June 17, 2023 – Undefeated hometown favorite Tim Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) and veteran contender Carlos Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) both made weight yesterday ahead of their highly anticipated matchup on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL tonight, live on SHOWTIME at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT for Tszyu’s WBO Junior Middleweight Interim Title from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The Weigh-in yesterday took place at the picturesque Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach, next door to the venue.

The fighters in the co-main event, Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) of Australia and Las Vegan Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) also safely made weight for their 12-round IBF 122-pound title eliminator.

WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE FIGHT – 12 Rounds

Tim Tszyu – 153.2 lbs.

Carlos Ocampo – 153.7 lbs.

Referee: Danrex Tapdasan; Judges: Daniel Sandoval (USA), Masakazu Murase (JPN), Christopher Condon (AUS)

IBF SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR – 12 Rounds

Sam Goodman – 121.7 lbs.

Ra’eese Aleem – 121.6 lbs.

Referee: Kats Nakamura; Judges: Daniel Sandoval (USA), Masakazu Murase (JPN), Adam Height (AUS)

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

June 16, 2023 – Undefeated hometown favorite Tim Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) said he plans to make veteran challenger Carlos Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) quit and utter the words “no más” when they meet on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Saturday, June 17, live on SHOWTIME at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT for Tszyu’s WBO Junior Middleweight Interim Title from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tszyu made the confident statement on Thursday during the final press conference, threatening to do to Ocampo what Sugar Ray Leonard did to Roberto Durán when Durán waved off and quit their 1980 welterweight championship by, according to boxing folklore, uttering those infamous words in the eighth round. 

In the co-main event, Las Vegan Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) will look to keep his unbeaten record intact as he faces fellow undefeated contender Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) of Australia in a 12-round IBF 122-pound title eliminator. In his last four fights since his SHOWTIME debut on SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION^® in early 2020, Aleem’s opponents have a combined record of 73-3-2.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions. See below for what Tszyu and Ocampo had to say to the Australian press during the final press conference and throughout the week.

FIGHT WEEK MAIN EVENT QUOTES:

Tim Tszyu

“I’ve had these two words of Spanish going through my mind: ‘No más.’ That’s the type of fight I intend to do. That’s my intention [to make him quit].

“[Jermell] Charlo is the No. 1 priority. That’s the name that I want on my resume.

“As you play in video games, there’s a big boss and you’ve got to get rid of all these little bosses on the way to the big boss. Ocampo is next, but Charlo is the big boss I’ve got my eyes on. I believe in myself. I believe in what I go through and I think the opportunity will come.

“My biggest growth is in managing my emotions. You’ll see on fight night. You’re going to see a guy who’s in total control. I feel like I’m mastering controlling my emotions, more than my skills or IQ in the ring. You’ll see what I mean.

“I think I’ve dealt with pressure my whole life so this is nothing. We do this for fun and for the love of the sport. I feel blessed to do this over and over, to be able to come to this press conference and build relationships, so there is no pressure.

“I’m not overlooking anyone. Every time I get into a fight, it’s the same thing for me. I train six hours a day nonstop, it doesn’t matter the opponent. He says I’m underestimating him but that’s complete nonsense. I respect the sport and I’m in the gym training every day.

“I think [my mentality] is just based on the position that I’m in. It’s got nothing to do with him. He’s a top fighter. Whoever they put in front of me I’ll annihilate them. If it’s King Kong or a shark or a pit bull. I’m coming back for another round.

“I think this will be my greatest victory.”

Carlos Ocampo

“I took the fight against Tim Tszyu because he represents an important challenge in my career. He is the one who holds the title today, and on June 18 he will understand what it is to meet a Mexican. 

“I will beat Tim Tszyu, make no mistake. This has been the best preparation of my career. The sparring was better than that of many world champions and my work won’t be in vain even though I have to go to the other side of the world. 

“We Mexicans are different. We are distinguished fighters, we are real, we come to fight. Here [in Mexico] boxers fight to win breakfast tomorrow and the rest of the world doesn’t understand that. I’m going to fight to bring the title home. 

“We’ll see a war, if Tim wants it, and if he doesn’t, I’ll show him what it’s like to have 10,000 people watching him go down at home.

“I will not be a defeated Mexican like the one his father saw, I will be Julio César Chávez in his prime, defeating Macho Camacho.

“I hope Tim’s nightmares weren’t as bad as the one awaiting him on fight day. I have extra space in my suitcase to take his title back to Mexico!”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – June 2, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will return to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on undefeated Australian Sam Goodman in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator in the co-main event.

Tszyu will make the first defense of his interim belt after capturing it in March on SHOWTIME with a career-best showing in stopping former champion Tony Harrison. He had originally been scheduled to face Undisputed Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas in January, before Charlo was forced to withdraw due to injury. With a victory on June 17 in his home country, Tszyu can lock in a date with Charlo later this year.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu has solidified his place near the top of the super welterweight division and will once again bring his fan-friendly style to the ring for fans in the U.S. watching on SHOWTIME,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “An experienced and hungry Carlos Ocampo will be coming to Australia to upset Tszyu’s plans and disrupt his path toward a long-awaited showdown with the 154-pound division’s undisputed champion Jermell Charlo. Adding in top contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on the rising Australian Sam Goodman, and this shapes up to be a great doubleheader of action fights on Saturday, June 17.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) has quickly climbed the rankings in the 154-pound division with an all-action, aggressive style. The notable names on his resume include former welterweight champion Jeff Horn, whom Tszyu stopped in round eight, and Terrell Gausha, a top contender and member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S. and SHOWTIME debut against Gausha and showed his poise and toughness by rallying back from a first-round knockdown to win the fight via unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I was full training on Monday after the thing happened on Saturday,” said Tszyu to Australian press in reference to a dog bite on his right arm. “I’m not going to be limited at all…There’s a dog in me right now that’s about to come out.

“I’m a fighter. My job is to fight. I won’t sit on the couch and wait for [Jermell] Charlo’s hand to get better. I want to fight in the meantime,” added Tim Tszyu previously to the Australian media about his announcement for his title defense against Ocampo. “The fans deserve the fights…The Charlo fight is in the making, but I’m not underestimating Ocampo. I’ve got a hard task ahead of me.

“Technically, this fight is going to be much harder than my previous fights. The Mexican style will require something new in me and I expect it to be tough. Despite being Australian and on the other side of the globe, I’m headlining a fight on SHOWTIME for the third time. Is anyone else doing that? Everyone knows I’m coming to take over.”

The 27-year-old Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) rode a 12-fight winning streak into his last matchup, which saw him drop a decision to 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora last October in a SHOWTIME main event. The 12 consecutive triumphs dated back to the only other loss of his career, which came to current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in a 2016 knockout defeat. During the 12-fight stretch, the Ensenda, Baja California, Mexico native scored nine of those victories by stoppage, including traveling to Mikael Zewski’s home country of Canada to stop the fan-favorite by ninth-round TKO.

“I’m looking forward to my fight against Tim Tszyu,” said Ocampo. “We are both warriors who go forward without fear. The fans will be the true winners that night, because I’m going after that title at all. Costs and it’s coming back to Mexico with me. He won’t want to hand it over to me, so I’ll just have to take it from him.”

Owning a top-10 ranking at 122-pounds from multiple sanctioning bodies, Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) put on the most impressive performance of his career in January 2021, dominating in a battle of unbeatens by dropping Victor Pasillas four times before eventually stopping him in round 11. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, the 32-year-old Aleem stopped seven-straight opponents before most recently earning decisions over Eduardo Baez in November 2021 and Mike Plania in September 2022. Aleem made his SHOWTIME debut in February of 2020 with a fourth-round stoppage of Adam Lopez on SHOBOX: The New Generation.

The 24-year-old Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) scored a career-best victory in his last outing, announcing himself as a 122-pound contender with a dominant unanimous decision victory over former world champion T.J. Doheny in March. After an impressive amateur career that included four national championships and an appearance in the 2017 World Amateur Championships, the Australian from Albion Park, New South Wales turned pro in April 2018 and began compiling his unbeaten record.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is executive produced by four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

Sebastian Fundora remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Ocampo to retain the WBC Interim Super Welterweight title at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Fundora, 153,5 lbs of Coachella, CA won by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111 and is now 20-0-1. Ocampo, 153.5 lbs of Ensanda, MEX 34-2.

Adames Stops Montiel in 3; Wins Interim Middleweight Title

Carlos Adames won the WBC Interim Middleweight title with a third round stoppage over Juan Macias Montiel.

In round three, Adames landed a hard uppercut that hurt Montiel. Adames drove Montiel to the ropes and landed a chopping right hook and a vicious uppercut that forced a referee stoppage at 2:37.

Adames, 159.25 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 22-1 with 17 knockouts. Montiel, 160 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 23-6-2.

Martinez Decisions Ancajas Again to Retain 115 lb. Title

Fernando Martinez second his second straight unanimous decision over former champion Jerwin Ancajas to retain the IBF junior bantamweight title.

In round seven, Ancjas was cut on his forehead from an accidental headbutt.

Martinez, 114.75 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 and is now 15-0. Ancajas, 114.75 lbs of Panabo City, PHL is 33-3-2.

WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title – 12 Rounds

Sebastian Fundora – 153 ½ lbs.

Carlos Ocampo – 153 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Daniel Fitzgerald (Massachusetts), Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Lou Moret (Calif.)

WBC Middleweight Interim Title – 12 Rounds

Carlos Adames – 159 ¼ lbs. 

Juan Macias Montiel – 160 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Pat Russell (Calif.), Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Josef Mason (Colo.)

IBF Junior Bantamweight World Title – 12 Rounds

Fernando Martinez – 114 ¾ lbs.

Jerwin Ancajas – 114 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Eddie Hernandez Sr.; Judges: Zachary Young (Calif.), Tiffany Clinton (Calif.), Ellis Johnson (Texas)

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS

Stream Live at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Egidijus Kavaliauskas – 147 lbs.

Mykal Fox – 145 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: Ivan Guillermo (Calif.), Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Ralph McKnight (Calif.)

Featherweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Victor Slavinksyi – 126 ½ lbs.

Edward Vazquez – 129 ½ lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Pat Russell (Calif.), Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Ralph McKnight (Calif.)

** Contracted weight 127 lbs.; Fight is on.

Women’s Flyweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Gabriela Fundora – 111 ¼ lbs.

Naomi Reyes – 111 ½ lbs.

Referee: Eddie Hernandez Sr.; Judges: Pat Russell (Calif.), Ivan Guillermo (Calif.), Ralph McKnight (Calif.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). SHOBOX announcer and combat sports expert

Brian Campbell and his MORNING KOMBAT co-host Luke Thomas will call the action during the live-stream bouts.  

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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. OCAMPO

Fundora vs. Ocampo will see unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora seek to continue his dominance and demonstrate why he’s one of the most feared fighters in boxing when he defends his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a thrilling Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraOcampo,  follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. – October 6, 2022 – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora promised to deliver another memorable night of action at Thursday’s final press conference before he defends his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a thrilling Premier Boxing Champions event.

Thursday’s press conference also featured top middleweight Juan Macias Montiel, who squares off against Carlos Adames for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, plus IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez and former world champion Jerwin Ancajas, who meet in a rematch that kicks off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The event also saw rising unbeaten flyweight prospect Gabriela Fundora, the younger sister of headliner Sebastian, as she prepares to kick off a three-fight live streaming presentation on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT in a 10-round fight against Mexico’s Naomi Reyes.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Westin LAX as they near their respective showdowns this Saturday night:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I feel like I proved to the people that I’m an elite fighter. I can hang with anyone and I can stop them as well. I showed that I have what it takes to become a world champion.

