressure on him. I’m planning on attacking the body and making sure I cut off the ring. He’s going to be on the move so I have to be prepared.

“My fans can expect a stoppage on October 14. He’s got three losses against great opponents but none have been able to stop him. I’m going to separate myself by being the first to do it.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“This is going to put me back to where I belong. Right back on top. This is for my legacy so this is of the utmost importance.

“It’s an honor to be on a card like this. I’m blessed to be a part of this great lineup of fighters. This place is the new hotspot of boxing and I can’t wait to perform.

“Hurd is tall, he’s a big guy who I think is going to come forward. We’re preparing for the best possible Hurd that there could be.

“I’m ready to take my career to a whole new level. I’ve been in big fights, but none like this. There is so much riding on this fight. He wants to make a name for himself off of my name.

“He didn’t have to take this fight and I’m happy he did. But he messed up. I’m leaving the ring with his belt and his ‘0.’ I want to stake my claim as the best in the division.

“I’m coming home as a world champion. I’ll be a two-time world champion who’s going to unify this division. I’m going to have my hand raised at the end of the night.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is going to be a sensational show. If you’re a boxing fan this is going to be an amazing show. It’s going to bring some clarity to the division with six talented guys matching off. It’s a boxing fan’s fight and it’s priced that way.

“What boxing needs is the best matchups. Boxing needs shows like this. These are the kind of shows that SHOWTIME has been showing for the last few years. There is no question that they’re the number one network in boxing.

“This card is about finding out who will be the last man standing in the 154-pound division. It starts on October 14 and it’ll all go down on SHOWTIME.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“Last week we had the world’s attention for an unprecedented event in Mayweather vs. McGregor. What this sport needs to do to continue to expand is to follow that up with high quality boxing matchups. That’s why this card is so important. It was critical that we had a top to bottom high quality card to capture those people who started paying attention to boxing on Aug. 26.

“Over the last couple of years, SHOWTIME along with Barclays Center and DiBella Entertainment have brought fans the biggest and best fights in boxing. This might be the highest quality card from top to bottom since we started working with Barclays Center.

“This tripleheader will be the 18th, 19th and 20th world title fights this year on SHOWTIME. More than anyone else. More important and meaningful fights than anyone else. This is a talent-rich division we’ve been showcasing for years.

“I’ve never had any doubts about boxing’s future. Boxing is very healthy. All you have to do is look at these six fighters in their prime, taking on top competition. I know that this sport is in very good health.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“It has been an incredible year for BROOKLYN BOXING. Probably the best since we opened Barclays Center. On October, 28, we will celebrate our fifth anniversary. We’re very committed to boxing, not only showcasing the best and brightest talent, but to use it as a platform for those who aspire to get in this ring. We’re committed to their futures.

“There are a lot of championships on the line which should make it a great night. All of these fights promise to bring action to our great fans. We look forward to seeing everyone on the 14th.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

BROOKLYN (Aug. 30, 2017) – A trio of 154-pound world champions will defend their titles as part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader headlined by Erislandy Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, October 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

The card, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, will feature four undefeated 154-pound boxers and will pave the way for an undisputed king of the 154-pound division.

Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (24-2-2, 14 KOs), generally recognized as the best boxer in the super welterweight division and its longest reigning champion, will defend his title against undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (20-0, 9 KOs).

In the co-main event, hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (29-0, 14 KOs) takes on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (18-0, 13 KOs) while “Swift” Jarrett Hurd (20-0, 14 KOs) will make his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (30-3, 17 KOs).

“On October 14 at Barclays Center, three world champions will be defending their belts, on SHOWTIME, in a night of tremendous super welterweight action,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Long reigning Cuban Erislandy Lara takes on undefeated Olympian Terrell Gausha and newly crowned Jarrett Hurd faces respected former world champion Austin Trout. This card also features one of the best matchups that can be made between two undefeated fighters, champion Jermell Charlo and young sensation Erickson Lubin.”

“This is a blockbuster card for boxing fans,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The 154-pound division is full of talent and this card is loaded with the best champions and top-ranked contenders in the division. The guy who will be the eventual king of the division is fighting on this show and the fans will be treated to matches that will determine who that unified champion will be.’’

Tickets to the event will go on sale on tomorrow, August 31 at 10 a.m. ET and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Friday, September 1 at noon ET. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“We are thrilled to continue our best year yet of BROOKLYN BOXING with our fifth major boxing event of 2017,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We always aim to deliver fight fans an evening packed with top-notch matchups from start to finish, and this card certainly does that.”

Lara, a 34-year-old Cuban southpaw, owns victories over Trout, Alfredo Angulo and a slew of former champions and top contenders in addition to a controversial split decision loss to Canelo Alvarez on the way to cementing his credentials as the top boxer in the division. Lara will make the seventh defense of his world title as he continues to train with renowned trainer Ronnie Shields.

“I’m very excited to be making another title defense back on SHOWTIME headlining a great tripleheader,” said Lara. “This is an interesting fight versus an undefeated U.S. Olympian in Terrell Gausha. I know he will be ready because it’s his opportunity to beat the best fighter in the division and become a champion. But come fight night, he will quickly realize and know why I’m the consensus No. 1 super welterweight in the world. After this performance, I look forward to, one-by-one, adding a WBC and IBF title to my collection.”

The 29-year-old Gausha, of Cleveland, Ohio, earned a shot at the world title with solid victories in his last two matches. He won a hard-fought decision over Steven Martinez last August and followed it up with another impressive victory over Luis Hernandez on Feb. 10. Lara figures to be his toughest battle in his pro career that dates back to 2012.

“I’ve been talking about this since I was a three-year-old watching Muhammad Ali on television,” said Gausha. “I’m here now and blessed for this opportunity. Lara’s a tough fighter, champion and the best opponent I’ll fight on paper. He’s been in with the bigger names. But the better the opponent, the better I am, and I’m coming to dethrone him. He’s crafty, but the world hasn’t seen all that I can bring to the table. I’ll make adjustments on the fly and do things that I’ve never shown before. Seeing other Olympic team members win titles gives me motivation to earn the victory and the notoriety I’ve been looking for.”

Charlo of Houston, Texas will be making the second defense of his title, which he won by knockout victory over John Jackson on May 21, 2016. The 27-year-old Charlo successfully defended the title with a highlight reel knockout victory over fellow Texan Charles Hatley on April 22 at Barclays Center. He and his twin brother, Jermall, both held world titles at 154-pounds, before Jermall relinquished his title to move up to 160 pounds. Charlo now trains in Dallas with Derrick James, trainer of world champion Errol Spence Jr.

“Lubin is young and hungry and I know he always comes to fight, but there’s a reason why I’m where I am in the sport,” said Charlo. “I’ve been through the trenches and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon. This is what boxing always needs — two young, undefeated fighters willing to risk their ‘0’. But I think it’s a little early for Lubin to step in the ring with me, and I plan on keeping my title. October 14 I’ll show everyone why I’m a world champion.”

Lubin, 21, is nicknamed “The Hammer’’ because of his power in both hands and his ability to bring a quick conclusion to every match. Lubin of Orlando, Fla., has picked up 10 victories since the beginning of 2015 including seven knockouts on his way to contender status. Lubin most recently scored a sensational knockout of Jorge Cota in a title eliminator in March at Barclays Center.

“This is a fight for the fans,” said Lubin “You have an undefeated champion against an undefeated Prospect of the Year. I’m very excited to be fighting for the belt and it’s truly been a dream of mine ever since I first got into boxing. Come fight night, Charlo will either give it to me or I’m going to rip the belt out of his hands. Many fans and reporters have said that he’s one of the best, and that will make it even sweeter. My mentality will be to seek and destroy, so everyone tune-in to SHOWTIME on October 14, you will witness boxing’s new superstar!”

Hurd, 26, will be making the first defense of the title that he won with a KO victory over Tony Harrison on Feb. 25. Fighting out of Accokeek, Maryland, Hurd soared up the rankings with stoppage victories over previously unbeaten fighters Frank Galarza and Oscar Molina at Barclays Center plus veteran Jo Jo Dan.
“I got a Trout to catch,’’ said Hurd. “His losses have all been to top champions Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Jermall Charlo. But I’m on a streak of six straight knockouts and Trout has never been stopped, so I’m looking for the stoppage to make a statement that the other fighters couldn’t make. This is definitely my toughest fight, and I didn’t have to take it since it’s a voluntary defense. But I wanted this fight to stop Austin Trout, proving to the fans and people in general I’m the real deal and a true champion.”
Trout, a 31-year-old southpaw from Las Cruces, New Mexico, has faced some of the top 154-pound boxers in the division. He defeated Miguel Cotto in New York to win a title in 2012 and has close losses to Canelo Alvarez and Lara on his resume. In his most recent attempt at winning the title, Trout gave Jermall Charlo perhaps the toughest test of his career after looking impressive in four straight victories leading up to the challenge.

‘What a blessing it is to have this opportunity at a world title shot,” said Trout. “I want to thank everyone who has been in my corner to help get me career defining fights. It’s refreshing to see young champions showing heart and testing their skill with the best in the game. With that said, salute to Hurd for allowing this fight to go through.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

NEW YORK (Aug. 4, 2016) – In continuation of the 30th anniversary year of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, the network will feature four of its most memorable “UPSETS”. For the past three decades SHOWTIME Sports® has been home to countless upsets—some of the most shocking each year. Whether it be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING or, for the last 15 years, ShoBox: The New Generation, fighters often face their biggest challenges, their most fierce opponents, live on SHOWTIME.

It started in 1986 when Iran Barkley knocked out heavily favored Thomas Hearns and continued through this past weekend when Carl Frampton edged the favored featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz by decision in thrilling Fight of the Year candidate. To date, some 151 fighters have suffered their initial loss on ShoBox since the series premiere in July 2001.

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of August:

· Thursday, Aug. 4: Josesito Lopez vs. Victor Ortiz

· Thursday, Aug. 11: Marcos Maidana vs. Adrien Broner – Ring Magazine 2013 Upset of the Year

· Thursday, Aug. 18: Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson I – Ring Magazine 1996 Fight of the Year and Upset of The Year; Holyfield was named The Fighter of the Year by The Ring and Boxing Writers Association of America

· Thursday, Aug. 25: Austin Trout vs. Miguel Cotto

These unforgettable battles will air on “Throwback Thursdays” on SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT) throughout the month of August and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Each fight will be wrapped with context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

“Throwback Thursday” Tidbits

Lopez vs. Ortiz – June 23, 2012 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

Former welterweight world champion Ortiz was set to fight Canelo Alvarez in September. All he needed to do was to win his upcoming match. After two fights with Andre Berto earlier in the year fell through, Ortiz took on the relatively unknown and inexperienced Lopez. Stepping up in weight and competing for the first time as a welter, Lopez became the “Riverside Rocky” as he shocked the boxing world by breaking Ortiz’s jaw and winning by TKO.

