LAS VEGAS – June 29, 2023 – Fighters competing on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, July 29 previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference Thursday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos taking on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator and unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan dueling the power-punching Viktor Faust in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m training hard as always and zeroing in on Giovanni Cabrera’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s an honor to be the co-main event of a fight that will be remembered forever in boxing lore.

“My plan is to go out there and put on a show for everyone watching. I’ll be ready. One round or 12 rounds, however long it lasts, it’s gonna be a great fight.

“I’m gonna put on a show against Cabrera. It’s all part of my effort to close every door that Gervonta has available to escape from facing me again. I want to prove that I’m the best at 135 pounds.

“I’m really excited to win this fight so I can get to the next level of what I want to achieve. Giovanni is a quality fighter and he’s undefeated for a reason. I’m definitely not overlooking him, because he’s earned this shot.

“The fans are extra motivation for me. I want to keep giving them spectacular fights. It fills me with joy and pride to see their support. I promise every single fan that this fight is gonna be worth the price of admission.

“He may think he’s faced fighters like me in the gym, but he better be ready, because facing the real thing is a lot different.

“I’m here to show everyone that I’m no social media fighter like some others are. I’m a dog, I’m a warrior and my ceiling is not even close to being hit yet.”

GIOVANNI CABRERA

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve finally arrived at the stage I’ve wanted to be at my entire career. Isaac Cruz is a great Mexican fighter and I’m a first-generation Mexican here in the U.S., so it’s gonna be fireworks. I think this might steal the show. I’m ready for my best performance yet.

“I believe he’s the best opponent I’ve faced. He has a strong will and a lot of fire. My plan is to meet that fire with my own.

“Cruz got his position from having a close fight with Gervonta Davis, so if he gets that merit, then if I defeat him convincingly, I’ll be right at the top too. I’ve shared the ring with his promoter Manny Pacquiao, so if I can dance with ‘Pac-Man’, I can dance with a ‘Pitbull’.

“My activity is definitely an advantage. I’ve been sparring great fighters at Wild Card Boxing Gym and I’m keeping sharp. This gym has the best fighters from all around the world.

“I’ve seen many examples of fighters with Isaac’s style. I’ve been able to out-class them. That’s the goal on July 29.

“I promise that we’re gonna leave Mexican boxing and American boxing on a high pedestal. You’re gonna see two warriors go at it and it’s gonna be fitting of the stage that we’re on.

“This is my time. Isaac Cruz is in trouble. I will be ready on July 29.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m very blessed. I’m working extremely hard. I’m facing a tough opponent who always comes to fight. I know he’s gonna be there and ready to fight for the whole 12 rounds.

“I think with a win over Sergio Garcia I’m top five, or at least top 10 in the division. I’ve been beating top guys and looking impressive against them. I want to earn my shot and these are the fights I have to take.

“The goal is a knockout, but I’m a more mature fighter now. I don’t put that pressure on myself. I just go out there and perform and do what I do best. I work hard every day and I have to demonstrate that. If the opportunity comes, I know how to finish.

“This is gonna be an exciting fight. He’s a fighter who comes forward and he’s gonna be there all night. That’s the kind of fight I like. I can brawl if I have to.

“As fighters we grow with each fight and mature. I’ve matured with every fight and I’ve acknowledged my mistakes. I go back into the gym and work on getting better and that’s what I’m gonna show on July 29.

“I’m motivated by any doubt that I receive. If they don’t consider me the top of the division yet, then it’s because I haven’t earned it. I’m going to keep working hard. A lot of people thought my last fight was a 50/50 matchup, and I went out there and showed that it wasn’t the case.”

SERGIO GARCIA

“I’m training in the U.K. with a new trainer in Angel Fernandez and we’ve been working really hard. I’m facing a young opponent who’s gonna give it his all, but I have the edge in experience and I’m gonna take advantage on July 29.

“I’ve been feeling great with my new trainer and the chemistry is outstanding. But this is really about me having a third chance in the U.S. I know that if this passes by me, I might not get another opportunity.

“I know that Ramos wants to show out and make it to the top of the division. I just have to focus on executing what I do in the ring. I’ve shown that I have courage, but now I have to show my skills as well.  

“I can’t give away my secrets, but I have Jesus well scouted. I’ve been following him and I respect him. I know he’s been watching me too and that’s gonna make this a great fight.

“I may possess some tools that Jose doesn’t have. My fight against Tony Harrison was not my best night. I thought my fight with Sebastian Fundora could have gone either way. I’m going to take that experience and use it to come out on top.”

GURGEN HOVHANNISYAN

“My training is going really well. I’m very happy to be the opening fight on SHOWTIME PPV. I’m training really hard for July 29.

“I’ve known Viktor Faust since the amateurs and I looked up to him then. I’m very familiar with what he can do in the ring and I’m preparing to put on a great show. I’m very confident that I’m going to open this pay-per-view with an excellent performance.

“Spence vs. Crawford is gonna be the fight of the decade and that makes this a big step for me. A lot of people will be watching my performance and it’s very important for me to be on this card and perform well.

Boxing is more of a mental sport. I’ve learned a lot in that regard from being in the gym and sparring top fighters. With it being my fifth fight, that’s only a number to me. I’m prepared for this. It doesn’t matter to me how experienced my opponent is. I’m going to take on the fights with the best opponents.

“We do a lot more than 10 rounds of sparring when I’m training with Joe Goossen in the gym, so I’m not worried about going the distance if I have to. I’m more than ready.

“I’m not going to force the knockout, but if it comes, it comes. I’m just going to deliver beautiful boxing for everyone watching.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD

Spence vs. Crawford will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos takes on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will duel the power-punching Viktor Faust in a 10-round matchup.

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

LAS VEGAS – June 23, 2023 – Three all-action showdowns featuring prodigious rising stars, ascending Mexican fan-favorites, unbeaten contenders and more will highlight the stacked Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, July 29 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos takes on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will duel the power-punching Viktor Faust in a 10-round matchup.

These intriguing showdowns serve as the prelude to the highly anticipated main event between unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Spence Jr. and WBO 147-pound world champion Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship. The winner of this battle of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

“This pay-per-view lineup on July 29 is worthy of the mega-fight main event and will give fans high-stakes action leading up to the seismic showdown between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz and Jesus Ramos Jr. are two rising stars who deliver fireworks every time they get in the ring, and they’ll be pushed to be at their best in tough matchups on SHOWTIME PPV. Adding in an explosive heavyweight opener, and fans will want to make sure they get into their seats early at T-Mobile Arena.”

The 25-year-old Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KOs) has delivered back-to-back electrifying knockouts since dropping a competitive and entertaining decision against undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Matias Romero. Cruz’s last two fights have seen him stop former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in April 2022 and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez in September 2022.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring on July 29 in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “It’s even more exciting that I’ll be back on the biggest show of the year. It has always been a dream of mine to fight in Las Vegas, where so many Mexican legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Erik Morales have fought before. Now it’s my opportunity and I will not disappoint the fans. As always, I’m coming for the knockout!”

Originally from Seattle and now residing in Chicago, Cabrera (21-0, 7 KOs) enters the ring off an impressive shutout victory over Gabriel Flores Jr. last July, capping a dominant three-win 2022 campaign. The 28-year-old has defeated seven undefeated fighters throughout a pro career that dates back to 2016. Cabrera kicked off his strong 2022 with a unanimous decision triumph over highly regarded Mexican contender Rene Tellez Giron in January and can establish himself as a member of the 135-pound elite if he can get past Cruz on July 29.

“It hasn’t been an easy road to this point, and I know that I have to beat ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to continue my path to the world title,” said Cabrera. “This is a hard fight, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to earn my status as world champion. Spence vs. Crawford is reminiscent of the glory days of boxing when the best fought the best, and I want to continue that legacy. I respect Cruz and I expect a war. May the best fighter win on July 29.”

A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) blitzed then unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 opponents, showcasing a desire to end his fights early. 

“I’m coming to give the crowd a great show on the biggest card of the year,” said Ramos. “I’m very happy and excited to be back on another huge card. Sergio Garcia is a tough opponent and I know he’s going to bring the best out in me. That’s just gonna make for even more entertainment for the fans. I’m training hard and I promise I’m gonna be ready for whatever Garcia brings on July 29.”

The 30-year-old Garcia (34-2, 14 KOs) returned to the ring April to defeat Ricardo Sebastian Cabana before he steps into the ring for his third stateside bout on July 29. Garcia’s only career defeats have come via decision as he dropped a December 2021 bout against top contender Sebastian Fundora and an April 2022 clash against former world champion Tony Harrison. Fighting out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, Garcia has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by traveling to the U.K. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his home soil in 2019 and followed that up with a triumph over veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko.

“I’m very motivated by this new opportunity to fight in the U.S. and I want to thank my team for trusting to put me back in this position,” said Garcia. “I’m hoping to give the fans a great fight. Jesus has a great future ahead of him, but I also have a lot of experience in important fights and I think that will lead me to the victory. It will be a hard fight but I’m ready to be at my very best and use everything I have to get my hand raised.”

The 25-year-old Hovhannisyan (4-0, 4 KOs) has delivered four consecutive knockouts since turning pro in September 2021, showing the promise he originally displayed in his extensive amateur career. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, he now fights out of Los Angeles as he looks to bolster his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Hovhannisyan earned a career-best victory, stopping previous top prospect Michael Coffie in six rounds last October.

“July 29 is a great opportunity for me to showcase myself in front of the world,” said Hovhannisyan. “Boxing is a serious sport, but if you train hard and understand it, you can understand exactly what you have to do in the ring. I’m going to prove what I can do in this fight and make a statement.”

Faust (11-1, 7 KOs) will look to get back in the win column after dropping a battle of unbeatens against Lenier Pero in February. His previous stateside outing saw him engage in one of 2022’s most unpredictable and fast-paced slugfests. The 31-year-old squared off with Iago Kiladze in January 2022 with both men hitting the canvas an astonishing five times combined in less than five minutes of action before the Ukrainian closed out the bout in round two to earn a TKO. Faust followed that up with decision wins over veteran title challenger Kevin Johnson in August 2022 and Franklin Lawrence in December 2022.

“I’m working very hard to come to Las Vegas and put on a great fight,” said Faust. “I’m excited to be back fighting in the U.S. and ready to show the fans what I can do. I had a rib injury in my last fight and couldn’t continue, but it has only made me more motivated to win on July 29. It’s an honor to be fighting on such a big card, and I know this is a big step that I can make toward becoming world champion. I’m sure Gurgen is going to come prepared just like me and that the fans are going to be the real winners.”

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

NEW YORK – June 14, 2023 – Undefeated boxing superstars and pound-for-pound greats Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Terence “Bud” Crawford verbally sparred and provoked the other with sharp and sometimes comical one-liners during a lively press conference Wednesday in New York to preview their clash for the undisputed welterweight championship on Saturday, July 29 in a SHOWTIME PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“I’m the biggest (fish). He’s not catching me with no damn fishing pole,” Spence said, continuing the war of metaphors with Crawford, who promised to “gut” Spence in the ring. “He better come with a submarine. I’m the biggest shark. You ain’t catching Moby Dick with a fishing pole.”

“Fish fillet,” Crawford responded. “I like to go fishing,” he said at another point. “Everyone knows that’s my hobby.”

The unified WBC, WBA and IBF Champion Spence and WBO champion Crawford completed back-to-back, coast-to-coast press conferences in Times Square as they near their long anticipated clash to crown the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era.

The press conferences in Beverly Hills and New York City can be watched HERE and HERE. The press conference on Wednesday streamed live on two giant outdoor LED video displays on billboards overlooking Times Square, the first time that SHOWTIME^® has ever live-streamed a boxing press event atop a billboard in Midtown Manhattan.

