No, Please, One Time Was Enough

By Jimmy Tobin-

Saturday night at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn New York, Keith “One Time” Thurman won a split decision over Danny “Swift” Garcia adding another alphabet trinket to his collection while doing little to stake his claim to welterweight supremacy. What distinguished Thurman-Garcia was not an interplay of fists, but an absence thereof. Thurman earned the victory because in those early moments when a fight appeared imminent, he seemed most eager to conjure one—and because when he wanted anything but Garcia could not coerce him enough to the contrary.

There were moments of drama between Thurman and Garcia, to be sure. Such moments are near guaranteed every time Thurman steps into the ring, and they came, as they almost exclusively now do in his fights, in the opening rounds. It is in those rounds that Thurman best embodies his moniker, trying to spark opponents with his considerable athleticism and less considerable power, throwing punches with a ferocity that speaks to the sense of performance he does not always honor but always carries within him. Thurman landed a few of those punches on Garcia who, whatever he suffered, responded without a hint of retreat, cranking little semi-circles from his left shoulder, measuring the counter left hooks that would soon enough inter Thurman’s daring.

Garcia proved, rather unsurprisingly, that he could handle whatever evil was delivered in Thurman’s early gusto. The clearer that message became, the more Thurman abandoned his combinations, his connection with the ground when he threw them, and eventually, his commitment to the moment. His chances of a finish quick and spectacular having evaporated, Thurman employed instead a brand of “boxing” antithetical to the reputation he—less convinced and less convincingly—encourages we preserve. If this is what passes for an offensive welterweight, perhaps Floyd Mayweather, who also landed less than fifteen punches a round but was at least skilled enough to stand directly in front of his opponent while doing so, was less a defensive specialist than he is often (disparagingly) remembered as.

For his part, Garcia was hardly better, worse even, if you consider his effort to take the rounds Thurman needed to spare and was willing to concede. Still, he stood his ground against Thurman, as he did against former boogeyman, Lucas Matthysse, digging the balls of his feet into the canvas and committing fearlessly a retort to every Thurman punch.

How undauntedly Garcia stares down daunting power; how quickly does this defiance shake an opponent’s confidence. Garcia is a more complete fighter than Thurman, there is more that is impressive and instructive in his game. But when all he needed were the basics, when a double jab would have won him the rounds Thurman tried to steal with an ill-placed blow and a cloud of smoke, Garcia too often holstered his weapons. If you believe enough of the Thurman narrative, he left an opportunity to distinguish himself in the ring. Garcia left victory there, however, and that mentality will make an opponent of him sooner rather than later.

What is perhaps most frustrating about what transpired is the absence of consequences both fighters stand to face for their performance. This is not to say fighters should be punished for poor performances, at least not exactly. But the lack of fallout for failing to live up to expectations, whether those expectations are the product of promotional ballyhoo or the proclamations of the fighters themselves, is a bit difficult to take. Again Thurman was placed in a position to distinguish himself as the future made present, and instead he was again left speaking laudatorily of his boxing ability (evermore a Thurman euphemism for a night he goes the distance). Garcia merely adds a disputed loss to his trio of disputed victories. He is likely to see little financial penalty despite scaling back his competition again in the aftermath of a loss that, as close as it was, he need waste no one’s time regrouping from. Matchmaking is already too glacial in its pace, and the concept of the comeback feels empty when a defeat carries none of the penalty, physical or otherwise, that need be recovered from.

The hope is that Thurman moves quickly, moves within the next four or five months to an opponent who presents the type of challenge that will not allow him to bore. Again, Thurman is a fighter, and pressed—as he was by Shawn Porter last year—he often responds like one. Whatever his limitations, he appreciates his responsibility to the crowd. And while he is not fighter enough to consistently embrace that responsibility a better opponent might give him no choice but to. For Garcia, there should be only fights that demand he comport himself like a loss means more than simply defeat—no more fights whose outcomes, good or bad, seem to barely register with him. And if that is asking too much of either fighter so too is asking for a charitable assessment of them.

THURMAN VS. GARCIA FIGHT SETS RECORD AS HIGHEST GROSSING NON-NETS SPORTING EVENT AT BARCLAYS CENTER

BROOKLYN (MARCH 6, 2017) – Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown between Keith “One Time” Thurman and Danny “Swift” Garcia ranked as the highest-grossing non-Nets sporting event in Barclays Center history. The event also set a record for boxing attendance at Barclays Center with 16,533.

The Saturday, March 4 matchup of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS saw Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) become the unified welterweight world champion with a split-decision victory over Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs), defending his WBA belt and picking up Garcia’s WBC crown on boxing’s biggest stage in primetime on CBS. The judges scored it 116-112 Thurman, 115-113 Thurman and 115-113 Garcia. This was only the third time in history that undefeated fighters unified the 147-pound division.

This live broadcast of the PBC Showtime Championship Boxing on CBS, placed CBS as the No. 1 network in prime time on Saturday night, according to Nielsen overnight ratings.

On Saturday, it was also announced the WBC Welterweight Eliminator between former 147-pound champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter will take place Saturday, April 22 at Barclays Center. The winner of this Berto-Porter matchup becomes the mandatory challenger of Thurman.

ABOUT BROOKLYN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) develops and operates state-of-the-art venues and manages premier sports franchises, delivering dynamic content and experiences for audiences. BSE oversees programming, marketing, sales, and operations for Barclays Center and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank, and manages and controls the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and its Development League team, the Long Island Nets, as well as the business operations of the NHL’s New York Islanders.

Barclays Center, which opened on September 28, 2012, offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

The New Coliseum Presented By NYCB, scheduled to reopen April 5, 2017 after extensive renovation, will offer 13,000 seats for hockey, 13,500 for basketball, and 14,500 for standard concert configurations, with the ability to flex up. The bowl will have a theater seating option for 4,000 guests. With a focus on emerging businesses, BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partners and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets.