“I’m just going to put on a great performance for the fans. We trained really hard in camp. I’m only worried about what I do in the ring.

“I’m going to keep sending the same message as always, and that’s saying clearly that I’m going to become a world champion at 154 pounds.

“I can guarantee the fans get their money’s worth. We put on a great show every single time, but now that I’m headlining my own show, I’m really going to make sure I put it all on the line. Plus, with my sister on the card, it’s just more motivation to perform.

“I’m excited to be in this position. I’ve fought on a lot of big undercards as well and now it’s my time to take center stage.

“I don’t pay attention to any hype. Everyone has their own opinion, but I’m fighting for the people that support me and I’m going to reward them with something memorable.

“I’ve shown that I have a strong uppercut, but we worked on a lot of different things in this training camp. We work on everything and we work on being consistent so that we can break our opponent down.

“Ocampo might come into this fight to display his boxing skills, or he might come on the inside looking to exchange. I’m confident in my corner and how we prepared and it’s going to show in the ring.”

CARLOS OCAMPO

“I’m feeling better than ever right now. I’m ready for what’s going to be a great challenge. This is going to be a war on Saturday night.

“You have to take the opportunities that you’re given. I know that Fundora is a strong fighter, but I’m going to be ready for him.

“I’m going to lean on my preparation and training. I’m strong just like Sebastian is. I’m going to have to stick to my training and the results will come with that.

“I’m really proud to represent Mexico on the big stage. That’s my duty and that’s my job on Saturday night. The Mexican fans are all the way behind me and I feel their support

“I want the fans to know that I’m fighting for them. I’ve put in the work day in and day out in training camp, so I know I have to make the most of it. You’re not going to want to miss this one.

“My goal is to wake up on Sunday morning and have it be the happiest day of my life. I want to party with that belt on Saturday night.

“This is going to be a spectacular fight. There are going to be fireworks on Saturday night.”

JUAN MACIAS MONTIEL

“My fight against Jermall Charlo gave me a lot of experience and a lot of confidence. I learned a lot. I came out on my feet and showed that I could go toe-to-toe with the best fighter in the division.

“Every fighter has to be confident. I’m glad Adames is confident. But I have the utmost confidence in myself and I’m ready to be the very best version of myself on Saturday night.

“My record speaks for itself. I’ll be ready to knock him out. But if we go 12 rounds, I’m prepared for it. We worked hard so that I’ll be able to take on any challenge that comes my way.

“We’re going to go in there and leave it all in the ring. I already showed that I can take a shot from the best. I don’t know if we can say the same about my opponent, but we’re going to find out Saturday.

“I’m only focused on this fight. A rematch with Jermall Charlo is of course what I want, but I can’t get there unless I win spectacularly in this fight. Saturday night is my time to prove myself.”

FERNANDO MARTINEZ

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be showcased once again on this stage. You can expect another all-out war. We’re going to put on a show and give the fans a great fight on Saturday night.

“It’s going to be a hard fight, but being the champion is a responsibility that I take with humility. I have to keep my feet on the ground and make the fans in Argentina happy. The only way to do that is to give it my all on Saturday night and defend my title.

“I have a plan A and a plan B. We’ll be ready for absolutely anything. It’s going to be another great show for fans all over the world. Everyone is going to be happy that they tuned into this fight.

“I’m very motivated for this fight, as much or more than the first time we fought. We’re familiar with each other now, but I’m not taking anything for granted.”

JERWIN ANCAJAS

“I’m very happy to be back here in this position. We worked really hard in training and got ourselves in great condition so that we can get our belt back.

“I was not in as good of shape in our last fight. I fought toe-to-toe because my legs were cramping in the fight. Now we’ve prepared for what he does in the ring and we’ll be ready to reclaim our belt.

“This will be a big win for me and for my country. I want to bring this belt back home and be a proud champion for the Philippines.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring. Winning my title back is all I’ve been thinking about since we first fought. I know I have what it takes and I’m going to prove it on Saturday night.”

GABRIELA FUNDORA

“It’s very exciting to be here in our hometown fighting together. It doesn’t happen very often. We’re going to bring fireworks and I hope the fans enjoy it.

“The fans should expect a lot of action. We worked really hard in training camp and it’s going to show up in the ring on fight night.

“From what I’ve seen I’m facing a good defensive fighter, but we prepared for that kind of style. I’m very confident with the work we put in at the gym.

“It’s really cool to be fighting on the live stream before my brother’s show. I know that I enjoy watching myself fight and I feel like the fans are going to enjoy it as well.”

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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. OCAMPO

Fundora vs. Ocampo will see unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora seek to continue his dominance and demonstrate why he’s one of the most feared fighters in boxing when he defends his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a thrilling Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. – October 6, 2022 – Three exciting showdowns featuring contenders and rising prospects will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME^® Boxing Facebook page this Saturday, October 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

With action kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT, the COUNTDOWN show, hosted by Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, features veteran welterweight contenders Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas and Mykal Fox squaring off in a 10-round bout. Featherweight contenders Viktor Slavinskyi and Edward Vazquez also meet in an eight-round duel, while unbeaten flyweight prospect Gabriela Fundora, the younger sister of unbeaten headliner Sebastian Fundora, kicks off the show battling Mexico’s Naomi Reyes in a 10-round fight.

The preliminary bouts will lead up to a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT featuring Interim WBC Super Welterweight Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his belt against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo in the main event.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

The stacked non-televised undercard lineup also includes unbeaten lightweight prospects Justin Cardona (8-0, 6 KOs) and Angel Alejandro (10-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round matchup, Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial (2-0, 1 KO) taking on Steven Pichardo (8-2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight attraction and super welterweight Brandon Lynch (11-1-1, 8 KOs) facing Argentina’s Roque Junco (11-12-1, 6 KOs) for eight-rounds of action.

Rounding out the card will be unbeaten Phoenix-native Elijah Garcia (11-0, 9 KOs) battling Mexico’s Edgar Valenzuela (7-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round middleweight duel, unbeaten featherweight Shon Mondragon (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout and featherweight Jose Perez (10-1-2, 4 KOs) stepping into the ring for a six-round showdown.

A two-time Olympian for his native Lithuania, Kavaliauskas (22-2-1, 18 KOs) now fights out of California as he seeks a second shot at a 147-pound world title. The 34-year-old came up short in his first attempt, dropping a 2019 title bout against Terence Crawford before most recently losing to unbeaten Vergil Ortiz Jr. in August 2021. He will be opposed by Maryland’s Fox (22-3, 5 KOs), who returns to the ring after dropping a controversial decision to Gabriel Maestre in August 2021. Standing at nearly six-feet-four-inches tall, the 26-year-old has used his size and boxing acumen to establish himself as a crafty contender in a pro career that dates back to 2014.

Originally from Ukraine and residing in Los Angeles, Slavinskyi (13-1-1, 6 KOs) will look to bounce back from his first defeat on October 8, which came via majority decision against hard-hitting contender Claudio Marrero in February. The 32-year-old had previously ridden a six-bout winning streak into that fight, which included a decision triumph over Leduan Barthelemy in June 2021. He will face the 27-year-old Vazquez (12-1, 3 KOs), a Fort Worth, Texas-native who most recently defeated Jose Argel in July. Vazquez’s only blemish came via split-decision against the unbeaten Raymond Ford in February.

Trained by her father Freddy alongside her brother Sebastian, Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) has impressed since turning pro in May 2021, dominating her competition on her way to eight early wins. The 20-year-old from Coachella, Calif., will return to Dignity Health Sports Park for the third time after earning her first two pro victories at the venue. She will battle Nayarit, Mexico’s Reyes (9-1, 5 KOs), who turned pro in 2016 and suffered her only loss via decision in 2018. Since then, Reyes has put together five-straight victories, with four coming by stoppage.

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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. OCAMPO

Fundora vs. Ocampo will see unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora seek to continue his dominance and demonstrate why he’s one of the most feared fighters in boxing when he defends his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. headlining a thrilling Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

 COACHELLA, CALIF. – September 30, 2022 – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora offered a clear warning to the rest of the 154-pound division as he prepares to defend his interim WBC title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“Everyone in the division has to watch out,” said Fundora. “Because I’m coming. I’m definitely not overlooking this opponent, but whenever I get that title chance, I’m ready for it.”

Already considered perhaps the most exciting fighter in the sport at just 24-years-old, Fundora explained the mentality that has allowed him to thrill fight fans time and time again.

“A lot of people who come out to these fights are working class and they spend their hard-earned money to go watch a good fight, and that’s what I want to deliver,” said Fundora. “I fight for the fans. Without the fans, boxing is not the same.”

For this fight, Coachella, California’s Fundora will share the stage with his younger sister, 20-year-old rising flyweight Gabriela Fundora, who competes in an undercard bout at Dignity Health Sports Park. Although it will be the first time they share a card, Sebastian is confident that the training from their father Freddy will allow each to focus on their individual tasks.

“We always train together, so preparing to fight on the same date didn’t require any adjustments or changes really,” said Fundora. “My sister is going to fight before me and I’ll be focused on my fight, even while watching her. We’ve trained all camp so that I know what I’m supposed to be doing at that moment. I’ll definitely be ready by the time it’s my moment to get in the ring.

“This opportunity shows that the hard work me and my sister have been putting in, is really paying off. I’m already in a comfortable spot in my career, but it really shows how her hard work has gotten her to this platform.”

Fundora’s stock skyrocketed after his most recent outing, which saw him claim the vacant Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title by stopping Erickson Lubin after nine rounds, in a memorable bout on SHOWTIME in April that is a certain contender for 2022 Fight of the Year. Despite the career-best victory, Fundora saw the outcome as him simply proving what he already believed about himself.

“I feel like I didn’t learn anything in my last fight, I just went out there and proved what I already knew to everyone,” said Fundora. “In that camp we were focused on showing everyone that I’m an elite fighter at 154 pounds.”

The 6-foot-6 Fundora also showed an ability to overcome adversity in the duel against Lubin, and wisdom beyond his years. After dropping his opponent in round two and racing out to an early lead, Fundora was on the receiving end of a vicious onslaught from Lubin in round seven and elected to take a knee to recuperate. Between rounds nine and 10, Lubin’s corner was forced to throw in the towel after Fundora rose to his feet and regained control of the action.

“I never had a doubt in my mind during the Lubin fight,” said Fundora. “If I doubted myself, I would not be here right now. I had the composure to use my brain and take a knee during that fight. I got hit with a good punch and I was like, ‘let me take a little breather’, instead of getting hit like that again. I used my intelligence.”

On October 8, Fundora makes the first defense of his interim title against the rising Mexican contender Ocampo, who enters the fight on a 12-bout winning streak. Since a 2018 loss to unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr., Ocampo has moved up in weight and reeled off win after win to earn another shot at a top fighter. Fundora expects that motivation, combined with the Baja Californian’s aggressive style, to equal memorable action for everyone watching.

“Ocampo is a big, Mexican 154-pounder,” said Fundora. “He’s been at this weight for a while now and I know he’s coming in hungry. It’s his second chance on the big stage and I’m eager to see what he brings to the ring. I’m ready for him to bring his best. He’s going to be an aggressive fighter with a classic Mexican style. This is a perfect fight for Southern California. What more could you want?”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

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ABOUT FUNDORA VS. OCAMPO

Fundora vs. Ocampo will see unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora seek to continue his dominance and demonstrate why he’s one of the most feared fighters in boxing when he defends his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a thrilling Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. – September 14, 2022 – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo previewed their showdown for Fundora’s Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title during a virtual press conference Wednesday before they meet live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

One of the sport’s most exciting fighters, Fundora returns to the ring after emerging victorious in an instant Fight of the Year contender in April on SHOWTIME, as he rose from the canvas to stop the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin. He will look to solidify his status at 154 pounds against the streaking Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo, who has won 12-straight bouts since a 2018 defeat to unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I’m very excited. I was in the main event last time, but I’m really the headliner this time and I’m even more excited to show off in front of my fans in Southern California. I’m just ready to fight.

