SHOWTIME SPORTS^® TO SURROUND SPENCE VS. UGAS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT WITHBEST-IN-CLASS PREMIUM PROGRAMMING

NEW YORK – March 28, 2022 – SHOWTIME Sports is preparing two significant programs in support of one of this year’s biggest pay-per-view events.

The network will for the first time televise a special SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis in a battle of unbeatens taking place immediately before the four-fight Spence vs. Ugas SHOWTIME PPV® from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 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.

Additionally, SHOWTIME Sports will premiere a new installment of the Emmy Award-winning series ALL ACCESS. The multi-part series premieres Saturday, April 2, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME with episode two premiering Saturday, April 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT in advance of Spence vs. Ugas on Saturday, April 16. Furthermore, ALL ACCESS Epilogue will premiere on SHOWTIME the following Saturday, April 23, and will showcase fight week in Dallas as well as all the action inside the ropes on fight night and the immediate aftermath.

“We are pulling out all the stops for the April 16 event, which is easily one of the biggest of the year. Delivering a special episode of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING to our subscribers before the four-fight pay-per-view card begins is something that has never been done in the history of this network. We are proud to break precedent,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Adding high-stakes, compelling fights to an already strong undercard elevates what is sure to be a memorable night for boxing. Plus, a new installment of our signature ALL ACCESS series to chronicle the divergent paths of Spence and Ugas to reach this moment will be captivating drama. It’s an embarrassment of riches from top to bottom for the boxing audience.”

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING LINEUP

The 28-year-old Butaev (14-0, 11 KOs) captured his WBA title with a dominating performance on SHOWTIME in October, as he battered top contender Jamal James on his way to a ninth-round stoppage victory. Butaev turned pro after approximately 400 amateur bouts in 2016 and reeled-off KOs in six of his first seven outings. Butaev is now trained by top coach Joel Diaz in Indio, Calif. His TKO victory over James gave Butaev victories inside of the distance in five of his last six fights.

“I’m feeling very prepared for this fight on April 16,” said Butaev. “Every time I step into the ring, I’m looking to give the fans an exciting fight. Knowing how Stanionis also loves to come forward and compete, this time, it’s a guarantee that there are going to be fireworks. We’re definitely both going to bring it in this fight. Make sure you don’t miss this one, because it’s going to be a brutal back-and-forth affair.”

Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) earned a series of attention-grabbing victories as he has climbed the ranks from prospect to contender, including a career-best 12-round decision over Thomas Dulorme in April 2021 on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old former Olympian from Lithuania, who now lives and trains in California, most recently fought former champion Luis Collazo to a no-decision in August 2021 after an accidental clash of heads prematurely ended the action. Prior to going 12 rounds for the first time with Dulorme, Stanionis had stopped six of his previous eight opponents.

“I’m excited for this huge opportunity to show my skills in front of thousands of fans at AT&T Stadium,” said Stanionis. “Butaev is a strong opponent. I know that this is going to be a hard fight for both of us and that our styles are going to make this action-packed for as long as it lasts. My goal for 2022 is to become world champion. That’s been my dream since I was a child and now I’m very close to bringing the belt back home to Lithuania.”

A highly regarded prospect, Lee (24-0, 22 KOs) has won his last 15 fights by knockout, most recently dropping and stopping veteran contender Juan Heraldez on SHOWTIME in December 2021. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee fought four times in 2020 and three times in 2021 as he continued to pile up knockouts. He had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5 and was the 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pounds.

“I think it is a great idea to have our fight lead into the SHOWTIME PPV,” said Lee. “What better way to show all the boxing fans out there some of the top young talent looking to become the next contenders and world champions in the sport.”

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Ochoa (21-2, 7 KOs) trains in Philadelphia with highly regarded trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards. The 28-year-old was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights and bounced back from his first pro defeat to win five straight contests between 2017 and 2020. Ochoa returns to the ring after dropping a narrow, split decision to Argentine contender Juan Jose Velasco in February of 2021.

“I’m very ready and focused on this fight coming up on April 16,” said Ochoa. “I’m sure Lee will be ready too and that just makes me more motivated to be at my best. Trust me, this is a night boxing fans will not want to miss!”

ALL ACCESS: SPENCE VS. UGAS

ALL ACCESS: SPENCE VS. UGAS peels back the curtain to showcase how the two champions share one trait – resilience. Both fighters open up about their frantic and ultimately fruitful journeys that led them to this moment with Spence talking about his near-tragic automobile accident and eye injury that forced him to miss a career-defining opportunity against Manny Pacquiao, and Ugas depicting his harrowing journey from Cuba to the United States.

Filming is underway in Dallas, revealing a surprising lifestyle change Spence has made as he prepares for the fight with longtime trainer Derrick James. Filming in Las Vegas has also begun, where Ugas is in training camp under renowned coach Ismael Salas.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
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.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

THREE SENSATIONAL UNDERCARD MATCHUPS HIGHLIGHT ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS SHOWTIME PPV® ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16

ARLINGTON, T.X. – March 17, 2022 – Three sensational matchups have been added to the SHOWTIME PPV lineup headlined 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 on Saturday, April 16 live 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.

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.

“One of the year’s biggest events will feature a deserving pay-per-view undercard lineup loaded with consequential matchups that are primed to deliver drama and action,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz showed against Gervonta Davis that he is a star in the making, and he’ll be looking to display those talents once again against an accomplished opponent in Yuriorkis Gamboa. Plus, another rising star in Jose Valenzuela will step up in competition against former champion Francisco Vargas, while Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez will both bring their high-octane styles into the ring in what shapes up to be a ‘can’t-miss’ showdown to open the loaded SHOWTIME PPV.”

The 23-year-old Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) will return to the ring after dropping a competitive decision against three-division champion Gervonta Davis on SHOWTIME PPV in December. 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. Cruz followed that up in 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matías Romero in March and by defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by decision in June. After making his U.S. debut in December 2019, Cruz went unbeaten in his next four bouts, appearing on SHOWTIME^® three times in addition to beating Magdaleno on the Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring and to fight at AT&T Stadium,” said Cruz. “I love the fans in Texas, they always give me tremendous support. My promoter, Manny Pacquiao, has fought at AT&T Stadium before and won both times. I’m excited to follow in his footsteps against a very accomplished former champion in Gamboa. I’m coming to show the fans why I’m one of the best lightweights in the world and to drive Gamboa into retirement on April 16.”

Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs) is a former unified featherweight champion, holding the IBF and WBA 126-pound titles between 2009 and 2011. A native of Guantanamo, Cuba, he now lives and trains in Miami, Fla. He dropped a showdown against Terence Crawford in a 2014 Fight of the Year, before rebounding to win seven of eight fights. That run included victories over former world champions Jason Sosa and Roman Martinez, putting Gamboa back into world title contention. In his last two fights, Gamboa has dropped contests against current lightweight world champions, losing via 12^th-round TKO to Gervonta Davis in 2019 and by decision against Devin Haney in November 2020.

“I always come to the ring to display my talents and April 16 will be no different,” said Gamboa. “It’s very motivating to be facing a young, strong opponent like Isaac Cruz. I’m going to test him and see if he can stand up to my power. I’m coming to win and make a big statement that I still have what it takes to become champion again.”

The 22-year-old Valenzuela (11-0, 7 KOs) now trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez as he seeks to move from prospect to contender in 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela turned pro in 2018 and rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021. Valenzuela capped off his breakout 2021 in December, dominating Austin Dulay on his way to a TKO in round four.

“It’s a dream come true to be on a high-stakes, stacked card like this,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve admired and studied Spence for a long time, especially because we’re both lefties. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I’m not overlooking or underestimating Francisco Vargas in any way. I’m expecting fireworks. You always get a big fight when two Mexican warriors go head-to-head, so I know the fans are going to be delighted with what they see on April 16.”

Fighting out of Mexico City, Vargas (27-3-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 37-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas later defeated Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories over Ezequiel Aviles in 2019 and Otto Gamez in 2020, prior to dropping a decision against Isaac Cruz in his last fight in June 2021.

“It is an honor to be on such a big card with so many great fighters,” said Vargas. “I’m going to come prepared for this fight and ready to leave the ring with a victory. I know Valenzuela will be trying to make a statement, but I’m coming to do the same. As always, the fans can expect a tremendous fight from start to finish.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (20-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a sensational SHOWTIME debut in December 2021 that saw him beat the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov by unanimous decision. Crowley had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for his last two fights after seven of his first eight pro fights took place in the U.S.

“After my win in December on SHOWTIME, I’m ready to accept the next challenge on my journey to becoming welterweight champion of the world,” said Crowley. “Josesito Lopez is always tough and he brings an exciting style to the table. Unfortunately for him, he will discover what 20 fighters before him have learned, which is that I will not be stopped from achieving my destiny. I want to thank my team for this opportunity to display my skills, heart and relentlessness on this great card at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Lopez (38-8, 21 KOs) earned the nickname “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his go-for-broke style in the ring. He has stepped in across from some of the top boxers in the sport, including champions Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The 37-year-old from Riverside, California is always a tough out in the ring as noted by his narrow majority decision loss to then-champion Keith Thurman in 2019. Since that loss, Lopez has put together back-to-back victories, defeating John Molina, Jr. and Francisco Santana.

“I’m eager and very motivated to step back in the ring and prove myself as one of the best fighters in the world,” said Lopez. “I expect a stiff challenge from Crowley and the fans can expect to see me at my very best. I’m in great shape and ready to put everything on the line. You will definitely want to make sure you don’t miss my fight on April 16.”

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

About AT&T Stadium:

AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS LOADED BOXING SCHEDULE FEATURING MARQUEE MATCHUPS FROM PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS WITH TWO WORLD TITLE UNIFICATIONS, SEVEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS AND THREE WORLD TITLE ELIMINATORS ACROSS FIVE MONTHS

NEW YORK – March 15, 2022 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions today announced nine boxing events across the first half of 2022 featuring some of the sport’s most accomplished and dynamic stars in highly competitive matchups. The lineup pits champions against champions and top contenders against top contenders to form the strongest and most ambitious schedule in the industry.

The robust lineup includes:

Nine marquee events across five months featuring 21 undefeated fighters;
Two world championship unifications bouts, one for all four world title belts and the coveted title of Undisputed Champion, and one for three world title belts;
Seven world championship matches with at least 13 world title belts at stake and three world title eliminators;
All of the top-six ranked super welterweights fighting in a seven-week span;
Several pivotal crossroads fights from super bantamweight to super middleweight with an average of two events per month through July.

The massive schedule features the sport’s biggest stars: Errol Spence, Jr., Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo.

There are also 18 fighters aged 27 years and younger including unified world champion Stephen Fulton, Jr., and highly regarded, undefeated welterweight contender Jaron “Boots” Ennis. With this emphasis on youth and kingmaking, SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions are well positioned to carry the sport into the future.

Led by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc., and four-time Emmy^® Award-winning executive producer David Dinkins, Jr., who guides an all-star cast of commentators and production aces, SHOWTIME^® remains the most tenured and trusted platform in boxing.

Arguably the best active welterweight of this era, the undefeated Spence, already a unified champ, will seek to collect a third world title when he puts his WBC and IBF straps on the line against WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas on Saturday, April 16 in the main event on SHOWTIME PPV^® at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Spence-Ugas is only the 12^th unification match in the history of the welterweight division, joining classic matchups such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. The match is rich with intrigue as Spence attempts to claim supremacy in one of boxing’s deepest divisions, while Ugas, who nearly quit the sport, aims to complete a stunning turnaround after beating eight-division world champion Pacquiao in August.

Boxing superstar and five-time, three-division world champion Tank Davis will headline his fourth straight SHOWTIME PPV event against nemesis Rolando Romero on Saturday, May 28, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, for Davis’ WBA Lightweight World Title. The bout comes on the heels of Davis’ hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision win over Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in which Davis overcame an injury in front of a star-studded, sellout crowd in Los Angeles last December.

WBO 154-pound No. 1-ranked contender Tim Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, who fought many of his most memorable bouts on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, will make his U.S. debut Saturday, March 26 against 2012 U.S. Olympian and top contender Terrell Gausha at The Armory in Minneapolis. The streaking southpaws Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora will engage in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator, for the WBC interim title, in the second of back-to-back, intriguing crossroads matchups in the division on Saturday, April 9 from Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.

Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño once again will seek to become the first undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era and just the third overall undisputed champion today when they meet in a rematch of their 2021 classic on Saturday, May 14 in Los Angeles. Plus, rising welterweight star Ennis, possiblythe most talented boxer yet to win a world title, returns as the co-feature against Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Former two-time world champion Benavidez returns to action on Saturday, May 21 against knockout artist David Lemieux at 168 pounds in Phoenix, Ariz., in a bout between two of the sport’s biggest punchers.

Fulton, in his first bout since his title unification win in the 122-pound division against Brandon Figueroa, will defend his titles on Saturday, June 4 in Minneapolis, against former unified world champion Danny Roman in another can’t miss matchup.

Jermall Charlo will defend his WBC Middleweight World Championship for the fifth time on Saturday, June 18, when he faces former world title challenger, WBC No. 6-ranked Maciej Sulecki on the Juneteenth holiday weekend in Houston.

On Saturday, July 9, in San Antonio, Texas, newly minted WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark Magsayo will make his first title defense since dethroning Gary Russell Jr., on SHOWTIME against unbeaten mandatory challenger and former super bantamweight titleholder Rey Vargas.