ABOUT the PBC:
The Premier Boxing Champions is a live boxing television series created for television by Haymon Sports, LLC. The PBC series broadcasts the greatest array of boxing talent in all weight divisions, showcasing fighters from many different countries including the United States and Mexico. The PBC series can be seen on various networks in the U.S. and around the world.

For additional information, please visit Brooklynse.com.

Keith Thurman: Captain of the junior varsity

By Bart Barry

Saturday welterweight Keith “One Time” Thurman majority-decisioned Danny “Swift” Garcia to become the undefeated, undisputed, unified champion of the PBC. The fight went along like PBC championship bouts often do, with neither man felled or bloodied and both in conscious attendance at the reading of official scorecards, guardedly optimistic. As PBC tradition tends to dictate the gloves looked too big in round 12 – Thurman’s patriotic Rivals and Garcia’s neon-canary Reyes – and both men looked fresh enough to box till a 15th round despite laying everything on the line and giving all their blood sweat tears nuts and guts etc.

It wasn’t as much of a PBC-style spectacle as others in the storied management company’s predecessor years because it featured evenly matched titlists, something no one in Al Haymon’s outfit anticipated being fiscally mandated until 2020 at the earliest. Turns out, not even casual fans are quite dumb as the PBC business model supposed which might’ve been obvious – not even the diehardest Patriots fan’d watch a season full of Pats v. Browns – had more than mere market saturation been considered during the company’s formation but apparently wasn’t.

Danny Garcia has long been a Haymon-model outlier while Keith Thurman’d be its purest incarnation were it not for Deontay “Windmill” Wilder. That started Thurman a few points ahead on PBC scorecards that came in fairly for a reason like: Garcia is a 140-pound athlete who outgrew the junior welterweight division, not a welterweight, and therefore his properly applied counterpunches did a few fractions less than sufficient to win rounds Thurman successfully stole in their final 10 seconds. Fair play all round.

But color me enduringly unimpressed with Thurman, now the unified welterweight champion of the PBC if probably not the world. What adjustments did Thurman make Saturday? He holstered his righthand for about three rounds after Garcia baloonpricked his liver a twotime but there’s no calling that a strategy or tactic when words like “compromise” and “surrender” remain available. Aside from that Thurman ferally overshot with 2/3 his powerpunches and did the retreating resting skipping thing the PBC calls “boxing” in homage to master “boxer” Amir Khan’s signature flight pattern, while Thurman must’ve reminded his Florida trainer of no one so much as fellow Floridian Jeff Lacy who once walloped hapless opponents with thrice Thurman’s rage till he came to someone competent and hadn’t the squareroot of a plan b.

Thurman manages to have roughly Lacy’s accuracy with a whole lot more hedging on his shots, often swimming tentatively forward in a way Lacy never did. Combine that with PBC matchmaking and opponents born in lower weight divisions, with the noble exception of Thurman’s single 2016 tilt against Shawn Porter, and you have a unified champion and comparative superstar, as planned, even if not yet sharing celebratory stature with Deontay “Wilder &” Wilder.

I began watching Saturday’s fight with no particular sense for it – and again, credit where it’s due: with no certain forecast – but a suspicion Garcia’s craft and experience’d crack Thurman for having faced at least three men superior to Thurman at junior welterweight (and probably four [Nate Campbell] and possibly five [Kendall Holt]), and when Thurman spent the better part of rounds 4-6 with his right elbow protectivepinned to his liver one rightly assumed Thurman’d get wild and get countered properly, and he did, and it didn’t matter. Credit to Thurman’s whiskers or PBC’s matchmaker but really not both.

Even in losing a fair decision Garcia was simply the more compelling man to watch Saturday in part because he plays against type in a way few of his coworkers do: He dresses gaudily and gives his dad’s jackassery free reign but then throws punches proportionately audacious, which in a different time might’ve been expected but surely isn’t these days. Experience leads one to anticipate Garcia’s ringwalk anticipates an accordion’s posture before adversity but Garcia does the opposite surprisingly often – he imperils himself and chances embarrassment or worse by whipping hooks with little technique allotted to selfpreservation.

Say what you will about his dad, their pairing works very well and not merely for the obvious reason Angel Garcia makes a target of himself for the terminally anxious so his son isn’t one. Somewhere in Garcia’s audacity lies a trust in his father’s judgement; if Garcia’s gambles on hooks bankrupt him, Dad will intervene before any too-permanent damage accrues. That’s much more than can be said for most prizefighter-trainer relationships, isn’t it? Tomorrow Garcia can fill PBC’s welterweight-gatekeeper role when Robert Guerrero and Shawn Porter are unavailable and spoil a few coronations, too, but his days as undefeated top billing are through.

Which leaves the PBC welterweight champion Keith Thurman, captain of the junior varsity, in a better professional position than his resume or technique necessarily justify. According to PBC highlights Thurman is all things to all people: a ferocious beast in the ring and a philosopher of pacifism outside it, a classically trained pugilist and a selftrained flautist, a man so mindful he meditates before cameramen. Neither Thurman nor his matches are nearly good as PBC tells us they are, but that’s where we find ourselves, still, in 2017.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

FOLLOW THURMAN – GARCIA LIVE FROM RINGSIDE

Follow all the action LIVE from Ringside as undefeated welterweight champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia get it on in a much anticipated bout from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The action kicks off at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a Junior Middleweight bout between Erickson Lubin and Jorge Cota

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12-Rounds–WBA/WBC Welterweight titles–Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KO’s) vs Danny Garcia (33-0, 19 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Thurman	10	10	9	9	10	10	9	9	10	9	9	9	113
Garcia	9	9	10	10	9	9	10	10	9	10	10	10	115

Round 1: Thurman trying to push the action…Hard right from Garcia..Counter right..left to body..left..Huge left and right from Thurman…Right…right to head

Round 2 Right to body for Thurman..Right from Garcia..Right from Thurman..another right over the top

Round 3 Right from Thurman..right to the head..Combination from Garcia..Jab from Thurman..Right to body for Garcia..