Lopez rallied to triumph despite swelling to his left eye from the end of the sixth round on. After nine rounds, he was trailing on all three scorecards (88-83, 87-84 and 86-85). But in the ninth of what had been a back-and-forth, seesaw, tough battle, Lopez connected late with a punch to Ortiz’s jaw that broke it on impact. Moments later, the skirmish was stopped when Ortiz said he could not continue because of a broken jaw. Lopez landed a fight against Canelo. The unbelievable upset remains the biggest victory of Lopez’s career.

Maidana vs. Broner – Dec. 14, 2013, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The unbeaten Broner, a 5-1 favorite to retain his WBA Welterweight World Title on his first defense, was instead dealt his first defeat.

A poised yet aggressive Maidana, the target of heavy trash talk all week, overpowered and dominated the brash Broner from the outset while putting him down for the first time in his career. In a surprisingly one-sided performance, Maidana scored knockdowns in the second and eighth and won a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 119-109, 116-109 and 115-111. While tying Maidana up after going down in the eighth, Broner absorbed what appeared to be an intentional headbutt. Broner’s reaction: He over-dramatized the effect of it, falling to the canvas in a heap and rolling over in agony. Maidana more than doubled Broner’s punch output, out-throwing him, 964-400.

After the decision was announced, Broner exited the ring hastily without being interviewed by SHOWTIME or congratulating Maidana. Fans booed at Broner as he made his way back to the dressing room. The victory propelled Maidana into two consecutive fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Holyfield vs. Tyson I – Nov. 9, 1996, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nev.

In one of the most legendary and monumental bombshells in history, Holyfield, who opened as a 25-1 underdog, bullied the bully and stopped Tyson on a TKO at 0:37 of the 11th round to capture the WBA Heavyweight World Title.

Holyfield, a built-up cruiserweight not known for power, utilized his reach advantage and superior strength to engage Tyson and fight him on his terms. The action was intense and non-stop; Holyfield applied constant pressure and kept in close to nullify Tyson’s power (left hook). Tyson landed hard shots, but only one at a time, and Holyfield took them all. As the bout wore on, Tyson wore down. With 20 seconds remaining in the 10th, Holyfield chilled Tyson with a right hand to the chin. A barrage of powerful combinations to the head and body sent Tyson staggering backward into the ropes. Tyson, out on his feet and defenseless, was saved by the bell. Thirty-seven seconds into the 11th, Holyfield landed a big right that left Tyson staggering again. Moments later, the referee stopped the fight. Holyfield was ahead by 100-93 and 96-92 twice.

A fight that was aired on SHOWTIME PPV® was supposed to be a mere formality for Tyson: he’d won eight straight since bowing to Buster Douglas in Japan and Holyfield was thought to be “washed-up” after three lackluster performances in a row. It was the third time Holyfield attained a heavyweight title; he was the first one to do so since Muhammad Ali. The Holyfield-Tyson rematch took place seven months later (June 28, 1997).

Trout vs. Cotto – Dec. 1, 2012, Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.

Cotto, a Puerto Rican hero and three-division world champion, was deemed unbeatable in New York where he was 9-0—7-0 at Madison Square Garden. He had a fight slated with Canelo Alvarez next. Seven months after dropping a competitive decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., all Cotto had to do was hook Trout, throw him back to sea and then, gear up for the deepest waters. It was that simple, but it didn’t go as planned. Trout won a controversial 12-round unanimous decision. He boxed beautifully to successfully defend his WBA Super Welterweight Title for the fifth time (119-109 and 117-111 twice).

With the majority of his passionate fans cheering and waving Puerto Rican flags, Cotto came on strongly in the middle rounds, trapping Trout on the ropes and keeping him there. He had his greatest success in the closing seconds of the 10th when he backed Trout into a corner and dazed him with a flurry of punches. The big crowd erupted. But southpaw Trout silenced them by cranking up the pressure and roughing up Cotto the last two rounds. Cotto was bidding for a fifth world title. Trout got the shot at Canelo.

# # #

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Erislandy Lara retained the WBA Super Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Vanes Martirosyan in a rematch at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

Lara got in the sharper punches, while Martirosyan worked the body.  The fight was tactical on Lara’s standpoint.  Martirosyan was deducted a point in round 11 from a low blow.

Lara won by scores of 116-111 twice and 115-112 and is now 23-2-2.  Martirosyan is 36-3-1.

“My mother and kids are still there so it would be a great privilege to go fight in my native Cuba.  Everything is possible in this world.  I didn’t think I’d be champion of the world and here I am.

“I want to tell Team Vanes thank you for giving me the rematch.  I’m ready to fight anybody.  I’d like to fight Canelo.

“The Charlo brothers are my teammates and having three of us going back as champions is a great thing.”

Martirosyan, the aggressor throughout, disputed the decision.

“I was chasing him all night,” he said. “I put on the pressure. I thought I did enough to win. That was not a low blow.  Replays show the trunks were high.

“I never ducked anyone.  No one wanted to fight Lara.  I stepped up and fought him again.  I’ll fight anyone.”

Jerrmall Charlo retained the IBF Jr. Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former WBA champion Austin Trout.

Trout was very consistent, but Charlo was rewarded for landing the harder punches that closed the right eye of Trout and in round ten, Trout was cut over the eye for the first time in his career.

Charlo won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 and is now 24-0.  Trout of Las Cruces, NM is 30-3.

Jermell Charlo stopped John Jackson in round eight to capture the WBC Super Welterweight championship.

Jackson boxed well by pot shotting and getting off to an early lead.  In round eight, Charlo landed a right to eye of Jackson.  Jackson froze and ate a huge left hook that drove Jackson into the corner and referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight at 51 seconds.

Charlo of Houston, TX is now 28-0 with 13 knockouts.  Jackson of the Virgin Islands is now 20-3.

“It wasn’t a struggle, it was a great experience,” said Charlo after his second successful title defense. “I want to thank God for allowing me and my twin brother to see this day.  History.

“Austin is a hell of a fighter.  He’s a beast. This was my first time going 12, but it didn’t matter because I knew I was in shape.

“It’s history,” said Jermell, who entered the match as the WBC No. 1 contender and became the 66^th ShoBox: The New Generation fighter to capture a world title.

I feel like I was ahead and I came up short.  He caught me with a punch and I was trying to fix my mouthpiece.  Then he hit me and I was out.  It hit me in the eye, but my mouthpiece was coming out.  I was trying to push in my mouthpiece back in and he hit me.  I knew where I was.  It dazed me, but I wasn’t knocked out.

“It’s boxing.  It was a great fight.  I felt I was winning the fight, I got caught and that was it.

“I dedicated the fight to my dad and I hope I didn’t let him down.  I fell short.  You win some and you lose some.”

Said the elder Jackson: “I’m proud. It took a lot for us to get this far.  I know my people are proud.  We are strong people and we are coming back.”

“We did it. A lot of fighters don’t come out of Houston and we did it.  I’m waiting for my brother next. We’ve been boxing for all of these years and it had to happen.

“I was behind.  He was boxing, he was moving around a lot.  That was unexpected of him.  I thought he was going to come out to brawl.  I had to make an adjustment and I did.

“When he started slowing down, I was able to catch him with a shot.  I knew that if he could have continued he could have come back so I had to hit him.”

“My game plan was to execute with the jab.  I knew he was going to try to stop me, but that didn’t happen. There’s no way you can tame a lion.

“It felt good because I knew my brother would get the job done.  We belong on this level.  We need these titles to get the big fights and we’re going to keep these titles to keep rising.

“I changed my mind — we’re going to stay right here (at 154). Making 154 pounds wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be.”

“Hat’s off to Jermall Charlo.  He fought a hell of a fight,” Austin Trout said. “I felt like I did enough to win.  They won’t give me a close decision, so it’s time to start taking these cats out.  But I can’t make excuses.  I fought my ass off, Charlo fought his ass off and hats off to him.

“I’m going to live to fight another day.  You’re going to see me back.  We’re warriors out here.’’

Follow all the action as Erislandy Lara defends the WBA Super Welterweight title in a rematch against Vanes Martirosyan; The action begins at 9 PM ET with the WBC Super Welterweight title bout between Jermell Charlo and John Jackson; Jermall Charlo defends his IBF Jr. Middleweight title against former world champion Austin Trout

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Round 1 Good counter right from Martirosyan..straight right..Good body shot…

Round 2 Lara lands a left and a counter

Round 3 Good left hook to the body from Martirosyan..Good counter from Lara..Body shot from Martirosyan..Right..left hook to the body..2 more. and another right to the body

Round 4 Nice hook from Lara..1-2…Right from Martirosyan…

Round 5 2 lefts to body from Martiroysan…combination from Lara..another combination and a straight left…Left from Martirosyan…

Round 6 1-2 from Lara,,lead left hook to body from Martirosyan..Counter from Lara..double left hook to body from Martirosyan..

Round 7 Right from Martirosyan..Lara lands a body combination..Martirosyan gets in a uppercut

Round 8 Lead left from Lara…Left to body from Martirosyan..Nice left from Lara

Round 9 2 left uppercuts from Martirosyan..Combination…Left from Lara…

Round 10 Left from Martirosyan..3 lefts…Good left from Lara…

Round 11 MARTIROSYAN DEDUCTED A POINT FOR LOW BLOWS…Combination for Lara..Jab..

Round 12 Counter jab from Lara…straight left..Martirosyan forcing action..Lead left from Lara..Martirosyan landing to head and body..Lara lands a straight left

Lara landed 162-424   Martirosyan was 94-474

115-112, 116-111, 116-111 for Lara

Round 1 Counter left from Trout..Jab from Charlo…Uppercut from Trout..Straight right from Charlo..

Round 2 Counter left from Charlo..Counter left from Trout..Jab from Charlo…Uppercut from Trout

Round 3 Good body work from Trout..Good right from Charlo…Hard right stings Trout…Body and right from Trout

Round 4 Charlo lands an uppercut..Left from Trout..Jab from both guys

Round 5 Hard rights from Charlo..Swelling around the right eye of Trout

Round 6 Right from Charlo…Good combination..lead right hook from Trout

Round 7 Good exchange..Charlo backing Trout up..combination to the head..double jab, straight hand..Good right uppercut from Trout…Jab from Charlo..lead right..Straight left from Trout…straight left…counter right from Charlo..

Round 8 Counter left from Trout…Counter right from Charlo..Good right..

Round 9 Double-Jab and right from Charlo…Exchanging jabs…Combination and straight left from Trout..counter left..Jab…stiff jab from Charlo..

Round 10 Right from Charlo..Cut over the right eye of Trout (1st time in his career that he is cut)..Counter left from Trout..counter right…left to the body..Stiff jab from Charlo…

Round 11: Counter left from Trout..Body shot from Charlo…Good combination from Trout..Right to body from Charlo..Good lefts from both guys…Good left uppercut from Charlo at the bell

Round 12 Counter left from Trout..Check hook..counter left..Jab from Charlo..counter left to the body from Trout..Good counter right from Charlo..good exchange…..

115-113, 116-112, 116-112 for Jermall Charlo

Round 1 Charlo lands a left..Jackson lands a big left hook..