Additional high-stakes matches will be announced as individual fight cards fill out.

“It’s a good time to be a boxing fan and SHOWTIME viewer with so many high-level, consequential matchups on our schedule,” said Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “We continue to grow the sport at every level, from our grassroots series SHOBOX to crowning unified and undisputed champions across boxing’s deepest divisions. When you consider the competitive nature of these fights, the star power of fighters like Errol Spence, Jr., ‘Tank’ Davis, David Benavidez, the Charlo brothers—and the youthful vitality of Stephen Fulton, Jr., Jaron Ennis and Brandun Lee—it’s never been clearer that SHOWTIME is the destination for the most compelling fights and will be for years to come. This SHOWTIME Boxing lineup is hands down the most potent of any network or platform in 2022.”

The SHOWTIME Sports boxing schedule features seven editions of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® and two significant SHOWTIME PPV events, all presented by Premier Boxing Champions:

· March 26 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

The Armory, Minneapolis, Minn.

Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha, Super Welterweight Bout
Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, Lightweight Bout
Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, Super Lightweight (142 LBS) Bout

· April 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

The Theatre at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas

Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora, WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title
Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, Super Welterweight Bout
Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, Super Welterweight Bout

· April 16 – SHOWTIME PPV

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas, WBC, WBA & IBF Welterweight World Championship Unification

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (preceding PPV):

Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, WBA Welterweight Title Bout
Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, Super Lightweight Bout

· May 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Los Angeles

Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño II, Undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Super Welterweight World Championship Unification
Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, IBF Welterweight Eliminator

· May 21 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Phoenix

David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux, Super Middleweight Bout
Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, Super Welterweight Bout

· May 28 – SHOWTIME PPV

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero, WBA Lightweight World Championship

· June 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Minneapolis

Stephen Fulton, Jr. vs. Danny Roman, WBO & WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship
David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, WBA Super Middleweight World Title

· June 18 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Houston

Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki, WBC Middleweight World Championship

· July 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

San Antonio

Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas, WBC Featherweight World Championship

For more information and future fight announcements visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ARLINGTON, TX. – March 2, 2022 – WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas faced off for the first time Wednesday at a press conference to discuss their 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.

Spence vs. Ugas will be just the 12^th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division and will see Spence fighting in front of his hometown crowd looking to add a third welterweight title and boost his standing as the world’s top welterweight. Fresh off of an upset victory over legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, Ugas will seek another upset victory as he hopes to continue his remarkable run through the division that has seen him win 12 of his last 13 fights since 2016.

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 press conference participants, which included Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones, had to say Wednesday from AT&T Stadium:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I can guarantee fireworks on April 16. Ugas is going to give it his all, just like I will. I’m going to put on another great performance in front of my hometown crowd. It’s ‘Man Down’ and it’s ‘Strap Season’. I’m the guy everyone is talking about. The motivation I get from my family and friends allows me to push through everything I’ve gone through.

“I want to thank Jerry Jones and the Cowboys for bringing me back and realizing my skills and my potential. We’re going to sell this stadium out and make this a great night. I’m going to put on a great show in front of my fans, my family and the whole Cowboys organization.

“I also have to thank Ugas for agreeing to take this fight with me. He’s a tough competitor who comes to fight. I thought he beat Shawn Porter in 2019 and then he beat Pacquiao with an arm injury. He’s a great warrior, but I believe that it’s my time to show the world that I’m here to win another belt.

“At the end of the day, I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. This is another step toward that goal. I’ve been the shot caller. I’m the big fish at 147.”

“My eye has been good. Sparring has been great and I’ve been looking good. I’ve taken some hits and my eye feels great. I haven’t been in the ring in a year and a half, but I’ve been focused and in the gym training every day.

“I feel very sharp right now. My last couple of fights I was really only able to train for about two months. But I’ve been in the gym for the last six months getting ready for this.

“I started my career on SHOWTIME. I had my pro debut and won my first world title on SHOWTIME. This is a reunion of sorts and I’m excited to be back.

“This is going to be a great fight. Ugas always comes to compete. With all respect to Pacquiao, I’m a way different fighter than Pacquiao and at this point I’m a better fighter. Ugas is a real warrior, but I’m hungry too. I’m not letting this opportunity pass by me.

“I’ve been feeling strong. My nutritionist that I added for this camp has been the missing ingredient. I was struggling to make weight and I think that’s the reason that I haven’t gotten a stoppage in my last few fights. This is the first camp in a while that I haven’t put the sauna suit on. It’s been a breath of fresh air. I’m really having fun in this training camp.

“It feels good to be back. It’s a blessing to be in this position. Most people take life for granted until they’re given a second chance, and I’ve been given a second chance in life and a third chance in boxing.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m so excited for this fight. I have nothing but respect for Errol Spence Jr., for his team and his trainer. What you are going to see on April 16 is two of the three best welterweights in the world face-to-face and ready to give a great show for the fans. This is not just going to be a fight between two of the best welterweights in the world, but a fight between two of the best trainers in the world too. They are going to go head-to-head and show their prowess as well.

“I’ve fought since I was six-years-old. I have overcome any and all challenges. I was ready for Pacquiao and I’m going to be ready for Spence. Like I said before, I’m so excited for this fight to be able to show people what I’m worth. I can promise you that I’m going to be ready on April 16 to show what I’m worth.

“I’m a warrior. I’m someone who is committed to his family, to his community, to his team. I’m going to give the fans more than 100 percent of what I can give and I can promise you it’s going to be something you don’t want to miss.

“I not only accepted this fight, I pushed for this fight. Because I want to fight the best. Here we are, two of the best welterweights in the world. I want the biggest challenges. I’m here and I’m ready to prove that everything I’ve done so far wasn’t a fluke at all.

“You know how long I’ve been calling for this fight and how long I’ve wanted this fight? Four years. I have wanted this for so long. Spence is one of the best in the world and I’m so glad that I get to face him like I’ve wanted for the past four years.

“Whoever wins this fight is going to be the king of this division and the one that calls the shots from now on.

“I’ve been waiting for the best Spence to reappear for two years now. I was well aware that he had to overcome a terrible accident. After that, the surgery on his eye was nothing. I knew he could overcome that.

“It’s been a long, hard road. I had to go through a lot to get to where I am today. The Pacquiao fight helped me get to where I am today but make no mistake, I made it here because of my hard work, my resilience and my skills. I’m ready to prove that once again at the AT&T Stadium.”

JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager

“I flew in here today from Indianapolis because our coaches and scouts are up there to look at the best players coming from college at the NFL Combine. The kinds of characteristics that we’re looking for in those players, are the kinds of things that everyone can see in the two fighters that I’m standing between today.

“It is a pleasure to be here this morning standing between these two great fighters. These men have proven beyond any doubt how much they will compete and how much they will fight to reach their goals. After meeting them and watching them, it doesn’t take me long to understand why they fight.

“We’re so proud of Errol, who’s from right here in Desoto. He brings the crowd with him every time he competes. In addition, the Cowboys also have a fantastic Mexican fanbase who love this sport. That gives me all the reasons in the world to be here today and all the reasons for the Cowboys to host this fight. These fighters have earned this right to be declared a champion and everyone is going to know what’s at stake in that ring on April 16.

“In boxing, you don’t have to worry about a center or a guard or a quarterback letting you down, because you can only rely on yourself in the ring. To me, that’s what’s so wonderful about the sport. You don’t have to use your imagination to talk about what’s at stake in this fight and I believe that April 16 will be on par with the other great fights we’ve had here.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Fighters get better when they fight great opponents. You’re going to see the best of Errol Spence Jr. on April 16, because Ugas is going to bring it out of him.

“Errol is looking phenomenal in the gym and he’s only getting better. We’re really looking forward to the challenge that Ugas is going to present.

“Yordenis Ugas deserves this fight. He’s proven it from his journey defecting to the U.S., to him coming back to the sport as a late replacement opponent and then fighting all the way back to become champion. The night he fought Pacquiao, I told Ugas that the stage was set for him and that he should go make the best of it. That’s exactly what he did and now we’re here.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugas’ Trainer

“It’s been a long time, over six years, of hard work with Yordenis Ugas. Finally, we get what we’ve been working for. This is the top fight in the welterweight division.

We respect Errol Spence for his achievements, but remember that Yordenis Ugas always comes in as the underdog. And I love to be the underdog as well.

“On April 16, we will make a statement because Ugas deserves to get what he’s been working for. This will be a historic night, and history will be made by Yordenis Ugas.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME Sports^®

“The welterweight division has always been boxing’s glamour division. Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather. This is a three-belt unification fight and exactly the kind of fight that SHOWTIME has become known for. The best against the best. The most competitive matchups.

“Putting aside the quality of this matchup and the importance of this fight, this Spence vs. Ugas features two of boxing’s best ambassadors. These are two elite athletes who represent the best of the sport through their sportsmanship, their integrity and their respect. It’s often said that boxing is a metaphor for life. We’re all fighting for something, personally or professionally. We all have our battles. But that’s not a metaphor for these two men. They have each battled almost unimaginable adversity inside and outside the ring and the way they’ve done so is a credit to boxing.

“Errol Spence Jr. has fought on SHOWTIME seven times. We’re proud that some of his most important fights have been on SHOWTIME. His pro debut in 2012, his first title victory in 2017 against Kell Brook in Sheffield, the first time he fought at a Dallas Cowboys venue against Carlos Ocampo in 2018. Today, Errol is the best fighter in the welterweight division and one of the best two or three fighters in the world.

“Yordenis Ugas became known as a fighter who takes tough fights on short notice and doesn’t often get the benefit of the doubt. But all that changed last August when Yordenis got the call to fight Manny Pacquiao on ten days’ notice. This time there was no hard luck. This time, Ugas put it all together, coming out with a decisive win over the legendary future Hall of Famer. Today, Yordenis is a lot of things. A world champion. A father to a son with autism. A role model and a champion to the people of Cuba. An accomplished world champion with humility born out of experience and adversity. A father, a role model and an elite boxer. That is Yordenis Ugas. That is Errol Spence. Now, these two athletes are on the doorstep of history.

“SHOWTIME is without a doubt the industry leader in the sport of boxing. We’ve been the home of bigtime boxing for 35 years – longer than anyone else in the sport. The biggest stars, the best matchups, the most memorable fights – they’ve been on SHOWTIME. Hagler and Hearns, Tyson-Holyfield, Chavez, Canelo and Mayweather, they’ve all made their names on SHOWTIME. We couldn’t be more excited to be the broadcaster for this event. We promise to deliver the type of unparalleled world-class production that SHOWTIME is known for and that this world-class event and venue deserves.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is one of the most intriguing fights of the year and a fight that will determine who is the best welterweight in the world.

“It is a privilege to be here at the home of the best professional franchise in sports. The saying here is that ‘everything is bigger in Texas’ and that certainly applies to this fight. The Jones family and the Cowboys have a rich tradition of bringing the biggest fights to Texas. When Errol fought in Frisco, Texas I immediately talked with Jerry about bringing Errol here to AT&T Stadium. Jerry told me that you have to bring me something worthy of this stadium and I believe we’ve done that with each fight we’ve brought here.

“This is an absolute mega fight. This is a sensational matchup in boxing’s hottest division, with two world champions squaring off to unify titles.”

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About AT&T Stadium:

WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ERROL SPENCE JR. AND YORDENIS UGAS CLASH IN UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16 LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV® FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

ARLINGTON, TX. – March 2, 2022 – WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas will 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. Spence vs. Ugas is just the 12^th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, joining other classic matchups such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.

One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, Spence looks 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. Cuba’s Ugas has torn through the welterweight division since 2016, winning 12 of his last 13 fights, including most recently securing his WBA championship with a unanimous decision victory over legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in August.

“Errol Spence vs. Yordenis Ugas is a fight that will once again show the world how passionate boxing fans are in North Texas,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to host big time events like this one, and we’re grateful to join with SHOWTIME, TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions for this incredible showdown on April 16.“

“SHOWTIME Sports^® is proud to present one of the biggest events of 2022 and stylistically a can’t-miss matchup,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “The history of the welterweight division is chock-full of legendary fights but precious few title unifications. Much credit should be given to Errol Spence Jr. and Yordenis Ugas for embracing this challenge and putting their titles on the line. But it’s not surprising. Spence is the best welterweight in boxing. There’s no debate when you consider his performances over the past several years. That being said, Yordenis Ugas is coming off the biggest win of his career. His confidence is sky high and he has the skills to back it up. If you had to pick a winner, it would be the fans.”

“The star-studded welterweight division will add yet another chapter to its dramatic history of memorable matchups when Errol Spence Jr. and Yordenis Ugas go toe-to-toe for a highly-anticipated unification showdown on Saturday, April 16,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Spence has proven himself as one of the sport’s elite fighters and will have another opportunity to make history in front of his hometown fans, who have come out in droves for his last two fights at AT&T Stadium. This could be the toughest test of his career, as Yordenis Ugas enters this bout highly-confident in his ability after he stepped in to defeat Manny Pacquiao last summer.”

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.

Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) returns to the ring after he was forced to pull out of a summer showdown against Pacquiao due to an eye injury that he has since recovered from. The 31-year-old was launched into stardom when he first captured a welterweight crown by traveling to the U.K. to stop Kell Brook in front of Brook’s hometown fans in 2017 on SHOWTIME. Following triumphs over Lamont Peterson and Carlos Ocampo, Spence added the WBC 147-pound belt to his collection by dropping Shawn Porter on his way to a unanimous decision victory in one of 2019’s best matchups.