Round 4 Counter right to body from Garcia..Jab..Counter right..Big right from Thurman..jab..

Round 5 Right from Thurman…Hard right..right…Counter left From Garcia..

Round 6 Thurman sneaks in a right to the body.Counter left..Good right from Garcia..Overhand right from Thurman

Round 7 Right from Garcia..Combination..Good right from Thurman..overhand right from Garcia..Garcia warned for a low blow..Left from Garcia..

Round 8 Right to body by Garcia..Left hook from Thurman..Jab..Counter right from Garcia..

Round 9 Left from Thurman..Uppercut..Right from Garcia

Round 10 Right from Garcia..jab..right..Thurman lands an overhand right..Hard uppercut from Thurman..Counter right from Garcia.

Round 11 Counter left from Garcia.Garcia working on the ropes..

Round 12 Counter right from Thurman..right…Right from Garcia..Hard combination..

116-112 THURMAN…115-113 GARCIA…115-113 THURMAN

12-Rounds–Super Welterweights–Erickson Lubin (17-0, 12 KO’s) vs Jorge Cota (25-1, 22 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Lubin	10	10	10										30
Cota	9	9	9										27

Round 1 Left from Lubin..

Round 2: Body work for Cota…Right hook from Lubin..Jab from Cota..Hard straight left and right from Lubin..

Round 3 Lubin working body on the ropes…Hard combination rocks Cota..Hard overhand left

Round 4 HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES COTA…HE GETS UP BUT THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

KEITH THURMAN vs. DANNY GARCIA FINAL WEIGHTS

WBA & WBC WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds
Keith Thurman: 146 ¼ pounds
Danny Garcia: 146 ½ pounds
Referee: Michael Griffin; Judges: John McKaie (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.), Joseph Pasquale (N.J.)

WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR – 12 Rounds
Erickson Lubin: 153 ¾ pounds
Jorge Cota: 153 ¾ poounds
Referee: Earl Brown; Judges: Frank Lombardi (Conn.), Alan Rubenstein (Penn.), Tom Schreck (N.Y.)

# # #

ABOUT THURMAN vs. GARCIA
Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

KHAN TIPS GARCIA TO SHOCK THURMAN LIVE ON BOXNATION AS HE EYES REMATCH LATER THIS YEAR

LONDON (3 March) – Amir Khan has tipped Danny Garcia to overcome Keith Thurman in their thrilling showdown to set up a riveting rematch between the pair later this year.

WBC champion Garcia and WBA champion Thurman meet in what is one of this year’s biggest and most exciting fights, exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night.

30-year-old Khan is the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title and believes that Philadelphia fighter and two-weight world champion Garcia will see off knockout king Thurman.

“Danny is a very tough and underrated fighter even today, despite winning world titles. I think that his experience and boxing brain will see him beat Thurman. It’s a good matchup and it is a close one to call on paper,” Khan told BoxNation.

“Garcia does go into fights as the underdog and finds a way to win. I think he’s fought the better names, whereas Thurman hasn’t really been in with many top fighters. If he stops Garcia I will hold my hands up and say well done because that would be very impressive.

“It will be a close fight on the cards but I believe Danny will edge it on points. He’s grown into the welterweight division and is a better boxer than he gets credit for,” he said.

Bolton’s Khan waits in the wings for the winner and will be ringside at the Barclays Center in New York.

He suffered a fourth-round stoppage loss to Garcia in 2012, a swiftly arranged matchup following the collapse of his rematch with Lamont Peterson after the American had failed a drugs test.

28-year-old Garcia was a relative unknown at the time and Khan admits he took the fight lightly but is in no doubt that they will eventually meet again.

“I believe that me and Danny will cross paths again,” said Khan. “When we fought the first time I underestimated him and took him lightly. I had never seen him fight before. My rematch with Lamont Peterson had just been called off and I overlooked him.

“I had been in camp for so long training for Peterson and it was frustrating having to start a whole new camp again so soon after. I wanted a fight right away and he was one of the names that came up so I took it without even giving it much thought.

“But full credit to him, he has gone on to have a great career and prove that he is among the very best out there. I think eventually we will meet in the ring again.

“One fight I always get asked about by fans is the rematch with Danny and I’m sure it’s in our destiny – but this time with a different outcome,” Khan said.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion is determined to grab another title and the winner of the Garcia-Thurman fight is one route he is eyeing up.

“I’m mandatory by the WBC to face the winner of this fight so whoever it is I will be willing to take them on. It will probably be nearer the end of the year but I’ll be ready to face either guy,” said Khan.

“I want to become a world champion again and that is what drives me. If people have written me off that doesn’t faze me, it only fuels me. I have no doubt that I will get my hands on another world title. 2017 is going to be a big year for me,” he said.

Thurman v Garcia is exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
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Live Video: GARCIA vs. THURMAN WEIGH-IN AT 1 PM ET

Back To The Future: Leonard Sees It In Thurman-Garcia

By Norm Frauenheim-

Boxing loves history. It remembers, yet it can’t repeat. Not yet, anyway. I’m not sure it has to. These days, just a good fight is enough. Keith Thurman-Danny Garcia Saturday in CBS prime time looks as if it fits the latter part of the bill.

With the year only a couple months old, it’s the best in 2017 thus far. It has a chance to be better than anything seen last year. History can wait, perhaps on a rematch in the evolution of a classic rivalry. Yet, the parallels are there, as irresistible as they are inevitable. In part, that’s why Sugar Ray Leonard will be there as a CBS analyst and a ringside symbol of what the sport would like to be all over again.

Thurman, the WBA’s welterweight champion, and Garcia, the WBC champ, are fighting for the same titles that were at stake when Leonard and Thomas Hearns battled each nearly 36 years ago in a September, 1981 bout that ranks among the all-time classics.