Round 2 Jab from Charlo…Counter left from Jackson..Counter

Round 3 Jackson lands an uppercut..Left hook to body from Charlo

Round 4 Nice left hook to the body from Jackson..Jab and right from Charlo..right uppercut and left from Jackson..good right uppercut inside

Round 5 Charlo lands a left hook…good body and head combo with the right

Round 6 Counter hook from Charlo…

Round 7 Nice right from Charlo…Jackson lands a combination…left hook..body shot

Round 8 HUGE LEFT AND JACKSON IS LIMP ON HIS FEET AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2016) – The six elite 154-pound fighters competing on Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

In attendance Thursday and headlining the event were WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Vanes Martirosyan. Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and features IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo taking on former champion Austin Trout plus undefeated challenger Jermell Charlo battling hard-hitting John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000;www.ticketmaster.com.

Twin brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo celebrated their 26th birthday Thursday and were celebrated with a cake at the final press conference that took place at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan. On Saturday they look to become the first twin brothers to hold world titles at the same time in the same weight class.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ERISLANDY LARA

“I plan on going in there and getting into my zone and making the adjustments that will allow me to be victorious.

“One difference between this fight and our last fight is that I’m coming into this fight 100 percent healthy. I’m not making any excuses but I had a fractured knuckle going into our first fight. I still felt I was winning the fight. This time I’m not going to leave any doubt about who is the best.

“I have no pressure on me. I feel calm. Part of that comes with experience but I also know that I’m going to go in there and execute my game plan like I always do.

“I’m always stuck in controversial fights because of my fighting style.

“I’m excited to be sharing the stage with the Charlo brothers. We have trained together, so being part of this with them is great.

“Vanes’s a lot more passive than he was for the first fight. He was telling me I better be ready.

“I’m going to do what I have to do. Put my game plan together, put my punches together, I’m going to do everything that I have to do to be victorious on Saturday night.

On how he’s improved from the first fight…
“The fundamentals are always there. Every fighter gets better with every fight. You get a little bit more experience and that’s the difference.”

VANES MARTIROSYAN

“I’ve had a tremendous camp. I have a great team. I’ve had incredible sparring partners and I can’t wait for the real thing on Saturday.

“I’m in the best shape of my life and I’ve never been so ready. I don’t have to tell you what I’m going to do up here, because you’re going to see it on Saturday night. Actions speak louder than words. This is going to be the best Vanes you’ll ever see.

“This time around I am definitely going to be more aggressive. I cannot wait for Saturday.

“There is a different feeling for me in this fight than ever before. It’s for a world title, this is as big as it gets.

“It is the ‘Dream’ versus the ‘Nightmare,’ and you’ll definitely see the ‘Nightmare’ on Saturday night.

On what he saw in Lara’s eyes when they faced off…
“A fighter looking at another fighter. I see hunger in both eyes.

“A lot of the first fight, I was kind of inexperienced but we’ve matured a lot throughout the years. Four years into this game, a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge in the game so there’s a lot I learned from the first fight.

“The whole division is here, it’s awesome. They should do this more often and I’m happy that SHOWTIME put together such a great card.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“Every fight on this card could have been the main event. To be on a card like this with all these great fighters is exciting.

“Boxing has a lot of really big fights with the Charlos coming in the future. We’re going to take it one step at a time. This is a great fight that we have in front of us.

“I’m very proud of my brother, to have accomplished what he has at 26-years-old, coming from where we came from.

“This is a huge fight for me. This is more to me than winning a world title. I put my all into this. None of Trout’s experience matters. I’m a real lion and I’m going to show it.

“Austin Trout is just a name to me. He beat Cotto, so what? I have work to do. I’m focused on getting the job done.

“We (the brothers) both do different things, but we also have the same skills and the same power. No one in the division can match up to us.

“We always thought that we would be winners and that we would be competing at the top level. Now it’s time to make history. We want to prove why we’re at the top.

“Me and my brother have always wanted to be champions at the same time. There’s never been anything like this. This era, you will get a chance to enjoy us. We’ve worked very hard to get here and we’re going to reign on this level.

“After this, I’m coming for the (160-pound fighters). To be a top pound-for-pound fighter you need to dominate different divisions and that is my goal. That doesn’t mean I’m struggling with weight. I feel good right now but I think I will be even stronger at 160.

“May 21 there is nothing that is going to stop me from losing my belt.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“It’s no coincidence that I’m back at the top making a title run. I paid my dues and put in all the hard work necessary.

“I have nothing bad to say about Jermall as a person or a fighter. But at the end of the day, the history will be my own. I’m going to use him for my legacy, not the other way around.

“I worked hard to get here. I’m sharp and on weight. There is nothing that I feel like he can do to beat me that night.

“Charlo took a chance with this fight. There is no mistake in taking a chance. But will the chance end up in his favor? I hardly doubt it. This won’t be easy. I’m never in easy fights. They’re always great fights.

“Size won’t be a problem. He still has to make 154 pounds.

“I want to thank Jermall for taking this fight. He’s doing something that a lot of people won’t do. But at the end of the day, I’m going to be the lion tamer. I’m going to tame that lion.’’

What flaws do you see?…
“I don’t want to tell you about his flaws because he might fix them by Saturday, but we see a couple flaws.

On if it would hurt him to move up to 160…
“It may, it may not. We’re not looking at any extra edge or wishing to put all our eggs in one basket. What we’re banking on is our skillset and our grip to come out victorious. Whether it hurts him or not, it’s not going to matter. Only thing it’s going to do is make it easier for me.

“I’ve been there, I’ve been to the deep waters. I’ve seen many different types of strategies and styles. In a sense, there’s nothing that he brings to the table that I haven’t seen before.

“I’ve got a big dog in me that you’re going to see Saturday night. You’re going to see what should have been the main event. Me and Charlo, it’s going to be a great fight and I hope y’all tune in because I’m taking that belt.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“I appreciate everyone involved in putting this fight together. To me this is a card that people need to be pay attention to. I believe that everyone on this card is going to give it their all, because we all motivated each other to be here.

“I’m fighting John Jackson, the son of a legend. I don’t believe John Jackson will be able to live up to his dad and if his dad ever had to face me, I would have beat him too.

“We’re getting more and more experience. People thought that Gabriel Rosado was too big of a test for me but I dominated that fight. I’m going to pass any test they put in front of me. Over the course of time, you’re eventually going to have to say we the experience.

“I’m proud of what my brother has done. His success motivates me. He’s a world champion. These are the kind of things we look forward to.

“This is our time. There is no more that we can say. There is a lot that’s coming ahead of us.

“I’m coming to win. I trained hard. It’s time for a world title for me. I have to fulfill my end of the bargain. John Jackson has been in wars, but so have I. This is our time, me and my brother’s.

“Being on the same card as my brother is already a high standard so being on a card with the rest of the undercard guys, I’m honored and ready to show what I have to do. I’m ready to make history. I’m ready to win this belt and enjoy my vacation after.

“I’m sticking with 154 right now. I would love to go to 160 because it’s easier for me but because it’s easier that’s why I wouldn’t go up. Making 154 for him is easy as well, he just sees other options.”

JOHN JACKSON

“I’m extremely blessed to be here. I’m looking to make history. My dad was a champion and I’m going to do the same thing.

“Jermell is just selling the fight. We don’t take anything he says personally. We’ll humble him and put him in his place.

“This is a dream come true and the Jackson legacy will live on.

“It’s going to be a great night. This could be the best fight of the card, easily. If you watch my career, every single fight I bring it. You’re going to see action and explosiveness.’’

On Jermell Charlo’s comments about his father…
“That’s disrespectful. My dad paid his dues and to talk about my dad like that is kind of disrespectful. It’s not getting to me. Fighters use that to try to get in your head but it’s fine, I’ll let him pay in the ring.’’

If Jermell’s ego is getting to him…
“Yeah, he needs to humble himself. That was a little out of line. But we’ll see what he looks like in the ring.”

On what flaws he sees in his game…
“He has a lot of flaws. How he leans forward and waits a lot. But his style is perfect for my style. I always bring it and give 100 percent and we’re looking for a stoppage.

“It’s going to be explosive don’t miss it. SHOWTIME, it’s going down.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2016) – Fight week kicked off Wednesday with media workouts at the UNLV Boxing Gym for the six fighters competing in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGâ tripleheader of 154-pound world title fights this Saturday, May 21 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Working out Wednesday and headlining the event were WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Vanes Martirosyan. Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo taking on former champion Austin Trout plus undefeated challenger Jermell Charlo battling hard-hitting John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ERISLANDY LARA

“I’m not surprised that I’m fighting Vanes again. It’s my job to fight whoever they put in front of me.

“I felt that I was a better fighter than him the first time and I’m a little better in almost every area since. One of the most important things is my way of training and my way of getting prepared. I feel that I am much more mature.

“I like being back in Las Vegas again. I’m definitely prepared to do what I do – and that’s win.

“After I win Saturday, I would love to fight GGG or Canelo, but I would prefer GGG. It’s not frustrating that I’m not fighting the biggest names all the time. I’m a headliner.

“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just going to do my job and just keep winning. As long as I keep winning, everything will take care of itself.”

VANES MARTIROSYAN

“I’ve been fighting as a pro for over 10 years. This is definitely the most important fight of my career. It’s do or die. Win and I move 10 steps forward, lose and I go 10 steps backwards.

“Beating Lara this time is 10 times bigger than if I had won the first time. Lara has gotten better, maybe his style hasn’t changed much, but I feel that I’m much better too.

“There has been lots of changes in my camp. All for the better. I’m more focused in training. We’ve gone back to doing things the way we used to. I’ve really been dedicated. More than ever.

“I’ve given 100 percent every single day in the gym. This is going to be a tough fight. I hope he comes to me. It makes for a good fight. Actually, I think he is going to come forward a little more than people expect, but I’m prepared to chase him. Whatever it takes to be effective.

“If he is aggressive, once he feels my power, he is going to go back to what he does best – running.

“I’m coming to give my all.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“All of the lost opportunities were part of my journey to get to this point. I know people aren’t going to give me my credit for fighting Trout because people will feel like he has had his time in his career, which we all do, but now it’s my time and I’m taking every opportunity I can.

“I look back at the situations I’ve had to get here and it’s exciting. I have a big name opponent in Austin Trout and I feel like the underdog. I’m the young buck in the game who’s trying to be the lion. Although I do have the belt, its because I had to take it from someone that didn’t deserve it.

“Every time Austin Trout gets to this level, he fails. He didn’t fight the same Miguel Cotto, he just wasn’t himself that night. I have to come in there and take what’s mine.

“Whatever happens, I’m excited. We train, we prepare for 12 rounds. I’m prepared for whatever I need to be.

“I’m excited to be here and fight and be able to support my brother. We’re able to roll through anything and keep looking forward. The good and the bad.

“Everything I’ve been through; I try to move forward every fight. I got the belt from Cornelius Bundrage, I defended the belt and now I have the opportunity to fight Austin Trout – a bigger name.”