“I showed the fans what I was made of in my last fight. It wasn’t really what I learned. My goal was to display myself and what I’m capable of for the fans. I really wanted to show who I am in this division. I’m serious about becoming world champion.

“I think that Ocampo is a strong Mexican fighter like me, so of course he’s going to come to bang. This is the perfect fight not just for the fans in Southern California, but for everyone watching.

“I’m used to the venue fighting there before. If you’re not bringing action, the fans will tell you right away. They’ll fight in the stands themselves. It’s a good crowd and I’m excited to put on a show.

“Before I got knocked down against Lubin, that round was all me I felt. I got hit with a good punch, I took a knee and just needed to get my energy back. The round right after that I was back to being me.

“I can fight anywhere. I can fight in my backyard, it’s the same thing for me. I’m there to focus on the fight itself and on putting on a great show for everyone.

“I want to fight for the title and I feel like I deserve that. I’m the WBC mandatory and of course I have to get past Ocampo first. But our goal is to fight for the title.

“I’ve been ready for the title, but we have to stay busy. I have to take hard fights like this to continue to grow. Ocampo is a ranked fighter and he’ll help me get to where I want to be.

“When it comes to the ring I feel like my Mexican blood comes out. I’m learning more about the Mexican culture and I’m excited to face another Mexican fighter. Two Mexicans headlining on SHOWTIME is great for Southern California.

“I’m just focused on my career, not what the champion is doing. I know that it’s going to take care of itself. We want to keep fighting and stay busy so that when the challenge presents itself, we can take it with no problem.

“We’ve been watching Ocampo and we’ve noticed that he’s been on a long win streak. Of course we’re not going to let it continue. We know he’s going to bring it and hopefully we can give the fans another great fight.”

CARLOS OCAMPO

“I feel great and I feel ready. I’m extremely confident in the training camp that I’ve been having in this fight. I’m in great shape and prepared to get in the ring.

“I thought Sebastian fought really well against Lubin. It was a dynamic and entertaining fight. I enjoyed watching it for sure. But I think he fits my style really well. With two Mexican fighters inside the ring, you’re going to see fireworks.

“We’re both fighters who like to get inside and we’re not afraid to exchange and brawl. We give the fans what they want and I know they’re going to be happy with what they see on October 8.

“I want to show people that I’m hungrier than ever. I’m here to win the title and I’m going after it with all my might. I want to grab that title and bring it back home to Mexico where it belongs.

“I made a rookie mistake in the Spence fight. I got careless at the end of the first round and I promise that it won’t happen again. I’m moving forward, but I’ve become a better fighter because of it.

“The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that I need to be more cerebral and that I have to think through things more. I learned that being careless for one second can cost me. It was a tough lesson to learn, but I won’t make the same mistake again.

“I just work hard and keep my mind set on only one thing. That’s the world title. It’s my obsession and it’s what I want more than anything in the world.

“I’m definitely feeling underestimated. It’s funny how one mistake four years ago can shape the perception that people have of me. I’m a completely different person and you’re going to see how much I’ve matured both physically and mentally. We’re going to give you a great fight that you won’t want to miss.

“Being an underdog definitely motivates me and everyone is going to see how well I’ve trained for this fight. My entire focus is on October 8 and I haven’t thought about anything that could happen after that.

“This is going to be a spectacular card from top to bottom. You’re going to see great clashes and a real war in the main event. Make sure you tune in.

“I feel stronger and faster at super welterweight. This weight just fits me like a glove and I’m going to show everyone why on October 8.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. – August 23, 2022 – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora will seek to continue his dominance and demonstrate why he’s one of the most feared fighters in boxing when he defends his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a thrilling Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, go on sale TOMORROW, Wednesday, August 24 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at axs.com.

“Sebastian Fundora has proven that he’s more than just an all-action brawler and has stamped his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the stacked 154-pound division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He’s a perfect match for the Dignity Health Sports Park, which has brought the best out of fighters for years, and he’ll return in an intriguing showdown against Carlos Ocampo and his 12-bout winning streak. Combined with two evenly-matched duels on the undercard, October 8 shapes up to be another memorable night in Carson, California.”

Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division with a fan-friendly style and bruising toughness in the ring. At 6-foot-6, the unbeaten 24-year-old southpaw from Coachella, Calif., towers over his opponents, but has displayed an appetite for toe-to-toe combat from short range. Fundora showed his mettle in his last fight, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round.

“I’m very pleased and honored to be back in action on October 8,” said Fundora. “I’m excited to be back on a big PBC show at Dignity Health Sport Park and on SHOWTIME defending my WBC interim title against a quality ranked fighter like Carlos Ocampo. On top of things, my sister Gabriela Fundora will be performing on the same card, and we’re training hard to give everyone a great show.”

Ocampo (34-1, 22 KOs) is riding a 12-fight win streak dating back to his first and only career setback, a KO loss to current unified welterweight champion and pound-for-pound great Errol Spence, Jr. in 2016. During the 12-fight stretch, nine of the victories have come by stoppage. The 26-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico will have to be at his best if he wants to keep that streak alive against one of the hottest boxers in the super welterweight division in Fundora. In his last fight Ocampo scored a victory by first round KO over Vicente Martin Rodriguez on June 11, his first U.S. action since the Spence bout for his eighth stoppage in his last 10 bouts.

“I’m very happy to have the opportunity to be fighting on the big stage again and it’s even better that it is against a great fighter like Fundora,” said Ocampo. “I know that he is a warrior inside the ring, just like me. This is going to be a can’t-miss fight for the fans. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this fight, but especially my daughter, who is my inspiration every time I step into the ring.”

Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) is quickly becoming a force in the middleweight division as he nears his first world title opportunity at 160 pounds. He fought three times in 2021, scoring two KO victories and earning a majority decision over top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in his last fight on December 5. The 28-year-old Adames was born in Comendador, Dominican Republic and now lives in Washington Heights, New York. He established himself as a contender with a slew of victories over the likes of former champion Carlos Molina, Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley and Alejandro Barrera, with his only defeat coming by narrow decision in a 2019 154-pound title fight against Patrick Teixeira.

“I’ve been waiting patiently to get back in the ring and bring the fans another war,” said Adames. “Being in a fight like this has me motivated like never before. A win against a tough fighter like Montiel will do wonders for my career. I’ve been eager to showcase what I’ve been working on and show the fans that I’m the next middleweight star. On October 8, I’m going to get one step closer to becoming the first Dominican middleweight world champion of all time.”

The 28-year-old Montiel (23-5-2, 23 KOs) showed his grit and determination in the ring as he battled for 12 grueling rounds against middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in June 2021. He slugged it out with Charlo and came up short in a unanimous decision loss to the world champion, but improved his stock as a contender. Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico he bounced back six months later with a third round KO victory over Christian Soto Valvarde on December 22.

“I made the mistake not taking it up another level against Jermall Charlo,” said Montiel. “That will never happen again. I’m thankful to my team for another great opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it. This time when Carlos Adames is hurt, and he will be, he is going to sleep. I learned my lesson about letting opponents escape.”

The unbeaten Martinez (14-0, 8 KOs) became the first world champion promoted by his countryman, former two-division world champion Marcos Maidana, with a scintillating victory over Ancajas on SHOWTIME in February. The 31-year-old from Avellaneda, Argentina made the most of the opportunity, landing a division record 421 power shots of the 427 total punches landed to secure a unanimous decision victory over Ancajas. Now he will look to repeat that feat and establish himself as one of the division’s best.

“I’ve been having an excellent training camp ahead of this rematch,” said Martinez. “I proved that I was up to the challenge back in February, and now I am ready to defend my title with all of my heart. The fans are going to see an even better Fernando Martinez when I step into the ring on October 8.”

The 30-year-old Ancajas (32-2-2, 22 KOs) decided to exercise his right to a rematch against Martinez and will now get a chance to wrestle back a world title that he held for six years and defended nine times before the loss to Martinez. Fighting out of Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, Philippines, Ancajas won the title in a lopsided unanimous decision victory over McJoe Arroyo in 2016 where he dropped his opponent in the eighth round and cruised to victory.

“It’s very weird to be in the challenger position after holding the title for over six years,” said Ancajas. “This has motivated me to work even harder preparing for this fight. I’ve made some adjustments in my training and can assure everyone that I’m going to show that the first fight was a fluke. I’m going to win on October 8 and become a two-time world champion!”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraOcampo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

Unbeaten super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) will defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo (34-1, 22 KOs) live on SHOWTIME^® on Saturday, October 8, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Fundora is coming off a Fight of the Year type performance against Erickson Lubin on April 9 in which Fundora punished Lubin to remain undefeated in a back-and-forth thriller. Ocampo, who is ranked No. 13 by the WBC, has won 12 straight and recorded a first-round knockout on June 11.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature middleweights Carlos Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) and Juan Macias Montiel (23-5-2, 23 KOs) squaring off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez (14-0, 8 KOs) meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas (32-2-2, 22 KOs) in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Jaime Munguia remained undefeated by stopping Jimmy Kelly in round five of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout at The Toyota Arena in Anaheim, California.

In round five, Mungua dropped Kelly with a left hook. A second knockdown occurred when Munguai sent Kelly down with an uppercut. Munguia was able to finish off Kelly with a hard right that was followed by a left that sent Kelly down for a third and final time and the bout was stopped at 2:57.

Munguia, 165 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 40-0 with 32 knockouts. Kelly, 164 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-3.

Duarte Stops Bernaldez in

Oscar Duarte stopped Mark Bernaldez in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round eight, Duarte landed a hard right that buckled Bernaldez. Duarte followed up with a big flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Duarte, 136.4 lbs of Perral, MEX is 23-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Bernaldez, 135.6 lbs of Vatabeto, PHL is 23-6.

Valle Decisions Villalobos; Retains Minimumweight Title

Yokasta Valle retained the IBF Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorraine Villalobios.

Valle, 104.6 lbs of San Juan, Costa Rica won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 25-2. Villalobos, 104.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 5-4.

Carlos Ortiz scored a stunning fifth round stoppage over previously undefeated prospect Evan Sanchez in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight.

The fight was a war for most of time, and in round five, Ortiz hurt Sanchez with a chopping left. Ortiz landed six unanswered punches which included another flush chopping left that sent Sanchez down and out at 2:59.

Ortiz, 151 lbs of Torreon, MEX is now 13-5 with 13 knockouts. Sanchez, 152,4 lbs of Parlier, CA is 11-1.

Former world title challenger Carlos Ocampo stopped Vincent Rodriguez in round one of their eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ocampo dropped Rodriguez with a left hook to the body, and he could not beat the count at 2:06.

Ocampo, 156 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 34-1 with 22 knockouts. Rodriguez, 154.2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 40-11-1.

Pin-Pon Reyes stopped Moises Flores in round two of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Argel dropped Flores with an overhand right. Reyes then landed several hard shots, and the fight was stopped at 55 seconds

Reyes, 139.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 8-0 with four knockouts. Flores, 147 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-7-1.

Japhethlee Llamido won a six-round unanimous decision over Saul Hernandez in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Llamido was cut over his right eye due to an accidental headbutt.

In round six, Llamido dropped Hernandez with a right hand.

Llamdio, 128.4 lbs of Long Beach, CA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 8-0. Hernandez, 132 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 17-16-1.

Jorge Estrada remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Hassan Coleman in a junior middleweight contest.