Fighting out of his native Desoto, Texas, Spence has twice competed at AT&T Stadium, the home of his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He has earned unanimous decision victories at the venue in March 2019 over four-division champion Mikey Garcia, and in December 2020 against two-division champion Danny Garcia. Spence represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics before turning pro later that year and scoring knockouts in 10 of his first 12 fights, showing the promise that he would eventually fulfill on the biggest stages of the sport.

“There’s nothing better than fighting in front of my hometown fans at AT&T Stadium,” said Spence. “This is the perfect stage for me to fight for a third welterweight world title and unify the championships. I’m healthy and ready to go. Yordenis Ugas has proven to be a tough champion and I know he will bring his very best. It’s a high-stakes fight on a big stage and that always brings out the best in me. The fans should expect fireworks at AT&T Stadium and on SHOWTIME PPV on April 16.’’

Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) has established himself as an elite welterweight since returning from a layoff in 2016 and elevating himself to world champion in January 2021 after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos in September 2020. He solidified his world-championship status last August, when he stepped in for an injured Spence to defeat Pacquiao by unanimous decision.

Hailing from Santiago, Cuba and now living in Miami, Florida, Ugas was on an eight-fight winning streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in his first world title fight in March 2019, having been edged out on the scorecards after what appeared to be a 12^th-round knockdown in his favor was ruled a slip by the referee. The Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas with renowned coach Ismael Salas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“It’s a tremendous blessing to be in another big pay-per-view fight, especially against a great champion and top pound-for-pound fighter like Errol Spence Jr.,” said Ugas. “These are the types of fights that fans deserve. We both have plenty of time to prepare for each other, which means we are primed and ready to give the fans a show. I have a great trainer in Ismael Salas, who will have me prepared for battle. On fight night everyone will see a man at his best both physically and mentally. I’m pleased to have a hard-working team behind me and I’m thankful for this opportunity. On April 16 the energy in AT&T Stadium will be amazing.”

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About AT&T Stadium:

LIVE VIDEO: Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas: Press Conference | SHOWTIME PPV

Errol Spence Jr. Signs to Team Everlast

New York, NY – MARCH 1, 2022 – Everlast Worldwide the premier boxing and combat sports equipment manufacturer and perennial Choice of Champions, welcomes WBC & IBF Welterweight World Champion, Errol Spence Jr., officially back to Team Everlast.

Spence began his unbeaten world champion campaign in 2017 when he dropped and eventually stopped Kell Brook to win the IBF welterweight title after 11 rounds. In 2019, Errol picked up his second title when he defeated Shawn Porter for the WBC belt and unified status in what was arguably the fight of the year.

“Team Everlast has always been about adding the world’s most elite athletes. Errol is a rare talent who truly embodies the values of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity we covet here at Everlast. We are honored to have him officially back as part of the Team Everlast family,” said Chris Zoller, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Everlast.

Errol has been with Team Everlast since 2018 and Everlast has been a necessary part of his training even since his amateur and Olympic days.

“I am happy to continue my career representing the Everlast brand. They have truly made me feel a part of the Everlast family. I appreciate their loyalty and patience over the years,” said Errol Spence Jr.

In signing a long-term partnership with the premier fight sports and fitness brand, Errol will train and fight exclusively in his favorite Everlast fight sports equipment and wear the new Greatness sportswear range. Battle-tested in one of the toughest athletic environments, Everlast products have been crafted over a hundred years to empower you on the road to greatness.

Adrian Clark, who has been integral in bringing Errol to Team Everlast says, “Errol becoming the face of Everlast is legendary. Both Everlast & Errol share a passion for being of service to different communities. We have some really cool things planned for the future.”

Errol becomes the latest to join Everlast’s existing stable of elite athletes, which includes champions like Deontay Wilder, Dustin Poirier, Josh Taylor and more. Together, the #TeamEverlast fighters seek to inspire the fight in us all on the journey to greatness.

To keep updated on Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr. and other #TeamEverlast fighters, head to: www.everlast.com/pro-team.

TICKETS GO ON SALE TOMORROW TO GENERAL PUBLIC FOR ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS WELTERWEIGHT TITLE UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16 FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

ARLINGTON, TX. (February 10, 2022) – Tickets for the general public go on-sale tomorrow for the welterweight title unification showdown between unbeaten WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas taking place Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale tomorrow, Friday, February 11 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

Spence-Ugas pits two of the best welterweight champions in the sport in a high-stakes unification match. Both men are coming off impressive victories over elite welterweights at the top class of the division. Spence defeated former champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter in his last two fights, while Ugas scored a thrilling upset victory over future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceUgas, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions.

About AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venue in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year-round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 92 works of art by 62 established and emerging artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2015 inaugural College Football Playoff Championship Game, the 2015 50th Anniversary Academy of Country Music Awards show and WrestleMania 32. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches and other special events. For more information, go to attstadium.com.

WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ERROL SPENCE JR. AND YORDENIS UGAS SET TO MEET IN UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16

ARLINGTON, TX. (February 8, 2022) – Unbeaten WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas will square off in a welterweight championship unification showdown on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Presale for tickets begins today at 12 p.m. CT through SeatGeek.com, using the code BOXING. Tickets for the live event go on sale to the public this Friday, February 11 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceUgas, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions.

MANNY PACQUIAO MAKES A RIGHT-HAND TURN IN TRAINING TO PREPARE FOR YORDENIS UGÁS

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (August 11, 2021) – On less than 24 hours’ notice, eight-division champion, and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and his Hall of Fame trainer world-famous Freddie Roach converted their training camp, which for the past six weeks had been geared toward preparing for southpaw Errol Spence, the undefeated unified WBC/IBF welterweight champion, to new opponent WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugás, who fights out of an orthodox stance. On Tuesday, Spence was forced to withdraw from his August 21 blockbuster FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdown with Manny due to a retinal tear in his left eye. Ugás, who was preparing to make his first title defense against Fabian Maidana in the co-feature of the Pacquiao-Spence card, stepped up to replace Spence and will defend his title against Pacquiao, the previous owner of the same title.

After six weeks of sparring and strategizing in preparation for fighting a lefty, Manny sparred eight rounds with three right-handed fighters on Tuesday. Was it hard to adjust?

“I am a politician. I am used to dealing with changing stances,” said a grinning Manny after a workout that lasted close to three hours. “For the first thirty seconds things looked a little odd in sparring, but I adjusted quickly, and it was business as usual. Naturally I am disappointed in the situation but thank God the tear in Errol’s retina was discovered before it could be damaged further. I join his family, friends, and fans and pray that he has a full and complete recovery.

“As for Ugás, I am happy that he stepped up to replace Errol Spence. Ugás is a champion with a strong Cuban boxing background. This is a big fight, and we will give the fans an exciting show. He was given my title belt earlier in the year but now we get to fight for it inside the ring. That is the proper way to become a world champion.”

For Freddie, this situation is a first.

“Training camp injuries are part of the territory in boxing, though you hate to see a severe injury like the one Errol suffered happen,” said Freddie. “In the twenty years Manny and I have worked together, he has never had an injury that postponed or canceled a fight. That is amazing and a testament to Manny’s skills and conditioning. I have had to deal with opponent changes before but never this close to a fight. We still have two more sparring sessions remaining and though I am concerned, I’m not too concerned. Manny adjusts to any situation. He looked great in sparring on Tuesday.

“I had Ugás winning his fight with Shawn Porter. Ugás goes for the kill right away. He likes to go for the home run when he throws his punches. He would rather win a fight by knockout than on points. There will be a lot of fireworks in this one. It’s a fight, that’s for sure and the fact that Manny had the world title belt he earned by beating Keith Thurman given to Ugás without any warning or due process has given Manny a big incentive to really perform on August 21. I think he’s really pissed at this guy!”

Manny, (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade and three-time Fighter of the Year. Manny goes mano a mano with the man who was given his world championship belt, Ugás (26-4, 21 KOs), an Olympic Bronze medalist and native of Santiago, Cuba who now resides in Miami, Florida. The Pacquiao-Ugás world championship event, which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View, Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions. The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. RT / 6 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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

Unified Welterweight Champion Errol Spence, Jr. Sidelined from Highly Anticipated Showdown with Eight-Division Champion Manny Pacquiao Due to Eye Injury – WBA Welterweight Champion Yordenis Ugas to Replace Spence Against Pacquiao on Saturday, Aug. 21

LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2021) – Unified Welterweight Champion Errol Spence, Jr. was forced to withdraw from his blockbuster FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdown with eight-division and former welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas due to a retinal tear in his left eye.

WBA Welterweight Champion Yordenis Ugas will step up to replace Spence and will defend his title against Pacquiao, who won that title when he defeated Keith Thurman in his last fight July 2019. Ugas was preparing to make his first title defense against Fabian Maidana in the co-feature of the Spence-Pacquiao card. Being elevated to the main event against boxing legend Pacquiao means Ugas will get a career-defining fight sooner rather than later.

Spence discovered that he had a torn retina during a pre-fight medical examination by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in Las Vegas on Monday. He flew back home to Dallas, Texas on Tuesday and will have surgery to repair the tear on Wednesday. Spence is expected to make a full recovery and return to the ring.

“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21,’’ Spence said. “I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition. I’d like to apologize to everyone. You know I’ll be back as soon back soon. We’ve come back from worse.’’

“First and foremost, I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr.,’’ Pacquiao said. “Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage. I have agreed to fight Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for the WBA welterweight super championship. The proper way and the only way to win a world title is inside the ring.”

“It’s an unfortunate turn of events that Errol has a retinal tear and subsequent surgery has prevented him from participating in this big pay-per-view event. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the ring,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We’re excited that Manny has agreed to move forward and Ugas has stepped up to defend his title against the man who once held the title. Ugas was in the co-feature and had been preparing to fight on this date, so he’s ready. It’s a major challenge, because now he has to make his first title defense against a boxing legend in a career-defining fight.’’

The 35-year-old Ugás (26-4, 12 KOs) has established himself as an elite welterweight since returning from a layoff in 2016 and was elevated to world champion in January after winning a WBA Championship belt by defeating Abel Ramos last September. Ugás, who is from Santiago, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, was on an eight-fight winning streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in a world title fight in March 2019. The Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“It’s an honor to fight the great multiple division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge,’’ Ugas said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight. I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas and I know together we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to the ring. I wish Errol Spence Jr. a speedy recovery and I want to ensure the fans that I will be at my best for this fight.”

“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion, and now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory, as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves. I love my country and I want to dedicate this fight to all the men and women who are fighting for freedom.’’

Freddie Roach: “Manny Isn’t Traiing This Hard to Say Goodbye. It’s To Prove He’s Still Here!”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (August 9, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has no use for a rearview mirror, at least when it comes to his illustrious boxing career, so says his Hall of Fame trainer of 20 years, world-famous Freddie Roach. Today, amazin’ Manny, 42, begins his final week of training camp, at Hollywood, California-based Wild Card Boxing Club, for his August 21 challenge of undefeated unified WBC/IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. Spence, who is 11 years younger and over four inches taller than Manny, is, arguably, Manny’s biggest fight, in a boxing lifetime made up of big boxing events and spectacular victories. Manny enters this battle riding a historic string of welterweight title victories over Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Keith Thurman, which resulted in Manny, at age 40, becoming the oldest man to win a welterweight world championship belt. Manny’s last three opponents boasted a combined record of 101-7-1 (82 KOs) — a winning percentage of 93% with a victory by knockout ratio of 81% — when Manny defeated them. One of boxing’s most beloved warriors, Manny has held a world title in every decade, going back to the nineties.

“Manny doesn’t need to play his golden oldies. He is still producing new hits,” said Freddie. “He hasn’t cut one corner in training camp. Not one. He runs up the hills in Griffith Park straight to the Hollywood sign. He crunches thousands of sit-ups daily. He spars three days each week and hits every bag on the gym floor with bad intentions every day. He is still the hardest worker I have ever trained and an eager student. He wants this one more than anything. Manny isn’t training this hard to say goodbye. It’s to prove he’s still here. Philippine politics might influence when Manny hangs up his gloves. Maybe this is Manny’s last fight. But this summer, he has been training for his greatest victory, and for Manny, that is saying something. It’s the stuff that greatness is made of.”

Manny, (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade and three-time Fighter of the Year. He faces his biggest professional boxing challenge when he goes mano a mano with Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), from DeSoto, Texas. The Pacquiao-Spence world championship event, which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View, Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions. The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. RT / 6 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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YORDENIS UGÁS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LAS VEGAS (August 6, 2021) – WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás shared his feelings on being “the most avoided fighter in the division” as he previewed his upcoming showdown against Argentina’s Fabian Maidana which serves the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View co-main event on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Ugás makes his first world title defense leading up to the highly-anticipated main event between eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. The Olympic bronze medalist from Cuba added his name to the current crop of welterweight world champions when his WBA title was elevated following a victory over Abel Ramos in 2020.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Here is what Ugas had to say about the welterweight division, training camp in Las Vegas, Maidana and more:

On his upcoming matchup with Fabian Maidana:

“Fabian Maidana is a really good fighter who I have been aware of for a while. It is very obvious to fight fans that I’m the most avoided fighter in the division, so I want to thank Maidana for taking this fight. A lot of the big-name fighters don’t want to give me a chance. I still have a lot to prove and fans will see the desire in me when I step in the ring with Maidana.”