Spence vs. Crawford will be highlighted by three episodes of the Emmy^® Award-winning series ALLACCESS from SHOWTIME Sports with ALLACCESS: SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD Episode One premiering on Saturday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and Episode Two debuting on Saturday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with an Epilogue days after the fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from the Palladium Times Square:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing. When you look at your styles, and know our mentalities, you know neither of us are gonna want to break. I feel like someone is gonna break on fight night.

“I’m ready to show people that I’m one of the best welterweights of all time. Don’t miss this fight. Because I’m gonna show everyone why I’m breaking people.

“I’ve done everything that I said I was gonna do. The last thing left to do is beat Terence Crawford. He’s a great fighter, but I’m gonna break him and show everyone why I’m the best fighter in boxing, period.

“All the titles I took, I took them from the champions. You line ‘em up, I’m gonna knock ‘em down. It doesn’t matter what happens, I get the job done.

“He can show what he wants to show. He might go on and do his thing after I beat him and prove he’s an all-time great. But he can stop that nonsense because I’m winning on July 29.

“We have to show these other fighters that there are rewards in taking risks. The best have to fight the best.”

TERENCE CRAWFORD

“This is a fight that’s been marinating. This is greatness that you’re going to see on July 29. I’ve been preparing my whole life for this moment. Moments like these don’t come often, and this is my time.

“July 29 I can assure you, you’re gonna walk away and say, ‘Terence Crawford is special.’ You’re gonna mark me down as one of the greatest of all time.

“I rise to the occasion when I have the odds stacked against me. I’m a fan of Errol, but this is business. I see myself beating him. I’ve visualized it numerous times before.

“I like to go fishing. Everyone knows that’s my hobby. They’ve all been caught before. Every last one of them. I got a big enough hook for Errol. We actually already caught him, and we’re reeling him in right now.

“Being undisputed is gonna mean everything to me. July 29 you’re gonna see a Terence Crawford that you’ve never seen before. Errol may bring the best out of me.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I can’t wait. Everyone has been hoping to see this. I know that Crawford is coming with his ‘A game’ and Errol will be on his ‘A game.’ You’re gonna see a phenomenal competition. Now, it’s work time. We’re gonna be who we are. Put the pressure on, break him down and win the fight.”

BRIAN “BO MAC” MCINTYRE, Crawford’s Trainer

“This is how the fight is gonna go. It’s gonna be tough. Real tough. I tip my hat to what Errol has accomplished. The first couple of rounds will be tough, but then we’re gonna start walking away with the fight, like we always do. We’ve stopped the last 10 opponents, and Errol might be number 11.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This fight is really as big as it gets. We have the best two fighters in the world, unbeaten and in their prime. We haven’t seen fighters with skills like this since Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports

“I’ve described this as the perfect fight, and that’s no exaggeration. It has every element that boxing fans would want. Everything is at stake on July 29.”

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

LOS ANGELES – June 13, 2023 – Undefeated boxing superstars and pound-for-pound greats Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Terence “Bud” Crawford went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday before they  meet for the undisputed welterweight championship on Saturday, July 29 in a  SHOWTIME PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Spence is the unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion, while Crawford holds the WBO 147-pound world championship.

The winner of this matchup of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Spence vs. Crawford joins Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, Pernell Whitaker vs. Julio César Chávez and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, as a generational matchup of two popular stars whose dynamic and aggressive styles should produce an instant classic.

At their first in-person meeting since the fight was announced, Spence and Crawford both promised to deliver performances commensurate with  the anticipation of this historic matchup at the kickoff press conference.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing right now,” said Spence. “This is a legendary fight. It’s an old-school fight. This is like the fights my dad used to tell me about. It’s the best fighting the best.”

“This is definitely a legacy fight and a fight that should be talked about everywhere,” said Crawford. “This is an old school type of fight. All the greats have fought each other and that’s what we’re doing for this era.”

Spence vs. Crawford will be highlighted by three episodes of the Emmy^® Award-winning series ALL-ACCESS from SHOWTIME Sports with ALL-ACCESS: SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD Episode One premiering on Saturday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and Episode Two debuting on Saturday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with an Epilogue days after the fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from The Beverly Hills Hotel:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“Everybody tune in and come out to the fight, because we’re gonna have a Craw-fish boil. And there’s gonna be enough for everybody. I promise you that.

“We had to get on the phone and talk about it, and now it’s finally happening. This is gonna prove not only who the best welterweight is, but who the best fighter in the world is. My mentality is to go all out and give everything. His mentality is the same.

“Terence hasn’t fought anybody. Even Shawn Porter said he didn’t train like he should against you. Kell Brook was already broken. I broke Kell Brook’s other eye, that’s how he got broke.

“Terence is a great fighter and I’m gonna break another great fighter’s will. Mentally and physically, I’m gonna dominate and come out on top.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds. Everything I’ve been through the last few years, I understand being the underdog. A lot of underdogs end up winning, that’s why it’s a bet.

“This is gonna be a one-sided ass whooping. It’s gonna take a few rounds, because he’s a tough dude. But everyone gets broke and we’re gonna break him down.

“I can guarantee you this is gonna be an action-packed, old school type of fight. If you’ve been craving those old fights, you have to tune into this one. This is a legendary fight. Belts aside, you talk about just these two fighters, this is the biggest fight in boxing. Especially because of the action we bring. We’re both going for the victory.”

TERENCE CRAWFORD

“Y’all are going to witness greatness. We measure greatness by eras. July 29, I’m going to show everyone why this era is the Terence Crawford era.

“I’m so excited that we’re here today and that we got this fight done. I’m excited for the fans. I have a gift for each and every one of y’all, because I love the fans. Without the fans, there’s no us. I’m going to give you all a gift with the presence of the two of us on July 29.

“He calls himself the big fish. What happens when you take the fish out the water? You suffocate him.

“A win shows that I’m the greatest fighter of the era. No man has captured undisputed in two weight classes. That solidifies me as the greatest fighter of this era.

“I’m gonna gut him and feed him to everyone that eats fish in here. If he’s a big fish, we’re gonna have enough for everyone, with potatoes on the side. We don’t smoke over here, we go hunting for fish fillet.

“People after this fight are gonna say that Bud Crawford is special. I can assure you that. He’ll give me my respect after the fight after I whoop that ass.

“I can guarantee that everyone is gonna witness something special. Errol doesn’t like to back up. I’m the type of fighter where you push me and I push even harder. We both have big hearts and like to fight. It makes for a great action-packed fight. July 29 is gonna be a great night for boxing.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“This is something that’s been coming for a long time. There’s been a lot of talk and speculation. What it’s all about right now is July 29.

“It’s time to get busy. That’s all we care about. I’m ready to see Errol go out there and do what he needs to do. He did what he said he’d do and got those three belts, now it’s time to get one more.

“I believe that Errol will win the fight because of his technique and skill set. It’s not so much about gamesmanship. He doesn’t talk, he goes in there and gets busy. What you’ll see once again is Errol prove his dominance over another fighter.

“It’s not about knocking a guy out, it’s about breaking a fighter. It’s about taking away their desire to fight. That’s what you’ll see July 29.

“It’s all about the big fish right now. I like the Crawford team, we’re really co-workers because that’s the only way to make this happen. But on the night of the fight, it’s gonna be showtime for real.”

BRIAN “BO MAC” MCINTYRE, Crawford’s Trainer

“I’m so glad these fighters stayed the course and got this fight made. They’re going to show the world who the best fighter is. That really tells you about each fighter’s character.

“We’re gonna show you the best fighter in the world on July 29. It will be us. Don’t miss it. I promise you. I know Spence is coming and Derrick is gonna do a damn good job training him, but it doesn’t matter.

“Terence is the better fighter and the world knows that. If you just look how he goes about his business, there’s no playing around with him. He comes to get you out of there. Once he hurts you, that’s a wrap.

“Errol is a damn good fighter. He accomplished a lot in the game and I tip my hat to him and to Derrick. But the real fighters know who’s gonna win this fight.

“I promise you from the bottom of my heart, that we’re going to walk away victorious.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is as big as it gets. The best two fighters in the world, both in their prime and both undefeated world champions. This is not just a mega fight, it’s bigger than that. It’s a generational fight. It’s an instant classic that you’ll remember for years to come. Legacies will be determined on July 29.

“Not only is Errol one of the best fighters in the world, but he’s a boxing miracle for what he’s gone through. He’s also box office gold. His last fight generated a massive live gate at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and he’s proven he sells outside Texas. Now he’s coming to do the same in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas.

“There’s no more talk about who’s on what side of the street; on Saturday July 29, ‘Bud’ Crawford will be in one corner and Errol Spence Jr. will be in the other corner. When the fight is over, there will be one man standing in the center of the ring with his hand raised and all four belts. He will be the new undisputed pound-for-pound king of boxing.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports

“This is a fantastic time to be a boxing fan, with big fights and top fighters against top fighters. These fights are happening more regularly and there’s one place where they’re happening more often than anywhere else, and that’s SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME PPV.

“Together with PBC, we’ve delivered the strongest schedule in the sport. This year through July we’ve scheduled 17 big-time boxing events. It’s probably the strongest run of fights we’ve had in the 37 year history of SHOWTIME BOXING.

“We’re thrilled to be delivering this once in a generation fight. This fight speaks for itself. Two of the best fighters in the sport fighting to make history. If you were going to create the perfect fight, it would look a lot like this. Two of the best and most skilled fighters in the sport, two fighters with knockout power, and all-action fan friendly styles. This fight is so evenly matched that the betting odds are almost dead even. We’ve got history on the line, and fighters who’ve overcome adversity and with big and enthusiastic fan bases.

“This fight has all the elements boxing fans could wish for. And it’s all in one fight. We’ll see you on July 29.”

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

LAS VEGAS – May 31, 2023 – In a matchup that will go down in boxing history as one of the most significant title fights of all time, unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. will take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The winner of this battle of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Spence vs. Crawford joins Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, Pernell Whitaker vs. Julio César Chávez and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, as a generational matchup of two popular stars whose dynamic and aggressive styles should produce an instant classic. Both Spence and Crawford have reached the pinnacle of boxing’s glamour division with their sublime skills and can stamp themselves alongside 147-pound legends like Leonard, Mayweather, Sugar Ray Robinson and Pacquiao, with a win on July 29.

Spence and Crawford have been circling each other since Crawford became a welterweight champion in 2018, and now, IT’S ON!

Pre-sale tickets are available tomorrow, Thursday, June 1 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: BOXING

Public on-sale begins Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions.

“I’m truly excited to be a part of the biggest fight in boxing and the best welterweight matchup of the century,” said Spence. “Terence Crawford is a great fighter and our styles are going to make for a great fight. I told him and the world what I was going to do after I captured my first welterweight title and it’s been strap season ever since. On July 29, I’m going to put on a tremendous performance and become the undisputed king of the welterweight division. This is truly going to be a night to remember, one where history is made, and I want everyone to be a part of it.”

“The fans and I have both wanted this fight for years and now it is finally happening,” said Crawford. “This truly is a once in a generation fight, so come out to T-Mobile Arena or tune in to SHOWTIME PPV for the biggest fight in boxing. On July 29, I look forward to making history and becoming two-time undisputed champion of the world.”

“This is an undeniably historic matchup taking place on July 29, because the winner of this fight will go down as the greatest welterweight of this era,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “On top of being for undisputed status, and in addition to pitting two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against each other, Spence vs. Crawford is an electric style matchup that has captured the imagination of fans everywhere. Boxing’s premier division will have a definitive number one when the dust settles this July at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

 “With the addition of this blockbuster event, SHOWTIME SPORTS’ industry-leading schedule becomes even stronger,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc. “Spence vs. Crawford is the type of matchup that will demonstrate boxing’s enduring popularity — a marquee event to bring the sports world to a halt with all eyes on the center of the ring in Las Vegas. This fight will be talked about alongside all of the legendary welterweight and undisputed world title bouts throughout history. Together with our partners, we are proud to once again deliver the biggest and best fights that the sport can offer.”

Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) has displayed mental toughness inside and outside of the ring throughout an already storied career. He survived a horrific car crash in 2019 and had surgery to repair a detached retina in 2021. Defying both the odds and other’s expectations, Spence came back to not only defend his title but added even more titles to his trophy case.

Born in Long Island, N.Y., the 33-year-old was and raised in Desoto, Texas where he embarked on an accolade-laden amateur career that culminated with him as a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team that competed in London, England. He went back to England and won his first welterweight championship when he traveled to Sheffield to meet local favorite and IBF Champion Kell Brook in 2017, stopping Brook in round 11 for the IBF title.

Spence successfully defended the title three times before adding another welterweight title by defeating Shawn Porter in one of 2019’s best fights. After taking time off to recover from injuries from the car crash, Spence defended the unified title with a unanimous decision victory over two-division champion Danny Garcia in 2020. A detached retina scuttled plans to meet Pacquiao in a 2021 showdown, but Spence wasn’t going to be denied as he defeated Yordenis Ugas, who bested Pacquiao as a replacement for Spence, to win the WBA title with a resounding TKO on April 16, 2022.

Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) is an accomplished ring tactician who has held world titles at lightweight, super lightweight and welterweight. His special blend of blazing fast hands, high ring IQ, superb counter punching ability and defensive prowess has put him in position to become boxing’s first male undisputed champion in two weight classes if he can get past Spence.

The 35-year-old from Omaha, Neb., kicked off his championship run by winning the WBO Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision victory over Ricky Burns in 2014 and began his 140-pound reign by stopping Thomas Dulorme for the WBO Title in 2015. He added the WBC belt in 2016 with a unanimous decision victory over Viktor Postol and became the undisputed champion at 140 pounds with a KO of Julius Indongo in 2017.

Crawford didn’t stick around to defend his undisputed crown at super lightweight, opting to move up to welterweight in 2018 instead. He announced his presence with a TKO victory over Jeff Horn to claim the WBO Championship. He has successfully defended the title six times, including stoppage victories over former 147-pound champions Porter and Brook. In his most recent fight, Crawford scored a highlight-reel KO of David Avanesyan last December.

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

Dallas, Texas – May 30, 2023 – Fighters First Management Chief Executive Officer Adrian Clark announced today it has signed a management agreement with unified WBC/WBA/IBF World Welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

Spence and Clark, both Texas natives, have a personal friendship that dates to 2012 while Spence was preparing for the Olympics games. Prior to Fighters First Management, Clark independently negotiated deals for the hard-hitting southpaw with equipment and apparel giant, Everlast Worldwide.

“It is an honor to have Errol join the Fighters First family,” said Clark. “If you know Errol, you know how meticulous and calculated he is in business. In 11 years, he has only aligned himself with two companies (PBC and Everlast).

“For Fighters First to be the third company to represent Errol Spence Jr says a lot about who we are as a company,” noted Clark.

“I met with Fighters First months ago and I believe in their vision, not just for me but for the fighters,” said Spence Jr. “AC has been a part of my team for a while. He put Everlast and me together. I trust him to continue to put things together for me,” added Spence Jr.

Spence Jr. A Pound-For-Pound Fixture in Boxing

Errol Spence Jr. is a fixture on every significant pound-for-pound list and it is one of boxing’s top draws and biggest stars, making quick work of most of his opponents in his rise to becoming a unified 147-pound world champion. A U.S. Olympian in 2012, the unbeaten southpaw began boxing at age 15 under his father’s guidance in Dallas.

Spence Jr. packs plenty of power, inflicting early damage and then pouncing His record currently stands at 28-0, 22 KOs (78.57% knockout ratio). Among his notable victories: Yordenis Ugas, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, Mikey Garcia, Kell Brook, Lamont Peterson, and Chris Algieri.

The upcoming July 29 unification bout against WBO World Welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford is the single most anticipated and desirable fight in boxing today.

Biggest Fight in Boxing Ahead on July 29

The upcoming July 29 unification bout against WBO World Welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford is the single most anticipated and desirable fight in boxing today. 

 “I told everyone that I was going to get the third belt from Ugas, then I was coming to take Terence’s belt,” said Spence Jr., adding that “it was always my objective to get this fight with Crawford done.”

“Our fight will be the most anticipated and action-packed fight that boxing has seen in the past 30-40 years. This is definitely a legacy fight,” added Spence Jr.

?Read more about Errol Spence Jr.’s boxing career in his full biography.

Clark Marries Business Acumen With Boxing Industry Insight

With 12 years of experience in sports and entertainment, Clark created “Protect Yourself at All Times,” an educational initiative designed to educate amateur and professional boxers about the business of boxing and how to protect their financial well-being while pursuing athletic accomplishments. Clark witnessed firsthand as a boxing manager and Founder/CEO of AC Sports Management the dangers posed when athletes began earning significant money with little training on how to secure their assets from those who would prey on them. AC Sports Management was acquired by Ballengee Group in 2019.

About Fighters First Management

Automotive engineer David Basha created Fighters First Management in March 2023. His motivation stemmed from Basha reading Adrian Clark’s best-selling book, “Protect Yourself at All Times: A Guide for Professional Boxers.” Basha recruited Clark to build the company from the ground up. As CEO of Fighters First, Clark’s first move was hiring former Main Events matchmaker Jolene Mizzone as president. Since then, Clark has signed six athletes to Fighters First Management: Giovani Cabrera, Justin Figueroa, Sharahya-Taina-Moreu, Shawn McCalman, Brian Norman Jr., and Justin Pauldo.

By Norm Frauenheim –

Chaos is boxing’s oxygen. If the last few months are a sign, the patient is breathing. Maybe even thriving.

The latest indication is news Thursday from Terence Crawford and Errol Spence that they’ll be fighting July 29.

Just a week after the controversy surrounding Devin Haney’s unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko erupted, Crawford and Spence took to Instagram to say they have a deal.

The announcement included a PBC poster, betting odds and just about everything else that would represent some sort of confirmation in any other world.

But this is boxing, so caveat emptor. Given the abortive Crawford-Spence negotiations last fall and the subsequent mess of premature reports and denials, skepticism is healthy. Make that necessary.

Every expectation should come with the warning that no fight is real until you hear an opening bell. For fans, that one is a little bit like a referee’s directive: Defend yourself at all times. Not everyone does, of course.

Opening bell was still 66 days away from the moment when Crawford and Spence made their announcement. In a business ruled by chaos, that’s a lot of time, meaning a whole lot can still go wrong.

That said, this round of Crawford-Spence news seems to indicate that the long-awaited welterweight fight on Showtime pay-per-view at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena is as close as it’s ever been.

“Time to reel in the big fish,’’ Crawford said in his post. “No more talking. Let’s get it.

“Everybody come out, show support, and watch me fry this fish.’’

Hopefully, this is not another fish story, as in another big one got away. Guess here: It’s not. At best, both Crawford and Spence are near the end of their respective primes. Crawford, 35, will be 36 in September. Spence, 33, will be 34 in March.

To extend Crawford’s analogy, it’s time to fish or cut bait. It’s their last chance to secure a true legacy.

It’s fair to wonder how they reached their agreement. Last fall, it looked as if Crawford-Spence would be just another big fight that never got made. The career clock exerts its own urgency, of course.

But there’s more to it than that. At the time the deal fell through about seven months ago, it looked as is if the possibility was dead.

Still, Crawford vowed he would continue to pursue the date. But the numbers just weren’t promising. Neither Crawford nor Spence has ever done well enough on pay-per-view to support an agreement that reportedly includes eight-figure purses for each.

Crawford’s best PPV is a reported 135,000 for a 10^th-round stoppage of Shawn Porter in November 2021. That fell 15,000 short of the 150,000 break-even mark.

Spence’s PPV high is reported to be between 300,000 and 350,000 for a split-decision over Porter in September 2019.

Those numbers just said the market wasn’t there.

Then, Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia happened on April 22. The fight itself disappointed. Davis forced Garcia into a seventh-round surrender. But the PPV number exceeded every expectation. Tank-Garcia did a reported 1.2 million.

It was a number that said a viable market is still there, hungry and willing to pay for the right fight.

Is Crawford-Spence that fight?

About that, there are questions.

But the marketing has been there, front and center, even before negotiations failed last fall.

Like it or not, there’s no market for a fight without outrage from fans and media these days. That might lead to a Lomachenko-Haney rematch. Maybe, the scoring wasn’t a robbery. But no rematch would rob the game and its fans.

All the while, social-media anger at Crawford and Spence never really vanished. The echoes are still there. They’ll be easy enough to stir up all over again.

The chaos is still there, a sure sign that the market is too. Enter at your own risk.

By Norm Frauenheim-

The outrage is predictable. Inevitable. Boxing loves its misery and more was delivered Thursday with news that Terence Crawford won’t be fighting Errol Spence Jr.

Not in November.

Not in December.

Not in February.

Sorry, if I don’t join the chorus of angry cries. I don’t care. Not anymore, and I suspect that feeling is more widespread than social media’s noisy outburst might suggest.

There was a desperate, last-chance hope attached to the prospect that Crawford-Spence would finally happen. The welterweight showdown was seen as a way to resurrect, if not save, the business.

But that dwindling light at the end of a long, futile tunnel was extinguished with ESPN’s report that Crawford will fight David Avanesyan on Dec. 10 in hometown Omaha.

“I don’t even know who (he) is,’’ Spence told the Dallas Morning News.

About that – and only that, there’s no debate. No outrage. Avanesyan is unknown. Then again, Crawford and Spence aren’t much better known among a crowd that hasn’t paid attention or a pay-per-view price-tag since Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao in 2015.

An eroding, hair-on-fire fan base can scream and yell, but the rest of the world isn’t listening.

It just doesn’t care anymore.

Indifference is the problem, or perhaps the epitaph.

Dylan Hernandez, the Los Angeles Times’ forthright and fearless columnist, generated some of the battered game’s familiar outrage in 2016 with last rites.

Boxing Is Dead, he wrote then.

Hard to argue with him today.

I’m not prepared to throw another shovel of dirt onto its remains. The game will continue, always in some form. After all, it’s already outlived most newspapers, a dying game if there ever was one.

Long after the newspaper industry prints its final edition, boxing will still be there, surviving on some forgotten street corner. Its inherent defiance is inextinguishable. But defiance isn’t a business model. The money is going, going, gone.

There’s a generation of boxers who grew up expecting Mayweather money. They have practiced Mayweather’s risk-to-reward formula. Mayweather left a model. Dollar-for-dollar, there’s never been anybody better. But the door to the vault began to close when he left the game.

He continues to collect bigger money than most in today’s generation in so-called exhibitions in Asia and the Middle East. His skills are eroded, but his name recognition is not.

Only Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury can rival his earning power. But Crawford and Spence, pound-for-pound contenders, have none of his notoriety. They’re skilled fighters. But skills don’t exactly pay the bills any more.

Crawford reportedly has signed a deal worth as much as $10-million to fight Avanesyan on a pay-per-view venture produced by BLK Prime, which is part of Endavo Media & Communications Inc., an Atlanta-based business.

Crawford’s deal in terms of percentages isn’t clear, yet. How much is guaranteed? How much is tied to the pay-per-view numbers? The bout’s price tag is $39.95.

Initial reports make it look as though it’s an investment in a future Crawford-Spence fight. Crawford was quoted as saying that Spence was still there, possibly in 2023.

“Once I’m successful against Avanesyan, my plan is still the same: Whoop Errol Spence’s ass,” Crawford told ESPN.