Changes since Leonard prevailed — retaining the WBA’s belt and taking the WBC’s version from Hearns in a 14th-round stoppage– at an outdoor ring behind Las Vegas Caesars Place and before a reported network television audience of 300 million – have forever altered boxing. There are countless titles and more television networks than acronyms. There are fewer fighters these days. More great athletes risk head trauma on the football field than they do in the ring anymore.

“Fortunately, I was in an era where there were just a lot of guys out there who were so talented,’’ Leonard said during a conference call before Saturday’s bout (PT 6-8 pm/ET 9-11 pm) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

For Leonard, there were so-so many, although it’s ironic that the rivalry with Hearns was a business partnership that fell short of its potential. They fought a second time, nearly eight years later in 1989.

But it was forgettable, a draw that left nobody interested in a third step of a trilogy. Still, there was Roberto Duran and Iran Barkley and Marvin Hagler and all of the other legends of that time. There were so many chances at creating legacies, and Leonard, Hearns, Duran and Hagler did exactly that.

There aren’t as many opportunities these days and perhaps the willingness to do so just isn’t there anymore. The game conducts itself according to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s business model: The biggest reward for the smallest risk. It worked for Mayweather, who fulfilled his Money nickname millions of times over. But it has created problems for fighters who might have had a better chance at a legacy for themselves in Leonard’s era.

“I always thought that we had to continue to raise the bar as a fighter, as a champion, and continue to fight better and better competition,’’ he said “When I was fighting, I swear, I wanted to be the underdog -psychologically, spiritually and mentally. If I wasn’t challenged, if I wasn’t considered somewhat of an underdog, I couldn’t perform the way I normally would. It’s what would get me going.’’

For Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) those kind of challenges loom in a bout that is only the third between unbeaten welterweight champions and the first since Felix Trinidad’s controversial victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 1999.

Thurman-Garcia is also intriguing for elements not reflected in their records. Thurman is a compelling personality. He is boxing’s enlightened warrior, a fighter who studies Eastern religions, plays music and talks philosophy.

He’s likable, the flip side to Danny Garcia’s offensive trainer and father, Angel, whose racial slurs at a news conference a few weeks ago left questions about whether the New York State Athletic Commission would license his to work the corner. It did, which adds a controversial edge. Will Angel’s presence put additional pressure on his son?

Danny Garcia is likable in his own way, but his father has turned him into the bad guy. Every great fight needs some good-and-evil, but Danny Garcia has been forced into an ill-fitting role by an offensive dad.

Meanwhile, the ever-poised Thurman has kept his cool throughout the race-baiting rhetoric from Angel Garcia. At opening bell, however, will he be motivated to make the son pay for what the dad said? There’s a danger in that, too especially against the counter-punching Danny Garcia, whose left is as lethal as any if it is allowed to land.

There’s potential on several levels for the kind of fight that Leonard experienced and endured.

“It is an out-of-body experience,’’ said Leonard, who on Wednesday picked Thurman to win. “It’s déjà vu. Like holy, I’m 60. It’s a kind of thing that is so special. It’s so rare of a unification. it seems like. It speaks volumes to me as far as the significance of it. And these guys, Keith and Danny, they know it.

“They realize it.”

Leonard has been there. Maybe, Thurman Garcia and will get there.

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Final Press Conference Quotes

BROOKLYN (March 2, 2017) – Undefeated welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, this Saturday, March 4 in primetime from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also in attendance Thursday and opening the broadcast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin and once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota, who meet in a super welterweight world title eliminator.

Here is what the participants had to say:

KEITH THURMAN

“This fight has been brewing for a long time. Both of us wanted this fight. There’s a reason why this fight is happening. We’re young, we’re hungry and we’re not trying to wait around. It’s time for this to go down.

“I’ve had a great camp. This is nothing new to me. I’m happy to be in this moment with all these people here. I’ve had a dream since I was a little boy to be not just your average champion, but to be a great champion. Before I had that dream, Ben Getty believed in me and it’s because of him that I’m where I’m at today. He predicted this before anyone.

“Danny is a smart fighter. He’s swift. He keeps rising to the top. He knows he has people underestimating him now and that fuels him. For me, I’m fueled by legacy. I want greatness for myself.

“It’s Danny’s reputation against my reputation. We’re both prideful fighters. You’re putting two of the best together. He wants to prove that he can be a unified champion in two divisions and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to get fights like this. I want to show how and why I’m better than my competition. Saturday night is my platform to show the world how great of a champion I am.

“Danny looks ready. But I stay true when I look at you. His eyes wandered, so I wondered a little what that means. What really matters is how the fight starts. You find out if the fighter carries momentum, or if it shifts. What happens, when we land our first big punches?

“He feels confident and I feel confident. I believe that I have more to offer. I feel that I can box my way to victory. I visualize outcomes. I don’t think Danny wins without a stoppage. If it goes to the scorecards, it’ll favor me.

“There hasn’t been one opponent who’s gotten in the ring with me and said that my power isn’t for real. I think my power and my boxing IQ will be the same. I can change it up. I can do what I need to do, so you are unable to do what you want to do.

“This is going to be a fight that you can’t miss. It’s going to be right in your house. If you can’t make it to the arena, you can make it to the couch. This is elite world class championship boxing in primetime. This is for all sports fans.”

DANNY GARCIA

“This deserves all the media attention that it’s getting. I’ve been a champion for five years already and I’ve been a unified champion. Saturday I have an opportunity to unify another division. It’s always been a dream to unify multiple divisions and now I have my chance.

“We put in all the hard work. We did everything we had to do. I feel really good and I feel confident. On Saturday night, I’m going to be a unified champion again.

“I fight to win. I fight to secure my family’s future and that’s what it’s all about. That’s what we train so hard for. I’m going to give the fans something to watch on Saturday.

“Legacy is very important to me. I have more milestones than Thurman. This is his biggest fight. I’ve been in big fights before. Every championship fight is a part of history.