On his recent training camp with coach Ismael Salas:

“Training in Las Vegas with Ismael Salas is something I cherish, because Salas and I are so close. We have great chemistry, and the gym has a family atmosphere. We have a lot of high-level amateurs, Olympians, and really good pros in the gym, and that takes training camp to the next level. I had the perfect sparring for this camp and am ready to fight.”

On defending his WBA world title:

“As everyone knows, I want to defend my WBA world title against any-and-all challengers, but it seems not many of the top fighters are willing to fight me, even though I have a world title. I take pride in being a world champion, and tremendous respect for the WBA. I will fight anyone they mandate as my number one contender. I am the boogeyman of the division and have to be a world champion to get fighters to fight me, and even then, I still can’t get the big fights. So, I take a lot of pride in defending my belt.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A win puts me that much closer to getting the winner of Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr., a rematch with Shawn Porter, a fight with Terence Crawford, or a bout with Keith Thurman. These are the fighters I hope I get to face in the future as I am looking to secure a legacy with my career, and I want to prove that I am the best welterweight in all of boxing.”

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. SPENCE JR.
Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr. will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao face unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in the blockbuster FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás squaring off against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, while former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a 10-round attraction.

MANNY PACQUIAO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (August 4, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao held a media workout that streamed live on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube channel Wednesday, as he prepares to take on unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The replay of the live streaming workout can be watched in its entirety HERE. Already a legend in the sport, Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win on August 21 to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Here is what Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez had to say Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I’m expecting a good fight. Spence is an aggressive fighter and I know that we can create a lot of action in the ring for all of the fans watching. I have lots of advantages in this fight. My speed and power, along with my strategy and experience, are all advantages for me.

“I never imagined being at this point now, when I started my career. Especially to be here now and still fighting the best. It’s truly a gift that I’ve received.

“It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring and it was good for me to have that rest. It helped my body and my mind a lot. This time around, I’m as excited as ever and feeling like I’m young again.

“I could have fought several easy opponents. I picked the best opponent because I want to add more to my legacy and accomplishments. I have to prove that I’m not done yet.

“We have a strategy that we know how to use against a southpaw. He wants to fight toe-to-toe and that’s going to be to my advantage. We’re prepared for anything. If he wants to use his reach advantage instead, we are ready.

“My family is so supportive of me, because they know that I want to fight and bring honor to my country. At the same time, I’m also here to show for myself that I can still do it at 42-years-old.

“This could be my last fight, or there could be more. Like I’ve always said, it’s one at a time. After the fight, I’ll talk about the plan and see if there’s another fight coming.

“I’m happy to have been doing this for so long with the same coaching staff. I know that they’re happy with my preparations for this fight. The fire in training is still there. It’s the same as it’s been these last 15 years.

“I know my career will not last forever, that’s why I’m starting to help the young fighters in this sport who want to follow in my footsteps. It’s very important to me at this point in my career.”

FREDDIE ROACH

“We took this fight because we think that Errol Spence Jr. is one of the best fighters out there. I’ve talked with Manny throughout the years and he’s always said that he wants to be the best at what he does. There’s no sense in getting in there with some popular fighter who’s no good. We want to fight the best. I congratulated Many when he chose to fight Errol.

“Being out of the ring for a little while can go either way with someone like Manny. The thing is, he’s working out all the time. He shows me everything that he’s up to when he’s in the Philippines and I just give him little adjustments. When he shows up here, he’s ready to go.

“He had probably his best sparring yesterday, we went ten rounds and he got two knockdowns. It was the old Manny Pacquiao from 10 years ago. He’s not as big of a puncher usually at welterweight, but those knockdowns yesterday were a great boost for him.

“Spence is a good boxer, but he’s a very good puncher. We know that when we get inside, we have to be smart getting back outside. It has to be quick combinations and then out right away.

“I told Manny that knocking down Keith Thurman early gave him a lot of momentum in that fight and I’d like to see that again in this fight. He knows that he has to use his speed to do that. He understands completely what I want.

“Manny Pacquiao has always loved to fight southpaws. He understands how they work and what they want to do. That’s really one of the big reasons we took this fight.

“I think Manny is going to out box Spence. His footspeed is unbelievable and much better than his opponent’s. Spence follows you around and is heavy on his feet. He seems very set to the ground. Manny’s speed will overwhelm him. I’m really happy with the game plan so far.”

BUBOY FERNANDEZ

“I was very excited when I heard about this fight because Errol Spence Jr. is a great fighter. I was only surprised because Manny hasn’t fought in two years. But I knew right away that this is going to be an exciting fight.

“Obviously there is a different Manny because of his age, but his mind is always on the sport. Before we arrived in the United States, we had already been sparring and training in the Philippines.

“The team has been very happy with Manny’s performance in camp. The conditioning is going perfectly and we just need to continue. This is going to be 100% Manny Pacquiao on August 21.

“I can’t decide if this is going to be Manny’s last fight. Only he can decide if he wants to continue his legacy or not. If it were up to me, I’d want him to fight one more time in the Philippines for his people. It’s all up to Manny though.

“I have respect for Errol Spence Jr. He’s a good fighter and a world champion. We know we can’t underestimate him. He’s an intelligent fighter, so we know Manny has to be 100%. I think this is going to end up being a great toe-to-toe fight.”

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. SPENCE JR.
Pacquiao vs. Spence will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao face unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in the blockbuster FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

LIVE VIDEO: Manny Pacquiao Media Workout | #PacquiaoSpence

THREE EXCITING SHOWDOWNS ADDED TO PACQUIAO VS. SPENCE FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW LINEUP!

LAS VEGAS (August 3, 2021) – Three exciting matchups have been added to the stacked FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard headlined by eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao facing unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás will square off against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, while former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a 10-round attraction.

“This is a fantastic pay-per-view undercard that is worthy of the highly-anticipated main event between Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr.,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Yordenis Ugás has established himself as an elite fighter in the star-studded welterweight division, and he will have to make sure he comes at his best for the always tough Argentine, Fabián Maidana. Robert Guerrero vs. Víctor Ortiz is a real treat for boxing fans as two of the sport’s most exciting veterans will battle looking to prove themselves ready for one more run at the world title. And in the opening bout, the extremely promising featherweight contender Mark Magsayo of the Philippines will be up against his stiffest test to date in the former champion Julio Ceja.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

The 35-year-old Ugás (26-4, 12 KOs) has established himself as an elite welterweight since returning from a layoff in 2016, and was elevated to world champion in January after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos last September. Ugás, who is from Santiago, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, was on an eight-fight winning streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in a world title fight in March 2019. The Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“Everyone knows I’m a warrior and will fight anyone on any given day, so when they presented me with this fight against Fabián Maidana, I accepted with no hesitation,” said Ugás. “I’ll be defending my WBA title and the world will see why I am must-see T.V. This will be one of the best FOX Sports PBC pay-per-view events in recent history with some of the biggest names in boxing, all fighters who are known for leaving it all in the ring. I know one thing for sure, I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions on August 21. I also want to dedicate this fight to all the brave men, women and children who are fighting for their freedom in Cuba. Patria y Vida!”

Born in Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana (18-1, 13 KOs) will look to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, former two division champion Marcos Maidana, and become the latest Argentine world champion on August 21. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights, capping off that run with a knockout of Andrey Klimov in July 2018. Since dropping a January 2019 decision to Jaider Parra, Maidana has bounced back with a knockout of Ramses Agaton in September 2019 and a 10-round decision victory over Carlos Cordoba in April of this year.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for all my life,” said Maidana. “I’m thrilled to be part of such a huge fight card. I’m a man of few words, so all I can tell you is that Ugas is a great fighter but you guys will see the ‘TNT’ I have in each hand exploding on Ugas’ face on August 21.”

Guerrero (36-6-1, 20 KOs) is a three-time world champion who has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, during a superb career. The Gilroy, California native returned from a 2017 defeat to Omar Figueroa Jr. to win his last three contests. After stopping Adam Mates in December 2018 and Hevinson Herrera in March 2019, Guerrero most recently won a unanimous decision over Gerald Thomas in September 2019.

“It’s great to be back in the ring, especially on a big card like Pacquiao vs. Spence,” said Guerrero. “It was an honor to kick off the first PBC fight on network television and here I am once again, ready to put on a spectacular show for the fans. Víctor Ortiz and I were always on a collision course to fight, and now it’s finally happening. One thing I know for sure, we are going to throw blows and the fans are going to see an all-out war. My time out of the ring has only fueled my desire to give the fans a great fight. Everyone should order this pay-per-view and get their popcorn ready, because it’s going to be fireworks from top to bottom.”

Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs), a former 147-pound champion, will return to the ring for the first time since a February 2018 draw against two-division champion Devon Alexander. The 34-year-old native of Garden City, Kansas, who now lives in Ventura, California, has faced some of the top names in the 147-pound division during his career. Ortiz won the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto in April 2011, before losing the title to Floyd Mayweather.

“I am thrilled to be back in the ring on this Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr. pay-per-view undercard August 21,” said Ortiz. “Robert Guerrero is a legend who I’ve always admired. I look forward to competing against him and giving fans the toe-to-toe battle they’re expecting. I’ve had a great camp and I’m so excited to be part of this enormous event. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I’m ready to make history again!”

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (22-0, 15 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently knocked out Pablo Cruz in four rounds in April 2021, following his U.S. televised debut in October 2020 that saw him defeat Rigoberto Hermosillo on FS1. The 26-year-old fights in the U.S. for the fifth time overall on August 21 and against his toughest competition to date in the former champion Ceja. Magsayo owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Jose Robles Olvera, and a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“This is going to be a very good matchup against a world class fighter in Ceja,” said Magsayo. “I have been waiting for a chance like this and I am thankful to my whole team for this opportunity. It’s a dream come true to be on the undercard of my number one idol, Senator Manny Pacquiao. On August 21, I’m going to show people what I can do. This is going to be a classic Philippines vs. Mexico war.”

A former super bantamweight champion, Ceja (32-4-1, 28 KOs) will move up to featherweight as he seeks an opportunity to capture a championship in a second division. Ceja’s 2019 saw him engage in two action-packed battles, dropping a June contest to former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and most recently fighting unbeaten super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa to a draw in November. The 28-year-old captured his 122-pound title with a stoppage of Hugo Ruiz in 2015, and has also challenged for a bantamweight title throughout his career.

“I’m back and I’m more than ready to return to the ring,” said Ceja. “A Mexican vs. a Filipino is always guaranteed to be an exciting bout. I have even more motivation than ever being on a card headlined by Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.. This fight is going to get me back into contending for a championship where I belong.”

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The Odds Couple: Will Pacquiao go from sportsbook underdog to favorite vs. Spence?

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (July 26, 2021) — While the stock market continues to soar, the value on betting that eight-division champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will upset undefeated unified WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. is plummeting. Three weeks into his U.S. training camp with world-famous Freddie Roach at the Hollywood, California-based Wild Card Boxing Club, insider information seems to have leaked out on Manny’s conditioning and training camp performance. The numbers don’t lie. Spence, 11 years younger and four inches taller than Manny, opened as a massive 4:1 favorite with BetMGM to retain his belts. Since last week, the money has been pouring in on amazin’ Manny, who is now only a 2:1 underdog.

And why not? Before the pandemic put mega fights on the shelf, Manny lit up the welterweight division in his last three fights, which took place during a 12-month period, from July 15, 2018 to July 20, 2019. He ran the table, knocking out WBA regular welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse, successfully defending that title with a unanimous decision blitzing of Adrien Broner, and scoring a first-round knockdown en route to an exciting split decision victory over then undefeated WBA welterweight “super” champion Keith Thurman to become, at age 40, the oldest man to win a welterweight title. Now, tan, rested, and ready to rumble, Manny is looking to break that age record, along with Spence’s grip on those world championship belts.

“Two years out of the ring allowed my body to rest. My energy stores are overflowing,” said Manny. “I am so grateful to God that I can still fight at this level against the best and to still have these opportunities at age 42. I am still amazed that I have won world titles in each decade, going back to the nineties. My fight with Errol Spence is not just a battle between the two best welterweights but between two of the best fighters. There is no “B side” in this fight. I have just as much to prove in this fight as Errol does. We are going to bring out the best in each other. It is the type of fight that makes boxing so great.”

“Working with Manny never gets old. In fact, it seems like Manny never gets old! And hearing that all the money is coming in on Manny reminds me of the song, The Best Is Yet To Come, because that has been the common thread throughout Manny’s boxing career,” said Freddie. “I am just so damn proud of Manny for picking Errol Spence for this fight. It’s a real fight and what a great example to set. You want respect? You want to establish a legacy? Look at what Manny and Spence will be doing on August 21. It’s the type of fight that returns boxing to the front page.”