The fighters came out throwing wild punches, and in an exchange, Estrada landed a body punch that sent Coleman down in a lot of pain and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Estrada, 153.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 3-0 with with three knockouts. Coleman, 153 lbs of Los Angeles was making his pro debut.

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (March 4, 2022) – Like so many fellow brave Ukrainians, Serhii “El Flaco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) has returned home in defense of his country fighting alongside his compatriots against the Russian invasion, which has forced his withdrawal from a scheduled March 25th showdown with Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs).

Vidéotron Coliseum in Trois-Rivières, Canada, will host its inaugural professional boxing event, starting at 7 p.m. ET, which is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, co-promoted by a Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) with Probellum, and in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Bohachuk joins other Ukrainian fighters who have joined the fight such as retired former world heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, as well as reigning World unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and 3-time, 3-division World title-holder Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Zewski, a former IBF North American and WBO NABO welterweight champion, is fighting at super welterweight for only the second time. His new opponent in the 10-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship is former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo Manriquez (32-1, 20 KOs), of Mexico, whose lone pro loss was in 2018 to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr.

“We applaud Bohachuk’s courage to return home and fight with his countrymen in a real war,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him and all Ukrainians who we wish for peace. Mikael is still in a very tough fight against Manriquez, the WBO’s No. 8-rated super welterweight.

“GYM is excited to co-promote this stacked card with our partner, Probellum, in our boxing series. Not only do we have some of the best Canadian boxers in action, but we are also thrilled to have three Olympians fighting in separate bouts, Arthur Biyarslanov, Joseph Ward, and Herbert Carvalho Sousa.”

In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated super lightweight Biyarslanov (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Roberto Verdugo (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of Mexico. Fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov represented Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games. Verdugo is unbeaten in his last 6 fights with 5 wins and 1 draw.

Undefeated Irish super lightweight prospect Joseph “Mighty” Ward (6-1, 3 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to named in a 4-round match. Ward is a 3-time European amateur champion, in addition to representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympics.

Highly decorated Brazilian middleweight Herbert Caravalho Sousa will make his pro debut in a 4-rounder vs. TBA. The 23-year-old Sousa was a gold medal winner at the 2020 Olympics and 2019 World Championships.

Former Canadian National amateur champion Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) meets Ricardo

“Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in an intriguing 10-round bout. The popular Bouchard has been victorious in 10 of his last 11 fights.

Canadian welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (5-0-1, 2 KOs), returning to the ring quickly off her recent triumph (Feb. 24) over Yamilia Esther Reynoso by way of a 6-round decision, to face former World kickboxing champion Valentina Keri (5-5, 0 KOs), of Serbia, in a 6-round fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is Canadian heavyweight Alexis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Canedo (4-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round clash; pro-debuting Canadian super lightweight Spencer Wilcox vs. TBA, and Petar Gavrilovic (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Greg Weeks (3-1, 3 KOs) in a pair of 4-round confrontations.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale and available for purchase on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634.

GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 160 events in Quebec, participated in 37 international galas outside of Quebec. Seven boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 50 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 25 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

By Bart Barry-

SAN ANTONIO – Almost exactly 300 miles north of here Saturday welterweight titlist Errol “The Truth” Spencer strolled through an overmatched Mexican named Carlos Ocampo at – let’s get this right – The Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys’ practice field. No matter how highly one regards a prizefighter, nine hours is too much of a roundtrip drive to perform for an exhibition bout, and whatever fears any Texan had of missing out, anyway, got quelled in three minutes.

If you were to draw a circle with a 30-mile radius round the center of Dallas you’d enclose an area called the Metroplex. You’d include both Frisco and a region twice as populous as Los Angeles and 85-percent populous as New York City. You’d also be missing the country’s fourth-largest city, Houston, and its seventh-largest city, this one. Texas is not so much a boxing state, in other words, as an enormous one.

The not-particularly-believable 14,000-paid attendance figure bandied about before the gates even opened Saturday and all through Showtime’s broadcast would be a breathtaking occurrence in, say, Amarillo, but it’s less than breathtaking somewhere within a four-hour drive of 11-million people. Heaven help this column if that reads like an impeachment of Jerry Jones’ math; after all, the owner of America’s Team has his “world” headquarters within the Metroplex, and the principles and integrity of any NFL owner are above doubt. That written, there were some questions about the announced attendance for Manny Pacquiao’s two Cowboys Stadium tilts in 2010, and columnists often have long, selective memories.

However many Texans attended Saturday’s match those in attendance thrilled Errol Spence, and it was joyfilling to see a well-deserving object of affection enjoy such affection.

Let us not let that detract, though, from the fact Saturday’s mainevent sucked.

New rule: When the sacrificial b-side of a homecoming mismatch is seen nervously chewing his gumshield before walking to the ring, the match is immediately reduced to a four-round affair and the champion begins three points behind on official scorecards. Seems fair. These new mercy-feasting rules in no way endanger Spence’s undefeated record, presently or retroactively, and they give commentators some suspense worth shouting at.

Spence was fighter enough to feel ashamed of what happened Saturday and man enough to admit it. Spence wanted real contact; his style demands a certain quotient of mutual abuse to please, and had he known Ocampo would fold so quickly and completely The Truth surely would’ve holstered his best punches at least a round or two longer.

Spence has grown immensely since his first Texas prizefight five years ago in Our Lady of the Lake University Gym, five miles west of where this column happens. Frankly, the odds of Spence filling any arena back then were longer than Ocampo’s odds Saturday. Whisked by what would become the PBC from America’s worst Olympic boxing team – on which, admittedly, Spence was the best fighter – to mostly empty venues like nearby Cowboys Dancehall (neither a world headquarters nor those Cowboys) Spence looked destined howsoever unfairly to follow teammates like Terrell Gausha and Rau’shee Warren to the Sam Watson-less edges of Al Haymon’s roster, off-television.

But Spence had something few other PBC prospects did: A willingness to be hit in order to hit. Everything was rougher about Spence than his stablemates, starting with his accent. Spence was “country” – as they call it round here. His accent was obviously Texan. So was his likability. He was guileless outside the ring as he was inside it. He was such a departure from the promotional antics of the PBC’s signature asset, Adrien Broner, one quickly wondered how long Spence would stay in his managerial arrangement, illfitting as it appeared.

Then Spence went tangential and put himself on a new trajectory for a PBC fighter. Spence visited someone else’s country and won a title by knockout – otherwise known as the right way. Then he began using the names of reluctant PBC welterweights in interviews. Then he washed and wore a PBC mainstay. For this he was rewarded with an illfitting homecoming 50 miles north of his native DeSoto as the headliner of what often felt like an infomercial for America’s Team and its owner – unless you believe a 147-pound man wanted more desperately to be a professional football player than a champion prizefighter.

For goodness’ sake, let them have their fun!

Yes, well, fine – so long as there is boxing to write about. But there isn’t, is there, in large part because of dreadful matchmaking, the sort that makes most aficionados feel like suckers most of the time we open our minds to the PBC brand.

Some of this is Showtime’s fault, you say? Fair enough.

Boxing’s best network now has easy access to every fighter in the world unaligned with promoter Top Rank, which is most of them. Showtime has far too many available fighters and far too few available dates to be cowed into b-sides like Carlos Ocampo. And let us have no more loose talk about mandatories. Errol Spence wishes to be the world’s best welterweight, not merely the IBF’s, and if he’s debasing himself with mandatory challengers it’s because his handlers’ handling of their other welterweight titlists makes Spence worry his share of the welterweight title is his only leverage – which is absurd if true.

A twofight series with Terence Crawford on ESPN – fight 1 in Omaha, fight 2 in Arlington (not Frisco) – would make Spence a household name, regardless of outcomes. Then he could return to Showtime as the new face of the PBC, increasing the credibility of the both his management outfit and its sole remaining broadcast sponsor.

Or Spence can fight Yordenis Ugas or Qudratillo Abduqaxorov in December and Devon Alexander next May.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Errol Spence Jr. gave his hometown what they wanted.  That was a 1st round stoppage over Carlos Ocampo to retain the IBF Welterweight title at The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

Spence landed a perfect left to the body that sent Ocampo down on all-fours, and he did not beat the count at 3:00.

Spence, 146 3/4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 24-0 with 21 knockouts.  Ocampo, 146 3/4 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 22-1.

“I was a little disappointed. I wanted to give the crowd their money’s worth,” Spence said. “I wanted him to sustain a bit and give him some punishment, but the body shot got him and I dropped him.”

“I knew if I hit him again he would probably drop,” Spence said. “That was my game plan. I’m the body snatcher. If he reacts weirdly, I just keep going to the body and I keep breaking him down.”

After the fight, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones joined Spence in the ring to congratulate him on the victory.

“This moment is a dream,” Spence said. “I wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys and now I’m fighting in front of the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones. Thank you to the whole Dallas Cowboys organization.

“We’ll definitely be back after I unify some titles. We’ll make this an annual thing where I fight here.”

“This room was full of Dallas Cowboys football players supporting you,” Jones said. “They share your passion. I saw a guy in this ring who knew what he wanted. When you knock a guy out by hitting him once on the side of his back, you’re bad to the bone.

“I love his awareness. He had a plan from the beginning. He is exceptionally gifted. He has family that is behind him and our family, the Cowboys, want to be behind him as well.”

“I want to fight the best,” Spence promised. “Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter are fighting each other (for the WBC title) and I definitely want to make that a unifying fight. We both have the same management, we both fight on SHOWTIME. Why not make that happen? I definitely want that fight whenever it’s available.

Danny Roman made the 2nd defense of the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Moises Flores.

Roman beat down the body of Flores as he focused on the rib area with both hands.  He landed 175 body shots and 174 head shots and was very consistent throughout the bout.

Roman, 121 3/4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 116-112 to raise his record to 24-2-1.  Flores who missed the weighed at 123 lbs is now 25-1.

“I was trying to box him. We tried to do a smart fight,” Roman said. “We tried to take him out, but unfortunately we couldn’t.

“I would like to unify. I would like to challenge any of the champions. I’d love to face Rey Vargas or Isaac Dogboe. I don’t mind going back to Japan either.”

“I know I messed up in training,” Flores said. “I didn’t make the weight, but I still wanted to perform and give it everything I have.

“We both hit each other a lot. I hit (Roman) with some good shots, I just couldn’t finish him. I was probably around 60 percent energy-wise. From the fifth round on I had to just fight with pure heart.

“(Roman) put on a great show for the fans, and that’s what makes me feel great. That’s all I wanted was to put on a good fight.”

Javier Fortuna and Adrian Granados fought to a no-contest when Fortuna could not continue in round four of their scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

The fight got ugly in round four when Fortuna was docked points for using his head and holding.  Seconds later, Granados pushed Fortuna out of the ring, and Fortuna’s head smashed into the cameraman post.  Fortuna was immediately put in a neckbrace and taken out on s stretcher.

The bout was ruled a no-contest at 2:50.  Fortuna, 139 3/4 lbs of La Romana, DR is 33-2-1-1.  Granados, 139 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 18-6-2-1.

“I didn’t push him. I think he fell with his own,” Granados said. “I think he was looking for an excuse on his way out. We were both battling, but I knew he could feel I was getting stronger. He caught me with a shot and it just turned me up.

“First and foremost I just want to pray that he’s OK. Let’s do the rematch. I’ve been dying for a fight at 140.”

Follow all the action as Errol Spence Jr. defends the IBF Welterweight championship against fellow undefeated Carlos Ocampo.  The action kicks off at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a junior welterweight battle between Adrian Granados and former world champion Javier Fortuna.  In the co-feature Danny Roman defends the WBA Super Bantamweight title against Mosies Flores

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Round 1: Body shot from Spence..LEFT TO BODY AND DOWN GOES OCAMPO…HE DOES NOT GET UP FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Roman jabbing to body..Right to body..Lead right from Flores..Sweeping right..Counter jab and uppercut from Roman..Uppercut..Counter right from Flores..Counter left from Roman..Right from Flores..Counter left from Roman..Uppercut..Counter left..