Trouble is, this fight is way past its due date. It should have happened five years ago. Crawford turned 35 on Sept. 28. His prime time is beginning to fall through the hour glass. More significant, perhaps, is Spence, who is already a big welterweight. He’s talking about moving up the scale.

“I got to talk to my manager but I already told them I’m at this weight too long,’’ the 32-year-old Spence told the Morning News.

Spence also tweeted that he had been fighting at welterweight for more than a decade.

“this sh!t ain’t easy or fun,” he tweeted.

Futile negotiations ain’t much fun, either.

BLK Prime, however, can only make its apparent investment in Crawford work if it can bring disaffected customers back into the PPV tent. The idea, perhaps, is to stage a bout or two against a couple of unknowns as a way to sell a possible past-due fight. The task is to introduce Crawford to the so-called crossover fans, who probably know a lot more about Jake Paul than they do Crawford.

But it’s a little late in the game to do that. It’s no secret that Top Rank grew frustrated with Crawford, still a free agent after he split and subsequently sued the promotional entity after his definitive stoppage of Shawn Porter last November.

Crawford’s versatile skillset hasn’t included much in the way of self-promotion. Maybe that changes. Maybe not. The question is how to awaken some interest, which wasn’t there for Crawford-Porter, a welterweight fight that would have sold itself in another era.

It did about 135,000 pay-per-view buys at $69.99, according to multiple media reports. That means it fell about 15,000 buys short of the 150,000 break-even point. despite a reported $2-million in ticket sales from a soldout crowd of 11,568 at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.

In other words, it was a bust, a financial loser. Crawford won an entertaining fight, stopping Porter in the 10th-round. But everybody else took a bath. Indifference is costly.

But the PPV model is still there. The question is whether anything has been learned from the Crawford-Porter lesson. Will it result in any substantive changes? Prompt any real moves?

“I might be moving up, I don’t know,’’ Spence said of a jump to junior-middleweight. “I might be moving up.’

Fans might have already moved.

Moved on.

By Norm Frauenheim-

It’s been a summer about comebacks, which is another way of saying that it’s been mostly forgettable.

Maybe, the Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua rematch on Aug. 20 knocks out the doldrums. Maybe, it ends with something memorable in the Canelo Alvarez-Gennadiy Golovkin trilogy on Sept. 17.

For now, at least, the season belongs to a power hitter in another arena. Yankee outfielder Aaron Judge’s bat is the only Big Drama Show.

As Judge moves ever closer to Roger Maris’ magical 61 homerun mark, boxing finds itself stuck in the waiting room. Plenty appears to be on deck, but in the here-and-now there’s only Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. 

ESPN reported in June that an agreement was close. Maybe it is. Maybe, Crawford and Spence are signing the contract as I write this. Maybe, it gets announced this weekend.  Maybe, maybe.

The sooner, the better, because the messy web of maybes has put the balkanized business and its suspicious fans on edge.  When ESPN first reported that a deal was close, talk was that the long-awaited welterweight fight would happen in October. Now, no news has pushed the speculated bout into November. Can the Twelfth-Of-Never be too far away?

It’s getting hard to remember when Crawford-Spence wasn’t a topic. It’s been in the public imagination for so long that the two welterweights have gone from early prime time into their 30s.

A whole new 147-pound generation is beginning to emerge. One of them, Vergil Ortiz Jr., will be back in the ring Saturday in his first fight in a year. Ortiz (18-0, 18 KOs), of Grand Prairie TX, is coming off a scary illness for a date against UK welterweight Michael McKinson (22-0, 2 KOs) in Fort Worth Saturday night on DAZN.

“Fortunately, time is on my side,’’ said Ortiz, who suffered from a debilitating condition apparently brought on by intense workouts.  “I’m only 24 years old, and at the same time, I don’t want to be wasting time. You know what that’s like. I should have fought three or four times already, and that’s time we won’t get back.’’

Time is what Crawford and Spence are running out of. Crawford is 34; Spence is 32. It’s no coincidence that one of the acronyms made the Ortiz-McKinson a title eliminator this week. Increasingly-impatient fans will watch in part to get an idea at how Ortiz might do against a Crawford or Spence.

Reasons are countless as to why there was still no Crawford-Spence deal as of Thursday. PIck one, pick-em all.

Crawford, at least, seemed confident this week that the fight will happen.

“Hopefully we can get that fight made down the line,” Crawford told FightHub on Wednesday. “Real soon, not down the line, and give fans what they’ve been looking for.

“We’re working to get it done for you all.’’

The apparent hurdle – surprise, surprise — is the size of the prize in this projected prizefight. In a welterweight bout some say could be the best since Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns, both Crawford and Spence want big money in what would be pay-per-view. They’re hoping for big guarantees. However, most of their money would likely have to come from a percentage of pay-per-view sales.

That’s the problem. Neither Crawford nor Spence have done big PPV numbers. Crawford’s impressive stoppage of Shawn Porter last November generated fewer than 100,000 PPV buys, according multiple reports.

That makes promoters and networks leery, especially during an era when theft of the PPV signal is rampant. It also leaves a question about whether there’s a sugar-daddy willing to step up with the kind of investment that can make it happen.

That’s exactly what transpired in 2015 when then-CBS President Les Moonves stepped up and brokered the deal that led to the revenue record-setting fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Can it happen again? No sign of it in July. But, maybe, there will be a home-run deal in August. At least, Aaron Judge is there and on a pace to prove that just about anything is possible.

Errol Spence Jr. added the WBA Welterweight title to his WBC and IBF collection by stopping Yordenis Ugas in round 10 of a thrilling fight in front of nearly 40,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The fight was fought mostly toe-to-toe with both guys digging to the body. Spence was pinpoint with his uppercut, Ugas tried to match that and also was effective with a right around the guard.

In round six, Ugas landed a big right that rocked Spence and made the moutpiece go flying. Spence asked for time but Ugas was right on top of Spence and pounded away for his best moment of the fight. That seemed to wake Spence up as he started landing massive left hands that started to swell the right eye of Ugas. That was the turning point of the fight as Spence was relentless with his pressure as he hurt Ugas several more times with big flurries. With each round, the eye worsened for Ugas. In round eight, the doctor looked at the eye of Ugas, but The Cuban was able to continue. He continued to take more punishment until the middle of round 10 as the fight was stopped on the advice of the ringside physician.

Spence, 146,25 lbs of DeSoto, TX is now 28-0 with 22 knockouts. Ugas, Santiago de Cuba, CUB is 27-5.

Isaac Cruz pummels Gamboa in Five

Former world title challenger Isaac Cruz scored four knockdowns en-route to a fifth round stoppage over former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in a 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Cruz sent Gamboa to the canvas with a huge three punch combination. In round three, it was a left hook that dropped Gamboa. In round four, Cruz scored a hard knockdown with a left hook. Cruz mercifully ended things when he landed a big overhand right knocked Gamboa into the ropes and the fight was called off at 1:32.

Cruz, 134.75 lbs of Mexico City is 23-2-1 with 16 knockouts. Gamboa, 134.25 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 30-5.

Jose Valenzuela Destroys Vargas in First Round

Jose Valenzuela annihilated former world champion Francisco Vargas in the opening round of their 10-round lightweight bout.

Valenzuela landed a booming left that sent Vargas to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Valenzuela, 134.75 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 12-0 with eight knockout. Vargas, 134.25 lbs of Mexico City is 27-4-2.

Cody Crowley Decisions Josesito Lopez

Cody Crowley remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Josesito Lopez in a welterweight bout.

In round seven, Crowley dropped Lopez with a right hook to the head. In round nine, the left eye of Lopez started to swell.

Crowley landed 205 of 812 punches; Lopez was 116 of 443.

Crowley, 144.5 lbs of Pieterborough, ONT CAN, won by scores of 99-90 and 98-91 twice and is now 21-0. Lopez, 146.3 lbs of Riverside, CA is 38-9.

Stanionis Wins WBA Welterweight title with Decisions over Butaev

Eimantas Stanionis won the WBA Welterweight title with a 12-round split decision over Radzhab Butaev.

In round 11, Butaev was deducted a point for holding the head and hitting Stanionis.

Stanionis landed 222 of 621 punches; Butaev was 140 of 747.

Stanionis, 146.5 lbs of Lithuania won by scores of 117-110 and 116-111. Butaev took a card 114-113.

Stanionis 14-0. Butaev, 146.5 lbs of Russia is 14-1.

“I still can’t believe it,” Stanionis said afterward. “It was a dream come true to hear ‘and the new.’ When I was a kid, I visualized what this would look like and how it would feel to become a champion. It’s because of the hard work, dedication, belief in myself and my team to get me to this big stage. I just want to tell everybody that dreams do come true. If you believe in it and give your everything, it will happen.”

“The fight went like this because the referee allowed Stanionis to fight with his head down the entire time,” Butaev said. “What can I do if the guy is leading with his head down all the time? I don’t know why he took away a point from me. They should have taken the point away from him because he was diving in the whole time.”

Brandun Lee Decisions Ochoa

Brandun Lee remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Zachary Ochoa in a junior welterweight bout

In round five, Ochoa began to bleed from his nose.

Lee landed 103 of 575 punches. Ochoa was 70 of 328.

Lee, 141.25 lbs of La Quinta, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 24-0. Ochoa, 141.25 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 21-3.

“I think that only two rounds were close, the seventh and maybe the ninth,” Lee said. “It was exactly what I expected. Perhaps I could have performed better, my combinations been a bit sharper, but it was a good fight overall. Fighting at AT&T Stadium was a blessing. Wow, what an experience. It motivates me even more to come back here and be a headliner one day. I want to be a world champion at 140, unify titles, become undisputed and then become a world champ at 147.”

“Brandun Lee is a really good fighter, a strong fighter,” Ochoa said. “I feel I was doing really well. He caught me a little bit, but I kept my confidence, my poise and when it was time to step it up the last three rounds, I started putting the pressure on him and we went at it. I went all out. He’s never had it like that. I only got hurt one time, maybe at the end of the seventh. I know I buzzed him too.”

WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Championship Unification – 12 Rounds

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¼ lbs.

Yordenis Ugás – 146 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Isaac Cruz – 134 ¾ lbs.

Yuriorkis Gamboa – 134 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Javier Alvarez (Texas), Jesse Reyes (Texas), Jose Roberto Torres (P.R.)

Note: Cruz made weight on second attempt after initially coming in at 136 ½ lbs.

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Jose Valenzuela – 134 ¾ lbs.

Francisco Vargas – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), Jesse Reyes (Texas)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Cody Crowley – 144 ½ lbs.

Josesito Lopez – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® – Saturday, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

WBA Welterweight Title Bout – 12 Rounds

Radzhab Butaev – 146 ½ lbs.

Eimantas Stanionis – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Javier Alvarez (Texas), Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Jose Roberto Torres (P.R.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 142 ½ lbs.

Zachary Ochoa – 141 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Josef Mason (Colo.), Chris Migliore (Nev.)

Note: Contracted weight is 143 pounds

The most trusted and experienced team in combat sports will be on the pay-per-view call. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV 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 SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy^® award-winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.  Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna will serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). On the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and Marquez serving as expert analysts.

The executive producer of SHOWTIME PPV is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins Jr., the director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Richard Gaughan with Rick Phillips directing.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS

Spence vs. Ugás will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugás square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten José Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

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

By Norm Frauenheim-

Errol Spence Jr. guarantees victory. But he wants more. He wants a knockout. He wants to be the fighter he was. More important, perhaps, he wants to be the fighter he remembers.

Given his unbeaten record, a hometown crowd and measurable advantages in height, reach, and age, his promised win over Yordenis Ugas looks likely.

“One-hundred percent,’’ Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) said during media appearances this week before his welterweight showdown with Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) Saturday night (9 p.m. ET/6pm PT, Showtime PPV/$74.99) in a ring near the 50-yard line on the Dallas Cowboys home field at AT&T Stadium.