Manny, (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade and three-time Fighter of the Year. He faces his biggest professional boxing challenge when he goes mano a mano with Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), from DeSoto, Texas. The Pacquiao-Spence world championship event, which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View, Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions. The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. RT / 6 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY TO SUPERHERO MANNY PACQUIAO

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (July 20, 2021) — As we look forward to the showdown between eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and unified WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., which is 32 days away, it seems only fitting to look back at Manny’s thrilling victory over then undefeated WBA welterweight “super” champion Keith Thurman, which took place two years ago today in Las Vegas. Manny opened the fight with a first-round knockdown of Thurman en route to a 12-round split decision victory. As Thurman accurately stated in his post-fight interview, “It was a night of blessings and lessons.” Manny’s victory over Thurman was a career highlight for boxing’s longest and most successful partnership. For 20 years, Manny has had his trainer, world-famous Freddie Roach, in his corner, literally and figuratively, winning world titles in seven different weight divisions in a career of firsts that not only defines the champion he repeatedly became, but the Filipino spirit which has been embraced by the world. During those the past 20 years, Manny has played David to a roster of Hall of Fame Goliaths, scoring the most impressive victories of his era against the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Márquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley. In his last three fights, which took place during a 12-month period, from July 15, 2018 through July 20, 2019, Manny ran the table, winning welterweight world title fights against Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Thurman.

Below, please find selected clips from ringside, and a link to the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View telecast.

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Manny (62-7-2, 39 KOs), the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade and three-time BWAA Fighter of the Year, hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines. He faces his biggest professional boxing challenge when he takes on Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), of Desoto, Texas. Spence is 11 years younger and over four inches taller than the amazin’ Manny. Would Manny have it any other way? The Pacquiao-Spence world championship event, which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View, Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions. The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. RT / 6 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ERROL SPENCE JR. LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (July 12, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao went face to face with unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. at press conference in Los Angeles Sunday as they previewed their blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as Spence will look to earn a legacy-defining victory, while Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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

MANNY PACQUIAO

“There were a lot of opportunities for me to pick an easier fight than this. But I picked Errol Spence Jr. because I want a real fight and a great fight for the fans. I’m a fighter and boxing is my passion.

“Errol Spence Jr. is aggressive, young and undefeated. He’s dedicated to his career. This is definitely not an easy opponent. This is the kind of opponent you can never underestimate.

“It’s been a long time since I fought a southpaw opponent. We had to change some of our strategy compared to previous fights and we’ll throw some different combinations.

“I don’t think Errol needs advice from Floyd Mayweather. I believe that Errol is a better fighter than Mayweather. Errol can teach Floyd how to fight toe-to-toe.

“I don’t want to be overconfident, because Errol is too good of an opponent. His determination and passion for the sport is always there. When I say I’m going to do something, it’s real and from the heart, it’s not to impress anybody.

“I had started training in the last week of May in the Philippines. So when I got here to Los Angeles, I was just continuing what I was doing. It’s good for me to have the rest that I’ve had the last two years. I’ve been boxing since I was 12 years old until now. When I went back to training, I was still hungry and dedicated.

“I won’t predict another first round knockdown like I had against Thurman. I’m focusing my mind, body and spirit on winning the fight. That’s the only goal.
“This is one of the biggest challenges in my career. I can’t say it’s the biggest, because I’ve been fighting the best fighters in the world for years. But he’s right up there with anyone I’ve faced.

“I’ve been boxing for more than 25 careers as a pro. I think that I’ve seen every kind of style that’s out there.

“This is a one of a kind and prodigious fight. There’s going to be a lot of action in the ring. I’m so thankful for everyone who supports me and I’m happy to be in this position again fighting one of the best fighters in the world.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is a great opportunity. Coming off of my accident I went right to fighting Danny Garcia and now Pacquiao. A lot of people were in the Pacquiao sweepstakes. When I got the call about this fight, I agreed right away and didn’t give it a second thought.

“There aren’t that many southpaws in boxing, so you don’t usually spar that many. We’ve got a lot of guys in camp now who can fight that left-handed style. Obviously I can’t find someone who fights exactly like Manny, but you can find guys who can mimic the tempo and pace. So that’s who we’ve been working with.

“You can see that Manny is still an explosive fighter with great speed. We’ve been putting together a game plan and we’ve been working on implementing it. Come August 21, you’ll see it in the ring.

“Manny can lull you to sleep giving you compliments. But once the bell rings, he’s going to jump all over you.

“My chin since the accident has been tested in sparring and in the Danny Garcia fight. I imagine Manny is going to try to come in and test it as well.

“Just because he’s 42-years-old I don’t think it’s going to hurt him in training. He’s not blowing up in weight between fights and he’s not distracted. That’s why he’s been the same Manny Pacquiao for decades. I’m looking forward to the same Pacquiao who fought Keith Thurman and before that.

“Manny has a lot of tendencies, of course you’re going to see some things over the span of his whole career. When it’s time to buckle down, you know he’s the guy who’s going to fight. It can be a pro or a con, but he’s going to make it a fan-friendly fight.

“I don’t see myself ever getting knocked out. I just don’t see it. We’re going to be mindful that he has power. He knocked down Thurman and hurt him with a body shot. We’ll keep that in mind. But I’m not thinking about if he can knock me out.

“I have the ability to finish Pacquiao. For me though, I’m focused on winning the fight. If you rush and go for the knockout, you either look sloppy or something goes wrong. I have to fight my fight and at my pace. If the knockout comes, I’ll go for it.

“This is going to be a great fight. Pacquiao is going to bring it like he always does, but I’m definitely going to come through with the victory.”

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VIDEO: MANNY PACQUIAO VS ERROL SPENCE JR KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE | PBC ON FOX

MANNY PACQUIAO & ERROL SPENCE JR. SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY TOPPING PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

LAS VEGAS (July 8, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao takes on undefeated unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will pit the division’s reigning king against a legend of the sport who has proven in recent years that he is still worthy of his long held standing. Spence will look to earn a legacy-defining victory, while Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.

Both fighters kick off the promotional campaign side by side this Sunday, July 11, when they’ll appear for a live televised press conference on FOX beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The hour-long program will feature commentary from former opponents Keith “One Time” Thurman and “Showtime” Shawn Porter, who will offer their analysis before Pacquiao and Spence return to their training camps.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

“This is as big of a fight that can be made in boxing and the whole world will be watching on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View August 21,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Manny Pacquiao is a hero to his nation, a living legend in the ring, and is once again seeking the biggest challenge available to him, as he’s done throughout his career. Errol Spence Jr. has reigned as the world’s top welterweight for years and will now have a chance to further cement his pound-for-pound credentials in the biggest fight of his career. Whether you’re watching at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, or live on pay-per-view, August 21 is sure to be a memorable night for the sport.”

This will be the fourth FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View headlined by Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), who unified welterweight titles in September 2019 by besting Shawn Porter in one of the best fights of the year. Spence was launched into stardom when the 31-year-old first captured a welterweight crown by traveling to the U.K. to stop Kell Brook in front of his hometown fans in 2017. He followed up his title-winning victory with triumphs over Lamont Peterson and Carlos Ocampo in 2018.

Fighting out of his native Desoto, Texas, Spence returned to the ring last December for the first time since miraculously surviving a car accident in October 2019 where he was thrown from the vehicle before it crashed. Spence thrilled his hometown crowd at AT&T Stadium by defeating two-division champion Danny Garcia by unanimous decision. Spence represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics before turning pro later that year and scoring knockouts in 10 of his first 12 fights, showing the promise that he would eventually fulfill on the biggest stages of the sport.

“I’ve been waiting on this kind of major boxing event my entire career,” said Spence. “Manny Pacquiao is a boxing legend and future Hall of Famer. To be able to match skills with him and come out with a victory would be the highlight of my career thus far. I’m coming to win and he’s coming to win and that’s what makes for an all-action fight. I can’t wait to step into the ring at T-Mobile Arena on August 21 in what I expect to be an exciting night.’’

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

In January 2019, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of an illustrious career, which also marked his first time fighting back in the U.S. in two years. In his most recent performance Pacquiao added another Fight of the Year contender to his resume, as he dropped then unbeaten Keith Thurman in the first round on his way to a decision victory in a memorable action fight in July 2019.

“I am excited to be battling Errol Spence Jr.,” said Pacquiao. “Like me, Errol has an aggressive, all-action style of fighting. Boxing fans watching at T-Mobile Arena or on pay-per-view are going to be happy with this world championship fight. It is going to be wild!”

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Pacquiao Begins U.S. Training for Spence

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (July 5, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator MANNY “PACMAN” PACQUIAO began his first U.S. training camp in nearly two years today and it seemed like he picked up right where he left off when he dethroned WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019, tagging the defending champion with his first loss. One day removed from arriving from the Philippines, Manny began the day with a five-mile morning run and 1,000 sit-ups. Before heading to Wild Card Boxing Club, in Hollywood, for his afternoon training session with world-famous Freddie Roach, Manny was given a random drug test from VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) at his house. Once at Wild Card, Manny and Freddie began the nearly three-hour gym session with nine rounds on the mitts, with each punch exploding like a July 4^th firecracker.

Manny and undefeated WBC and IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence will meet in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“If this is how Manny hits with jet lag, I may need to get new gloves with thicker padding for our next sessions,” said Freddie. “He was incredibly sharp for his first day. He hit hard with good power. After all these years, I’m still amazed at the great condition he’s in when he comes to training camp. After traveling around the world yesterday, he put in a full day here – mitts, speed bag, shadow boxing – the works. The best part was at the end when he lifted his shirt to show me his six pack and said, Freddie, I’m still here.”

“Errol Spence is a very difficult fight for me; perhaps the most difficult of my career,” said Manny. “But I have been an underdog my whole life. I am used to that. It is why I work so hard. But the love and the prayers of my fellow Philippine citizens and Filipinos around the world sustain and inspire me. I fight for the glory of our nation and for underdogs everywhere.”

Remaining tickets to the Pacquiao-Spence welterweight world championship event can be purchased through www.t-mobilearena.com and www.axs.com.

# # #

MANNY PACQUIAO &ERROL SPENCE JR. SET TO BATTLE IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BLOCKBUSTER SHOWDOWN AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao and undefeated unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will meet in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This battle for welterweight supremacy will pit the division’s reigning king against a legend of the sport who has proven in recent years that he is still worthy of his long held standing.

Tickets for the live event are on sale tomorrow, Friday, June 25 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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Pacquiao back in the gym and back for a risky bet in his rivalry with Mayweather

By Norm Frauenheim-

Manny Pacquiao got back into the gym for some honest work for his summer date with Errol Spence a few days before Floyd Mayweather pulled off another heist, an exhibition he called legalized bank robbery.

The timing was mere coincidence, yet symbolic of how the two are connected by opposite paths each has taken since their fight six-plus years ago fell woefully short of expectations.

The differences have never been more polarized. Pacquiao still embraces risk; Mayweather has never been more risk-averse. Despite their divergent paths since Mayweather’s unanimous decision in 2015 over Pacquiao in the richest fight ever, danger is there for both in what looks to be a dilemma for a troubled business and its polarized fan-base.

Applaud Pacquiao for his courage, but worry that a younger, bigger Spence might hurt him. Defend Mayweather’s right to make as much as he can, but worry about his legacy.

Mayweather’s string of cash grabs continued Sunday in Miami against one of the Pauls. Logan or Jake or Rand? I can’t keep them straight. I also didn’t watch a show without an official winner, although both corners apparently scored a victory for their bank accounts. Showtime’s pay-per-view telecast was expected to hit the one-million mark, according to multiple reports.

Mayweather still sells, although recent photos of him made me think of a word applied to a former boxing entrepreneur and ex-president who was back on the bully pulpit in North Carolina last weekend. The New York Times called him diminished.

Diminished might just be another way of saying Mayweather, 44, is beginning to look old. Apparently, nothing about his net worth has been diminished. Still, there’s a question about whether his string of legalized bank robberies is diminishing the legacy he has defined and marketed with his official record, 50-0.

From this corner, TBE — The Best Ever — looks to be a diminishing acronym. Stop The Steal, Floyd, or the unbeaten legacy will become unrecognizable.

There might be opportunity in that. Mayweather’s diminishment might be Pacquiao’s enrichment. But the risk is huge. In age, Pacquiao is a lot closer to Mayweather than Spence. At 31, Spence is squarely in his prime.

He’s also bigger, a big welterweight, who at opening bell on August 21 is sure to be the middleweight he is about to become. Think Antonio Margarito. Pacquiao beat him decisively on the scorecards in a junior-middleweight bout on the Dallas Cowboys home field in Arlington, Tex. But Pacquiao called it his toughest fight. The bigger Margarito hurt him with body punches along the ropes midway through the bout. Hurt him 11 years ago.

The question is whether Pacquiao can still endure — and recover — from that kind of punishment. He thinks he can, although he hasn’t answered an opening bell in a couple of years. When he faces Spence, it will be about 25 months since his last fight, a split decision over Keith Thurman in July 2019.

“It’ll be a good fight,” Pacquiao told The Philippine Star Wednesday after nearly a week of some preliminary work at his home in Manila. “A lot of world titles will be at stake. Spence is unbeaten, younger. But I’m confident, I have the experience, speed and power.”

The Filipino Senator with Presidential aspirations also has wear and tear, all inevitable after 26 years in the pro ring. The middle-aged Pacquiao is the early underdog. He was at minus-240 this week, according to various on-line betting sites That translates to a 29.41-percent chance of victory. There might be a better chance of him getting hurt.

But the role is not new. Oscar De La Hoya was a huge favorite, Then, there was also fear that a smaller Pacquiao might get hurt. Pacquiao stopped him, forcing De La Hoya to quit after eight rounds. It was a career-defining moment. A moment that happened 13 years ago.