“People say he’s the bigger man because he’s been at this weight longer than me. I’m taller than him, I’m wider than him and I have a bigger back than him. I feel like I’m the fresher welterweight.

“You can’t chase a legacy or money. When you get desperate, you’ll try to take a shortcut. Everything I do is for the love of the sport. I’ve been blessed to be in this position.

“I started boxing because I wanted a trophy. I wanted to show my friends a trophy. I didn’t know the value of a dollar, that came later.

“I’ve been the underdog before. All ‘underdog’ means is that there are a whole bunch of people who don’t know what I can do. I rise to the occasion every time. I win because I’m better. On Saturday night I’m going to prove it again.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I made sure that I ate the right things and done everything perfectly during camp. This training camp went great thanks to my team and you’ll see the results on Saturday.

“If you don’t know me now, you will after Saturday night. This fight is in honor of my dear friend and cutman, Todd Harlib. I wish he could have seen this, but I know he’s looking down on me,

“Come Saturday night I’m going to make my mark in the division. I will become the youngest champion this year. Mark my words. We know my opponent is coming to fight. I’ve proven myself in past fights but I’m still young. I will become the mandatory challenger on Saturday night.

These type of fights bring the best out of me. I’m young, fierce and hungry. I’m excited to get in the ring and perform.

JORGE COTA

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win.

“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m going to take full advantage. My dream is to win a world title and I know I have what it takes.

“I know I have a tough opponent Saturday night who people think very highly of. I have to believe in my training and keep throwing punches until I get the victory.

“I’m very happy to be fighting in New York city as part of this great card and I’m going to put on a show.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“It really doesn’t get better than this for a boxing fan. This is as significant a fight as you can make in boxing right now and it might be the best fight you can make in boxing.

“The fact that this fight is on broadcast television on CBS is a huge plus for our business and anyone who loves boxing, For a fight of this magnitude available to so many people is a tremendous thing for boxing.

“Were on pace to set all sorts of records in terms of attendance and gate for boxing in the history of the great borough of Brooklyn.

“The main event on Saturday doesn’t need a lot of hype. It’s just the second primetime fight on CBS in 40 years and the most significant fight on network television in a generation.

“Keith and Danny have been on a collision course for their whole careers. These guys wanted to fight each other. This is one they both really wanted to happen now.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“The sport of boxing is on the rise and SHOWTIME is proud to be a part of it. We are leading the industry with the strongest lineup of fights in boxing. No one is doing for boxing what SHOWTIME is. We’re doing everything possible to spread the word about these great events to fight fans.

“We’re delivering the best fights and bringing it to the widest audience possible. Saturday is no exception. Two undefeated champions in the prime of their careers. It’s elite fighter versus elite fighter and on free television, not PPV.

“When two fighters meet at Barclays, it is always special. In June, Thurman vs. Shawn Porter was a Fight of the year candidate, In July, Santa Cruz vs. Frampton was a Fight of the Year candidate. January of this year, Badou Jack vs. James DeGale was another Fight of the Year candidate. On Saturday night, this will be another special fight.

“When the best fight the best, special things happen. Leonard vs. Hurns, Trinidad vs. De La Hoy, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Big fights and memorable fights. This has always been boxing’s glamor division. On Saturday night you will found out who the top fighter in this division is.

“The co-feature we have one of boxing’s brightest, most talented prospects in Erickson Lubin. If you don’t know him, you should. He’s taking on the toughest opponent of his career. An experienced fighter, a monster puncher and a real tough test. This whole card is worthy of this slot on CBS.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“This Saturday the nation will see world class championship boxing at its best and on display at Barclays Center in front of millions of primetime viewers on CBS. These are two undefeated superstars in the ring and we are proud to be the host.

“We will have our biggest crowd ever for a boxing event on Saturday, by far. It’s on pace to be one of the biggest non-Nets sporting event, in terms of gross revenue, in Barclays Center history.

“Barclays Center is Danny’s home away from home. Since fighting in our first event in 2012 he has gone on become one of the sport’s biggest names

“Keith has fought twice in Brooklyn and cemented his legacy in the sport and brought himself new fans. We’re thrilled to have him back for this great event.”

# # #

Video: ALL ACCESS Daily: Thurman vs. Garcia – Part Two | 4-Part Digital Series

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Media Workout Quotes

BROOKLYN (March 1, 2017) – Welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia participated in a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym Wednesday afternoon in advance of their primetime showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, this Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also in attendance Wednesday and opening the broadcast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin and once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota, who meet in a super welterweight world title eliminator.

Additional fighters participating in the workout and competing in undercard action on Saturday included light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara, who takes on former world champion Chad Dawson, popular local unbeaten Heather Hardy, who battles Edina Kiss in a featherweight attraction, super lightweight Mario Barrios, who meets Yardley Suarez in an eight-round fight, unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets and Florida’s Clarence Booth, who meet in super lightweight action and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins, who makes his pro debut.

Here is what the fighters

KEITH THURMAN

“It feels great to be in this big fight. This is what we’ve been dreaming of. It feels like my destiny. When you put so much hard work into the sport, everyone knows you’re planting a seed. You have to watch it grow and nurture it before it starts to bear fruit.

“Brooklyn has one of a kind fight fans. The history of this city and the history of boxing in this city is exceptional. The appreciation they have for fighters is one of a kind. It’s always a blessing to perform for these fans.

“I expect the best of Danny Garcia. This is the biggest fight of either of our careers. I saw the best of Shawn Porter, but Keith Thurman was able to rise to the top once again.

“When you look at the facts and our records, it doesn’t get bigger than this. There’s no comparison to my other fights. This is the biggest of my career.

“The ultimate goal is to unify the division. It’s a blessing right now to have two undefeated world champions. These titles have only been brought together a few times in history. It’s a great opportunity. The winner is going to be that man to beat at 147-pounds.

“I believe that we will see the next superstar in the welterweight division after we unify these titles. Whoever becomes the undisputed welterweight champion of the world, will be on another level. We’re going to take our first step toward that Saturday night.