Round 2 Roman lands a body shot..Nice left..Uppercut from Flores..Good exchange..Double left hook from Flores..Double left hook to body from Roman..Exchanging uppercut..Counter left hook to body from Roman..

Round 3 Jab from Flores…Combination from Roman..Sweeping left from Flores..

Round 4 Counter hook to the body from Roman..Nice combination..Flores lands to the head..Left to body..Bog right from Roman..Sharp right..Body shot from Flores..Counter to head from Roman

Round 5 Flores working body..Counter from Roman…Body shots…2 lefts to the body..left hook to the body..3 punch combination..left hook to the body..Right..left to body..Solid right..left uppercut

Round 6 Jab from Roman..Combination..Right from Flores..Left to body from Roman..Body work..right hurts Flores..

Round 7 Left uppercut, right hand and body punches from Roman

Round 8 Uppercut from Flores..Right from Flores..1-2 from Roman..Left uppercut..sharp jab..Lead right from Flores..Jab and left uppercut from Roman..trading lefts hook..uppercut from Flores

Round 9 Lead left and right from Flores..Jab from Roman..Right from Flores..Jab from Roman..3 left uppercuts..right from Flores..

Round 10 Both working the body..Left from Roman..Left hook..uppercut..short left hook to body..

Round 11 1-2 from Flores..Overhand right from Roman..Lead right to body..over hand right..Good body shot..lead right from Flores

Round 12 Over hand right from Roman..Working the body..jab..counter left from Flores..Right to body from Roman..Flores lands a short right..Counter..

Roman outlanded Flores 349-225.  174 head shots and 175 body shots for Roman

349-1004 for Roman…   225-1023 for Flores

116-112; 118-110; 120-108 for DANNY ROMAN

Round 1 Body work by Fortuna..Straight left..Flurry by Granados

Round 2 Straight left by Fortuna..Exchange on the ropes..Counter by Granados…Left uppercut from Fortuna..Sharp left counter..Left hook from Granados..

Round 3 Fortuna works the body..2 uppercuts from Granados..Granados working on inside..

Round 4 Left hook to body from Granados …Right from Fortuna…FORTUNA DOCKED A POINT FOR USING HIS HEAD..FORTUNA DOCKED ANOTHER POINT FOR HOLDING..Flurry from Fortuna makes Granados back up..Combination..FORTUNA IS PUSHED OUT OF THE RING AND HE HITS HEAD ON THE CAMERAMAN STAND..FORTUNA PLACED IN A NECK BRACE AND TAKEN OUT ON A STRETCHER..BOUT RULED A NO-CONTEST AT 2:50

IBF WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¾ lbs.

Carlos Ocampo – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: John Madfis (Massachusetts.), Cesar Ramos (Puerto Rico), Jesse Reyes (Texas)

WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Danny Roman – 121 ¾ lbs.

Moises Flores – 123 lbs.

Challenger Moises Flores failed to make weight and is ineligible to win the WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship. Per WBA rules, “if a champion makes weight and a challenger fails, the champion shall retain the title, even if he loses the bout.” On Friday afternoon, Roman and Flores camps were discussing terms for the bout to move forward.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Sergio Caiz (California), Wilfredo Esperon (Texas), Levi Martinez (New Mexico)

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Javier Fortuna – 139 ¾ lbs.

Adrian Granados – 139 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Robert Chapa; Judges: Javier Alvarez (Texas), Jennie Cardenas (Texas), Don Griffin (Texas)

FLASH QUOTES

Errol Spence Jr.

“The task at hand [is how I handle the pressure]. I’ve got a tough opponent prepared to take my title in front of my hometown fans, and I’m not going to let that happen. I won’t let him upset me in front of my hometown fans. I’m going to put on a great show and great performance like you always see.

“Definitely this has been bigger than I expected. I get a little bit nervous when they say I’m fighting in front of 14,000-plus fans. But I have the support from my home state of Texas and Dallas. I love it.”

What message do you want to send to the other top welterweights Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Terrence Crawford?

“I’ve been sending messages; I don’t have to send anymore. I’m the best welterweight in the division and the most feared welterweight in the division. So they have to send a message to me since I’m the top dog.”

Carlos Ocampo

“This is a great moment for me. I always dreamed of having this moment of fighting for a world title and it’s great that it’s coming against a great champion like Errol Spence Jr.

“I came prepared to give everyone a surprise and tomorrow you will all see it.”

Danny Roman

“I was a little surprised [he didn’t make weight] because it’s a world championship fight and you expect him to be professional. But he’s got two hours so we’ll see what happens.

“I trained with heavier guys than me so I’m ready for whatever he brings.”

Javier Fortuna

“Once the promoter calls and give me a name, I never say no. There were a few names they gave and I said yes, I’d fight them. But that dropped off. They then gave another name, that dropped off. Then at 140 they said Granados and I said yes. I’m going to make a statement at 140.

“Tomorrow I will make the decision [on which Javier you will see]. There is a game plan, but I will make the decision tomorrow. I’m not disrespecting Granados. I know he can fight but my technique and style is superior to Granados.”

Adrian Granados

“Finally I have a good fight at the weight class I’ve been wanting to fight at. I’ve been waiting for a fight at 140 for three years now since my last big win at this weight. There were opportunities that I couldn’t pass up and honestly nobody wanted no smoke with me at 140.

“We’re here now. Javier Fortuna is a former world champion and a tough fighter. As far as trying to make me flinch, I thought that was cute. Tomorrow is going to be a great fight. We’re both ready and we’re going to start off the telecast with a bang.

“We’ll see what happens, I’ll feel it out and see how it goes. I’m prepared for whatever I have to do. If I have to box with him or if I have to bang with him, you already know I come with that heat and it’s going to be an exciting fight tomorrow.”

# # #

About The Star

The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 14, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and top-rated contender Carlos Ocampo spoke to media at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters Thursday as Spence nears his homecoming title defense against his unbeaten challenger this Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction, all of whom were in attendance at Thursday’s final press conference.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday ahead of the first boxing event to take place inside Ford Center at The Star:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I’m really happy to be here and I’m so happy that everyone came out. Saturday night is going to be great. I’ve been training for 10 weeks and I’m 100 percent focused on Ocampo. I’m here to do my job, which is to win and look good winning.

“Ocampo is very dangerous because he has nothing to lose. It’s his first title fight, which is a position I’ve been in before. I had a lot of fire and I felt like I had nothing to lose. I’m sure he’s been training hard and is focused. I know he’s fighting for him family so he’s going to come to fight. I want a guy who’s going to test me so the crowd gets their money’s worth.

“I’ve had pressure my whole boxing career. Being on Olympian and a top prospect was pressure, but then I also went overseas to take the title from a top fighter. I’ve always overcome the pressure on me and I’m going to overcome another test on Saturday night.

“Every fight is a statement fight. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting. All eyes are on me in the welterweight division. People want to see if there are chinks in my armor, so it’s important for me to put on a great performance and prove I’m the best welterweight in the division.

“Dallas already is a boxing town, just not enough boxing comes here. I can be the star who has annual fights and bring the city out like we’re doing Saturday night. I’m going to prove we’re a boxing city in Dallas and that Texas is a boxing state period. I do this for the whole state.

“We work hard every camp and we’re 100 percent dedicated. There hasn’t been much difference in this camp than normal. The sparring with Jermell Charlo was top quality and has me prepared for Saturday night.

“I’m ready to line up those other champions. I’ve said that since I was 15-0. I want to fight every opponent and take them out no matter who it is. I’m here to prove that I’m the best in the division.”

CARLOS OCAMPO

“We’re here on the same stage and I’m ready. I’m appreciative to be here and I’m calm. I have nothing to lose. He has all the pressure of being in his hometown. I’m just relaxed and ready to fight.

“I’ve studied his fights enough. What’s most important is that I know that he has everything to lose and I don’t. He has a home field advantage, but at the end of the day, it’s just two guys in the ring.

“I’ve gotten a great reception from the people here in Dallas. I’ve been treated like a champion and after Saturday I’ll be a world champion. You don’t want to miss this fight.

“He can try to come and knock me out, but this is my dream. This is what I’ve trained my whole life for and i’m not going to let this chance pass me by.

“I’m going to use my height, distance and jab throughout the fight. The counter will be important for me. I’m going to look to catch him so he better be ready.

“I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I’m going to show what I have and give everyone a great performance from start to finish.”

DANIEL ROMAN

“Flores is a tough opponent. I don’t overlook anybody. I know he’s going to come in and fight. Defending my belt is the only thing that’s on my mind.

“We work hard like always. The only thing that changes in camp is strategy, and we will be ready for anything Flores can bring.

“We’re going to be ready for his pressure. I’m going to fight a smart fight. If we have a chance to take him out early, then I’m going to jump on it. You never know what could happen in a fight.

“Flores is not an easy opponent. Nobody is at this level. I just work hard every day like it’s my first shot at a world title. I know that if I put in the work, everything will come together in the ring.”

MOISES FLORES

“Roman is a good fighter, that’s why we’re here. Hopefully on Saturday night he won’t be able to take my volume of punches. I’m going to bring pressure for every moment of the fight and we’ll see if he holds up.

“Everyone knows that I like to come forward and make exciting fights. There will be drama and I’m expecting to come out of there with my hand raised.

“On Saturday night I’m going to get redemption for everything that happened in my last fight and deliver a win and an exciting fight. This is a chance that I’ve worked and trained hard to get again.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“Everyone knows what I can do here in the ring. I’m very glad to be here meeting Granados, because we’re going to give the fans a a great fight on Saturday that’s going to steal the show.

“I know that Granados has fought a lot of top opposition, but on Saturday night, I’m going to be a different fighter than he’s ever seen in the ring.

“This will be a battle. Everyone will see on fight night what the difference is between me and him. I’m a special fighter. I’m going to prove it again on Saturday.”

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“It’s been a long hard road to this fight. I know I have marks on my record, but I can easily say that I know all of them have been controversial. I’ve pushed through everything and I know that I’m truly respected as a fighter.

“I’m always going to bring the same fire and determination to the ring. If my opponent is brave enough to stand with me, then it’s going to be all-action. Either way, I’m coming to break him down and get the victory.

‘Recently I’ve gone against a lot of opposition that is naturally bigger than me, but I’ve never backed down or been afraid of any of them. This fight is going to prove that I belong in the upper echelon of boxing.

“I’ve checked out Fortuna’s fights and he’s a scrapper. He likes to bang too in the ring just like I do. It’s all the recipes for a can’t miss fight.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I’m very happy to see everybody out here and we’re so glad that the fans are getting involved. This city means everything to me and Errol, so to bring a great night like this and have this huge reception from the fans, is a little bit of extra motivation.

“I think we’re going to see a great fight. Ocampo is very tough opposition and Errol has trained very hard. We’re going to see the best Errol Spence on Saturday night and I’m sure we’ll see the best Carlos Ocampo, which should make for a fun night for the fans.”

BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, Vice President of TGB Promotions

“We are so excited for Saturday night and to be bringing the first boxing event inside Ford Center at The Star. Dallas is a great fight town and who better to headline the first title fight here in 50 years than hometown favorite Errol Spence Jr.? He is sure to put on a great performance for his hometown fans.

“It has truly been a pleasure to work with the entire Dallas Cowboys organization throughout this promotion and we hope this is just the start of bringing sellout crowds here to the heart of Texas. We can’t wait to see you all there on Saturday night.”