For now, Pacquiao seems to enjoy being the underdog. Maybe, it makes him feel younger.

“It was the same trend when I fought Thurman,” said Pacquiao, who was expected to move his training to his hometown, General Santos City, on Thursday. “In the beginning, he was the favorite, but as people found out how I was training and saw my speed and power hadn’t changed, the odds reversed by the time the fight started.”

He’s an underdog with a legacy that will always be compared to a rival moving in another direction, yet on a parallel track. Each has a risk-to-reward ratio. Each also has own way of calculating it.

For Mayweather, it’s the safest possible bet on more money, his nickname. For Pacquiao, it’s another risky chance at history.

VARGAS TRAVELS ACROSS THE POND TO BATTLE TOP PROSPECT BENN ON DAZN

Over the past few years, Vargas has developed a cult following as one of the sport’s bravest warriors, testing himself against some of the biggest names between 147 and 154, including Errol Spence Jr., Danny Garcia, Luis Collazo, Vergil Ortiz, Amir Khan and Ali Funeka. Though Vargas has a substantial fanbase in Canada and could have chosen an easier path, that’s simply not in his DNA.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and test one of the guys they say is the future of the welterweight division, but I don’t think it’s his time yet,” said Vargas. “I’ve stood toe-to-toe with the best fighters in this division and I’ve never even touched the canvas. I know what it takes to be at the top level, and I want to prove that I can still be there.”

The bout comes a little more than a year after Vargas became the first fighter of note to have a fight postponed due to the worldwide pandemic. The 31-year old was originally scheduled to face Vergil Ortiz on March 28, but was postponed all the way until July. Despite training through strict restrictions in his home of Canada, Vargas turned in another valiant performance against an explosive and dangerous puncher.

“Sammy never let anything stop him, even when everything was completely closed down, he found a way to get the work in, even if it was by himself at home. He’s never made an excuse or backed down once in his career,” said promoter Lee Baxter. “There comes a time in every prospect’s career when they face a man they can’t break, and you find out what they’re really made of. Conor Benn is going to have that moment on April 10, because he’ll be staring across the ring at a man that the best fighters in this division haven’t been able to break.”

Benn, the son of the legendary world champion Nigel Benn, has been emerging from his famous father’s shadow with a string of impressive victories. Last time out, Benn dominated Sebastian Formella, who had most recently been in the ring with Shawn Porter, virtually shutting Formella out over ten rounds. Benn currently sits 11th in the WBA at welterweight, where the ageless Manny Pacquiao holds the title, alongside Yordenis Ugas.

Thanks to his crowd-pleasing style, Vargas has become a fixture on DAZN. In fact, his bout against Amir Khan was the first major boxing event aired on the platform, kicking off a run that has seen DAZN emerge as one of the power players in the industry.

“I take a lot of pride in being able to fight on DAZN once again, especially because my fans in Canada are able to watch,” said Vargas. “I promise to deliver a win this country can be proud of.”

The card will also feature the WBA female bantamweight title bout between Rachel Ball and Shannon Courtenay, as well as the return of WBO world female middleweight champion Savvannah Marshall.

Location and start time will be announced shortly, as the British Boxing Board of Control will resume overseeing action in the middle of February.

Spence-Garcia 2, as it were

By Bart Barry-

Saturday at AT&T Stadium in the Covid hotspot of Texas at the end of a PBC on FOX pay-per-view card, welterweight titlist Errol “The Truth” Spence decisioned former junior-welterweight champion Danny “Swift” Garcia by fair, obvious, unanimous scores. It was the first time the men fought but bore resemblances enough to Spence’s last AT&T Stadium appearance to be a rematch.

It was a decent fight. Hard stop. It wasn’t great or evidence of greatness.

Last year Spence and his handlers and enablers did heavy lifting to keep the extent (and cause) of his one-automobile accident quiet for too long to regale us now with a comeback story. If you’re transparent about what you did, you enroll yourself in the redemption sweepstakes. Spence did not do this. PBC handled the entire affair with signature cynicism. When people wanted updates on Errol’s condition and the cause of his hospitalization, we were to respect Errol’s privacy in his difficult time. When it appeared Spence was fully recovered and his tilt with Garcia shouldn’t be anything special, we started seeing an image of Spence in the hospital and hearing about his amnesia.

Would Spence be able to withstand Garcia’s attack? We knew the answer to that question about five minutes in, and the drama of the match suffered for it. For without Spence permanently damaged by his ejection from a Ferrari at speed, Spence-Garcia would be little more than Spence-Garcia 2.

There is no evil in Errol. He is a laidback, likable Texan. A suburban kid, a country boy, an excellent athlete, a fair entertainer. Three years ago there appeared a genuine chance at greatness. There doesn’t any longer. He fights without malice. He’s larger and more physical than his opponents and fights like he thinks it would be unseemly to press such advantages too far.

So it was in the moment after the final bell Saturday. Errol and Danny did a lap round the mat like coworkers, like Danny forgot his badge and Errol held the door for him. Nobody’d dared to do much for 48 minutes, except when Garcia dared to steal the final five seconds of some rounds. Spence took no obvious chances. He applied his template for disarming smaller men and wavered rarely from it, and when he did waver Garcia hadn’t the commitment or crunch to do more than spank him playfully for being naughty.

There was a caveat, and after the opening three or four rounds the only interesting part of the spectacle: Spence reacted bizarrely to every cross Garcia threw at his abdomen. By comparison to his otherwise nonchalant defense Spence’s reaction to Garcia’s righthand to his belly was cartoonish, jackknifed and jumpy. Something future opponents should research further.

Spence’s attack is effective but not compelling. Aesthetically it works best against men large as he. Two of Spence’s three pay-per-view matches, lamentably, have come against men both smaller and much smaller. Saturday’s Garcia looked the part at least; last year’s Garcia did not. Twenty-one months later that fight has aged worse than Tyson-Jones.

At least Spence’s cautiousness in Arlington that night was about not being the future star of an antibullying campaign; had Spence done something dastardly enough to make Mikey’s big brother fly the white feather he mightn’t have been sympathetic to as many people as he is today. Nothing is more frightful than losing one’s marketability.

Spence didn’t hurt this year’s Garcia because apparently it’s not what he’s into. PBC fighters treat PBC fights like league events.

It’s why Bud Crawford looked so damn dark in the crowd Saturday. Into the scripted and tightly controlled environment of a PBC production Crawford strode, a large black bar stretched across PBC’s pastel landscape. Crawford is dangerous. He’s unpredictable because he takes this whole thing personally. It’s not a promotional game to Bud. He’s not good at the business of boxing. Bud looked an actual psychopath at the afterparty of a Hannibal Lecter-tribute troupe, Saturday. Bud sneers where PBC personalities smile.

Spence may fight like Marvelous Marvin Hagler, but Bud has his personality. Spence had his chance after another highpaying tuneup to demand the one fight every aficionado wants. Instead he announced plans to horse around, maybe take another tuneup next summer. It wasn’t quite Marvin attending Sugar Ray’s retirement announcement – there is, after all, almost no chance PBC invited Crawford to be in Dallas – but it had a similar rhythm.

Crawford was there to make that point. Point made, Bud.

Spence isn’t afraid of Crawford, but he has too many highpaying opportunities with safe coworkers like Keith Thurman to dance with someone evil and unmarketable as Bud. During the uneventful second half of Saturday’s fight there was time to ask a question like: How would things be different if suddenly Crawford and Spence switched promoters?

Both men would benefit. Spence would get refined further by Top Rank matchmakers who’d excavate from Bolivia some spoiler that taught Spence the limits to his current style, limits he might transcend. Bud would get to feast on PBC’s soft spread the way old Manny Pacquiao has, first hospitalizing Adrien Broner than retiring Keith Thurman before stopping Shawn Porter. Then he could tell horseman Errol their stable is clean. Time to fight. Spence would respond as a prizefighter should. Both men would have a chance to be great.

After Saturday, I’d take Bud, KO-12.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

AUDIO: Errol Spence Jr. Post Fight Press Conference after win over Danny Garcia

VIDEO: Errol Spence Post Fight Press Conference

AUDIO: Danny Garcia Post Fight Press Conference after Spence Fight

VIDEO: Danny Garcia Post Fight Press Conference after Spence Fight

LIVE VIDEO: Errol Spence Jr. vs Danny Garcia Post-fight Press Conference | #SpenceGarcia

FOLLOW SPENCE – GARCIA LIVE!!

Follow all the action as Errol Spence Jr. defends the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles against former two-division world champion Danny Garcia. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with Eduardo Ramirez taking on Miguel Flores; Josesito Lopez against Francisco Santana and Sebastian Fundora battling Habib Ahmed

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12 ROUNDS–IBF/WBC WELTERWEIGHT TITLES–ERROL SPENCE JR.(26-0, 21 KOS) VS DANNY GARCIA (36-2, 21 KOS)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
SPENCE*	10	10	9	10	10	10	9	10	9	9	10	10	116
GARCIA	9	9	10	9	9	9	10	9	10	10	9	9	112

Round 1: Jab from Spence..Combination..Counter left from Garcia..Right to body..Left to body from Spence..Counter from Garcia..Good left from Spence..Right from Garcia..

Round 2 Good straight left from Spence..Lead left..

Round 3 3 punch combination from Garcia…Jab from Spence..Hard left to body,..Hard right from Garcia..Good jab from Spence..

Round 4 Spence applying pressure..Hook from Garcia..2 rights..Jab from Spence..Body shot

Round 5 Hard left from Spence..Hard right..2 body shots from Garcia..Combination from Spence

Round 6 Body shot from Garcia..Good body shot from Spence..Combination on the ropes..Jab..Right counter from Garcia…Left counter from Spence

Round 7 Right from Garcia..2 rights to the body

Round 8 Body shot from Garcia..Spence working on the inside..Good body shot,..Garcia right eye swelling…Double jab and left to body

Round 9 Combination from Garcia…

Round 10 Quick right from Garcia

Round 11 Spence jabs to the body..Body shot from Garcia,,

Round 12 Good right hook from Spence..Spence working on inside..

116-112 TWICE AND 117-111 FOR SPENCE

12 Rounds–Super Welterweight–Sebastian Fundora (15-0-1, 10 KOs) vs Habib Ahmed (27-1-1, 18 KOs)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Fundora*	10	TKO											10
Ahmed	9												9

Round 1 Huge uppercut hurt Ahmed..Hard hooks

Round 2 Power shots landing for Fundora..HuGE SHOTS ON THE ROPES FIGHT IS STOPPED

10 Rounds–Welterweights–Josesito Lopez (37-8, 20 KOs) vs Francisco Santana (25-8-1, 12 KOs)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Lopez	10	10	10	9	10	10	10	10	10	TKO			89
Santana	8	10	9	10	9	9	9	9	8				81

Round 1: Jab by Lopez…LEFT TO BODY AND BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SANTANA.. Left hook wobbles Lopez..Body shot from Lopez

Round 2 Body shot by Lopez..Counter from Santana

Round 3 Hard right and Combination from Lopez..Hard Jab

Round 4 Good jab from Lopez..Counter right from Santana..Good counter hook…

Round 5 Good body shot from Lopez..Body shot hurts Santana

Round 6 Lopez lands a body shot…Body shot

Round 7 Left hook from Santana..Good left hook from Lopez..2 rights and left uppercut ..Hard left hand..Body shot

Round 8 Left from Lopez

Round 9 hard right hurts Lopez…BIG FLURRY AND DOWN GOES SANTANA

Round 10 BIG HOOK AND DOWN GOES SANTANA..Right from Lopez..HUGE HOOKS AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

12 Rounds–Featherweights–Eduardo Ramirez (23-3-3, 10 KOs) vs Miguel Flores (24-3, 12 KOs)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Ramirez*	10	10	10	9	TKO								39
Flores	9	9	10	10									38

Round 1 Hard Right hook from Ramirez..Overhand left..Hard body shot..Body work from Flores

Round 2 Good uppercut from Ramirez..Lead left..Hard shots and a body shot from Ramirez..Uppercut..2 body shots from Flores..

Round 3 Left from Ramirez…Good body shot from Flores

Round 4 Good right to body from Ramirez..Flores lands a body shot and hook to head..Good combination from Ramirez..2 jabs from Flores..

ROUND 5 HUGE RIGHT COUNTER AND DOWN GOES FLORES…HE GETS UP BUT THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Spence Decisions Garcia to Retain Unified Welterweight Titles

14 Months after being involved in a gruesome automobile accident, Errol Spence Jr. retained the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over former two-division champion Danny Garcia in front of 16,101 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence was very effective with his jab and pressure that would not let Garcia get off in the fight. Garcia was able to land some shots in between the pressure of Spence.

The right eye of Garcia began to sell in the 8th round. The activity of Spence was clear in the fight and won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.

Spence landed 187 of 707 punches; Garcia was 117 of 700. Spence out-Jabbed Garcia 84-14.

Spence, 146.5 lbs is 27-0. Garcia, 146.75 lbs of Philadelphia is 36-3.

ERROL SPENCE JR.“The moment is surreal. Coming back from the accident, I feel like I looked pretty good tonight.

“All training camp I felt good. I told people I didn’t want a tuneup fight. I proved to everyone that I’m the best 147-pound fighter in the world.
“Danny Garcia pushed me to the limit, especially in training camp. I’ve watched him fight since he was an amateur. I knew he was a great champion and I had to be 100% ready.”