“I want to touch as many households as I can touch. I want the kids who come from the struggle; I want them to see me. They have to learn that they’re going to earn their stripes in life from training hard in the gym.”

DANNY GARCIA

“I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m ready. Saturday night, I’ll be the new unified champion of the world.

“The atmosphere at Barclays Center is amazing. I’ve always requested to fight here and I’m glad they accept me. I can’t wait to fight in front of those great fans again.

“I’m prepared for the best Keith Thurman. I’m ready to make adjustments and fight like a true champion and get the victory.

“I’ve been training a long time for this fight. I felt great in the gym and I was really comfortable the whole time. I’ve had no struggle to make weight. I feel strong and I’ve had no injuries. That’s a perfect camp. We train hard, we train smart and we’re prepared for Saturday night.

“I always train to impress. I don’t need to add any extra pressure just because it’s a big audience. I have to go in there and keep my composure and be the same Danny Garcia that I always am.

“We just have to stay focused on Saturday night. We’re just worried about my game plan for the fight. There’s no distractions for me. I think everything will go smoothly.

“There’s always been some tough fights in the legacies of other great fighters. Each fight is a learning experience. Everything in my career has led me to this fight.

“People want to see the best fight the best. This is my chance to prove it to the world that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’m definitely a better fighter than Keith Thurman. He’s never been in the ring with a guy like me. Saturday night, I’m going to prove it. I’m the better counter-puncher, I’m sharper and I’ll prove it on Saturday night.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“It feels great to be here. Training camp was amazing. We had lots of sparring and made lots of improvements from my last fight. I feel strong and I can’t wait until Saturday night.

“I don’t let anything get to me. I know what I can do. I’m going to go in there confident and be dominant. I’m going to be aware of everything and keep my mind sharp in the ring.

“My coach does the studying of the tape but I know he’s a strong Mexican power-puncher. We know he’s going to be aggressive, but we’re ready for any style he comes with on Saturday night.

“For every opponent, the game plan is different. We have a game plan, but we’ll be ready to adjust. At the end of the day, I have to go in there and win, and win impressively.

“Being on this card is a wonderful feeling. I get to open up for this tremendous fight that I think is going to be the Fight of the Year. I’m going to set the bar real high.

“I’m coming for that number one spot Saturday night. After that, I become the mandatory for Jermell Charlo. I’m going to win this fight in spectacular fashion, mark my words.”

JORGE COTA

“I know that it’s been a long lay-off but I’ve been staying in the gym and staying ready. I don’t think I’ll have any ring rust once I get in there.

“I’m going to take it round-by-round and see what he brings into the ring. I’m going to make adjustments off of what I see. I’ll assess the situation and take it on from there.

“I have a lot of motivation coming into this fight and I’m ready to move a step closer to a world title. This opportunity is something that I won’t let slip by.

“I know I have a very tough opponent in front of me, but I am too strong and I will be too good on Saturday night.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“I got some rest after my last fight and get myself back together. The decision was to change trainers to Virgil Hunter. I’m happy with that decision and I had a great camp.

“I have more focus during this camp. It’s just my family and the gym. The same thing every day. I’m in possibly the best shape I’ve been in my life.

“I have a great jab that I have to use. I think I’m a stronger and more physical fighter than Chad Dawson. I know how to box inside and outside. Dawson has a lot of experience but I know I will be ready for anything he brings.

“There are a lot of Polish fans I’m expecting to see on Saturday night. I know that Brooklyn has a large population of Polish boxing fans. I’m ready for that feeling. I’m back and I’m going after a world title.”

HEATHER HARDY

“I’ve had my eyes on this fight date for a while. I knew that I had to get on this card. There had to be at least one woman representing our sport on this card.

“The women have to work three times as hard just to get to this point. Girls train just as hard as men and we’re working towards getting our due.

“We don’t just represent ourselves when we get in the ring, we represent our sport. There’s always an incredible amount of pressure, no matter what the stage is.

“Just before this fight camp I was coming off of an eight-week MMA camp. Thinking about a girl who can only hit me with two hands, I’m not worried at all.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and put on a show for my loyal and dedicated fans who love to watch me fight.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be on this card. We’re more than prepared for this fight. We have a tough opponent but I’m ready to take everything we’ve done in the gym and put it into the ring.

“My team has watched some tape on my opponent. I personally don’t like to watch too much of their tapes. Everyone fights different opponents differently. We came up with a game plan for this fight and that’s what we’ve been working on all camp.

“A win means everything to me. It’s going to help me climb the ladder and help me take another step in my career.

“I love fighting in New York. The people in this city are incredible and they come out for big fights like this. It’s huge to be on this stage and I’m going to take advantage of it.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“The bright lights have never scared me away. I’m more motivated by the importance of this card. All I care about is what happens in the fight. I don’t see any distractions. I’m focused on my opponent.

“I prepare for every fight like it’s for a world title. It’s the same system for getting ready. But I am aware that people have a lot of tape on me now, so my team has been working on bringing something different to each fight.

“As of now, I’m the IBF mandatory, but I’m not looking past Clarence Booth. I want to take care of this fight and then move on to whoever is holding that belt in June or July. I want a world title fight next.

“I respect every man who steps into that squared-circle. Clarence Booth is a great fighter and I respect him for getting in the ring with me. He’s in my way and I plan on putting on a great performance.”

CLARENCE BOOTH

“Being in camp with Keith Thurman is like being in the school of boxing. We spar, get some good rounds in and he always gives me good advice.

“I’m prepared for anything on Saturday night. I’ve watched him a little bit. I see he’s a big puncher, but I’m a big puncher too. I’m ready to get to work.

“I can do it all in the ring. I can brawl, box and adjust to my opponent. I’m excited for this fight on Saturday.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I’m just excited to get in the ring and take advantage of it on Saturday night.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I’m excited to make my pro debut. I’ve fought in the Golden Gloves at Barclays Center before so there’s no pressure heading into this one.