AUSTIN TROUT

“I take my hat off to him. He’s undefeated. He’s a champion. I’ve been through more to get to where I’m at. I’m more of a dangerous fighter.

“He’s not one to shy away from a challenge. I feel like I’m a better fighter. I’m shocked that I got a title shot this fast. I thought I was going to have to go back to the drawing board. The opportunity came and I’m so excited.

“I’ve been working on my inside game. The things outside of the ring – tightening up myself as a person. It’s been helping me in the ring.”

On Jermall predicting a knockout:
“He’s dreaming. Everyone has dreams, but I’ve been known to bust people’s bubbles. No one has been able to knock me out. He thinks he’s a great man. A better man than Canelo or Lara? He’s tripping.

“I’m probably his toughest test to date.

“The next chapter would be to fight my mandatory, unify and be undisputed champion.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“This is history in the making. It’s extremely exciting. We never really thought about it like this. We knew we would be boxing and winning titles, but this is special. We have the opportunity to both be world champions at the same time.

“We don’t know what to expect on Saturday, but we’re excited to put on a show and make a mark.

“I have to get in there and prove to my opponent and the rest of the world that I’m dangerous and I will be victorious.

“We always wanted to fight. We always want to prove ourselves to each other. About everything. We caused trouble but found ourselves in boxing.

“I thought my opportunity would come first, but everything happens for a reason. Look at this moment. It’s motivated me and now it’s paying off.

“The new training camp has been an adjustment, not being with my brother every day. I’ve been able to define who I am and my brother is able to do his thing.

“My motivation is that I was once with my brother everyday. What pushed me so much in camp was knowing that I’m not with my brother everyday, but I’m still in the same shape, even better and stronger. Not through coaches, but in general. Mentally I’m the same or better. We didn’t get worse because we split. The point is what we are doing to stay in shape physically and mentally to be the best we can be.”

JOHN JACKSON

“This is going to be a good fight. It could be the best fight on the card. I’m an explosive fighter so expect fireworks.

“My dad has given me advice my whole career. I have a lot of great insight about how to manage my emotions. He’s instrumental in my corner. I’m 100 percent ready.

“There is a lot of pressure on Jermell, but I’m sure he’s not over thinking it. I’m expecting the best Charlo in there.

“I go in there to go to war. Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and give the fans a great show.

“I’m happy to be the underdog. I like to be the underdog and prove people wrong. I’m happy to be in this position. I was an underdog in the Olympics. I love the pressure. He has more to lose than I do.

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment my whole life. I’m 100 percent ready for this and I can’t wait to perform under the lights.

“Make sure you tune-in, because I’m going all out for the belt.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We’re very busy. We are going full steam ahead. We are doing events, putting butts in the seats and promoting our fighters.

“This is a great card. Anytime you can put the top fighters in a single weight class on the same show, it is bound to be a great event for the fans and for the sport in general.

“We’re happy to be working with SHOWTIME once again to put on another tremendously competitive fight card for the fans.”

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

LONDON (May 17, 2016) – BoxNation will air a world title tripleheader exclusively live this weekend as the light-middleweight division takes centre stage.

Cuban hotshot Erislandy Lara rematches U.S. Olympian and top contender Vanes Martirosyan as he puts his WBA light-middleweight world title on the line at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas this Saturday night.

The pair met previously in 2012 in an intriguing matchup with neither man claiming the victory as the judges scored it a draw after the fight was stopped in the ninth round due to an accidental headbutt that caused a cut to the eye of Martirosyan.

Both men will now be looking to settle an old score and are out to stake their claim in a division stacked with top talent, including Liverpool’s Liam Smith who is set to defend his WBO world title exclusively live on BoxNation on June 4th.

“I’m looking forward and I’m excited to be making my 2016 debut in the boxing capital of Las Vegas come May 21,” said Lara. “I can’t wait to get in the ring as I have unfinished business to take care of with Vanes. I’m the champion and will remain the champion. I will leave no doubt who the better fighter is and will show the world that I’m the best fighter in the 154-pound division.”

“Erislandy Lara and I have unfinished business from our first fight,” said Martirosyan. “I had him beat that night and I’ll beat him on Saturday night. My time is now and I know I will be the new champion of the world on May 21.”

The card also sees IBF light-middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo out in action as he faces his toughest fight to date when he squares up against former world champion Austin Trout.

Trout has shared the ring with some of boxing’s biggest names including Canelo Alvarez and Miguel Cotto and will be looking to make a major comeback to the 154-pound division with a victory over the so far undefeated Charlo.

Twin brother Jermell will also feature on the night when he takes on the big-punching John Jackson, son of one of boxing’s hardest hitters Julian Jackson, for the vacant WBC light-middleweight world title.

25-year-old Charlo like his sibling is undefeated and will be making his first stab at the world title.

“This will be a history-making, record-breaking night for the Charlo twins,” said Jermall Charlo. “It means everything to us to be able to fight in two championship fights on the same card. This is everything we’ve ever dreamed of. This is going to be a great night of boxing and I’m preparing myself for war. Austin Trout is a seasoned vet. He’s fought world champions and beaten a future Hall of Famer in Miguel Cotto. This is one of my biggest fights to date, but I’m preparing the same way I always do. I’m going to be on my ‘A’ game. I’m ready to make history.”

“I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to fight for the world title on May 21,” said Trout. “It’s a twice-in-a-lifetime chance for a second world title and I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’ve sat at the champions’ table before and am ready to go back again and eat from it again. Destiny brought me here not to lose, but to win. I’m going to show up and show out and win this world title.”

“This is a huge fight for me,” said Jermell Charlo. “It’s my first opportunity to fight for a title and my brother is on the same card defending his belt. There have never been identical twin brothers that are both world champions in the same weight class. We’re going to go out there and make history and send a message to the whole division. I’m excited to get in the ring and I know John Jackson is too. This is an important time in my career and I will be well prepared. Let the best man win.”

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to become a world champion,” said Jackson. “I’ve been training very hard for the last two months for this fight and come Saturday night I will be victorious over Jermell Charlo and realise my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, like my dad, the great Julian Jackson.”

To watch Lara v Charlo v Trout exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night, go to boxnation.com to subscribe.

– ENDS –
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Leonard Ellerbe
I would like to thank everyone for joining us on the call today. We have an exciting tripleheader of Super Welterweight World Title fights. It will be headlined by Cuban sensation and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, Erislandy Lara against exciting challenger and 2004 U.S. Olympian, Vanes Martirosyan in a rematch of their 2012 technical draw.

In our co-main event, and up-and-coming star, the IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion, Jermall Charlo taking on the toughest challenge of his career in former World Champion, Austin Trout.

We’ll open up our telecast with Jermall’s twin brother, the undefeated Jermell Charlo, who will take on the hard-hitting and talented of John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets are on sale now and they start at $39.00. They can also be purchased at Ticketmaster online and all Ticketmaster locations, as well as on the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Web site.

Our events will be televised by Showtime Championship Boxing live at 9 pm Eastern Time and 6 pm Pacific Time. And promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

And before we get into the call, I’d like to introduce our co-promoter Brittany Goossen Brown. She’s the VP of Operations at TGB Promotions.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Yes, thank you Leonard. TGB Promotions is very excited to be partnering with Mayweather Promotions and Showtime on this outstanding triple-header next Saturday, May 21st, live from the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, the Boxing Capital of the World.

All three fights promise to be exciting action from the moment that bell rings. Get your tickets now, and we will look forward to seeing everyone in Vegas next week.

L. Ellerbe
Thank you, Brittany. Before we get to the fighters, I’d like to introduce Stephen Espinoza, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Showtime Sports.

Stephen Espinoza
Thank you very much, Leonard. We’re also very excited for this highly anticipated card, and at a time in the sport where one lesson we sometimes hear; why aren’t the best fighting the best? That’s exactly what the fighters on this card are doing. It is the best fighting the best. We have five of the top six fighters in the division. They’re fighting each other. They could have taken easier fights. But they didn’t. And that’s the kind of spirit we have on this fight.

So we’ve got some intriguing story lines. A rematch of a very highly-contested fight. Twin brothers fighting for world titles. First time that’s ever happened on the same card. But most of all, we’ve got the top fighters in this division fighting in tough fights, and that’s exactly what our schedule is characterized this year.

We are proud to be involved, and we can’t wait until May 21.

L. Ellerbe
Thank you, Stephen. As Stephen’s mentioned, we have all six fighters on the call today to talk about their coming bouts and to answer questions from all of you guys.

So I’d like to introduce the first bout. We have John Jackson. He’ll be fighting Jermell Charlo. John Jackson comes to us with a 20 and 2 record and 15 KOs. He’s fighting out of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He’s the son of a former World Champion. He represented the Virgin Islands at the 2008 Olympics and won his first 13 pro fights after turning pro in 2009.

So let’s introduce John Jackson. John, you want to say a few words?

John Jackson
Yes, hey, man, I just want to say thanks for having me. It’s a privilege and an honor, and I’m ready for Showtime.

L. Ellerbe
All right. Okay. Next up, the Charlo twin brother. We have Jermell Charlo. He comes to us with a 27 and 0 record with 12 KOs. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, and training in Dallas with Derrick James, who’s also the current trainer of Errol Spence. Him and his brother Jermall are intending to become the first twin brothers to hold world titles in the same Division.

He’s 25 years old and he owns victories over Vanes Martirosyan and Gabriel Rosado, and he will look to leave the ring as the World Champion on Saturday, May 21st. Jermell, would you like to say a few words?

Jermell Charlo
Thank you guys for having me on this call right now. I got to get back into training, obviously. All we do is work. So you know, I come just as prepared as I’m supposed to be.

This is my opportunity, this is my chance, this is my moment. My brother’s had his before. He’s going to defend his title, and I’m excited to be in the same venue fighting on the same card with my twin brother and a stable mate, Erislandy Lara, which is another true blessing to my career.

John Jackson is a hell of a fighter. He comes to fight. He going to come bringing the punching power and all the extra things that he’s prepared himself for. And I’m going to step up to the plate and do what I’m supposed to do. I get one opportunity. I get one boxing career, and this is my moment, and this is the chance that I’ve taken. I have to go get it.

So all due respect to John Jackson and his team, but I’m not laying down for nothing. I’m going to get what I deserve and what’s mine. And I will be bringing a WBC back to Houston, Texas, and representing like I’m supposed to.

Q
Jermell, I know you’ve had title fights fall through before, and I know that you have more fights than your brother. How psyched are you that this title fight has eventually come to fruition?

Jermell Charlo
I’m excited. God has timing on everything, and I know for a fact that this is that time and this fight is going to be for it to be reckoned, it’s going to be a fight that’s like steals the show. Three great fights on the card, so regardless of what happened in the past, I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as this fight is the fight, and this is the one that I need to conquer and take care of.

Q
Do you expect to stop John Jackson in this fight, or go the distance?

Jermell Charlo
I prepare myself for 12 rounds. I prepare myself for more than 12 rounds. I prepare myself to go 12 rounds. Whatever happens in this fight happens, and I’m prepared for it.