Spence didn’t offer any guarantees on a KO, however. That might have been an acknowledgement of Ugas’ skillset, which is rooted in the Cuban school of fundamentals. He knows the defensive art. It’s there, a skill turned into instinct through years and years of practice in Cuban gyms

To wit: It’ll be really hard to stop Ugas. But it would also be a huge statement and self-affirmation from and for a fighter who hasn’t scored a stoppage in almost four years. 

A knockout would say he’s back, all the way back. The KO has been part of Spence’s identity. From 2014 through 2018 he scored 11 straight, including a notable KO of Kell Brook in May 2011 in the UK. 

Then, it would have been a victory if a Spence opponent took a fight to the scorecards. For four years, nobody did. Nobody could. It was head-rocking run, one that seemed to be headed straight to the top of the pound-for-pound debate. But it ended with a first-round KO of Carlos Ocampo in June 2018 in Frisco, Tex.

The KO has been missing, raising questions, including one still asked: Who is Errol Spence Jr.? It lingers, in large part because of the October 2019 auto accident that put Spence’s career on the shelf for about 15 months. He was back in December 2020, winning a unanimous decision over Danny Garcia. 

But even before the scary accident, the familiar stoppage was MIA. First, there was an efficient, one-sided decision over Mikey Garcia in March 2019, also at AT&T. Spence won every round on every card. He got a 10-8 score in the ninth even though there was no knockdown. It was that overwhelming. Still, there was no KO.

Six months later, he faced a tough, clever Shawn Porter. Spence won a split decision in September 2019 in Los Angeles. Still no KO. The decision over Garcia had the look of a new beginning. Manny Pacquiao was next. But Spence had to withdraw from that one last August because of a torn retina. That allowed Ugas to step in with a stunning upset, a unanimous decision that sent the legend into retirement.

Any kind of victory over Pacquiao would have been enough for Spence to say he’s back, all the way back. At 42, Pacquiao’s skills weren’t the same. But there was no erosion in the Filipino’s name recognition. At 5-foot-5 and with a 67-inch reach, Pacquiao had some of the same dimensions as Garcia. The always aggressive Pacquiao might have walked right into the power possessed by the bigger Spence. We’ll never know.

But eye surgery put Spence back on the shelf for another 16 months. He returns, this time seeking the KO that could – once and for all – answer the lingering questions.

“There’s no way to elaborate on when I said I’m going for the knockout,’’ Spence said. “It’s what I said. So, if I get it, I get it. If I don’t, I don’t.

“But I definitely want to knock him out.’’

Definitely, it would be a knockout that would leave no doubt. 

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 14, 2022) – Super bantamweight prospect, Angel “AK-47” Barrientes (8-1, 6 KOs), is ready to make a statement against Fernando Garcia (13-4, 8 KOS), this Saturday, April 16th, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Barrientes vs. Garcia will, a 6-round bout, will be showcased on the Errol Spence Jr. vs Yordenis Ugas PPV showdown.

“It is great to be back on such a big stage to display my talents,” said Barrientes. “I want to make a statement in this bout as well as show people that I am one of the best young fighters in the game at my weight class. Garcia has never been stopped so I’m looking to make a statement with a knockout.”

Barrientes, a Las Vegas native, is now going to the next level of competition. He stopped his last opponent in three rounds, and is eager to have a similar performance on such a big night of boxing.

“I want people to remember my name and fighting on these massive cards I need to not just win, but also leave people wanting more,” said Barrientes. “I have goals of becoming a world champion and to do that I have to perform at a high level on the best cards in the world.”

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 14, 2022 – Unified WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA champion Yordenis Ugás faced off at a final press conference on Thursday, two days before they meet in a welterweight title unification clash live on SHOWTIME PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT this Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

A confident Spence declared AT&T Stadium “my house” come Saturday and even predicted that if the fight is waged in close quarters, it likely won’t go the distance. Meanwhile, Ugás said he will lean on the resolve that has allowed him to overcome all manner of adversity in his life to power past Spence in the ring.    

Just the 12^th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugás will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.

Spence will look to add a third welterweight championship belt to his resume when he returns to fight at AT&T Stadium in front of his hometown fans for the third time. Ugás enters this matchup off of a career-best victory last August, as he retained his WBA title by stepping in for an injured Spence to defeat boxing legend Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Prior to fight night, PBC fighters previewed Spence vs. Ugás in a video HERE, via the SHOWTIME Boxing Twitter. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Main Club North at AT&T Stadium:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It’s going to be action-packed on Saturday night. I’m looking to put on a great show and a great performance in front of my hometown fans. I know Ugás is coming to fight. I know his coach has a great game plan, but come Saturday night, I’m putting on a great show and another great performance. I’m looking forward to adding the WBA belt to my titles so I have three belts. That means there’s just one more to go.

“When people say I can’t do this or I can’t do that, I prove them wrong every time. I am the same guy I was before the accident and the injury. I feel like I’m better than that guy that fought Shawn Porter or Danny García.

“This fight might not go the distance. Ugás is a tough fighter. He’s a guy that embraces the fight and wanting to go toe-to-toe. If he has to, he’ll do anything to win. I’m that type of guy. I’m the type of guy that if I have to go toe-to-toe, I will. If I have to stay there and fight, I will. If we get in the clinch and start fighting, I don’t think it’s going 12 rounds.

“Everybody knows my motivation. I fight for my family, my friends, my city, the whole state of Texas. I want to be the three-belt unified champion of the world and I want to become the future undisputed welterweight champion of the world. The first ever to do it.

“This is my house. This is my hometown. I love the Dallas Cowboys to death. I love AT&T Stadium and I appreciate them giving me the hospitality and making this my home. Come Saturday night, I’m going to win another championship in the home of the Cowboys.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m so excited for this fight. I have nothing but respect for Spence. He’s a great fighter and this is not only going to be a clash between us, but also between two of the greatest trainers in the world, so you’re not going to want to miss that either.

“Spence promises a knockout. I promise a win. Don’t miss it!

“I have a wise trainer. Somebody that has seen more boxing than most. But we have different opinions and I think that Spence is going to be one hundred percent. I prepared for the best Spence possible. That’s been my mindset throughout.

“People know my story by now. I came back from being 15-3 back in 2016 and ever since then, I have established myself as part of the elite in this division. If he’s the big fish, I belong in that same tank because I’m willing to swim with the big fishes whenever, wherever. I have been willing to do whatever it takes to get to where I am right now.

“I promise you blood, sweat, and everything that I have to give for my country and for my fans. For everyone watching the pay-per-view, we’re going to put on a great show and you’re going to see the same Ugás that put his heart and soul into this sport that means so much to me.

“I’m a warrior. I’m a competitor. I’ve been facing adversity ever since I was six or seven years old. I’ve been fighting ever since I was a little kid. This is nothing new to me. It’s going to be a great night for me but no different than any other fight that I’ve had throughout my boxing career.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Ugás’ trainer is looking for the same things I’m looking for on film. Salas is smart. He’s supposed to look for patterns and see what kind of shots the opponents’ throw. That’s what trainers are supposed to do. I’ll watch some of his fights; I watch enough. Just to pick up on tendencies and shots he throws and how he throws his punches so I can mimic them. And I’ll let Errol know that this is coming, or that is coming.

“Ugás’ biggest threat coming into this fight is what you can’t see. It’s his heart and his fortitude. It’s his desire to want to be great.

“We can go up to whatever weight he wants to go. We spar heavyweights on a consistent basis. Errol’s very physical as a fighter and he can fight up to 160, and maybe even higher. I’m not saying that’s what we’re going to do. He’d probably be comfortable with that because we are comfortable with being in there with bigger guys all the time.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugás’ Trainer

“This camp has been outstanding. We have been able to prepare in the best way for what is going to be a huge fight, and the biggest fight in the 147-pound division right now. We feel that the preparation that we have had, with no real adversity whatsoever, has been really great.

“Ugás is one hundred percent ready for this fight. Mentally we are very strong and we are prepared for any style. Every fighter has a different style and styles make fights. We are comfortable fighting a southpaw. Ugás showed and proved that he can already beat a southpaw in Manny Pacquiao.

“Spence is a warrior. We have two front-footed guys, but the one difference is that Ugás is more of a counter-puncher. Spence is physically amazing, and he’s strong mentally. But he’s never shown that he can move like Ugás.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME SPORTS^®

“The welterweight division has long been one of boxing’s most glamorous, most interesting and most popular divisions. A place where fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather have ruled. This Saturday represents a significant step for figuring out who is the best 147-pound fighter in the sport today.

“Three world titles are at stake and a three-title unification fits perfectly into what SHOWTIME is doing in 2022. That’s putting the best against the best in the most competitive matchups. This past weekend, we had a thrilling Fight of the Year contender with Sebastián Fundora and Erickson Lubin that people are still talking about. That’s what happens when you put two elite fighters in the ring against each other. You get that kind of action and that kind of competition. That’s exactly what we’re going to see on Saturday night.

“One of the disadvantages of having such a great main event is sometimes people overlook the undercard. In the co-feature, we have a really exciting young fighter in Isaac Cruz coming off giving ‘Tank’ Davis the toughest fight of his career. He is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

“We’re here for Spence and Ugás. Two former Olympians. Two of the best in the division. Two outstanding family men. Two guys who are a credit to their sport. You’ve seen them on ALL ACCESS. We thank both of them and their camps for letting us in and allowing us to portray who they are outside the ring. We couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this event. Two fine young men. Two great sportsmen. Two elite boxers. One iconic venue with three world titles at stake. It’s an event not to be missed.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS

Spence vs. Ugás will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugás square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten José Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

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

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 13, 2022 – Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. said he was focused on scoring a knockout against Yordenis Ugas during a public media workout on Wednesday as Spence vs. Ugas fight week events officially kicked off with an outdoor session for fighters competing this Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The event is headlined by WBC and IBF World Champion Spence Jr. taking on WBA World Champion Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash.

“Besides the Kell Brook fight, this is definitely the meanest I’ve been going into a fight,” Spence said on Wednesday. “I’m just ready to go.”

Ugas, who worked out before Spence, said that his reach, height and his “will and my heart” are going to be the keys to pulling off an upset.

Also entering the ring for the media workout were fighters competing on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard featuring exciting lightweight contender Isaac Cruz battling former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the co-main event, rising unbeaten José Valenzuela taking on former champion Francisco Vargas in a lightweight bout and all-action welterweights Cody Crowley and Josesito López dueling in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Fighters entering the ring for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® action prior to the pay-per-view also previewed their respective showdowns during an undercard press conference on Wednesday. Fights live on SHOWTIME and streaming on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube Channel begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and feature WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev facing unbeaten top contender Eimantas Stanionis in the main event, and unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Texas Live! in Arlington:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It means everything to get a response like this in Dallas. It’s getting me pumped up. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight. I’m ready to put on a great performance in front of my hometown crowd.

“It’s eat or get ate. That’s all it is on Saturday night. Eat or get ate.

“Of course I’m going to win. But I’m going for the knockout.

“There’s nothing to elaborate on when I said I’m going for the knockout. It’s what I said. So if I get it, I get it. If I don’t, I don’t. I know one hundred percent I’m getting the victory, but I definitely want to knock him out.

“It’s a blessing and a dream come true to get the support of your hometown. People are coming out here to support me with their hard-earned money during a difficult time. It’s a school night and people came out to support me and I really appreciate it.

“I’m one hundred percent ready. I’ve been training hard. I know the task at hand. Training camp has been going great. I know what I’m capable of. You can expect and you’re going to see fireworks. It’s going to be a great show and a great performance.

“This is going to be a great event. I’m excited to be fighting at home in front of family and longtime friends. I think people are going to come out and support and it’s going to be a great night of boxing.