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

“SHOWTIME is thrilled to be here at The Star for the first boxing event inside of Ford Center. Week after week and month after month, we’ve delivered the best fighters in the most meaningful fights to boxing fans. Saturday is the 11th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this year. These events have featured more than 15 world title fights, just in the first six months of the year. We’re doing more boxing and more high quality boxing than any other network by far.

“Saturday is no exception, especially in terms of quality. Errol Spence Jr. is a consensus top five pound-for-pound fighter. He’s knocked out 10 straight fighters and it was 2014 when an opponent last went the distance. Errol is in many ways our Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys quarterback), he’s a young star, a fan favorite and we expect him to be one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

“If you know of the tradition of Mexican fighters in this sport, then you know that Carlos Ocampo cannot be overlooked. He’s coming to win and that makes him very dangerous and should create an exciting fight.

“Both of the opening bouts leading up to the main event on SHOWTIME are significant bouts with fighters that bring all action styles to the ring.”

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

DALLAS (June 13, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. spent time giving back in his hometown Wednesday, as he handed out meals at the Salvation Army in Dallas ahead of his homecoming world title defense live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, June 16 from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I’m excited to be back at Salvation Army again,” said Spence, who has spent time at the charity ahead of previous fights and during the holidays. “We’ve done events like these before and it’s always one of my favorite ways to give back. I’m glad to be able to come back and do something a little extra for my hometown fans that support me during this fight week.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

“I can’t wait to step into that ring and feel the love from the people in my city,” said Spence. “The least I could do was give something back this week. On Saturday night, I’m giving everyone in the city a great show and a memorable night of action.”

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction.

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ray Flores
We are very excited. We want to thank the media for joining us. So this is going to be a very historic event in Dallas, Texas as we are very excited to be at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco for a big night of action, the return of Errol Spence Jr. making his homecoming as he defends his IBF welterweight crown against Carlos Ocampo.

We have a terrific undercard as well as we go ahead and have Daniel Roman defending his super bantamweight championship against Moises “Chucky” Flores. Also to open up SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING we have Javier Fortuna matching up with Adrian Granados.

We go live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, that’s local time there in Frisco. And on Saturday night the card is being brought to you by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Right now I will turn it over to the Vice President of TGB Promotions, Brittany Goossen Brown. TGB Promotions has been promoting quality and world class matchups for years upon years and they’re excited to bring this world title matchup.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Thank you Ray and thank you all for joining us today as we kickoff the Spence vs. Ocampo Fight Week. We are thrilled to be promoting the homecoming of the IBF Welterweight World Champion, Errol Spence Jr. as he faces his mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo.

It has been a privilege for our family to promote countless home title defenses over the years but none of those compare to what we are about to witness this Saturday night in front a nearly sold-out crowd at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside Errol’s Man Down Promotions, the Dallas Cowboys organization and our friends at SHOWTIME to bring this fight to the fans in Dallas and all of those fans watching at home.

Errol’s a special fighter, he’s a good friend and Saturday will certainly be a special night of fights not to be missed. I’m going to send it back to Ray and I’ll see ya’ll in Texas.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Brittany. Well you know what, it’s no secret that the leader when it comes to televised boxing has been SHOWTIME. They have done an amazing job starting off with Errol’s title defense back in January over Lamont Peterson at Barclays Center. They followed it up, and it’s been a tremendous year where we’re coming off of a riveting night of action with Leo Santa Cruz-Abner Mares the rematch.

Now I will turn it over to the President of Sports & Events Programming, for Showtime Network Inc., who works extremely hard and does a fabulous job, here is Mr. Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much Ray. SHOWTIME has distinguished itself as the leader in boxing by televising the brightest stars in their most important fights on a regular basis, of course live on SHOWTIME.

This Saturday will be the 10th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast just during the first half of this year. We are the home of the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence Jr. is certainly one of those.

So far this year in just the first half of ’18 we’ve seen four of the top ten welterweights fighting on SHOWTIME from Danny Garcia to Yordenis Ugas to Jessie Vargas and now of course Errol Spence. Spence is leading a dynamic crop of young stars who are regularly appearing on SHOWTIME. He is a top ten pound-for-pound ranked fighter.

He has not fought in Dallas since 2015 when he was 18-0 and not yet champion. He won the title last year in Sheffield, he defended it earlier this year in Brooklyn and now obviously he is bringing it back home to Dallas. Errol has knocked out ten straight opponents as his level of competition has steadily risen which is something you rarely see in the sport. To continue that kind of knockout streak at the highest caliber level is something to be recognized.

As for Carlos Ocampo I was asked if I could describe him in one word and the one word I would use is unimpressed. He gives the appearance of a veteran well beyond his 22 years of age. He’s certainly, in my conversations with him has said he respects Errol Spence but he is unimpressed with the champion, unimpressed with the Cowboys. He’s here to win a fight and he is going to do whatever it takes to do that.

With the Super Bantamweight World Championship and the Fortuna vs. Granados opening fight we are expecting an action-packed very entertaining card. It all starts 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT on SHOWTIME. Thank you.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Stephen, greatly appreciate it. TGB Promotions has to thank the Dallas Cowboys. What a wonderful organization. They are America’s team here in the NFL. They have been tremendous to work with on this promotion. They’re a world class organization led by Jerry Jones and we’re so excited for Fight Week.

This is going to be an amazing atmosphere on Saturday night with the return of Errol Spence Jr., a fighter from Dallas, now defending his world title.

With that being said I want to introduce the IBF Welterweight Champion of the World as Saturday night’s card is brought to you by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

This young man has really set the bar extremely high as Stephen has mentioned. When you talk about guys that are the future, they are the superstars in boxing, Errol Spence Jr. is one of those superstars; 23-0, 20 knockouts as he makes his second defense of his IBF welterweight crown, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a great honor and pleasure to introduce Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.

Errol Spence Jr.
I’m happy to be working with TGB Promotions and to be back on SHOWTIME. It’s going to be a great event. I can’t wait to be fighting in front of my hometown crowd in front of 15,000 fans and you know it’s going to be great.

My hope is Carlos Ocampo comes to fight, and gives the crowd a fan-friendly fight. I’m in shape and I’m ready and training very hard for this fight and I can’t wait to put on a great performance.

Q
What are you expecting from the rest of division after Saturday night? And are you thinking about other fights yet or you’re very focused on this Saturday night?

E. Spence Jr.
I’m focused on my opponent right now, that’s Carlos Ocampo,. I might have to worry about other opponents later, but they’re going to play their self out and I’m going to fight. Shawn Porter’s supposed to be fighting Danny Garcia so hopefully I can get the winner out of that. We can unify.

We’re both with the same management, both fight on the same network. So I don’t see why that fight can’t happen but right now I have to get past Carlos Ocampo to even think about that unifying fight.

Q
When you were first presented with Ocampo what were your initial thoughts?

E. Spence Jr.
I didn’t know who he was to tell you the truth. I didn’t know who he was. And I don’t really look at the rankings. So I think, like, two days after my fight, the IBF had ordered me to fight my mandatory then they said it was Carlos Ocampo. My original thought was just, let’s do it. I’d rather get it out of the way now so it’s not a bump in the road later on when I’m trying to get bigger and better fights. So I’d rather get my mandatory out the way right now.

Q
Have you been able to find anything on him to be able to prepare for him or do you really just leave that up to the training camp or what are your thoughts on Carlos Ocampo as a fighter?

E. Spence Jr.
I found tapes on him. There’s nothing that you just see that’s special but I mean the guy comes to fight. He’s young, he’s undefeated and he’s fighting for a world title. Mexican fighters are known to be tough, they’re known to be durable and they’re known to come to fight.

So that’s what I’m expecting out of him to give it his all, come to fight and try to take my belt from me in my hometown. There’s not much that I’ve seen that just sticks out to me but he looks like a durable fighter who kind of thinks in the ring a little bit.

Q
How do you stay focused on the task at hand and not look forward to what everyone’s already predicting for you later on in 2018 and beyond?

E. Spence Jr.
Because I can’t give myself a false sense of security, because once you’re in the ring, there’s no turning back. So he’s been training hard and he’s going to show up on the night. And I just know he’s hungry. He’s 22 years old, he’s undefeated. He’s hungry and this is his dream to win a world title and make a lot of money so he can help his family.

I know what’s in the future for me. I know there’s big fights in the future so I can’t let someone like Carlos Ocampo detour my route of becoming a unified champion and soon, to become undisputed welterweight champion of world. So I have to get past him to reach those goals and those dreams.

Q
I just wanted to get your quick thoughts on what did you think of Terence Crawford’s performance and do you feel like that is the fight to be considering where your stature is at in the welterweight division?

E. Spence Jr.
I think he did what he was supposed to do. So even a week before their fight I said Terence Crawford stops him. I wasn’t surprised about what he did in there to Jeff Horn. I feel like Jeff Horn has limited ability and he basically tried to come there and just bully you. I think he lacks a lot of fundamentals but he did what he’s supposed to do.

I think there is definitely a future fight. He holds one of the belts and like I said I want to be undefeated welterweight champion of the world so I’m going to have to come over there and snatch the belt from him. It’s a fight that’s going to happen definitely in the future.

R. Flores
So right now I want to go ahead and bring on a man who is 22-0 with 13 knockouts. He is the number one contender for Errol Spence’s IBF welterweight championship of the world. From Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, I will turn it over to Carlos Ocampo.

Carlos Ocampo
Hi everyone, hope everything is going well. I’m ready for this fight. I’m looking forward to fighting in Dallas. Everything is going well with the weight, with my training and I just can’t wait to be there.

Q
Errol, do you kind of feel that you have any extra pressure for this particular fight because you’re fighting your hometown?

E. Spence Jr.
No I always have pressure to perform and look good. Since I turned pro I’ve been in the spotlight. All of my fights have been on TV. I’m always pressured to look good and perform all day. I’ve been dealing with pressure since I’ve been fighting and this is just another fight for me.

Q
How do you predict the atmosphere’s going to be this Saturday compared to the last two venues?

E. Spence Jr.
I think this is going to be electrifying. There’s going to be a great atmosphere. It’s going to be a very lively crowd and it’s going to be a great event. I’m a hometown guy and they get to see one of their hometown guys and not just somebody out of state. But I think it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be a great crowd and great atmosphere and great energy all around.

Q
Carlos, how do you prepare for someone with the power that Errol Spence has?

Carlos Ocampo
We did tons of training. We know about the power of Spence. We respect Spence but we prepared like never before and we are ready to go for that belt and bring it to Mexico.

Q
Do you kind of enjoy the fact that you’re going to be such a big underdog?

C. Ocampo
I think it’s good for me, I have nothing to lose. I have a lot of motivation and everything to prove and I’m going to come down and I’m going to go and enjoy it.

Q
Errol I just wanted to clarify something you said earlier, had you literally never heard of Carlos Ocampo before you were ordered to fight him?

E. Spence Jr.
No I never heard of him, which doesn’t mean anything. I mean there’s a lot of fighters that, you know, pop up out of the blue that could fight that you never heard of. They just don’t have the management or the promotion team for the spotlight to be seen. Those are the guys you have to watch out for.

Q
How gratifying has the excitement for your fight in Dallas been for you because I know you’ve wanted a hometown fight for a while now?

E. Spence Jr.
Very satisfied because, this is my my home, this is where I started. To see my core fans appreciate me enough to come out and spend their time and their money to come watch me fight, that’s great.

It shows that a lot of my hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off and I feel like that’s the ultimate justification to be at home and to feel that at home and have people come out and support you. It’ll be a great event.

Q
Errol you mentioned earlier that you would like to fight the winner of the Danny Garcia/Shawn Porter fight. Who do you think will win that fight and why?