“I’m the taller fighter and he had shorter arms, so the jab made sense to use. Everything was set up off the jab. We were prepared to out point him using that jab. I think Lennox Lewis would be proud of me using the jab the way I did.

“I had a great training camp where I was sparring and taking punches. I wasn’t surprised when I had to take a punch in the fight. I had already been taking punches and I’ve always had a great chin anyway.

“I give my performance a B. I think I had a little bit of ring rust. But I was in such great shape and took everything seriously in training so that I would not be discouraged by that. I worked my jab and used my angles because that was my best move.

“I’m just thinking about seeing my kids tomorrow and hanging out on my ranch. I’m going to eat some good food and we’ll see what the future holds. It’s been a long year and a half, so I’m going to wind down for a week or two, then get back on it.

“It was a lifelong dream of mine to be a household name in Dallas and I’ve done that. I’m thankful to have that support. I was smiling walking to the ring because it was a long road back. It took a lot of trials and tribulations to get to this point tonight, and it all paid off. I’m here for a reason.

“I proved that I’m back and here to stay. I’m the unified champion of the world for a reason.

“I felt some of his punches, but it wasn’t enough to discourage me from coming forward. He was strong and I give him his kudos. He came to fight and tried to take my titles, but I defended it well at home.

“I’m glad that my hard work and path to get back ended with my titles around my waist again in my hometown in front of my home fans.

“I think I hurt him a bit, but Danny Garcia is very gritty and he’s not going to cower down to anybody. I thought I got him a couple times to the body, but I knew he wasn’t going to back down. He’s a real fighter.”

DANNY GARCIA

“He was the better man tonight. No excuses. I fought a hard and tough fight. He had a good jab and that was the key to the fight. He was also a bit busier than me.

“I just have to rebuild and see what we do next. I fought hard and I’m proud. All my losses were hard fights that I fought till the end, so I’m proud of my effort.

“I knew what he was bringing to the table. I just had to believe in my hook more and throw it more. I can’t make any excuses. We can only get better from here.

“His jab was rangy and threw my timing off a bit. That was the key to the fight. Everything else I feel like I adapted to. The jab was the only thing that was better than expected.

“I think Spence is physically stronger than Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. They’re all on pretty much the same level, but Spence is the strongest one.

“I was trying to be more active. He did a good job taking away what I wanted to do. Everyone is looking for my left hook, so I thought my right hand could be the difference. I had some success going to the body with it. When two champions fight, one guy is going to be better on the night.”

Fundora Destroys Ahmed in 2

6’7″ Inch Sebastian Fundora took out Habib Ahmed in round two of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight bout.

Fundora obliterated Ahmed from the opening bell as he landed furious flurry of punches for both rounds before the fight was stopped at 1:30 of round two.

Fundora, 153.5 lbs of Cochella, CA is 16-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Ahmed, 152.5 lbs of Accra, GHA is 27-2.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“We just fought in an eliminator, so I’m pretty sure I’m high up in the rankings now. We’ll go back and talk about what’s next with my team. I may take a week off and enjoy the holidays, then come back strong with whatever is next. I want to fight anyone. The 154-pound division is stacked, so I’ll be ready for anyone.

“I had the time to admire my work in round one. I was happy to enjoy it while I had the chance after I landed that uppercut.

“We were ready for anyone who we had to face tonight. A win like this doesn’t surprise me because we were so prepared.

“I feel like I’m meant for this. I’ve worked so hard for this. Me and my father have worked on this dream since I was eight-years-old. By now, big stages like this feel normal to me.

“I don’t think I’m peaking yet. I turn 23 this month. I feel like I have a lot of room to grow. I’m going to be in this sport for a long time and I’m going to be champion, but we’re not there yet.

“We saw him buckle in the first round. I heard my dad yell from the corner that he was shaken. I knew he couldn’t take the power, so I decided to walk right through him.”

HABIB AHMED“I’m disappointed with how the fight went. I took the fight on short notice so I knew it would be difficult. But I was training hard and wanted to test myself.

“He’s tall and he’s a good boxer. I didn’t start working fast enough and he started working immediately. That’s why he got me with the uppercut in round one. That messed up my rhythm. I was surprised he came out so fast.
“I’m still young and have a future in this sport. I’m going to get back in the gym, correct my mistakes, and come back better.”

Lopez Stops Santana in 10th

Josesito Lopez stopped Francisco Santana in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout.

Lopez dominated the bout from the get-go as in round one. Lopez landed a big right that was followed by a left to the body that put Santana on the deck.

In round nine, Lopez scored a 2nd knockdown as he landed some hard hooks on the ropes. Lopez continued to batter Santana for the balance of the round and the fight could have been stopped there. In the 10th, Lopez dropped Santana again. The fight went on, but only for a few seconds more as Lopez landed a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:22.

Lopez, 146.2 lbs of Riverside, CA is 38-8 with 21 knockouts. Santana, 147 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is 25-9-1.

JOSESITO LOPEZ“Santana is one of the toughest fighters out there not holding a belt. I’m never in an easy fight but, I’m always going to give it everything I have.

“He knew that if he made a small mistake, he was going to pay. I made sure he paid and I dictated the pace with my jab while utilizing good footwork against a tough fighter.

“I was patient. He’s a tough crafty fighter who can take good punches. He’s a solid fighter with a strong punch.

“You can’t deny me anymore. If I’m not in with the best, I’m in with the toughest. I want one of the world champions or one of the top fighters.

“It was a tough fight like I expected. I had to be smart in there, dictate the pace and pick my shots. We managed to do what we set out to do.

“The work I put in with Robert Garcia has showed in every fight. I get better each and every fight and come out with wins. Today I stopped one of the hardest guys in the sport to finish.

“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger, smarter and faster. I’ve improved in every part of my game thanks to Robert Garcia.

“I deserve to be fighting the best now. I’ve proved it. I’d fight the winner or loser of tonight’s main event. Not only am I as good as any of them, but I’m one of the most entertaining fighters in the division.

“We worked out positioning. We were maybe a little too cautious at times. But we wanted to break him down little by little. I was happy to be able to finish the job.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“He got me with a flash knockdown in the first round. He throws big wide shots and he caught me on the top of my head and messed with my equilibrium for a second. I was able to get up and go back to work.

“I thought I had something left, but after tonight I have to go back and talk with my family. I think that was my last fight. I was able to do a lot of great things in the sport. No fighter ever wants to hang them up, but I thank God that I was able to meet so many great people in the boxing world. I might be retired as a boxer, but I’m still going to be around this sport.”

Ramirez stops Flores in 5

Eduardo Ramirez stopped Miguel Flores in round fie of their scheduled 12-round featherweight bout.

In the beginning of round five, Ramirez landed a crushing left hook to the jaw that sent Flores crashing on his back. Flores got up with blood flowing out of his mouth, and the bout was stopped at 20 seconds.

Ramirez, 125.2 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 24-2-3 with 11 knockouts. Flores, 125.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 24-4.

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m very happy about the win. I worked very hard and I’m thrilled to get the victory tonight.

“This was all the result of the hard work I put into the gym. The Montiel brothers trained me well and it all paid off tonight.

“This was a last minute opponent. I didn’t get to train specifically for him. But I’m getting better every day in the gym, that’s my main focus. I feel like I can beat anyone in this division.

“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Whatever my team wants to do, we’ll talk about it. I just want to become a world champion. I’ll be ready anywhere at any time.

“I always felt in control of the fight. My intensity dropped a bit in the third round, but my corner kept telling me to put the pressure on and I’d get the knockout. That’s exactly what ended up happening.

“I like to do it all in the ring. I can move around and box. But I love to go in there and fight inside. I’m learning so much day after day from training in Tucson with the Montiel brothers.

MIGUEL FLORES

“I was having fun in there. I thought I was doing better on the inside than the outside with him. We were putting on a good fight. He just caught me with one of those looping shots. It happens, it’s part of boxing. I’m a fighter and I’ll be back.

“I thought I hurt him with a few body shots and was coming on in the fight. I was effective on the inside. I thought I could have taken over, but he’s a crafty guy. It felt like an even fight.”

EARLY RESULTS

Isaac Avelar won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sakaria Lukas in a featherweight bout.

Avelar landed 225 of 686 punches; Lukas was 100 of 562.

Avelar, 126.8 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 17-2. Lukas, 127.6 lbs of Namibia is 23-1.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Steve Pulluaim in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Pulluaim with a right to the top of the head. in round two, he dropped Pulluaim with a left to the body.

Mielnicki landed 121 of 309 punches; Pulluaim was 47 of 247.

Mielnicki, 146.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ scores of 60-52 on all cards, and is now 7-0. Pulluaim, 144.8 lbs of Riverside, MO is 5-3.

Marco Delgado won a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Burley Brooks in a super middleweight bout.

In round five, Brooks was deducted a point for a low blow. In round six, he was deducted another point for the same infraction.

Delgado landed 95 of 387 punches; Brooks was 85 of 366.

Delgado , 170/6 lbs of Anaheim, CA won by scores of 59-53 twice with Brooks taking a card 57-56.

Delgado is 7-1. Brooks, 170.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 6-1.

Juan Tapia won a eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

In round six, Garcia had some blood on the bridge of the nose.

Tapia, 123 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 10-3. Garcia, 122.4 lbs of Dallas. TX is 13-3.

Frank Martin stopped Tyrone Luckey in round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Martin dropped Luckey twice in round two, once in round five and ended with a body shot at 2:31 of round five.

Martin, 138,6 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Luckey, 138.4 lbs of Long Beach, NJ is 12-13-4/

LIVE VIDEO: Spence – Garcia Weigh In

LEGENDS, CHAMPIONS & MORE OFFER PREDICTIONS FOR ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. DANNY GARCIA

ARLINGTON, TX. (December 3, 2020) – Boxing legends, champions, top fighters and trainers gave their predictions for the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event between unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia ahead of their showdown this Saturday, December 5 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Buy the pay-per-view now on www.foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen.

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

Of those polled, 20 predicted that Spence would retain his titles, while 16 favored Garcia to come out with the victory on Saturday night. Here is what the predictors had to say about the highly anticipated welterweight clash:

Evander Holyfield, Boxing Legend
Spence W 12: Errol Spence is a very technical fighter, and Danny Garcia’s a great counter-puncher. But Errol is the best, so I’ve got Errol winning by decision.

Bernard Hopkins, Boxing Legend
Garcia UD 12: I believe that Danny Garcia will defeat Errol Spence by unanimous decision in a very hard, tough battle of wills.

Keith Thurman, Former Unified World Welterweight Champion
Spence W 12: Danny Garcia’s the biggest puncher I’ve faced in the ring in my entire professional career. Danny’s got great timing and a chip on his shoulder from losing two close fights to myself and Shawn Porter. So Errol Spence better not let him land one of those bricks.

But styles make fights, and my gut says Spence wins without a home-run being hit by Garcia. Spence has all of the skills and technique to come out with the ‘W’ against Garcia, whom I was able to hurt with a big punch in the first round.

Spence has that right hook, which he can land to the temple, and those pot-shots as well as a long and stiff jab to go with a height and reach advantage that led to his complete shutout of Mikey Garcia.

But if Spence has that ‘Man-Down philosophy,’ and he’s not a fighter who plays with his food. When he gets you hurt, he gets you outta there. But it could come down to who lands the biggest punch first, and a lot of folks want to know how Spence is after that car accident.

Andre Berto, Three-Time World Welterweight Champion
Garcia KO 5: Errol Spence’s confidence is going to be sky high after battling back from everything he’s gone through. But at the same time, it’s the accident that’s going to cost him in the ring against Danny Garcia.

Both guys are going to come out swinging and tire themselves out, but Danny’s going to bring it early and often to make Errol prove he’s fully recovered in a donnybrook. My man Garcia’s going to keep punching, and then, you know – Blammo! Garcia KO 5.

Yordenis Ugas, WBA World Welterweight Champion
Spence SD 12: I have Errol Spence winning by a split-decision over Danny Garcia. It will be an exciting fight where at times, either will box, and at times, either will bang, but there will be no knockdowns.

Mikey Garcia, Four-Division World Champion
Spence W 12: Danny Garcia will be competitive and have his moments, but Errol Spence will box more effectively and win by a decision.

Robert Guerrero, Three-Time World Champion
Garcia W 12: If Errol Spence boxes the way that he did with Mikey Garcia, he wins by decision over Danny Garcia. If Spence tries to bang it out with Garcia, then he might get knocked out. But I’m going with Danny Garcia to win by decision.

Jamal James, Interim WBA World Welterweight Champion
Spence W 12: I think Errol Spence will win a 12-round decision, but I’m not counting out Danny Garcia.

Julian Williams, Former Unified World Super Welterweight Champion
Garcia W 12: It’s basically a 50-50 fight, but I’m leaning toward Danny Garcia to defeat Errol Spence in a close fight. I’m pretty sure that Danny’s locked in and extremely motivated, feeling as if everyone is looking past him.

Ronnie Shields, Trainer of Undefeated WBC World Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo
Spence W 12: I think Errol Spence is going to win a close decision. Danny has a chance if he can start fast and make his presence known with that left hook.

But Garcia’s not much of a fast starter, and I think he’s going to run into some problems because Spence can out-box him if he chooses to.