“I’m going to fight Ugas like I’ve been fighting everybody else. He’s a very good fighter. He trains hard. He comes from a Cuban background and he’s very dedicated. But I feel like I’m one hundred percent dedicated and in prior fights, I haven’t been as focused as I am right now.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m excited and ready to fight in front of a great fan base on Saturday night here in Dallas. Spence is a respectful fighter and we have nothing against each other outside of the ring, I’m just ready for action.

“I’m a competitor, I’m a warrior and I came to fight 12 rounds strong. That’s the most important thing of all. That alone should make Spence uneasy.

“I know I’m the underdog. I came here to win. I will fight whenever, wherever, in anybody’s backyard.

“Spence can say whatever he wants. I’ll fight the way I always do, exchanging blows and coming forward.

“I’ve always been an underdog – six years ago and now, I’m used to it. Spence is the rightful favorite as a unified champion in his home city, but I came here to pull off the upset.

“I want all of Cuba to know that I fight for them with all my heart and soul, and I will do just that on Saturday night.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m super excited for this fight and I’m very thankful for all the support I’ve received here in Texas. I can’t wait to put on a show for everyone Saturday night.

“The biggest lesson I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight is that I need to prepare physically and mentally to not give one inch to any opponent ever again.

“I come to give everyone a good, clean fight. Whether this victory comes by knockout or by decision, it’s going to be fine by me.

“I feel right at home in front of these fans. That’s why I’m even more motivated to give everyone a great show. You’re not going to want to miss it.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA

“I’m really thankful to be in this position, especially in front of these people here today. I’m very excited to give everyone a great fight. I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of.

“No matter what has happened in the past, you have to have courage and the conviction that you can win. That’s what I’m going to have on Saturday night.

“Every fight is different. The key thing is that we’re getting ready to prove to everyone that I can come out on top Saturday night.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I’m extremely excited for this fight. This is a dream come true and I’m thankful every day for this opportunity to compete on this card.

“Vargas is a great fighter with a lot of really good experience. We just saw him give Isaac Cruz a hard fight last time out. So I’m training for him like he’s in his prime and I’m ready for whatever he brings.

“I think a win in this fight will put me on the radar and put me in line to face the top guys in the lightweight division. I’m going to put on a performance that puts everyone on notice.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“This is a great opportunity for me and it’s going to be great action with me and Valenzuela. I’m really looking forward to this fight on Saturday.

“Every fight provides valuable lessons. My last fight versus Isaac Cruz was against a young scrappy fighter with some tricks up his sleeve. I’ve learned from it and you will see that in this fight.

“He’s a good fighter who’s dedicated to the sport. But I believe that I have more skills and much more experience than Valenzuela.”

CODY CROWLEY

“Josesito has been in there with a lot of amazing fighters. He’s an amazing fighter himself. But when Cody Crowley comes to fight, that’s a dog in the ring. Saturday night you can expect us to go at each other from the first bell to the last bell. That’s what I bring every time.

“I’m a pay-per-view star in the making and everyone is going to find out what I’m about Saturday night. If you haven’t heard of Cody Crowley yet, make sure you tune in Saturday night.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’m just prepared and can’t wait until Saturday night. My hunger to win is strong. I want to keep competing against the best fighters in the world and fight for world titles. I’ll be ready to face anybody they put in front of me.

“Any time you see one of my fights, especially when it’s here in Texas, they know that I come to fight. It’s going to be one of the best fights of the night for sure.

“I have a deep love for Texas and I can’t wait to show off in the ring on Saturday.”

RADZHAB BUTAEV

“My win against Jamal James was a good win and it’s given me more confidence moving forward. I’m just as hungry as Stanionis is and I know what to expect from him. I’m completely ready.

“This is the kind of fight I like to be in. I like to make it tough in there and bang with my opponent on the inside. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a big honor to be on this card. It’s easily one of the best cards of the year and it’s a great opportunity to show off my skills and my boxing.

“Once I stepped into the gym with my trainer Joel Diaz, he told me that I’m the best welterweight out there and that I’m going to become champion. Now we have the belt and I’m growing and getting better with every fight.

“The main event is a great fight. I’m looking forward to seeing who wins so that I can face them next.

“I don’t make predictions for my fights. I have a goal and that’s to stop my opponent. That’s what I’m working to do.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“I’ve dreamt all my life of this moment Saturday night. I was extremely happy when this fight officially came together.

“It would be amazing to be the first world champion from Lithuania. Everyone is expecting me to win and rooting for me to get it done. I want to make the dream a reality.

“For sure the fans are going to be in for an entertaining fight. This is going to be two trucks meeting in the middle of the ring and making a big explosion.

“We both have a dream to win the belt. We’re both training hard to reach our goal. This is going to be a banger. That’s what our styles always create.

“Spence has a lot to prove, he was out for a long time. He’s going to have to look good and it’s going to be a good fight against Ugas.

“I just want to hear the words ‘and the new’ on Saturday night, that’s it, it’s simple.”

BRANDUN LEE

“This means the world to me to be on a huge card like this. I’m going to show the world who I am on Saturday night.

“I’m looking at this as another opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m just moving one step closer to the goal of a world title with a win on Saturday.

“I don’t let my knockout streak get to me. The main goal is to win. If the knockout comes, I’m ready. That’s the plan Saturday night.

“I just stay focused and stay in the gym. Fighters get a little bit of fame and forget how hard they had to work to get there. I’m not going to be slacking.

“I am just blessed with power. A lot of people think you can create speed, but you can’t. You’re either born with it or you’re not. That’s the key to my power.

“I turn 23-years-old next week and I believe it’s time for me to start fighting the top-10 guys. Some guys may see more risk than reward fighting me, but eventually, they’ll have no choice.

“I don’t make predictions but I’m going to have my hand-raised on April 16.”

ZACHARY OCHOA

“I said yes to this fight immediately. These are the types of fights that I want. SHOWTIME always has big fights and I want to be a part of them.

“I know the type of fighter I am. I’ve matured over the years, I’ve had a great training camp and I can’t wait to fight.

“Lee is a good fighter, but my experience in the ring is going to be the difference. I’ve fought in every kind of venue you can imagine. This is my second time fighting at AT&T Stadium. Experience goes a long way, but at the end of the day, it matters what you do under those bright lights.

“My trainer Stephen Edwards, he’s really brought me to school. He’s one of the best trainers in the world. I’ve learned more with him than I did my whole career. I’m very confident heading into Saturday.

“This is going to be a great fight and I’m winning at the end of the day. There’s a lot on the line and I’m going to be the winner Saturday. Winning this fight would change everything for me. I really can’t wait to get into the ring.”

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten José Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGheadlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

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

Here is some key information for next week’s blockbuster welterweight title unification clash that will see WBC and IBF World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas headline an explosive night of boxing on both SHOWTIME PPV^® and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME PPV BEGINS AT 9 pm ET/6 PT: The four-fight telecast features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event. The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AT 7 PM ET/4 PM PT: Preceding the Spence-Ugas SHOWTIME PPV telecast, welterweight titleholder Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis face off in a special SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast airing live on SHOWTIME^® and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. The two unbeaten rising talents both have their eyes on a future world championship opportunity in the red hot 147-pound division. The telecast also features unbeaten knockout artist and future star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout. Named Ring Magazine’s Prospect of the Year in 2021, the fan-friendly Lee looks to extend his KO streak to 16 consecutive fights.

ON THE CALL: The most trusted and experienced team in combat sports will be on the pay-per-view call. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV 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 SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.  Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna will serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). On the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and Marquez serving as expert analysts.

SPECIAL WEIGH-IN SHOW ON FRIDAY: A quartet of top SHOWTIME Sports talent will share their thoughts and views on Saturday’s fights during Friday’s weigh-in that will be live-streamed via the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube page at youtube.com/c/SHOSports. MORNING KOMBAT hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell join former world champion Raul Marquez and ex-NBA great and ALL THE SMOKE podcast host Stephen Jackson to break down the fights. 

HOW TO GET THE SHOWTIME PPV: The four-fight pay-per-view event is available for purchase and live streaming in the U.S. at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME app. The event is also available on major cable, satellite, and telco television providers throughout the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $74.99 (SRP). In Canada, viewers can access the event via traditional distributors as well as digitally on PlayStation and FITE.tv.

SHOWTIME FREE TRIAL OFFER: SHOWTIME will offer a free 30-day trial beginning the day of the big fight, April 16. Consumers can try SHOWTIME free for 30 days, then pay just $3.99 per month for the first four months. The offer runs through May 17. Go to SHOWTIME.com for more information.

TICKETS: Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

EMMY AWARD-WINNING ALL ACCESS: Fans can now catch up on ALL ACCESS: SPENCE VS. UGAS Episode One, which is available in its entirety now on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. Click HERE to watch. Episode Two premiered last Saturday, April 9. To watch click HERE. ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE premieres Saturday, April 23.

ALL ACCESS GARNERS ANOTHER EMMY NOMINATION: ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT, which premiered in 2021 prior to the Canelo vs. Plant SHOWTIME PPV event, was nominated last week for the 2021 Sports EMMY Award for outstanding writing. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in May. Various editions of the ALL ACCESS series have been nominated 11 times over the years, winning five EMMY Awards thus far.

FOLLOW ALONG ON SOCIAL MEDIA: For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceUgas, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

ARLINGTON, TX. (April 6, 2022) – Boxing legend Zab Judah joined WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. for a virtual press conference Wednesday as the fighters discussed the undisputed championship and previewed Spence’s upcoming welterweight championship unification clash against WBA champion Yordenis Ugas taking place Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugas will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Spence will look to add a third belt by defeating Ugas, moving him one step closer to becoming the first undisputed welterweight champion since Judah accomplished the feat in 2005.

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

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It’s motivating to hear from Zab. When you grew up watching a person and now it’s your turn and they give you high praise, it’s especially motivating. I appreciate Zab’s support. A lot of older fighters don’t really give their support to the younger generation. I give much respect to Zab. His support means a lot.

“I remember when I was younger, watching Zab winning all the belts. That’s something I wanted to do. I never dreamed in a million years that I’d be doing that. It’s a dream come true. I just have to stay focused because every fight is the most important fight. This is the third time I’m taking someone’s belt. The welterweight division has had a lot of great fighters and a lot of great champions so doing it at this weight class is such a big accomplishment.

“It’s definitely gotten easier to fight in my hometown. You get a lot of pressure from fans, media and friends but you have to block all that out and focus on the task at hand. It’s still special to fight at home in front of your family, your friends, your day one fans too. That ring walk is special too—walking out and seeing familiar faces. You don’t get that in other places but at home they can come out and watch you fight.

“All of my training camps have been at home. I rarely go to a fight hotel unless I’m fighting out of state. I like the comfort of being at home, being around my family. I don’t like getting on planes, especially when you’re trying to make weight. You’ve got to hop out the plane, go to a boxing gym that you’re not familiar with. I’d rather just stay home.

“I don’t see any trickiness in Ugas. I think people put too much emphasis on that. Most Cuban fighters move a lot, get on their toes but Ugas is not even that. He’s a guy who tries to fight, he wants to fight and trade shots. I boxed Mikey Garcia, I banged with Kell Brook and Shawn Porter. I boxed in the paint with Lamont Peterson, slipping and countering. I don’t stand in front of opponents.

“I’m adding to my legacy. Every fight that led up to this is just as important as this fight because they got me to this point. If I didn’t beat those guys I fought when I was 9-0, 10-0, then I wouldn’t have gotten the Kell Brook fight. If I didn’t beat Brook, I wouldn’t have got the Shawn Porter fight, Danny Garcia and everything else. So, every fight means a lot to me because it leads me to better fights and more accomplishments.