E. Spence Jr
I don’t know. I think Danny Garcia could pull it out. He doesn’t do anything spectacular but he has great timing, good fundamentals and mostly really good timing. He just pulls it out. Whenever we think he’s going to lose the fight, he ends up winning the fight so I’ll go with Danny Garcia on that one, by decision.

Q
Carlos a lot of people obviously think that Errol is a very special fighter for a variety of reasons. What do you think of him overall?

C. Ocampo
I consider him a great fighter. He has been destroying all his opponents. He’s a well-respected fighter and a fast fighter with power. As I said before, I’m ready for it. I’m mentally ready to overcome everything Spence brings and make my name.

Q
Carlos, which advantages do you feel you have over Errol Spence that will enable you to beat him?

C. Ocampo
My advantages are my height, distance and I’m going to take advantage of that on Saturday night.

Q
First of all, in order to prepare for Ocampo have you watched any of video on him in order to prepare?

E. Spence Jr.
I watched a couple videos of him when I first got the name. That’s about it. My coach has been watching. But I definitely watched them when we first got his name.

Q
When you watched his video what were some of the tendencies that he does that you think you can exploit in the ring?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh you’ll find out Saturday night.

Q
Some people are making a big deal about Terence Crawford’s performance against Jeff Horn, do you think that your performances against guys like Lamont Peterson and Kell Brook were just as noteworthy if not more impressive?

E. Spence Jr.
To tell you the truth I haven’t thought about it. It was a good performance. Jeff Horn was the champion and he did what he was supposed to do. I don’t know if he’s better or not.

Q
Do you think that you deserve more respect as a pound for pound fighter?

E. Spence Jr.
As soon as I get the top five welterweight in my weight class in the ring with me, I’m going to get what I deserve. I’m not worried it. A lot of timing is in it. Timing is everything and I will soon get there.

Q
Out of all the different names that have been thrown around, who do you think would give you the best fight out of that group of fighters?

E. Spence Jr.
It’s hard to say because Shawn Porter will give anybody a tough fight, just with his style and how he just comes forward and how he rolls in, so he’ll give anybody a tougher fight, doesn’t mean you’re going to lose but he just hits with his style, he’s tough. Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Terence Crawford too, so any one of those guys would give you a tough fight. It’s hard to say who would be my toughest fight.

Q
Wouldn’t it make more sense to fight and still pursue a fight with Keith Thurman? Are you more interested in that fight than you would be in fighting Terence Crawford right now?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh I definitely would be interested in that but I think that’s a fight, that it’ll be easier to make because we have the same management and we fight on the same network so we deal with the same people businesswise.

So I feel like that fight is easier to make. That’s a definite fight that I’ve been wanting to fight that I still want. I just have to see how he comes back and how long it takes him to feel the same.

Q
You usually prepare hard for fights but did you train just as hard for this fight and as focused for this fight as you would be any other?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh definitely, I’m already on weight. I trained like I am facing a top five welterweight. And I’m already on weight. We’ve been training for about ten weeks for this fight. Been in camp with Jermell Charlo. We had the same camp together so I’ve been getting grade A sparring and everything. So we’ve been training hard and taking notes.

Q
Carlos, this is your first appearance in the United States on a really, really big stage against one of the best welterweights in the world, how are you prepared for this fight and what makes you think that you can win this fight?

C. Ocampo
As I said before I think Spence is a great fighter but I stay always in my sight so I just focus on the guy in front of me. I don’t focus on what the press said or the people said. I’m just focused on doing my best and doing this one fight. I just don’t care about what’s happening outside. And I’m just doing my work as I always do. I’m ready for it.

Q
When you were hanging out with the Dallas Cowboys at their facility, who are they saying they would like to see you fight when you run into them or talk to them? Derrick James and Errol if you could answer that.

E. Spence Jr.
At first everybody saw us and talked about Keith Thurman, “when you going to fight Keith Thurman? Man, I want to see you fight Keith Thurman.” But as of recently everybody’s in the moment. Terence Crawford just had his win against Jeff Horn. So now everybody wants to see me fight Terence Crawford.

Derrick James
I think that everybody for the longest time was thinking about Keith Thurman. They want to see the fight. They think that’s a big fight, a mega fight.

But now since Terence Crawford moved up everybody started to talk about Terence Crawford. I think those are the people that they really think that, really will give us a challenge or be a more competitive fight than fighting Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter or any of the other guys. So that’s really what the guys have been talking about.

Q
What would be the most meaningful definitive fight to have in this position for you guys?

E. Spence Jr.
Right now when we are in the gym when we’re talking about fights, we’re talking about Carlos Ocampo.
We haven’t been talking about any other welterweights or anybody else or who we’re going to fight next. The way everything plays itself out after this fight, we’re not going to think about that yet.

This could be the toughest fight of my career. We’re going to give Carlos Ocampo his respect as a fighter and an undefeated fighter and just focus on him right now.

Q
What would be a fight that you would find most challenging to you as a trainer and you think would be a definitive victory among those guys for Errol?

D. James
I think that what’s funny about it is he’s in one the most challenging fights, that I would say is the fight we have right now and only because it’s right in front of us and there’s not a lot of footage and there’s not a lot you can watch video of him. But you can really tell how deep his desire is, how great his skills are, and his will.

This is the fight that’s right in front of me, this is the fight that causes a little bit more difficultly because he’s not one of the guys that you see, not one of the guys that you know, so he can come in and be whoever he wants to be.

Like Errol said regardless we don’t talk about who he’s going to fight other than this guy in particular because there’s no other conversation.

I’ve never asked him about fighting Terence Crawford. I’ve never, ever asked him about fighting Keith Thurman. We might be required to answer other people’s questions but we’re so content about what’s in front of us, this guy right here, that’s the key element to success. Keeping your eye on the prize.

R. Flores
I wanted to thank the media again for joining us. We’ll see you guys down in Dallas for Fight Week. I want to thank Errol, Carlos, Brittany, Stephen and everyone involved. Looking forward to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday. We’ll see you guys down in Dallas for Fight Week later on this week. Thank you.

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 8, 2018) – As unbeaten challenger Carlos Ocampo nears his mandatory world title shot against IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr., Ocampo shared his thoughts on training camp and the upcoming matchup taking place Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

Here is what Ocampo had to say from training camp with head trainer Rafael Guzman from Guzman’s gym in Ensenada, Mexico:

CARLOS OCAMPO

“This has been a very complete training camp. I feel like we have covered everything we would want leading up to a fight of this magnitude. I’ve taken extra motivation each day into training camp because this fight represents the biggest challenge of my career.

“I know Spence is a very tough fighter, but I can’t say for sure what he’s going to do in the ring. What I do know is, I’ll be ready for whatever it is.

“I actually think the pressure is on him fighting at home. He’s the favorite and I’m the underdog. I’m going to use that hostile crowd to my advantage and as extra motivation to pick up this victory.

“I’m going to make my fans, my family and my team proud with my performance. I’m not worried about what anyone is saying about Spence’s abilities. I’m focused on myself and being at my very best.

“I’m a smart fighter in there. When I need to use the distance, I have the size and skills to do that effectively. If I need to fight on the inside, I can do that too. Everyone will see what I’m made of on June 16.

“My goal is to fight a smart fight. Spence is a great fighter so I know it will take the best performance of my career. I think it’s going to be a war and I plan to come out with my hand raised and the belt around my waist.”

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 4, 2018) – Super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman will defend his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The event will also see former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction that kicks off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas-area homecoming at the Dallas Cowboys facility against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in the main event. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

“This is shaping up to be a fantastic card with the addition of the 122-pound championship fight between Daniel Roman and Moises Flores and former champion Javier Fortuna taking on Adrian Granados in a 140-pound special attraction,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “None of these boxers have reverse in their gear box, which promises entertaining battles for the fans at The Star and those watching at home on SHOWTIME.”

The 27-year-old Roman (24-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making his second title defense of the WBA 122-pound championship he won with a TKO victory over Shun Kubo last September in Japan. The 28-year-old, of Los Angeles, Calif., returned to Japan and made his first title defense with a unanimous decision victory over Ryo Matsumoto this February. Roman enters this bout having won 16-straight fights.

“Everyone knows I want to fight the best and Flores is right up there,” said Roman. “He’s unbeaten for a reason and he’s the number one challenger for my title. I’m not taking him lightly. I’m motivated to be great. I’m more focused now than ever before. I’m not going to let Flores, or anyone else take my belt. The plan is simple. Pick him apart round by round just like I’ve done in my other world title fights.”

Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, returns to the ring after a no contest against Guillermo Rigondeaux in a fight that saw Flores hit and knocked out with a shot that was initially called legal, but was eventually ruled to have come after the bell, thus causing the no contest. The 31-year-old scored an impressive win with a decision victory over Oscar Escandon in 2015 that earned him an interim 122-pound title and followed that up with victories over previously once-beaten fighters Luis Emanuel Cusolito and Paulus Ambunda.

“I’m going to make Daniel Roman fight me every round until the end,” said Flores. “He’s a good boxer and a counter puncher, but I’m a warrior so I’ll be ready for anything he brings. If he can’t hold up to my power, then he’s going down early. This is a must-win and I’m determined to become a world champion on June 16.”

Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KOs) won the super featherweight title with a unanimous decision against Bryan Vasquez in 2015 and enters this fight looking to bounce back from a split-decision loss to lightweight champion Robert Easter, Jr. in January on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old Fortuna, of La Romana, Dominican Republic, failed to make weight for the Easter fight and will now seek to challenge in the 140-pound division.

“I know that Adrian Granados is a warrior, but this fight breaks in my favor because I am simply the better fighter,” said Fortuna. “I respect Granados’ style and I know he surprises a lot of people with his resiliency in the ring. I’m fully prepared to out-box him on fight night. I’m not concerned about moving up in weight either because once we step into the ring, I’ll be the bigger guy.”

The 28-year-old Granados (18-6-2, 12 KOs) has garnered a reputation as a boxer willing to accept all challenges and one who always pushed his opponents to the brink. Fighting out of Chicago, he looks to get back on the winning track with a victory over Fortuna. Last year Granados lost a unanimous decision to former welterweight champion Shawn Porter and a split-decision to four-division champion Adrien Broner. Before those two losses, Granados had put together a five-match win streak that included a TKO victory over Amir Imam.

“Javier Fortuna is a crafty southpaw, but I’m going to be stronger and better than ever back at 140-pounds,” said Granados. “I feel like I can knock out anybody at this weight. After I beat Amir Imam, everyone has been ducking me at this weight class. I’m going to make a statement about where I belong in boxing and give the fans a great show like I always do.”

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

DALLAS (May 30, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. hosted a media workout at his gym in Dallas Tuesday as he prepares for his homecoming title defense at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters against undefeated challenger Carlo Ocampo Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The IBF titleholder spoked to media at the R&R Boxing Club along with trainer Derrick James, as the two prepare for Spence’s second title defense after winning the title from then unbeaten champion Kell Brook last May.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

Here is what Spence and James had to say Tuesday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It feels good to be fighting back at home in Dallas. This is where I started and where my core fan base is. It’s great to fight in front of my people and even better that I can do it as a world champion now.

“I wanted to make my first title defense in Dallas, but everything happens for a reason and now I have this great opportunity to fight at the Dallas Cowboys’ facility. It’s an incredible venue that has everything you would want. It’s going to be a great atmosphere on June 16.

“We’re working hard on our game plan and sharpening our skills in camp to make sure I’m the best version of myself when I step into the ring against Ocampo.

“Timing is key in boxing. It’s more important than speed and it’s something I really focus on when I’m training. It’s timing and accuracy. You can be fast but if you don’t land, it doesn’t mean anything.