“I’ve had a long amateur career and I think all of that prepared me for this moment. Everything I’ve been doing since I was 13 has led to this.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent but I’m going to go in there and adapt. We’ve trained to be prepared for this.

“I’ve always seen myself fighting on big cards and one day I’ll be the headliner. We’re finally on the right track towards what I’m looking to accomplish.”

# # #

“I DON’T BOW DOWN TO NOBODY!” – THURMAN STOKES THE FLAMES AHEAD OF GARCIA WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION LIVE ON BOXNATION

LONDON (1 March) – Welterweight ace Keith Thurman has warned fellow champion Danny Garcia he will be his toughest fight yet.

The unbeaten pair clash this weekend, exclusively live on BoxNation, in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year as Floridian Thurman puts his WBA world title on the line against WBC champion Garcia.

The heavy-hitters will meet at the Barclays Center in New York on Saturday night and 28-year-old Thurman, who has won all 27 of his fights, with 22 knockouts, is not worried about losing his perfect record and believes he will be Garcia’s toughest foe to date.

“It’s not easy to be Keith Thurman, I got an ‘0’ and I’m not afraid to let it go,” said Thurman.

“If you can beat me, beat me. I’m going to shake your hand at the end of the fight. I’m going to congratulate you at the end of the fight. But I don’t bow down to nobody and I know that I’m the greatest challenge that most fighters will ever face.

“That’s where my confidence comes from and, you know, I’m just looking forward to the fight. It’s going to be a great fight,” he said.

When Thurman and Garcia do meet they will be unifying the same world titles as ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns did in their 1981 ‘Fight of the Year’ clash.

This showdown is expected to produce similar fireworks with Thurman believing that his naturally bigger size will be a telling factor in the fight.

“I love another man trying to get the best of me right in front of me, going toe-to-toe with me. I just live for it. I’ll never back down. I’m bigger than Danny naturally,” said Thurman.

“He was always smaller than me in the amateurs. He’s smaller than me in the pros. He’s moving up. He might hold his weight well but I’m just a little bit bigger. So that gives me some confidence there.

“We both have great records, great resumes, lots of knockouts, but I have less fights, more knockouts. So I believe that I do punch harder and that I’ll just edge him out statistically a little bit.

“It’s going to come down to who lands the right punches at the right time and strength and conditioning and just everything that the fight game is about. I always come prepared for these kind of fights. I’m just looking forward to it,” Thurman said.

28-year-old Philadelphia native Garcia disputes Thurman’s claim that he is the smaller man, insisting he only stayed at light-welterweight because he held the world titles at 140-pounds.

“To be honest with you I’ve been a welterweight – I was just shrinking myself down to 140 like after I fought [Lucas] Matthysse, my plan was to move up to 147 in 2013, because I couldn’t make the weight no more,” said Garcia.

“We had the title, so we decided to keep squeezing ourselves down. It kind of hurt me in a couple of performances. I wasn’t able to perform my best because of the weight but I feel like I’ve been a true welterweight. I should have been a welterweight since 2013.

“I’m tough for the weight class. I’ve got big shoulders. So I definitely feel like welterweight is my natural weight class. I was just squeezing myself down throughout the years and I’m happy that I’m able to let my body grow and filling to the welterweight division now,” he said.

Thurman v Garcia is exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month.

– ENDS –

Video: ALL ACCESS Daily: Thurman vs. Garcia – Part One | 4-Part Digital Series

SUGAR RAY LEONARD TO JOIN SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ON CBS BROADCAST TEAM FOR DANNY GARCIA vs. KEITH THURMAN WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION EVENT ON SATURDAY, MARCH 4

NEW YORK (Feb. 28, 2017) – Boxing Hall of Famer and former undisputed welterweight world champion Sugar Ray Leonard will join the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast team on Saturday, March 4 for GARCIA vs. THURMAN. The event will be headlined by the welterweight world championship unification bout between undefeated champions Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman. GARCIA vs. THURMAN is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and will take place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, home of BROOKLYN BOXING.

The live broadcast will be produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for the CBS Television Network and will air live on CBS from 9-11 p.m. ET / 6-8 p.m. PT. Garcia vs. Thurman will be the first world title unification bout in any weight division on live network television in over two decades and just the second primetime boxing presentation on CBS in nearly 40 years. The first was headlined by a thrilling welterweight world championship fight between Thurman and Shawn Porter, a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate and one of the most watched boxing events of the year.

With SHOWTIME boxing analyst and active prizefighter Paul Malignaggi scheduled to fight in London that evening, the broadcast seat opened up for Leonard. He will join SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host Brian Custer, play-by-play voice Mauro Ranallo, International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and Sports Emmy® Award-winning reporter Jim Gray on Saturday.

Leonard made his professional boxing debut on CBS in 1977, less than one year after he won gold at the ‘76 Olympics in Montreal as part of what is considered the greatest American boxing team in Olympic history. He served as a boxing analyst for the network in the early 1980s during a temporary retirement, calling fights alongside CBS boxing announcer Tim Ryan and Hall of Fame trainer and analyst Gil Clancy, before eventually resuming his professional boxing career. The March 4 event will reunite Leonard with former CBS producer and current SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Executive Producer David Dinkins Jr., and director Bob Dunphy, the son of legendary boxing broadcaster Don Dunphy.

A five-division titlist and one of the most decorated boxers of all-time, Leonard brings unique perspective to the broadcast booth having been in a similar situation to Thurman and Garcia more than 35 years ago. Garcia, the WBC 147-pound titleholder, and Thurman, his WBA counterpart, will unify the exact same titles that Leonard (WBC) and fellow Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns (WBA) unified in their classic 1981 Fight of the Year.