“Being a student of the game and just my style makes me a throwback fighter. I feel I’ve always had a professional style, even in the amateurs. I was going to the body then, stopping people to the body. I always had that patience and that’s why I was highly-regarded once I turned pro. Also, I have a laid back personality so I transfer that over to my fighting ability.

“It’s about working hard every day, striving and staying on the grind. I want to show everyone that they don’t have to worry about anything. I’m going to perform to the best of my abilities and I’m 100%.

“It feels good to prove all the doubters wrong. It motivates me. For all the people who say certain things, I just use it as fuel. On April 16, they’re going to see not even the same version of me but a better one.

“Everybody tune in on Saturday, April 16. If you can’t be there at the AT&T Stadium, make sure you order it on SHOWTIME pay-per-view. It’s going to be an amazing event, an all-action fight. It’ll be one-sided on my end but you will see an exciting fight.”

ZAB JUDAH, Last Undisputed Welterweight Champion

“I have a lot of respect for Errol. Number one, for him being the human being he is. He’s a solid, solid fighter I’ve been watching since the amateurs. Errol was a guy who always stood out there. When he turned to the pros and began making a name for himself, I started watching him. He’s about to do something big and become the next undisputed welterweight champion of the world. I feel great passing on the torch, no joke. No joke.

“I feel I don’t have to give Errol any advice. He just needs to do what he has to do to win this fight – work behind his good jab and let his combinations go. Like I said, to pass the torch is dope. Errol Spence is the guy for the job.

“For me, I used to like Pernell Whitaker and he was an undisputed champion. Mike Tyson was another one who was undisputed champion. I got to live out my dream and watch those idols and be around those guys.

“It didn’t matter to me where I fought. Even when I went to win the undisputed championship of the world I had to go to St. Louis and Cory Spinks’ hometown and it was a crazy time for me. I got death threats and all kinds of stuff. But that meant nothing to me. I was focused. I was locked in. I know how Errol feels. When you’re locked into something and it’s your time, there’s nothing that can stop you. Nothing or nobody.

“I like watching [Errol] in the Shawn Porter fight, and the Danny Garcia fight. Errol showed a lot of heart and pulled through. He looked to be confused at times and he pulled through it. Shawn Porter came in with a bunch of ugly looks, but he figured it out. Even in the Danny Garcia fight he got caught with a good left hook, but he went back to his jab and started boxing. That’s a great thing about being great left-hander. You can start back with the jab and it’s all back together again.

“Yes, I would say Errol Spence is a throwback fighter. I would say he has throwback qualities. He’s still a young man and of this era, but he has throwback qualities.

“It was a phenomenal feeling when they strapped those belts on me. And I was in ring and I saw all these colorful belts being passed onto me. It felt like I had a bag of Skittles. I was so happy seeing all those colors. I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ And when I got back to New York they really embraced me and I had a parade and all kinds of things. The city opened up definitely.

“Yordenis Ugas is a very talented fighter. He’s a very hard worker and is a guy who’s worked hard to get where he is. And I have a lot of respect for him. I’ve never fought a Cuban fighter but I used to spar with Joel Casamayor and sparring with the Cubans fighters you know they are very crafty and they do a lot of things that we normally don’t do. Just little types of tricks that they got.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 6, 2022 – Rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. will return to action in an eight-round super welterweight contest against Dan Karpency highlighting the non-televised undercard Saturday, April 16 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The action will also include hard-hitting cruiserweights squaring off as Dallas-native Adrian Taylor takes on knockout artist Efetobor Apochi in an eight-round fight.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The event is topped by WBC and IBF World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash live on SHOWTIME PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view lineup features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event, unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley facing veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

Rounding out the non-televised undercard is Mexico’s Fernando Garcia (13-4, 8 KOs) taking on exciting prospect Angel Barrientes (8-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight attraction, unbeaten middleweight Samuel Arnold (4-0, 2 KOs) dueling Darryl Jones (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round showdown and El Paso, Texas native Darius Gulghum (1-0, 1 KO) battling Nosa Nehikhare (5-1) for six rounds of cruiserweight action.

Representing Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (10-1, 7 KOs) bounced back from a decision defeat in April 2021 to score stoppage victories over Noah Kidd and Nicholas DeLomba. His most recent fight saw Mielnicki go 10 rounds for the first time, as he earned a TKO over DeLomba in the final frame. The 19-year-old began turning heads during an exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Karpency (9-4-1, 4 KOs), who most recently lost to unbeaten prospect Xander Zayas. The Adah, Pennsylvania native is the younger brother of fellow pro fighters Tommy and Jeremiah Karpency.

A native of Dallas, Taylor (12-1-1, 5 KOs) has won five of his last six fights, with the only blemish coming in a September 2021 split-draw against Rafayel Simonyan. The 31-year-old won seven-straight fights after turning pro, before losing a four-round majority decision against Jerhed Fenderson in 2018. He takes on the 34-year-old Apochi (11-1, 11 KOs), who most recently lost a narrow-split decision to Brandon Glanton in June 2021 in one of the year’s most memorable shootouts. The Nigerian fighter turned pro in 2017 and scored knockouts in his first 11 fights.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

ARLINGTON, TX. (April 4, 2022) – Boxing legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad joined WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas for a virtual press conference Monday as the fighters discussed their journeys to boxing glory and previewed Ugas’ upcoming welterweight championship unification clash against WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking place Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The virtual conversation was hosted by SHOWTIME Boxing analyst and former world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Márquez.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugas will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Ugas will look to join Trinidad on the list of unified welterweight champions, as Trinidad unified 147-pound belts in a 1999 victory over Oscar De La Hoya.

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

YORDENIS UGAS

“I remember watching Felix when I was a teenager and he fought against De La Hoya. Everyone in Cuba was talking about that one. That fight really blew my mind. It was amazing to watch Felix go toe-to-toe with Oscar. To see Felix achieve something so incredible was a great inspiration.

“Ismael Salas is one of the best trainers in the world. When I was out of the sport for over two years, I went to the gym with him and he built me back up to where I am now. He’s been a great influence in my boxing career and he’s helped me reach the heights I’ve been able to achieve.

“I love my country, but I am also always asking for a free Cuba, because I want a better future for the country that I represent and love with all of my heart.

“I did my job against Manny Pacquiao. I took the fight on 11 days’ notice. Whatever Spence said about what he would have done against Pacquao, I’m not concerned. I’m only focused on the challenge that I have against Spence.

“I had to leave Cuba on a speedboat, never knowing if I’d see my family again. I didn’t see them for almost a decade. I had to overcome everything alone. Not only professionally, but personally I had a lot to overcome.

“I’m a competitor, I would have put my best foot forward in any decade. I would have loved to fight Trinidad and the other fighters of his era. I could have won, I could have lost, but I would have loved to face those challenges.

“This is such a dream come true to be here talking with one of my idols in Felix Trinidad. It’s truly amazing. I’m very thankful to be in this position.”

FELIX “TITO” TRINIDAD, 2014 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee

“When I watched the Manny Pacquiao fight, I watched Ugas represent Cuba in an amazing way. I believe that Ugas can emulate what he did against Pacquiao in the fight against Spence. His speed and precision is going to wow the crowd in this fight.

“This is going to be a fight of a champion against a champion. When I fought De La Hoya, I knew that I had to go all out and couldn’t leave anything in the tank. I believe in Ugas and I believe he’s going to make us all proud.

“Errol is a rangy, tall southpaw. Instead of trying to go up against their right hand, I wanted to let a southpaw throw their biggest shot and dodge it, so that I could deliver my most powerful shot. I’d tell Ugas to let Spence throw that left hand and dodge it.

“I was fortunate as a Puerto Rican and a U.S. citizen where I could always feel the support of my family throughout my career. I had a very close circle of trust and that helped me greatly.

“Ugas’ best attributes are the ones that are most similar to mine. It’s the conditioning and the mentality. He brings what he works on in training and uses it in the fight so well. He brings that preparation into the ring just like I used to. It makes me believe in him and I know that he’s going to do well.

“I would tell Ugas to stay close and be on offense. Don’t let Spence come to you instead. The jab with the right and uppercut with the left is the best combination that will work for you.

“I had a wonderful career with so many memorable experiences and great fights. Now I’m concentrating on my family and this is a chapter I’ve been treasuring a lot. I’m very happy with the life that I’m living now.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

DALLAS (March 31, 2022) – Unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr., a Desoto, Texas-native, declared that he is “on point” physically during a media workout in Dallas on Thursday ahead of his 147-pound title unification clash against WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas taking place Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV in a Premier Boxing Champions event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Responding to a statement made Wednesday by Ugas’ trainer Ismael Salas that he was a “different” fighter in his first fight back after a 2019 car accident, Spence smiled and said he was now in better shape physically and mentally and that Ugas’ trainer would soon see.

Just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugas will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Spence will look to add a third welterweight championship belt to his resume when he returns to fight at AT&T Stadium in front of his hometown fans for the third time.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Spence held his media workout at World Class Boxing Gym alongside his longtime trainer Derrick James. The workout streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and can be watched in its entirety HERE. Ugas hosted a live streamed media workout on Wednesday in Las Vegas, which can be watched HERE.

Here is what Spence and James had to say Thursday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I’m feeling good and I’m ready to go. This layoff was easier for me after the injury than the one after the accident because it was a lot less stress on my body. Mentally I was also prepared for what I was going to go through. I had been back in training before camp started for this fight so I’m ready.

“Even half of me would beat most of these guys at the top level. I feel great now and I’m 100%. Physically I’m on point and everything feels real regular. If Ugas’ trainer (Ismael Salas) thinks I’m a different fighter now, we’ll see in two and half weeks how different I am.

“Training camp has been great. I’ve had great sparring partners and we’ve been focused. I got a nutritionist and it’s made the weight cut much easier for me.

“I have everything in my arsenal. Whatever Ugas brings to the table, I’m ready for it. I’m going to dictate the pace and control everything. I’m making him fight my fight.

“From what I’ve seen, Ugas is very physical and very tough. He was waving Shawn Porter forward, so you know he has that fighter spirit inside of him.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work and I’m not worried about my eye at all. It actually feels stronger than the other one. I’m just making sure that I’m 100% on point with everything.

“I’m not looking to say anything to the rest of the division. I’m going to send my message with my performance. When I have three belts, everyone is going to know what that means.

“I watched the Ugas vs. Manny Pacquiao fight live but I haven’t watched it since then. I thought the way that fight went was more because of Pacquiao being a shell of himself.

“I’ve been looking forward to this fight since I had to drop out of the Pacquiao bout. I knew I would be fighting the winner, and now I’ve got Ugas in front of me. He’s a tough champion who’s been through a lot in his life.

“I can’t sit back and fight a tune-up fight right now. I want to go straight in with the sharks. Ugas is going to push me to another level and that’s what I want. I knew that if I was fighting a tune-up I could sneak snacks in at night and stuff like that. I’m fighting someone on my level.

“Ugas is living the ‘American Dream’ and he wants to keep living the ‘American Dream’. His challenge is beating me and I want his belt.

“Those Mexican fans are a huge part of Texas and I love fighting in front of them. I’m planning on giving them the kind of amazing fight they love.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Camp has been great. Errol’s working hard and looking strong. We’ve had some very quick, very sharp and physical sparring partners. They’re keeping him on his toes and when he isn’t coming 100%, they’ll let him know it.

“I think the only difference with Errol between the Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia fights was the strategy and fight style he was using. Errol is doing great. We haven’t even thought about the eye. It’s not an issue.

“Errol has known this fight was coming for a long time, so he’s been training for months and months and has been prepared mentally.

“I never think about a matchup with a trainer but I’m excited to be up against a great trainer. He took down Manny Pacquiao so we’re going to be 100% ready.