Q
Both you and your brother are fighting on this card. Is that twice the pressure?

Jermell Charlo
No, we did it before. We’ve done this before. We fought on the same cards in amateurs. We fought on the same cards on the pros. Even we fought on the same cards on Showtime. We’re going to do it again.

Q
How much sibling rivalry is there with you and your brother?

Jermell Charlo
It’s pretty intense. You know, we compete with each other about who’s in the best shape; and it’s sibling rivals but never actual rivals. So, my competition is greater than just beating John Jackson. It’s just performing well in front of my twin brother, who will be in the back locker room cheering me on.

Q
Being world champions at the same time, is it something that you and your brother contemplated for a long time? And what would it mean to you to actually accomplish that?

Jermell Charlo
We never actually thought about it as it is now. We knew we always wanted to be world champions like John Jackson and his brother thought.. You know, him and his brother would like to be World Champions, but we never thought about it being on the same card, the same night, making history.

So it makes it even more intense. It makes it much bigger stakes for me. John Jackson is going to come, he’s going to do what he has to do, but my job is to make history, so with that being said, I’m going in the ring with the mindset of winning, making history. Winning the WBC, and taking home a nice purse.

Q
Have you thought about that it can’t possibly happen if you don’t take care of your business, because he’s going after you?

Jermell Charlo
Yes. So I mean, knowing that I got to go first has never been a problem. I was the one that, when we were younger, I would pop off first. If somebody got into it with me and my brother, I’m jumping off first. I don’t want nobody getting on my brother. So that’s how I take it. I look like, I’m going to be the one to go crazy. I’ll be the one that takes the chances in the family. So if I got to be the one that go first, oh well, let it be.

Q
Have you given thought to what happened to John Jackson against Andy Lee?

Jermell Charlo
Well, you know, I prepare for everything, and I’m preparing to show you guys a lot more power that I am underrated, and I have probably, just as well enough power as much than – my twin brother is extremely strong.

I’ve been doing some great things throughout this camp and developing even before I knew I was taking this fight, I already knew who was Number 1 and who was Number 2 and what fight had to be in place.

I was already in camp, before camp, in pre-camp, you dig? So I know for a fact that Andy Lee did what he had to do, but the style that he fight – and John Jackson brings a different style, and it’s not necessarily a style that I’ve never seen before, but it would be a great fight. So I can’t predict what’s coming up, but I am going to play to my strengths as much as possible.

Q
Can you talk about the fact that you’ve had to sit by and watch your World Title fights in the past go by the wayside for different reasons that were out of your control and watch your brother win the title as you waited your time.

But also, what does it mean to the rest of your family to have this as a possibility? Not just you and your brother; your parents and grandparents and uncles and stuff.

Jermell Charlo
My whole family – yes, everyone is excited. Everyone will be in Vegas. It’s something that we’ve all seen, the reason why we box for, so I can’t really, you know, explain how excited they are, but I know how I felt that I – I’ve seen World Titles slip by the wayside, but that’s not, that’s nothing I can control.

That’s something that I had no control over even (they ranked) Number 2 on the IBF. My brother grabbed that title, and I was extremely happy for him to have that title. More happy for him, just as well as happy for myself.

So when we do, when he do as he do, it’s as if I’m doing it myself, and nothing, there’s nothing more than I can actually explain when it comes down to I’m excited. I’m excited to be in this fight right now.

Q
What is it like to have the chin of your entire family questioned? And how did that make you feel going in to this fight?

J. Jackson
It doesn’t make me feel any way, you know? That’s the job, that’s you guys’ job to come up with stories and question everything. So you know, I just go in there and do my job, and that’s to fight and box, you know.

So I know Jermell is going to come in there ready, and I’m going to be ready, so I’m expecting a great fight, man. And I expect to put on a good show, you know, for all the fans.

Q
And what is it like to hear him say, you know, Jermell say, you know, he has as much power as his brother. And obviously, you know, he intends to show that against you.

J. Jackson
Yes. I don’t feel that he is – everyone just thinks he has speed, alone, but I know he has a little pop, too, as well. You know, we been just studying and watching tapes. So we know he has a little pop as well. I don’t know why reporters, you know, don’t give him no credit for what he has, but he has a little pop as well, but we’ll be ready for everything, so.

Q
Jermell, you threw out the first pitch at an Astros game. What game was that? What was it like to be embraced by the crowd, and did you get, you know, some juice from your fans going into this?

Jermell Charlo
Marketing is everything, and we do what we have to do. I don’t remember; I don’t even remember who they was playing against. I’m really not much of a baseball fan. I did watch the game; it was exciting.

I’m sponsored by the Astros of Houston, which is a great (team), and it was fun. It was exciting to sit and, you know, throw a pitch and make sure I threw a strike. That was one I did not practice. That was something. So you know, it was a game that the Astros actually won after losing so many games, so I was excited to be there and to be a part of that.

Q
Being that that was your first time on the mound, were you nervous? Did you look at – how did ball leave your hand? Did it go right over the plate? You sure it was a strike?

Jermell Charlo
It was a strike. Posted it on social media, and I was nervous; not necessarily nervous because of the, you know, the atmosphere or the people. I was nervous because I wanted to make sure that I didn’t throw it like, if you think that, and I didn’t – it was more the excitement.

Q
If you can be that accurate and throw a – maybe come up with a home run against Jackson?

Jermell Charlo
Like I stated before, I’m going to do what I have to do. I can’t predict what’s going to happen, but I’m very extra-excited and that’s going to be bizarre.

Q
Jermell, your comment on your brother’s improvement over the years and as a fighter and, you know, how much has he improved, you know, maybe in the last year or 18 months?

Jermell Charlo
My brother has improved, I mean, from 18 months, man, I would say he’s almost made like a completely 360 spin on how much he’s improved. And he’s spiraling up.

I know for a fact that there’s some stuff, like, for my brother’s in trouble, but once you get to the top, like he knows you’re going to have to fight some of the best, and so that is just elevating his game.

My brother changed a lot of things and kept – I don’t want to speak for him, because I know he’ll be speaking real soon. So, and I’m very, I’m very impressed at how he’s – a lot of people talk about his guy moving up in weight.

Even this and that, I can’t believe how he’s changed, and how much nutrition has changed, and how much everything has made a big amount of, you know. I’m just grateful to see how great my brother has played a part in his improvement and training.

L. Ellerbe
Now shifting over to the co-main event, which is going to be a very exciting matchup IBF World Champion Jermall Charlo and former World Champion, Austin Trout.

The next fighter I’m about to introduce- very, very tough guy. He has a wealth of experience. He’s been in with Lara, Canelo, Cotto, Delvin Rodriguez, Joey Hernandez – just to name a few. He comes to us from Las Cruces, New Mexico. He now trains in DC with a very good friend of mine and the outstanding underrated trainer named Barry Hunter.

A former World Champion at 154 pounds, he defeated Miguel Cotto in New York in December, 2012. And he’s won four fights in a row heading into this World Title fight.. He comes to us with a 30 and 2 record with 17 KOs. Former World Champion, Austin Trout. Austin?

Austin Trout
Okay. Thanks for having me. Happy to be here. The introduction was great. I’m ready to be asked questions. Unless you want me to just talk about myself. I could do that all day.

Q
Just your thoughts on facing Charlo on May 21st. You know, what kind of a fighter is he, and what do you kind of been preparing for?

A. Trout
Well, first, it’s, he’s a good fighter. You know, possibly a great fighter. I’m very excited about this opportunity to fight and win the title.

Very few people get a once in a lifetime chance you can’t be – I’ve had the pleasure of having two chances. I’m definitely not going to let this pass me by. I’m very excited to pull this fight. It’s a good fight for everybody. A good fight for me, a good fight for Jermall and a good fight for the fans. You know, everybody is going to win at the end of the day, but I have to have my hand raised when the night’s over.

L. Ellerbe
Okay, we have Jermall Charlo comes forward with a 23 and 0 record of 18 KOs. He’s from Houston, Texas. He trains with Ronnie Shields, who’s also another outstanding trainer and very underrated.

He won his World Title with a dominant turnaround stopping Cornelius Bundrage, known as K-9. And he defended with another stoppage this time over Wilky Campfort. Jermall, would you like to say a few words? Jermall? Sorry – Jermall, start again, please.

Jermall Charlo
Thanks everybody, I’m happy to be here.

Q
Were you surprised that after the loss you took against Lara that it took 2-1/2 years to get back in a position to fight for another World Title?

Austin Trout
To be honest, man, I wasn’t surprised that it’s taken this long because really I thought I’d have to start from the bottom going back. Other people’s going back to the lower fights.

So I was blessed to be able to have my fights televised. Not necessarily the stomping grounds hero, but you were probably going to ask what I was prepared for. It’s surprising that it took 2-1/2 years. I guess I’m surprised that it didn’t take longer.

In boxing I feel like they’re quick to throw you away. I felt like they didn’t want me when I was in first place. You know all the fights that I got into, I wasn’t necessarily supposed to win. I wasn’t supposed to win the Cotto fight.

You know, everything was stacked against me so I could never fight, and when Lara beat me how he did, I was like, that’s it. They’re really going to push me to the bottom; I have to start from zero to climb my way back to where I got to.

Q
Jermall, this is the first title fight you’re having against a really highly-regarded opponent, compared to those other two guys. Your thoughts on that opinion?

Jermall Charlo
Yes. I’m going into the fight as if I don’t have the title, you know? I’m trained, and I’m prepared for the worst and the best of Austin Trout. And you know, as you can see I fought back to back, and I’ll continue to step up the competition. And that’s just due to my management and everyone that’s behind me. They seem to be making the right moves.

Q
Is it your opinion that, at least on paper, that Austin Trout is your most significant, most difficult, most established opponent?

Jermall Charlo
No. Austin Trout is a familiar name, familiar face around me and around the boxing world. I’m just as prepared as I was for Campfort as I was K-9 and the fights before. We trained very hard. He knows that we are going in to the fight expecting to get ready for a battle.

Q
Can you just give me your thoughts about being in a position where if your brother wins the opening fight that takes place before yours, and you win, that you will, in fact, , create an interesting kind of history in boxing that’s never happened before. What do you think about that?

Jermall Charlo
I mean, really, to me personally, honestly, we’re not with all of the pressure and all of the, you know, the words that come with just being great and doing everything we have to do, we plan on making history regardless.

And this just happened to be the time where we both hold the World Championships in the division. And I’m not trying to put pressure on my brother, I just know, I need him to go, do his job in that we both come out victorious and make history.

Q
How will you celebrate it if you both accomplish this?

Jermall Charlo
Like we always celebrate the majority of our fights. You know, have fun with each other, take a little vacation, and just talk about in that our (minds set). And then, you know, celebrate our birthdays. It’s going to be, you know, two days or four or five, which we sacrifice, and then and there’s just a lot of things we’re going to celebrate with.