Andre Rozier, Trainer of Former World Middleweight Champion Daniel Jacobs
Garcia SD 12: Danny Garcia’s family, but he’s also the underdog going into this fight with Errol Spence. Still, Danny’s hungry to build upon his legacy. Danny has the power to stop Errol, who has tremendous boxing skills, and it could happen in what I believe is going to be a tremendous battle of wills. But I think this fight will go the distance, and in the end, Garcia will win this in a definitive fashion that will secure his trip to the Hall of Fame.

Regis Prograis, Former WBA World Super Lightweight Champion
Spence UD 12: Errol Spence wins by unanimous decision over Danny Garcia.

David Benavidez, Two-Time WBC World Super Middleweight Champion
Spence SD 12: This is a crossroads fight for both of them. Errol Spence wants to demonstrate that he’s still the great champion that he was before the car accident, and this may be one of Danny Garcia’s greatest opportunities to show he still is a great champion.

It’s going to come down to who can dictate the pace and the pressure. I think Errol’s pressure could be too much for Garcia, but Spence had problems with the pressure Shawn Porter applied as well. If Spence invests in the body against Danny Garcia, his body shots can slow Garcia down and give Spence the edge. On the other hand, Garcia has that eraser of a left hook. But I’m giving Spence the edge and a decision.

Jose Benavidez Sr., Father and Trainer of David Benavidez
Garcia SD 12: I’ve got Danny Garcia winning because of his experience taking a split-decision, but it’s a 50-50 fight because Errol Spence is younger, has a lot of hunger and weighs a little bit more.

Kevin Cunningham, Trainer of Super Welterweight Contender Erickson Lubin
Spence UD 12: I have Errol Spence winning by unanimous decision over Danny Garcia, but at the same time, I’m like everybody else: I’m waiting to see how Errol Spence’s health is after his experiences with the effects of that car accident.

Steve Cunningham, Two-Time World Cruiserweight Champion
Garcia SD 12: I see Danny Garcia winning a close, split-decision over Errol Spence. Garcia’s the underdog again, but how many times have we seen this? Garcia was supposed to lose to Erik Morales, Lucas Matthysse, Amir Khan and so many others, but he beat them all. Spence is talented, but I see Garcia fighting with that Philadelphia pride and bringing another world championship home.

Nonito Donaire, Four-Division World Champion
Spence W 12: A lot depends on whether Errol Spence is 100 percent after his car accident. But either way, I anticipate him using his height, reach and ability to fight from a distance. Spence will counter Danny Garcia’s power and mid-range fight abilities on the way to winning a close decision.

Abner Mares, Three-Division World Champion
Spence TKO 8: If Errol Spence had not been in that car accident, I would have picked him to defeat Danny Garcia, hands down. But now it’s a 50-50 fight because we don’t know how he’s going to come back from the injuries, physically and mentally.

But it seems like Errol’s 100 percent ready to take on the big task of Danny Garcia for the simple fact that his boxing abilities are far superior. I think it’s going to be a stoppage. With his skills, Errol Spence knows how to pick you apart round by round.

Danny Garcia’s vulnerable because he’s a guy that’s a big puncher who is always in a fight during any given round, but he opens up a lot. I see Errol Spence out-boxing and breaking him down for a TKO say, by the eighth round.

Vito Mielnicki Jr., Undefeated Welterweight Prospect
Garcia SD 12: This is going to be a tremendous, 50-50 fight that can go either way, with Errol Spence being an excellent boxer with power. Danny Garcia has that one-punch power, so it’s a fight where anything can happen. It’s really tough to make a choice, but I think Danny will be the winner of a hard-fought split-decision.

Gary Russell, Jr., WBC World Featherweight Champion
Spence W 12: I think Errol Spence may get him, but he can’t mess around. Danny Garcia’s only got a puncher’s chance. Danny has been looking a little sharp and crisp. I edge it out to Errol, but it’s not going to be a walk in the park.

If Errol gets reckless, Danny could clip him. I’m going with Errol. I think Errol is going to be more physical and will out-work Danny. Danny is going to look for that one, nice shot. Errol is going to try to work him and rough him up.

Gary Russell, Sr., Trainer of Gary Russell Jr.
Garcia W 12: This fight will be Errol Spence’s biggest fight. I like Danny Garcia in this fight, personally. Spence can’t go to the body and not get hit. If Danny gets close enough to hit Spence, he is going to fire. Danny has power in both hands. I wouldn’t be surprised if Danny upsets Spence.

Gary Antonio Russell, Undefeated Bantamweight Contender
Spence W 12: Danny Garcia has the puncher’s power to stop Errol Spence, but I believe Spence is too much for Danny. Spence is too aggressive and has too much dog and tenacity for Danny. I’m just worried about which Errol will come to fight. Will the old Errol be able to perform to his old standard prior to his accident? I feel like Errol can win this fight.

Gary Antuanne Russell, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender
Spence W 12: Both Errol Spence and Danny Garcia are phenomenal fighters. Style makes fights. Errol Spence is more agile and more of a boxer-puncher. Danny is more of a poised, counter-puncher and seasoned boxer with more in-the-ring experience.

Danny has more of a puncher’s chance, having fought champions and ex-champions, beating most of them. Errol definitely has a puncher’s chance as well to go with a high IQ and the ability to lure Danny into a position where he can hurt Danny. Errol can knock Danny out with a hard punch or a slew of hard combinations, but Danny could catch Errol with a counter punch, so the fight could go either way. Still, I’m leaning toward Errol Spence, who he has more in his arsenal than Danny.

Chris Colbert, Undefeated Interim WBA World Super Featherweight Champion
Spence UD 12: I see Errol Spence winning by a unanimous decision over Danny Garcia because Garcia’s got a granite chin, and we’ve never seen Garcia buzzed, battered or hurt.

Stephen Fulton, Undefeated Super Bantamweight Contender
Garcia W 12: This places me in a very difficult position because this is a 50-50 fight, a really hard fight to pick, and Errol Spence is the hungry, younger fighter who has a lot of skills. But if I have to pick a winner, I’ll go with the underdog, Danny Garcia, because I believe a lot of people are underestimating him, and guys like that can tend to sneak up on you. That’s why I’m picking Danny Garcia to rise to the occasion and win a great fight.

Luis Collazo, Former World Welterweight Champion
Garcia KO 10: Errol Spence gets careless too much, and Danny Garcia’s got a puncher’s chance. I’m going with the underdog, Danny Garcia, by ninth or 10th-round knockout in a helluva fight.

Erislandy Lara, Two-Time World Super Welterweight Champion
Spence W 12: This is going to be a fun fight to watch because both Errol Spence and Danny García are true warriors. Spence is the naturally bigger man and has more tools in his box. Garcia is tough, but I think Spence will be too much for him. Spence wins by decision.

Omar Figueroa Sr., Trainer of Omar Figueroa Jr. & Undefeated WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa
Garcia W 12: Danny Garcia is a smart, great fighter and I like the way that he thinks. I say Danny Garcia wins by decision over Errol Spence.

Erickson Lubin, Super Welterweight Contender
Spence D 12: If Errol Spence isn’t affected by the car accident, I have him winning a unanimous decision over Danny Garcia. We already know Danny’s going to come to fight and seems more focused than ever. Going off of what I only know right now, I’ll say they’re going to fight to a draw.

Omar Douglas Jr., Lightweight Contender
Garcia SD 12: I respect Errol Spence for coming back from that car accident and accepting such a tremendous challenge in Danny Garcia, but there are a lot of questions about which Spence will show up after his accident.

I think Spence should have taken a tune-up fight to see where he was before stepping up to this level. I’ve seen up close that Garcia’s one-punch knockout power is special, and I think that will be the difference in him winning a close, split-decision.

Sebastian Fundora, Undefeated Super Welterweight Contender
Spence TKO 10: Errol Spence is the best fighter in the whole division, and I believe he’ll come into the ring wanting to prove that in a great fight against Danny Garcia. I know Spence was involved in that terrible car accident after beating Shawn Porter, but I think that he can knock out Garcia.

Ivan Redkach, Welterweight Contender
Garcia SD 12: I like Danny Garcia to win a split-decision over Errol Spence as a result of his timing, punching power and experience. Errol Spence may look good in sparring and training since his car accident but sparring and training are not like being in a real fight, and that’s what he’s in against Garcia.

Joey Spencer, Undefeated Middleweight Prospect
Spence UD 12: Errol Spence and Danny Garcia are two champions with great chins and good defense, but I’m picking Errol by decision just because of his work-rate.

Danny will be in the fight, will counter effectively and avoid taking too much damage because of his solid defense, but again, he won’t sustain the work-rate with Spence.

Richard Commey, Former IBF World Lightweight Champion
Garcia SD 12: Errol Spence is still a great fighter, regardless of what happened with the car accident. But I believe the night will belong to Danny Garcia. I expect Garcia to start fast, pressuring early and using his patience and power to control the fight on the way to winning a decision.

Eimantas Stanionis, Undefeated Welterweight Contender
Spence W 12: This is a very difficult fight for Errol Spence because of his very long layoff and the car accident, so nobody knows how he will feel. But if Spence is the same fighter, I see him winning. Danny Garcia always has that left hook, and he can always hurt you with either his left or right hand. But Spence has good defense, so he may be able to account for that. With all things being considered, I think it will be Errol Spence winning by a decision.

Jonathan Walley, Co-Trainer of Welterweight Contender Sergey Lipinets
Garcia TKO 8: It’s a 50-50 fight, and I think Errol Spence tries to box before eventually engaging with Danny Garcia. But that’s to the advantage of Garcia, who counter-punches well and I think he’ll catch Spence at some point and knock him out.

Final Count:
Spence: 20
Garcia: 16

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia will see unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking on Habib Ahmed in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. The lineup will also see all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair, plus Texas contender Miguel Flores faces featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez in a Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

AT&T Stadium, which has hosted NFL fans during the 2020 Dallas Cowboys season, will be following guidelines from the CDC with protocols regarding COVID-19 safeguards and cleaning procedures. All fans attending the event will be required to wear a mask. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups who are not known to one another. For more information on AT&T Stadium’s Safe Stadium Policy, please visit the site here: https://attstadium.com/safestadium/.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO SURROUND SPENCE VS. UGAS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT WITHBEST-IN-CLASS PREMIUM PROGRAMMING

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THREE SENSATIONAL UNDERCARD MATCHUPS HIGHLIGHT ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS SHOWTIME PPV® ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16

SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS LOADED BOXING SCHEDULE FEATURING MARQUEE MATCHUPS FROM PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS WITH TWO WORLD TITLE UNIFICATIONS, SEVEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS AND THREE WORLD TITLE ELIMINATORS ACROSS FIVE MONTHS

ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ERROL SPENCE JR. AND YORDENIS UGAS CLASH IN UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16 LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV® FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

LIVE VIDEO: Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas: Press Conference | SHOWTIME PPV

Errol Spence Jr. Signs to Team Everlast

TICKETS GO ON SALE TOMORROW TO GENERAL PUBLIC FOR ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS WELTERWEIGHT TITLE UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16 FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

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WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ERROL SPENCE JR. AND YORDENIS UGAS SET TO MEET IN UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16

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MANNY PACQUIAO MAKES A RIGHT-HAND TURN IN TRAINING TO PREPARE FOR YORDENIS UGÁS

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Freddie Roach: “Manny Isn’t Traiing This Hard to Say Goodbye. It’s To Prove He’s Still Here!”

YORDENIS UGÁS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

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MANNY PACQUIAO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

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LIVE VIDEO: Manny Pacquiao Media Workout | #PacquiaoSpence

THREE EXCITING SHOWDOWNS ADDED TO PACQUIAO VS. SPENCE FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW LINEUP!

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The Odds Couple: Will Pacquiao go from sportsbook underdog to favorite vs. Spence?

HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY TO SUPERHERO MANNY PACQUIAO

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ERROL SPENCE JR. LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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VIDEO: MANNY PACQUIAO VS ERROL SPENCE JR KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE | PBC ON FOX

MANNY PACQUIAO & ERROL SPENCE JR. SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY TOPPING PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

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Pacquiao Begins U.S. Training for Spence

MANNY PACQUIAO &ERROL SPENCE JR. SET TO BATTLE IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BLOCKBUSTER SHOWDOWN AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

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Pacquiao back in the gym and back for a risky bet in his rivalry with Mayweather

VARGAS TRAVELS ACROSS THE POND TO BATTLE TOP PROSPECT BENN ON DAZN

Spence-Garcia 2, as it were

AUDIO: Errol Spence Jr. Post Fight Press Conference after win over Danny Garcia

VIDEO: Errol Spence Post Fight Press Conference

AUDIO: Danny Garcia Post Fight Press Conference after Spence Fight

VIDEO: Danny Garcia Post Fight Press Conference after Spence Fight

LIVE VIDEO: Errol Spence Jr. vs Danny Garcia Post-fight Press Conference | #SpenceGarcia

FOLLOW SPENCE – GARCIA LIVE!!

Spence Decisions Garcia to Retain Unified Welterweight Titles

LIVE VIDEO: Spence – Garcia Weigh In

LEGENDS, CHAMPIONS & MORE OFFER PREDICTIONS FOR ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. DANNY GARCIA

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SHOWTIME SPORTS^® TO SURROUND SPENCE VS. UGAS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT WITHBEST-IN-CLASS PREMIUM PROGRAMMING