“To be able to have Errol fight at AT&T Stadium is amazing because it just shows his progression and maturation as a fighter. For a young fighter like Errol, it’s a dream come true. We can’t wait.

“Other than the fight, that ring walk at AT&T Stadium is the best part of the fight. To go out there and be embraced by the fans like that, it’s crazy. It’s going to be a special moment on April 16.

“You’re going to see Errol in his top form in this fight. He’s coming to handle business. We’re not taking Ugas for granted at all. He’s very smart and has a great corner. We’re going to go skill for skill. There’s a true prize to be attained in this one.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

LAS VEGAS (March 30, 2022) – WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás showed off his skills at a media workout in Las Vegas on Wednesday, as he nears his 147-pound title unification clash against WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking place Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV in a Premier Boxing Champions event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugás will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Ugás earned this opportunity in his most recent fight, successfully defending his title against future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in August 2021.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Ugás hosted media at the Salas Boxing Academy along with his trainer Ismael Salas, in an event that was live streamed on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and that can be watched in its entirety HERE. Spence will work out tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT in a live streaming event that will be available HERE.

Here is what Ugás and Salas had to say Wednesday:

YORDENIS UGÁS

“I’m very thankful for everyone who has supported me. I’m extremely ready for this fight and to give the fans a great show on April 16. This has been a fantastic training camp and I can’t wait.

“I’m happy to be fighting in Spence’s backyard, because they have great fans down there in Texas. It just adds extra motivation.

“We’ve had a great training camp here in Las Vegas with Ismael Salas. We always make sure that the hard work pays off. We’re going to be bringing our best into the ring.

“I was out of the ring for a long time, but when I came back and gave Jamal James the first loss of his career, I knew that I would be coming for big things. Everything changed for me that night and it’s all led up to this.

“The Pacquiao fight was a great night for me. After that fight my life changed in even more ways. But I’ve always kept myself humble. I showed everyone who the WBA champion was. I have my eye on continuing to make history.

“Being an underdog means nothing to me. I was the underdog against Pacquiao and now again against Spence. I’ve always been the underdog and it doesn’t faze me.

“It’s an honor to be in the ring with Errol Spence Jr. We’re fighting for three belts, but even more important is fighting for honor and respect.

“Fans can expect me to fight like a warrior. I’m going to take all of my hard work into the ring on April 16.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugás’ Trainer

“I watched Errol Spence fight Shawn Porter and then I watched Errol Spence fight Danny Garcia, after Spence had his accident. It was not the same Errol Spence Jr. I do believe he lost something between the Porter and Garcia fights.

“Training camp has been great. We’ve had a long camp and now we’re in the period where Ugás is starting to make the adjustments that he’ll need to be ready for what Spence brings.

“I want to face the best Errol Spence Jr., because I want the fans to get a great show. This is one of the biggest fights of the year. If he’s in top condition, then Ugás is going to be ready to give him a hell of a fight.

“Yordenis came to us with three losses and since then we’ve been beating undefeated guys and going step by step up to this point of facing top fighters. Manny Pacquiao was the biggest fight of his career and Ugás beat him clearly. That was the same Pacquiao who had beat Keith Thurman in his previous fight.

“We need to absorb the punching power of Spence. Everyone knows he’s a front-footed fighter who throws bombs from start to finish. It’s no secret that we need to use Spence’s aggressiveness and make it work in our favor.

“It’s been a process for Ugás to get back to this point. He had to regain his confidence when he first joined our gym. We had to make a transition from the Cuban style and make him more aggressive. Yordenis Ugás is a master of the middle distance. He knows how to make you miss and make you pay.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

ARLINGTON, TX. (March 29, 2022) – Fighters competing on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas SHOWTIME PPV undercard previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, April 16 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The virtual press conference featured exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, who meet in the co-main event, unbeaten Jose Valenzuela and former world champion Francisco Vargas, who square off in a lightweight attraction, plus all-action welterweights Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez, who battle in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

ISAAC CRUZ

“I feel blessed and I’m ready to give my all once again. I’m excited to continue to show the best of myself in 2022.

“I wish I had pressured more against Gervonta Davis. If I had knocked him down I think it would have been a different story and it would have been me with my hand raised.

“Everything that happened in the Davis fight has made me better. My profile is definitely raised, but it has not gone to my head. I’m only focused on giving the fans the show that they crave and I know that I’m capable of giving them that.

“I respect Gamboa and I thank him for the opportunity of getting to fight him. His resume is beyond reproach. However, I’m not here to lay down for anyone. I’m here to show that I’m one of the top fighters in the division.

“My fists are going to speak inside of the ring. It’s not for me to say whether one punch can change the fight or not, we’re going to see what happens inside the ring on fight night.

“Each fight is different. I’m going to be ready for anything that Gamboa has to offer. I’m getting ready with an amazing training camp and I’m looking forward to showing everyone everything that I’m capable of.

“I learned a valuable lesson from the Davis fight. I learned that I need to be focused inside the fight at every moment. I’m going to show people that I’m the Mexican fighter that can rule the 135-pound division.

“I’m ready for however long it takes me to get this win, one round or all 12. I’m going to prove to all the top lightweights that I’m ready to fight any of them. If those fighters want to prove that they belong on the top level, then they have to fight me.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA

“What I value the most is the fact that I’m going to be able to give fans the chance to see me fight once again and show them what I can do in the ring.

“I’m a pro. I’m not in the business of sending messages or making statements. What I’m focused on is trying to become number one and being the best I can be inside the ring in order to beat my opponent. The rest is just talk.

“My mere presence in this fight, the way that we have been prepared for this fight and what’s at stake, that alone tells you that I am one of the top fighters in the division.

“I have a tactical plan. I have a strategy ready to go for whatever happens. I’m ready to go for whatever comes my way and I’m planning to face anything and everything.

“I definitely have the edge in experience but at the same time, I’m going to rely on my preparation. I’m going to rely on the game plan and the strategy that we have put together to be able to fight and win any way we can.

“I’m going to show everybody that’s watching on T.V. and that’s watching in the stands that Yuriorkis Gamboa is still here to stay and that Yuriorkis Gamboa can still be the best in the division. There’s definitely a lot of people that are overlooking what I still have left in the tank and the quality of fighter that I still am. People are going to see that that’s just noise.

“When I beat Isaac Cruz, I want the rematch with Gervonta Davis. I really didn’t feel comfortable with the way that first fight unfolded. I fought with a torn Achilles for 11 rounds but I was still able to withstand everything and get to the finish. I need another bite at the apple and I need to show that I have the quality to beat him. I need to fight him while I’m healthy and 100 percent, because that fight will be totally different.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“This win is going to show everyone that I’m here and that I can compete with the top guys. Francisco Vargas is a strong former champion and I’m excited for the challenge.

“I’m always trying to make a statement, but I don’t want to get carried away looking for the knockout and make a mistake. I’m going to stick to the game plan.

“Vargas is still a great fighter. He gave Isaac Cruz a run for his money and couldn’t get him out of there. So my mission is to go in there and out-perform everybody.

“It’s a dream come true to be on a card like this. The whole card is stacked. I’m very excited and I’m looking to steal the show. This is everything that I’ve worked so hard for.

“I just remember watching Vargas coming up and putting on great performances. I’m happy about it. He’s the perfect opponent because we’re both going to come to fight.

“I’m extremely focused on this fight. He’s still a dangerous fighter. I’ve been in training camp for three months. I’m not just training to win, I’m training to look spectacular.

“It’s a great experience training with David and Jose Benavidez and their team. When I go and spar other fighters, I feel like a veteran because I’ve been training with them since I was a teenager. It’s been a great opportunity for me.

“I’m hungry, I’m young and I believe that he’s on his way out. You could definitely call this a passing of the torch.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“My main objective is to win the fight. Nothing else matters. All I want is to win the fight in order to get the best possible opportunity after this fight.

“I’m going to listen to my body. That’s the bottom line. When I can feel that my body says no more, then that will be the time for me to step aside. But for now, I feel like my body is just fine. I feel capable. I feel ready and I will be ready to go on April 16.

“Of course it motivates me when I hear Valenzuela say that I am past my prime and on the way out. But at the same time, I know how I feel. I feel totally ready. I feel in shape physically and mentally to be up to the challenge. I’m going to prove that to all of you on fight night.

“We are simply going to take this fight round-by-round. We are doing a great job in training camp to make sure that I can go the entire 10 rounds if needed.

“I can promise you that it’s going to be a great fight. A very entertaining fight. The fans are going to love it.

“I know what it feels like to be Jose’s age. I was in his place at one point where I felt like I had all the energy in the world and felt that I was going to take over the world. But what I’m lacking in youth, I gained in experience. I have maturity now. In this fight, you’re going to see how that experience is going to work in my favor.”

CODY CROWLEY

“The victory in my last fight didn’t change my confidence. I’ve had the same confidence since day one. What did I say at the last press conference? I told Kudratillo Abdukakhorov I was going to take him to deep waters. What you saw was a guy who was sinking and drowning. That’s because of the high power pressure I produce every time I’m in the ring. It looks easy, and guys say they want to go toe-to-toe with me, but within a round or two, their backs are on the ropes.

“I have a guy in Josesito Lopez who’s coming forward and who’s ready to sit there and bang it out. That’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to give the fans the entertainment that they’re paying for. Every time I fight I make sure the fans are getting their money’s worth.

“I thank Josesito for taking this fight. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to get in the ring and paint the beautiful picture I’m about to paint. I respect him, but when the bell rings, the light goes off and it’s time to go.

“I bring a pressure that’s not fun to face. I make it so you can’t breathe and you can’t move your legs or hands. I’m like an octopus in that ring. Once I step in there, I’m on you like glue.

“I hope he brings another level of experience and puts me into a position I’ve never been in, because that’s going to bring out the best version of Cody Crowley. That’s what I strive for. I want to be in a position that I don’t think I can get out of. That’s when you will see what I’m truly made out of.

“At the end of the day I’m a scrappy, hard-working pressure fighter that just keeps coming forward. I would love to be able to showcase some of my boxing abilities. Normally I have to chase people down. I’m hoping that’s not the case with Lopez and that we can go toe-to-toe. But I’ll be ready to show off the boxing abilities that not everyone has seen.

“I have power, speed and aggression. The last 20 guys have said they were going to be able to withstand the pressure, but eventually, the pipe bursts.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“Everyone should expect fireworks. You know every fight that I’m in, it’s fireworks. Cody Crowley seems to be the exact type of fighter that I like facing. I know it’s going to be a great match and you’ll see a big difference in experience. I’m going to take him to those deep waters and I’m going to drown him in those deep waters.

“Is Josesito Lopez still a top fighter at 147 pounds? Yeah, that may be the question. You’ll see on April 16. I’m definitely ready. I feel great. I’ve had a wonderful camp. I take no shortcuts. I’m all in and I’m ready for this fight. I take every fight like a championship fight.

“I’m the type of fighter that doesn’t look ahead past my next opponent. I’ve devoted the last eight weeks of training camp getting ready for this opponent. I’m not looking far ahead. I have a task on April 16 and once I take care of that, we can look ahead. I definitely want to face the best fighters there are. The best in the world. I’m not going to go as far as to say that I’m the best fighter in the world, but I can beat some of the best fighters in the world. I want to prove that.

“I’ve been motivated this entire camp. I’m ready. I’m expecting the best in Cody. I’m more than prepared. I have a great team and great sparring partners that can be top welterweights as well. I’m definitely prepared and I’m going to prove it to the world and show that I am one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’m always in the gym so I’ve been training constantly. Sometimes a little rust is good. But I’ve been sparring and training throughout this entire year. Ring rust won’t be an issue.

“I’m excited to be back at AT&T Stadium in Texas where I have some of the biggest and best fans out there. I’m pumped for this fight. I’m 110% ready and I’m going to go out there and do it.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS

Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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