Q
How will you handle it mentally if your brother gets beat that night and then you can’t make the history, but then you still have to go and do your job and, you know, do what you have to do to retain your title? How will that impact you? Have you given any thought to how you’ll deal with that on a mental basis, an emotional basis?

Jermall Charlo
Well, like I say, you know, we really not so big on putting the pressure on each other, and the work of the fight is going to be, you know, both of us getting our hand raised.

You know, knock on wood, and you know, worst case come, you know, we’re both prepared for the worst. But you know, I’m not necessarily worried about making history. I’m just worried about taking care of my fast end against Austin Trout.

Q
Would you and your brother ever entertain that idea if you could unify titles?

Jermall Charlo
I mean no. We would it have anything to prove fighting each other. And I’m pretty sure the fans and the people around the world wouldn’t want to see twin brothers that train with each other and have the same tactics fight each other. So I’m not really entertaining the fact that a lot of people have been asking will meet in my twin brother fight each other? No.

Q
Jermall, when was the last time you for a southpaw?

Jermall Charlo
The last time I fought a southpaw was – I had a few fighters fight southpaw that I didn’t fight. I actually trained with a few southpaws. But I think I actually had fought a natural lefty so this would be the first experience that I’ll be able to fight a lefty.

Q
Speaking of lefties how much did Erislandy Lara advise you or help you with this fight since he’s beaten Austin Trout before?

Jermall Charlo
He’s been a big help. You know, fighting alongside him. Also, he’s fought Trout. So he’s been in there. He probably felt a few of the aspect of fighting a left-handed fighter. It’s just a different dynamic. You know, we prepare for everything. Like a champion has to be the tape what someone has and you make the most out of it and that’s what I plan on doing.

Q
I asked her brother this before and I’m asking you as well. How much of a sibling rivalry is that between you and your brother?

Jermall Charlo
I’m inspired by my twin brother but we compete. I guess that’s what keeps pushing us above and beyond. I can’t wait for him to fight and for him to do what he has to do so I could just say that was a lucky punch or that was a win. And not give him all the credit that he deserves and just keep pushing him. Because it’s all a brothers love and I love what my brother does and I’m pretty sure he loves what I do.

Q
From a marketing standpoint how much better is it to be twin champions as opposed to be like individual champions?

Jermall Charlo
I mean it’s great for marketing. Of course I’m a hero for a lot of fans that support boxing and of course they want to see them the level change and it’s only one way up. And for us to both become world champions I guess we’ll get a lot more attention as far as being great.

Q
What do you feel though has been the biggest change or improvement to your game since the Lara fight or the Dawson fight?

A. Trout
I’m just trying to become a complete fighter, and all-around fighter. That means being comfortable, going forward, backwards, to the side, attention to the head and to the body. And that’s been my goal from John is to be comfortable doing anything. That’s really what you believe is the work I put in. Look at our weaknesses which were defined by Lara and then just worked on it. So of course we want to be able to do the deed this year but if it needs be we can just push it up and go somewhere else and go in another direction.

Q
Everybody refers to Barry Hunter as your trainer these days. But how would you define Louie Burke in your career and the new training at this point?

A. Trout
He still here. He’s taken the title of head coach is really just a title cause really they are co-coaches. Louis been here with me. When I’m home, when we start Louie is the one who’s really starting that up for me. We cannot to DC to get to work and get another perspective. Louis is still a major, major factor in my corner and in my camp.

Q
In regard to Vegas, the boxing capital of the world in the country if not the world. Is it important at all to you to finally get there?

A. Trout
You know, I’ve been able to fight around the world and I’ve gotten to be able to travel and go in just see things. Being able to fight in Vegas is definitely important but I don’t put too much on it. It’s just another city. It’s just another venue. The fight itself is what matters.

Q
Austin, could you kind of discuss your evolution as a fighter I guess and kind of where you are today when you are ready for this second title shot.

A. Trout
I feel like – this is a great time for me because right now I am running on all cylinders. You know, I mentally, physically, and spiritually at peace and prepared. Nothing like all three of those points are very important to be a complete fighter in the ring because you have your spirit. And right now I’m very spiritual. God is going to be there to bless me. And if your mind ain’t right you already know that you can’t fight with your mind off base. And the physical part that speaks for itself. So honestly I have to be on top of my game to be a fighter like 929. And if those three things weren’t on point it’s going to be a rough night. But since they are I feel like I’m very unbeatable at this time right now.

Q
Do you feel like you’re at your best right now?

A. Trout
Close to it. I still feel like the best is yet to come but I feel like I’m getting there.

Q
And what you feel like you need to do to get your belt back?

A. Trout
Everything. You know we’re going to have to fight. I really want to — we’re going to have to box right, we’re going to have to fight hard, and were going to have to dig down and dig deep. But at the end of the day it will be all worth it. We’re going to have to take into the trenches and five as if our life depends on it which I feel like it is.

Q
And lastly the feel like the Lara fight was a big disappointment. Do you feel like you learned a few things that put you on different path?

A. Trout
I did. And again, after winning the total fight in having a close – and see the fight against Canelo I was a necessary living the way I feel like God wanted me to be. And I’m not here to preach. It’s nothing like that. But at the same time I feel like I’m held at a higher standard than others where I can’t get away with nothing. Now I got my manager in order. My family is right. My mind’s right. You know not to mention Lara has exposed things that I needed to work on that I’ve been working on. And we know that Carlos sparred with Lara who I feel is one of the best undisputed talent in the game other than myself.

We know he’s going to bring some things to the table that’s going to try to attack you. We’re going to try to take advantage of those mistake that Lara has exposed. So we have to definitely tighten up. We have to tighten up.

L. Ellerbe
Thank you. Now we’ll bring the main event. It’s a rematch of the 2012 technical draw and you know both men are going to want to settle the score. So first up I’d like to introduce, he comes to us with 36 and 2 record with 21 KO’s. He’s fighting out of Glendale, California. He represented the United States in the 2004 Olympics. He’s a very very tough fighter. He’s been in with just about everybody. He fought the likes of Ishe Smith,who’s part of the Mayweather promotions stabl, Willie Nelson and Demetrius Andrade. He fought Lara. He’s been a pro for 11 years. He turned pro in April, 2005 and he’s a very very good fighter. And we also look forward to a very exciting fight. Vanes Martirosyan, would you like to say a few words.

Vanes Martirosyan
Thank you Leonard. You getting better with my last name every time. It’s an honor to be on the Mayweather Promotions card once again and I can’t wait for the fight. I’m really excited as I have had the best training camp that I’ve ever had. I’ve been away from my family for a month and a half now. I just can’t wait for the fight to come.

L. Ellerbe
Vanes is fighting Erislandy Lara. Lara comes to us with a 22 and three record with 13 KO’s representing Cuba but training with Ronnie Shield in Houston. He’s one of the, in my opinion, one of the slickest boxers Very very slick, talented fighter. If you look forward this is going to be an excellent match up. Lara, would you like to say a few words.

Erislandy Lara
I want to thank everybody for putting this together in Mayweather Promotions and Showtime. I’m just ready for the fight. The fight is a week away and we’re ready to go.

Q
Vanes, in the first fight it seems that later on in the fight you were getting some success by putting on more pressure question mark are you going to fight the second fight like it’s the 10th round of the first fight?

V. Martirosyan
We know, we watched the first fight. That was four years ago. He’s got a lot better. I changed a lot also. We have noticed the fight there to be that we would do from the first fight. But there’s a lot of new things that we need to do. My main concern about this fight is that I just hope it’s a clean fight cause the first fight was really a dirty fight. There was a lot of low blows, a lot of head-butts and things like that. Let’s just hope the referee does his job better but we’re ready for anything and the first fight was a learning lesson. And it’s going to be the best fight on this night.

Q
My question is for Erislandy. With the improving relations between the United States and Cuba recently. How important is it for your career to headline a professional fight in your home country? And is that something you and your team have talked about doing?

E. Lara
Absolutely. This is something I want to do. I’m fully aware of everything going on in the United States and Cuba and if it’s possible I would love to headline a fight in Cuba one day.

Q
You also had mentioned recently that you would even like to fight to unify 154 titles. Would you also be willing to do that if a stablemate Jermall Charlo?

E. Lara
I don’t choose my opponents. They tell me who I’m fighting and I prepare and I fight to the best of my abilities and that’s what I have done in every fight. This is the fact and we both trained so this is not realistic at this point. But would I fight him? Yeah. I’ll fight him and win.

Q
You’ve been on the short end of some decisions, questionable decisions such as your fight with Andrade. Has that affected your game plan heading into this rematch and how aggressive you may need to be to pull out a decision?

V. Martirosyan
I have to be ten times more aggressive. And I guess I need to win the fight. You know, way better, trying to be more aggressive to show the judges we’ve moved on than the judges have.

Q
Did you start to feel as though it wasn’t going to happen? And how incomplete do you feel your career would have been if you didn’t get the chance to fight him again?

V. Martirosyan
I know I’ve been with Al Haymon and he’s with Al Haymon. You know every time I fought when I was with Al Haymon they asked me if I wanted to fight. One of the guy’s name on the list was Lara. So it was just a matter of time. At the time we fall we were both with different promoters. And right now we’re with the same management. So to be with the same management I knew that it was going to happen sooner or later. So I’m just happy that it finally happened.

Q
Vanes also if you could, what did you think of the scoring and the way the fight was scored in the first fight you know when it was fought.

V. Martirosyan
We watch the fight a few times. I think that he knows I was coming on strong. The round that they quoted as a draw I don’t know why they scored that fight on that round because it was only 20 seconds into the round and that’s what made it a draw. I just feel like I was winning on points in that fight. And the cut was bad and when they asked the judges to score the round they scored in his favor and they called it a draw. I just feel like I was up in that fight.

Q
If you could ask Erislandy the same question about what he thought about the scoring and also what his thoughts are in the fight finally coming together? And whether he thought it would ever happen?

E. Lara
To me I was winning the fight easily. I was out boxing him. If you go look at CompuBox I out landed him in every single round of the fight. I was doing my job. Obviously we fought on his turf like I always do. I fight fighters on their turf like I do. Now it’s on my turf and actually I felt like I was winning the fight 100% and I was coming on strong. I was winning the last few rounds before the cut and I was on my way to stop it and then before, you know, he decided not to fight. So I’m looking forward to this fight. I’m very excited to fight and it’s time to put a period on the fight and end it. And show everybody why I’m the best 154 pound in the world.

Q
Vanes, he just said he felt he was on his way to stopping you in that fight. What are your thoughts on that?

V. Martirosyan
He was running the whole fight. I stopped them but he was running, man. He was running the first few rounds and then he started running the whole fight. I don’t know what he’s talking about. He was stopping me. You know what I mean. I know he felt me in the first fight he’s going to feel me ten times more in this fight. He wasn’t stopping shit. If he was stopping I feel like the head butt was on purpose. The low blows were on purpose. Fight a clean fight and don’t play with my balls the whole fight and we’ll see who’s going to stop who in this one.