“I’m a versatile fighter who is able to switch it up. I can box from the outside but also go on the inside. These are things that we’re always working on in the gym. Our opponent may bring something different than we expected into the ring, so we work on having a plan for everything.

“It’s great to have another world champion like Jermell Charlo in camp with me. Iron sharpens iron and we just work hard every day so that we can push each other to the next level. All of that helps me become victorious.

“I wouldn’t say I have one skill that sticks out the most in my arsenal. I’m a balanced boxer who can do everything. I can jab, throw a combo and show strong defense. I balance all of the attributes you need in the ring and that’s what makes me a great boxer.

“I’ve been putting this division on notice for a while. June 16 is another day that we’re going to give another one-sided performance and dominate. I’ve had the welterweight division on notice since my first fight. They know I’m here.

“Whoever wins the fight between Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter for the WBC title will have to fight me. I’m ready to unify. I’m ready to take the belt from either one of those guys.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Errol is an incredibly hard worker in the gym and he always has been. We’re just making sure he’s on task and able to be peaking on June 16. I have no worries that he’s going to be distracted by fighting at home.

“There can definitely be a lot of distractions at home, but Errol is determined and I know he has the mentality that will allow him to put on his best performance. We’ve been preparing for anything Ocampo could possibly bring to the ring.

“I’m excited that my two daughters will be able to come to the fight. This night is all about our community and giving everyone here something to cheer about. The city has indicated that they’re really coming out to support Errol and he’s going to reward them.

“If we keep putting in the work like we have been, everything is going to come naturally on fight night. We’ve taken a look at what Ocampo likes to do and we’ll be ready. At the end of the day, I think Errol is going to put on a great performance for this city.”

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FRISCO, TEXAS (May 2, 2018) – Welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. received a champions’ welcome in his hometown Wednesday at Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters at a press conference to discuss his homecoming defense Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME against unbeaten Carlos Ocampo at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Spence and Ocampo were welcomed with personalized Dallas Cowboys jerseys and an appearance from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at The Star as Spence prepares to make his first hometown world title defense. He last fought in Dallas in November 2015 but will now have a chance to excite his hometown fans in the first boxing event to take place inside Ford Center.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from the Dallas Cowboys Headquarters Atrium Interview Room at the Star:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is a big opportunity for me. This has been a lifelong dream of mine. I can’t wait to fight in front of my hometown fans that have been rooting for me since the amateurs. It’s great to bring this event to Ford Center. I’m happy to defend my title against a great contender like Ocampo and I hope everyone comes out and supports their champion.

“I don’t think there’s any extra pressure fighting in my hometown. It’s just added motivation. Real pressure was fighting against 30,000 fans in the champion’s hometown for my first title against Kell Brook. This is me fighting in front of people who love me and who have seen me grow up as a boxer. I can’t wait to put on a show for them.

“Everybody poses a challenge in the ring. Ocampo is tough. He’s young and this is something he’s been fighting for his whole life. I know he’s coming to fight. Mexican fighters have a great tradition. They come to fight and they don’t back down. I know he’s going to give it his all and that gets me motivated.

“My motto is ‘Man Down’ and I have to live up to it. I don’t go in looking for the knockout, but I let it happen naturally. I let it come to me and we’re definitely going to let it happen on fight night.

“I feel like I’ve definitely earned this hometown fight. To go to another country and fight a champion in his hometown, and to win the belt, I think I deserve to defend my belt in front of my fans.

“It’s going to be a great feeling being at this venue on fight night. When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be playing for the Cowboys. So this is just going to be a wonderful opportunity. I’ve already talked to a lot of Cowboys players who are excited to come see me fight.

“I do believe I’m the best welterweight in boxing right now. I’ve been trying to prove it for a long time. I’m never looking past anyone, but I’d love to fight Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter and when he’s back, Keith Thurman. I’m ready to fight the best in the division and prove I reign supreme over all of them.”

CARLOS OCAMPO

“I know that this is a great opportunity to be fighting here in Spence’s hometown. That’s a plus for me and it motivates me. I’m going to be ready to fight for 12 rounds.

“It’s supposed to be tough with the crowd against me and I know I’m the underdog, but my mind is only on the fight. I’m just fighting one man, not a whole crowd. I know that I have what it takes.

“Spence is a very smart and tough fighter, but he doesn’t scare me. I’ve been working for this for too long and I will be 100 percent ready to win.

“I’ve had a very tough preparation and a very long camp. We’ve been sparring southpaws to prepare and so far everything has been smooth.

“Being here I am even more excited and more motivated to push hard these last weeks of training camp and come into this fight at my absolute best.

“I have been the underdog before and I’m prepared to once again overcome that. I’m not worried about what anybody else thinks of me or this fight. My mind is only on winning and being prepared to do whatever I have to.

“He can talk about knocking me out all he wants but I’m here too and I’m ready to knock him out on June 16.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Being at home, this fight is going to be about Errol keeping his focus and staying task. He’s always been able to do that. He’s motivated and driven. He’s the guy that you have to drag away from the gym.

“I never looked ahead to moments like this with Errol, from the beginning we just grinded away day by day. I was focused on enhancing his skillset and that’s what we’re still doing to this day.

“I’m able to keep my feelings bottled up until after a fight, because being at home there can be a lot of distractions. But of course, this event being here in Dallas is phenomenal. I’m most excited that my two daughters will be able to come to the fight.

“Errol has been training extremely hard like he always does. On the first day of sparring he did 15 rounds with [WBC 154-pound champion] Jermell Charlo and [unbeaten light heavyweight] Adrian Taylor.

“The two of us just have to stay focused and everything comes naturally. It’s going to be a great show for this city and a great night for Errol.”

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

“SHOWTIME is the home of the biggest fights and brightest stars in boxing, so we are particularly thrilled to be here at the home of the best professional franchise in sports, the Dallas Cowboys. We’re proud to be bringing the first boxing event ever inside of the Ford Center and we can’t wait to show off these facilities on SHOWTIME in June.

“This is the first world title fight in Dallas in quite some time and I can’t think of anyone better to bring that here with than Errol Spence Jr. It’s fitting that the NFL Draft was here last week, because I think that if boxing had a draft, there’s a good argument Errol Spence Jr. would be the number one pick. He’s top pound-for-pound champion, he’s a popular draw and he’s in boxing’s most talent-rich division. He has the ‘Trainer of the Year’ in his corner and has won 10 straight fights by knockout, from contender to champion. That is the sign of a truly great fighter.

“The great thing about boxing and for Carlos Ocampo, is that none of those accolades matter on June 16. Rankings, opinions and belts don’t matter. It’s just two guys in a ring and only one man will win. He’s spent his whole life working for this opportunity and I believe that will make this an exciting event.

“As a Texas-native, I know that Dallas is a football town, it’s a good town for all sports but at its heart, Dallas is a football town. But I have great confidence that on June 16, Dallas will be a great boxing town as well.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“With IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. making his homecoming debut at this great venue, the Headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, I know that this is going to be a hot ticket and one you’ll want to purchase right way.

“A lot of hard work went into getting this event together at this great venue and we’re thrilled to be working with the team here at Ford Center to bring it to the fight fans of this city.

“Errol Spence is one of most talked about fighters in the sport. Many consider him the best welterweight and perhaps the best fighter in the world. He’s also made it known that he’s willing to prove that and fight the best in the division. But he can’t afford to look past this young undefeated challenger from Mexico, in Carlos Ocampo. He’s fought his whole life for this opportunity and is here to make the most of it. It’s going to be a great night and a great homecoming for Errol Spence Jr. on June 16.”

STEPHEN JONES, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys

“These are two really special young men on this stage and this is the kind of event that we had in mind when we opened The Star. To be able to have great athletes like these as part of unique events at The Star is something we’re very excited about.

“We like to create versatility for this venue and we want to bring all types of sporting events here. This doesn’t happen without the city of Frisco and the Frisco independent school district. We’re also honored to partner with TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions for this groundbreaking announcement.

“It’s known how energetic the sport of boxing is, but to be able to host Errol Spence Jr. and have him represent our city will be an unforgettable experience for all. Carlos Ocampo is a quality opponent who is also unbeaten. I admire both of you men and I look forward to watching you on June 16.”

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FRISCO, TX (April 30, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas homecoming Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.

Spence, who will attempt to make the second defense of the world title he won last May from Kell Brook, combines explosive power with sublime boxing skill. In his last four fights, Spence has begun to assert himself as the best boxer in the deep and talented 147-pound weight division. Today, Spence is rated in the top-10 on boxing’s coveted pound-for-pound list. Ocampo, who had a highly rated amateur career in Mexico, is also undefeated but will be facing his toughest challenge to date as a professional in his first world title fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

“Errol Spence, Jr. has emerged as one of the most exciting champions in the sport today with a combination of skills that he has crafted into a fan-friendly style,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is an opportunity for Errol to defend his title before the fans in his hometown at Ford Center at The Star and to continue to demonstrate why he is the top man in the 147-pound division. Carlos Ocampo, a young hungry contender, will certainly bring his A-game and that will bring out the best in Errol. It promises to be an entertaining show for boxing fans.”

“SHOWTIME has become home to the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence is one of its brightest,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “Spence made an emphatic statement one year ago when he traveled to Sheffield, England to wrest the title from the champion on his home turf. Now, a young and talented Carlos Ocampo has an opportunity to do the same. We are proud to team up with the Dallas Cowboys, Ford Center, TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions to deliver yet another of boxing’s must-see, marquee events.”

“It’s known how energetic and exciting the sport of boxing is, but to be able to host IBF World Champion Errol Spence Jr. here at The Star to represent our city, and his home town, will be an unforgettable experience for all,” said Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones.

Spence (23-0, 20 KOs) returned home with the welterweight title last May after defeating champion Kell Brook in Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England. The 28-year-old southpaw from Desoto, Texas made his first defense against former two-division champion Lamont Peterson, stopping him via seventh round technical knockout on Jan. 20 in Brooklyn.

A 2012 U.S. Olympian at the London Games, Spence has knocked out 10 straight opponents to climb the ranks of the division. In the wake of Floyd Mayweather’s retirement from boxing, four of the top-five ranked welterweights-Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, Shawn Porter of Las Vegas, Keith Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., and Spence-are all vying for the top spot in one of history’s most popular weight classes.

“I’m honored to be fighting in Dallas before my hometown fans and the people who have supported me from the beginning,” said Spence, who last fought in Dallas in 2015, a knockout victory over Alejandro Barrera. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. It’s going to be great to fight at The Star, and because I’m a big Dallas Cowboys fan, I’m looking forward to fighting on the campus of Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.

“I believe that I’m the number one fighter in the welterweight division and I’ll step into the ring on June 16 with that feeling. I’m going to draw from the energy of my fans. I’ve studied some of Ocampo and I can tell he likes to box but he’s willing to get into a fight. I know how he feels going into someone else’s hometown for his first shot at the title. This is his big opportunity and it’s going to make this a great event.”

The 22-year-old Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career with this mandatory title challenge against Spence. Ocampo, of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico will be making his U.S. debut and fighting professionally outside of Mexico for the first time. Ocampo is a two-time silver medalist at the Mexican Olympiad, an amateur national championship tournament. His holds significant professional victories over former world title challengers Jorge Paez, Jr. and Charlie Navarro while he most recently scored a seventh round stoppage of Dario Ferman in November.

“I’m training very hard for my fight against Errol Spence Jr.,” said Ocampo. “This is the opportunity that I’ve worked my whole life to get and I’m coming to take Spence’s belt on June 16. I will give the fans a very exciting fight and show once again what Mexican fighters are made of.”

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

IBF Welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. will take Carlos Ocampo after a purse bid was cancelled, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.