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2016) – Austin Trout (30-2, 17 KOs), the former super welterweight world champion, is ready to collect his second world title on Saturday, May 21 when he meets IBF Junior Middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo in a 12-round match live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from The Chelsea, a one-of-a-kind 40,000-square-foot venue inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

“It’s my time,” said Trout. “My focus is amplified 10-fold. I’m the confident, happy Austin that fans know, but trust me, when it’s fight time I’m ready for any dogfight that comes. You’ll see Austin bring out and defeat the ‘Lion’ in him because at the end of the day I’m taking that belt.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Trout is trained by Barry Hunter and Louie Burke of Headbangers Gym in Washington D.C. Having started boxing at the age of 10, his natural talent and the ability to grow into the sport took Austin across the United States and Latin America in the amateur divisions and then into the pros. Known as one of the fiercest gentlemen competitors in the sport, he beat the likes of Miguel Cotto, Rigoberto Alvarez and Delvin Rodriguez, before losing his title to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Trout comes into May 21 looking to claim a title in a division he’s been a true threat within for his career.

You’ve said you’ve been led to this fight, why is it important?
“Coming off of four consecutive wins, I’m not just on a comeback streak but I’m taking a full step forward. Charlo is the champ, this fight is about no more half stepping. It’s about taking on the best. Isn’t that what it’s about, being the best?”

How is camp going?
“I physically feel great. I’m really comfortable with Barry, it’s my fourth camp with the Headbangers team; Luis is there as well. Luis helps me with pre-camp and then I shift to D.C.

“I was already in D.C. getting camp started when the rumors about this fight came true. I had been at the gym at home for pre-camp for a month and a half before hitting D.C. I was working out five times a week, running every day just getting the program going. As I said, no half-stepping. I’m already sparring, doing the work, getting right. I’m not walking through it but running and trotting through it. I’m 30, I’m at my physical peak, my talent couldn’t be any better.”

Talk about the fight and what to expect?
“Neither one of us is going out without a fight, so I don’t see this being a boring fight. It’s time for people to remember me. I’ve earned this championship shot against an undefeated bull like Jermall Charlo but I will take his belt. “

Your first professional loss was against ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in San Antonio in 2013. What are your thoughts on that fight?

“I had a good, competitive fight with Saul – it felt like a unification bout – I was WBA champion and he was WBC champion. The open scoring was more detrimental to my game plan thea the judges! During the fight when I was told that I wasn’t winning on anyone’s cards I had to change my game plan. It was a dogfight. Canelo never had to box and move that much before in a fight.

“But, live and learn. Instead of walking into a fight like that I listened to those around me. No more surprises. This Charlo fight is a fight I want, a fight my team wants and we’re ready. I’m a more mature, focused champion who’s coming back. I’m dangerous – I have experience, talent and God on my side.”

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

LAS VEGAS (April 13, 2016) – The 154-pound division will take center stage on Saturday, May 21 in a stacked tripleheader featuring three world title fights in the same division. Five of the division’s top-six fighters* will square off live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea, a one-of-a-kind 40,000-square-foot venue, inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

In the main event, Cuban sensation Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship against U.S. Olympian and top contender Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan in a rematch of their 2012 bout that ended in a technical draw.

Brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo will look to make history in co-featured bouts as the first twins to hold world titles in the same division. Unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall faces his toughest test when he makes the second defense of his belt against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout. Jermell will take on exciting contender John Jackson in a bout for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, venue pre-sale tickets will go on-sale Thursday, April 14 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets for the general public will go on-sale Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Doors to The Chelsea will open at 3 p.m. PT with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGâ action beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The versatile yet intimate space inside The Chelsea will create an unparalleled experience for viewers and boxing fans alike.

“I’m looking forward and I’m excited to be making my 2016 debut in the boxing capitol of Las Vegas come May 21,” said Lara. “I can’t wait to get in the ring as I have unfinished business to take care of with Vanes. I’m the champion and will remain the champion. I will leave no doubt who the better fighter is and will show the world that I’m the best fighter in the 154-pound division. I am dedicating this fight to a great man and boxing idol Gilberto Mendoza Sr. May he rest in peace and enjoy this display of master boxing from heaven, that I will put on for him when I step in the ring on fight night.”

“Erislandy Lara and I have unfinished business from our first fight,” said Martirosyan. “I had him beat that night and I’ll beat him on May 21. My time is now and I know I will be the new champion of the world on May 21.”

The 25-year-old Charlos are aiming for history against stiff opposition from a former champion in Trout and the Olympian from the Virgin Islands in Jackson.

“This will be a history-making, record-breaking night for the Charlo twins,” said Jermall Charlo. “It means everything to us to be able to fight in two championship fights on the same card. This is everything we’ve ever dreamed of. This is going to be a great night of boxing and I’m preparing myself for war. Austin Trout is a seasoned vet. He’s fought world champions and beaten a future Hall of Famer in Miguel Cotto. This is one of my biggest fights to date, but I’m preparing the same way I always do. I’m going to be on my ‘A’ game. I’m ready to make history.”

“I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to fight for the world title on May 21,” said Trout. “It’s a twice-in-a-lifetime chance for a second world title and I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’m working hard and have already been in training camp in D.C. and ready to take full advantage of the moment. I’ve sat at the champions’ table before and am ready to go back again and eat from it again. Destiny brought me here not to lose, but to win. I’m going to show up and show out and this world title.”

“This is a huge fight for me,” said Jermell Charlo. “It’s my first opportunity to fight for a title and my brother is on the same card defending his belt. There have never been identical twin brothers that are both world champions in the same weight class. We’re going to go out there and make history and send a message to the whole division. I’m excited to get in the ring and I know John Jackson is too. This is an important time in my career and I will be well prepared. Let the best man win.”

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to become a world champion,” said Jackson. “I’ve been training very hard for the last two months for this fight and come May 21 I will be victorious over Jermell Charlo and realize my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, like my dad, the great Julian Jackson.”

“This is yet another example of SHOWTIME Sports’ commitment to delivering the best lineup in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “We’re featuring three important championship fights in one of boxing’s most intriguing young divisions – a tripleheader that will bring our 2016 tally of world title bouts to 14 – all free to SHOWTIME subscribers. We’re excited to offer this rare opportunity to see the top fighters in a division all on the same telecast.”

“Mayweather Promotions is thrilled to bring this fantastic tripleheader of super welterweight world champions to fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “The best of the 154-pound division will be on display on May 21 and we expect an action-packed night of drama.”

“We’re very excited to work with SHOWTIME on this action-packed tripleheader,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Erislandy Lara and Vanes Martirosyan have a huge score to settle from their 2012 bout, and Jermall and Jermell Charlo are in high-stakes matchups against Austin Trout and John Jackson, respectively, in what promises to be a highly entertaining evening of boxing.”

The 32-year-old Lara is a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return. Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Ishe Smith and Freddy Hernandez. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba dominated Delvin Rodriguez in June of last year and followed that up with a third-round stoppage of former champion Jan Zaveck.

Born in Armenia, but fighting out of Glendale, Calif., Martirosyan represented the U.S. at the 2004 Olympics. As a professional, he won his first 32 fights before fighting Lara to a draw in 2012. The 29-year-old suffered a narrow defeat by split decision in his first world title shot against Demetrius Andrade, but has rebounded with solid victories over Mario Lozano, Willie Nelson and most recently Ishe Smith.

A newly crowned champion at 25-years-old, Charlo grabbed his title with a dominant third-round stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage in September 2015. Residing in Houston, Charlo built up his resume in 2014 with dominant triumphs over Hector Munoz, Norberto Gonzale, Lenny Bottai and Michael Finney. In his most recent outing, he successfully defended his title with a fourth-round stoppage of Wilky Campfort in November.

In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2011 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to make four successful defenses, including a career-best, dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a four-fight win streak after knocking out Joey Hernandez in September to set up his world title opportunity.

Younger-by-one-minute than Jermall, Jermell Charlo is a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old earned his shot at a world title with victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano in 2014 and Martirosyan and former world champion Joachim Alcine in 2015. He impressed last time out by disposing of Alcine in the sixth-round of their fight in Houston in October.

Since representing his native Virgin Islands in the 2008 Olympics, Jackson has put together an impressive pro career. The St. Thomas-born fighter won his initial 13 fights after making his debut in January 2009. The 27-year-old earned the No. 1 spot and the title shot with a shutout victory over Dennis Laurente in August. Jackson comes from a fighting family; his father Julian Jackson was a world champion and feared power-puncher while his brother, Julius, is a contender in the 168-pound weight class.

*via Transnational Boxing Rankings

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

Frank Warren has been made aware of malicious and entirely false allegations made by Austin Trout in the course of legal proceedings in the US that have been reported in the media.

Should Mr. Trout repeat these statements outside the protection of the Courts, Mr. Warren will take immediate legal action against Mr Trout.

The reality is that Mr. Warren has a long and successful working relationship with the World Boxing Organisation whom he considers to be the best run of the governing bodies.

Mr. Trout’s allegations are ridiculous and totally without foundation and we challenge him to substantiate his claim publicly.

Austin Trout scored a 6th round stoppage over Joey Hernandez in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.

Trout dropped Trout with a hard left to the body and the bout was stopped at 3:00 of round six.

Trout, the former WBA Super Welterweight champion, has a record of 30-2 with 17 knockouts. Hernandez, 157 lbs of Miami, FL is 24-4-1.

Jorge Lara and Jesus Rojas fought to a technical draw after round six of their scheduled 10-round Featherweight bout.

Lara was cut from an accidental headbutt in round three. In round five, he was cut over his left eye from yet another accidental headbutt.

The cut around his right eye really started to affect Lara and the bout was stopped in the corner between round six and seven.

All three judges scored the fight even at 57-57. Lara landed 118 of 388 punches. Rojas was 68 of 340.

Lara, 123 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 27-0-2. Rojas, 122 lbs of Caguas, PR is 22-1-2.

Ahmed Elbiali scored a 1st round stoppage over Fabiano Pena in a scheduled 8-round Light Heavyweight bout.

Elbiali dropped Pena in round one from a a hard right hand and the fight was stopped at 1:15.

Elbiali, 176 lbs of Miami, FL is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Pena, 175 lbs of Mexico is 12-3-1.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (August 12, 2015) – Former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (29-2, 16 KOs) takes on Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a super welterweight attraction as part of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS live from the legendary Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California Tuesday, September 8th.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a junior featherweight showdown between undefeated rising star Jorge Lara (27-0-1, 19 KOs) and Jesus Rojas (21-1-1, 15 KOs). This show will be the first installment of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports 1.

“I’m very excited to be fighting for the fourth time in Los Angeles and at such a legendary venue as The Palladium in Hollywood,” said Trout. “My fight against Joey Hernandez kicks off the brand new series on Fox Sports 1 and I plan on putting on a spectacular show for the fans. I’m one of the best fighters at 154-pounds and I’m ready to prove it again.”

“This is a big fight for me and I’m grateful to have the opportunity on this stage,” said Hernandez. “I’m coming with no fear and I’m coming to win. I respect what Austin Trout has done in the sport but I’m going to make his life miserable on September 8.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $78.50, $53.50 and $28.50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale today at 2 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2004 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to defend that title four times, including a dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a three-fight win streak and is looking for a big win over Hernandez.

Fighting out of Miami, Hernandez is known for his fast hands that have landed him in big fights against top super welterweights and aided him to victories against Jose Berrio, James Winchester and Angel Hernandez. The 30-year-old southpaw will get another tough test when he takes on Trout on September 8.

Undefeated out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara made his U.S. debut on March 7 with a first round stoppage of Mario Macias in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has ended seven of his last eight opponents early including experienced contenders Jovanny Soto, Jairo Hernandez and Oscar Ibarra. His second opportunity in the U.S. will see him step up in competition to take on the once-beaten Rojas.

Representing Caguas, Puerto Rico, Rojas will be fighting for the first time in California as a professional on September 8. The 28-year-old comes into the fight on a three-match winning streak, having not lost since 2008. He owns victories over Juan Carlos Pena, Jose Luis Araiza and Reynaldo Lopez and hopes to add an even more impressive name in Lara to that list.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.TGBPromotions.com and http://www.livenation.com/venues/14586/hollywood-palladium
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @JoeyHernandez, @FOXSports1, @TGBPromotions, @ThePalladium and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

Former world champion Austin Trout scored a stoppage victory after seven rounds of his scheduled 10-round Jr, Middleweight bout with Luis Grajeda.

Trout dominated the bout and n round five, Trout was awarded a knockdown with a straight left hand. Trout was never threatened and Grajeda bowed out before the 8th round.

Trout, 156 lbs of Las Cruces, NM is now 28-2 with 15 knockouts. Grajeda, 155 3/4 lbs of Mexico is now 18-4-2.

Former Light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver scored a 7th round stoppage over Jonathon Banks in a scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout.

In round seven, Tarver staggered Banks with a left hand and hard left sent Banks to the canvas. Tarver jumped on Banks and landed two more flush punches and the bout was stopped at 2:25.

Tarver, 225.6 lbs is now 31-6 with 22 knockouts. Banks, 221.8 lbs is now 29-3-1.

Oscar Escandon somehow won a 12-round split decision over Tyson Cave in a Super Bantamweight bout.

It looked like Cave was winning most of rounds with his hitting and moving style. Escando was looked like a bull who could not catch up to the matador but the judges saw differently as Escandon was awarded the decision by scored of 117-111, 115-113 while Cabe got a card 115-113.

Escandon, 121.6 lbs of Colombia s now 24-1. Cave, 121.8 lbs of Halifax, NS, CAN is now 24-3.

2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha scored an 8th round stoppage over Cesar Villa in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

It was a tough fight with Villa landing some nice shots on the inside. In round , Gausha landed a hard 4-punch combination that sent Villa to the canvas and the fight was immediately stopped at 2:30.

Gausha, 155 lbs of Cleveland, OH is now 18-2 with 8 knockouts. Villa, 154.8 lbs of Autin, TX is now 7-2.

In honor of the late boxing promoter Dan Goossen, ESPN2 will televise live a three-hour ESPN Boxing Special presented by Corona Extra on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 10 p.m. ET. Goossen, who passed away September 28, was a longtime promoter for ESPN’s boxing coverage. Most notably, Goossen promoted the WBC World Heavyweight Championship between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola televised on ESPN in May. Thursday’s telecast will include a tribute from some of Goossen’s colleagues in the boxing world.

“We wanted to do something special in honor of Dan and we thought of no better way than to put on a great night of boxing just like he had done for so many years on ESPN,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “Dan’s contributions to the sport of boxing are well documented, but he was also a joy to work with and be around. I’m hopeful that he has a ringside seat wherever he may be for these fights.”

Headlining Thursday’s card will be a 10-round Jr. Middleweight matchup between former Jr. Middleweight titlist Austin “No Doubt” Trout (27-2, 14 KOs) of New Mexico and Mexico’s Luis Grajeda (17-3-2, 13 KOs). The bout from the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., will also be televised live on ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra and will be available via WatchESPN. The card is promoted by Goossen Promotions.

Commentators:
Todd Grisham and analyst Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action for ESPN2, while Pablo Viruega and analyst Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes. Claudia Trejos and Leopoldo González will anchor the ESPN Deportes studio, while bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna will present live reports and interviews for both shows.

Main Event:
In his last fight, Trout closed out the ESPN Friday Night Fights season on Aug. 22 with a 10-round unanimous decision win over Daniel Dawson. Grajeda, who also last fought on Friday Night Fights, is looking to get back to his winning ways following a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Willie Nelson.

Undercard:
Thursday’s show will include three fights in addition to the main event. Undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (12-0, 9 KOs) of New York, and Maryland’s Henry “Sugar Poo” Buchanan (21-4, 14 KOs) will meet in an eight-round Light Heavyweight contest. Former Light Heavyweight titlist Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (30-6, 21 KOs) of Florida and former Cruiserweight world title challenger Johnathon Banks (29-2-1, 19 KOs) of Detroit will meet in a 10-round Heavyweight bout. Contenders Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon (23-1, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles and Tyson “Prince of Hali” Cave (24-2, 8 KOs) of Canada, will square off in a 12-round WBA interim Super Bantamweight title fight.

About ESPN Boxing
ESPN is home to ESPN Friday Night Fights and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Spanish version), a weekly boxing series which runs between January and August and showcases some of the best bouts in the boxing industry. Friday Night Fights began on October 2, 1998 and Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) began on January 10, 2004. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980 when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964, with the debut of Top Rank Boxing on ESPN.

Sherman Oaks, CA (October 31, 2014) Goossen Promotions returns to the Pechanga Resort and Casino on Thursday, December 11th with
“NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” a three-hour ESPN Boxing Special televised LIVE on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Advance tickets starting at $55.00 can be purchased through the Pechanga Resort and Casino website (www.Pechanga.com) or by calling 1-877-711-2946. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 5:00 p.m.

“We wanted to do something special in honor of Dan Goossen and we thought of no better way than to put on a great night of boxing just like he had done for so many years on ESPN,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “Dan’s contributions to the sport of boxing are well documented, but he was also a joy to work with and be around. I’m hopeful that he has a ringside seat wherever he may be for these fights.”

A lifelong resident of Southern California and popular fight promoter for over three decades, Goossen passed away at the age of 64 on September 28th.

Said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions, “We could not be any more excited to bring this outstanding ‘Night of Champions’ boxing event to the beautiful Pechanga Resort & Casino. It is always great to provide their fans with an action-packed show!”

Headlining the event will be the return to Pechanga and ESPN of former junior middleweight world champion AUSTIN “No Doubt TROUT of Las Cruces, New Mexico in 10-round clash against tough Mexican veteran LUIS “Slayer” Grajeda.

With a record of 27-2-0 (14KO’s) including a victory over future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cotto, the 29-year-old Trout returns to Temecula and ESPN following his action packed victory over Daniel Dawson on August 22nd.

Sporting a record of 17-3-2 (13KO’s), 27-year-old Grajeda has battled a long list of top contenders over his six-year professional career including Hector Camacho Jr., Jermell Charlo, Willie Nelson and Said El-Harrak.

Co-headlining at “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” will be a 10-round heavyweight clash featuring two-time former heavyweight world title challenger and longtime Southern California fan favorite CRIS “The Nightmare” ARREOLA.

Fighting out of Riverside, California, Arreola, 35-4-0 (31KO’s), returns to the ring against an opponent to be announced following his ESPN televised world title challenge against Bermane Stiverne this past May, a sensational battle stopped in the sixth round as the valiant Arreola came up short.

In a special attraction battle for the World Boxing Association Super Bantamweight Title, top rated contenders OSCAR ESCANDON, 23-1-0 (16KO’s) of Ibague, Columbia and Canadian southpaw, TYSON “Prince of Haiti” CAVE, 22-2-0 (6KO’s) will clash over 12-rounds.

Also appearing at “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” in a 10-round heavyweight battle will be former light heavyweight world champion ANTONIO “The Magic Man” TARVER of Tampa, Florida.

Best known for his two sensational victories over boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. and his excellent performance in “ROCKY 6”, Tarver has compiled a record of 30-6-1 (21KO’s) over his illustrious career.

Among the world class fighters rounding out the card in separate bouts are; former world champion and winner of The Contender Season One, SERGIO “The Latin Snake” MORA, 26-3-2 (9KO’s) of Los Angeles, former world title challenger EDWIN “The Bomba” RODRIGUEZ, 25-1-0 (16KO’s) of Worcester, MA, former super bantamweight world champion RICO “Suavecito” RAMOS, 23-4-0 (12KO’s) of Los Angeles, 2012 U.S. Olympian and hot light heavyweight prospects “Sir’ MARCUS BROWNE, 12-0-0 (9KO’s) of New York City and AHMED ELBIALI, 8-1-0 (7KO’s) of Cairo, Egypt.

Additional information on the undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

For more information on Goossen Promotions follow them on Twitter and Facebook @GoossenBoxing and view their new website at www.GoossenPromotions.com which will be launched in the near future.

About Pechanga Resort & Casino
Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the western United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Jr. Middleweight champion Austin Trout will take on Luis Grajeda on December 11 at the Pachanga Resort in Casino in Temecula, California. The show is a special tribute to the late Dan Goossen.

“Pechanga Resort & Casino had always been one of Dan’s favorite places to put on a show,” said Goossen Promotions matchmaker Tom Brown, Goossen’s brother-in-law, who is now running the company. “(ESPN’s) Brian Kweder came to me with the idea, which I thought was great, and when I went to Pechanga. They were so accommodating they actually moved an event to help us make this special night happen.”

Although the other bouts are not finalized, former two-time heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola (35-4, 31 KOs), 33, of Riverside, California, is slated to be on the card in his first bout since Bermane Stiverne stopped him in the sixth round of their rematch to win a vacant world title in May. The leading candidate to face Arreola is Joe Hanks (21-2, 14 KOs), 31, of Newark, New Jersey, who has lost back-to-back fights.

A third fight also is likely to be added to the telecast, the rescheduled bout between heavyweights Johnathon Banks (29-2-1, 19 KOs) and Antonio Tarver (30-6, 21 KOs), the former light heavyweight world champion.

“The worst thing is when you’re off for so long and then you have to go back in the gym and learn everything again,” Trout told ESPN.com. “This is what I asked for. I’m glad they got me in before the year is over.”

“Things are going good and I am definitely excited to fighting again,” Trout said. “It’s a blessing. Now I don’t have to worry about rust. I can work on getting better instead of having to re-learn some things.”

“In that fight (against Dawson) we had to knock some rust off and he showed us what we need to improve on, so we are working on some things,” Trout said. “I’m working hard to get my base stronger.”

“I have yet to even look him up,” Trout said. “Now that he signed the contract I will check him out. I know he gave Willie a good fight so he’s a good gauge for me to see where I’m at. I’m not far away (from another title fight). After this one we should be ready to jump in head first next year.”