Heading into the March 4 unification, Garcia and Thurman own similar records to those of Leonard and Hearns prior to their ‘81 showdown. Thurman is 27-0 and Garcia is 33-0, while Leonard was 30-1 and Hearns was 32-0. And like Leonard and Hearns, Thurman and Garcia are in their 20’s and their respective primes as they approach the career-defining fight.

“I’m thrilled to be working with the SHOWTIME team and to be part of the CBS broadcast of this great event,” said Leonard. “I’ve watched Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman develop as young men and mature both inside and outside of the ring. Now they are both champions facing their biggest test to determine the man to beat in the welterweight division. This fight reminds me of my incredible bout against Tommy Hearns. There’s nothing better in boxing than when champions meet to unify a division, and I truly believe this fight could go either way. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to be ringside this Saturday at Barclay’s Center.”

“When Ray and I last spoke in January, we’d reminisced briefly about our work in boxing together and we’d promised to get together soon,” said Dinkins. “Who knew it would be to work on the biggest fight scheduled for 2017? I’m thrilled that Ray is available to join our SHOWTIME broadcast team on March 4. His experience in fighting on the big stage for high-stakes will help put Garcia vs. Thurman into its proper context.

“Garcia vs. Thurman is a battle of undefeated champions,” Dinkins continued. “The winner of this fight will be the No. 1 welterweight in the world. Ray has been there. His classic battles with Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns at welterweight made him a legend. It is only fitting that he will be ringside when a new star is born.”

Leonard was down on the scorecards when he knocked out Hearns in the 14th round of the 1981 fight. It was only the second world championship unification match in welterweight history. Garcia and Thurman will face off in the 10th unification in division history, and only the third between undefeated world champions.

After the Hearns fight, Leonard made one more defense of his welterweight belts before eventually moving up to challenge Marvin Hagler at middleweight. Leonard has served as a TV personality and boxing analyst since retiring from the ring in 1997, including a stint on CBS.

ABOUT GARCIA vs. THURMAN
Danny Garcia vs. Keith Thurman is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @DannySwift, @KeithFThurmanJr, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Media Conference Call Transcript

Lou DiBella
Thank you, everybody, for joining us for this call for what I think is going to be a Fight of the Year, if not the Fight of the Year, between champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, the World Welterweight Championship Unification at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Saturday, March 4th. This will be a telecast of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tickets for the live event start at $50. And they’re on sale right now. There are plenty of very, very low price tickets still available out there for and we’d like as many fans as possible to be there. You can purchase your tickets online at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 and they’re also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

As I noted, this telecast will be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS and the CBS telecast will be live, live at 9:00 pm, ET/6:00 pm, PT.

It’s been a great roll of boxing that ended 2016 for SHOWTIME and is beginning 2017 as the fights have been sensational in every platform that’s put out there. You know, this telecast being on CBS is a great story in itself and a great opportunity for the most eyeballs possible to see one of the very best fights you can make in all of boxing.

And I’d like to bring up to say a few words on this call the man that’s responsible for this great run for SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much, Lou.

I echo your sentiments. You know, personally, I do believe this is boxing’s most anticipated fight of the year. Both Danny and Keith are undefeated. They’re in the prime of their careers and obviously both hold major world title belts in the welterweight division. They’re both highly-skilled boxers who are also powerful punchers. And this is a rare battle of undefeated champions fighting to unify the division. It’s so rare, in fact, that this is just the tenth world title unification bout in the history of the welterweight division. This will go down among the likes of Leonard versus Hearns, Trinidad versus De La Hoya, Mayweather versus Pacquiao. This is the kind of elite company this fight is in, in being a welterweight world title unification fight.

In fact, with Keith Thurman, the WBA Champion, and Danny Garcia, the WBC Champion, they’ll be fighting to unify the exact, same titles that Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns unified in their 1981 Fight of the Year.

And our last real statistic here, this will be just the third unification fight between undefeated welterweights in boxing history. Again, only the third time in boxing history that undefeated welterweights have met to unify titles, the last being Trinidad-De La Hoya in 1999. So given the quality of this matchup and the rarity of this matchup is, it’s no wonder why we’ve selected this bout to be just the second primetime boxing event on the CBS TV network in nearly 40 years.

This showdown obviously presents huge implications in the welterweight division which has historically always been boxing’s premium division. With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, this fight will arguably determine who is the face of the new 147-pound division and certainly deserving the spot on the pound for pound list.

With that, I’ll turn it back to Lou. Suffice to say I can’t wait until March 4th.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Stephen.

First, I’d like to bring you the WBA World Welterweight Champion with the record of 27-0 with 22 KOs, the pride of Clearwater, Florida, Keith “One Time” Thurman.

Keith Thurman
Well, I’m happy to be here, looking forward to the questions and looking forward to this fight. It’s going to be a great fight.

L. DiBella
Mr. Garcia is 33-0, 19 KOs out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, like Keith, 28 years old. Danny is the WBC World Welterweight Champion.

Danny Garcia
Thanks for having me on. I appreciate it. I want to thank the media for joining us for this conference call and I’m excited about the fight on March 4. Can’t wait to unify titles that night. Thank you.

Q
Keith, what is your view of the balancing act between a great exposure but not fighting often enough, it would seem, for a top fighter?

K. Thurman
I just didn’t want to have a stay busy fight. I just wanted to have a fight that I wanted and it’s the fight that we’re getting. So if I had to wait for it, I wait for it. When fighters are staying busy, they put themselves on a certain fight schedule and then sometimes it’s hard to make the big fights happen because, this fighter is in a training camp and he’s getting ready for a fight and then the other guy starts his training camp to fight somebody else and I just wanted a fight that I want. I’m not complaining about my career. I’m not complaining about my exposure or my celebrity status. I’m not really in boxing to be a super celebrity even though there is super stardom in the sport of boxing. I’m living the dream that I’ve always wanted to live and I’m proud of it. This is a fight that I’m really looking forward to and I’m excited about it.

And then from here, I am hoping to give you guys a minimum of two fights this year. So we’ll be more active than we have been recently but things have happened last year. We have the injury, the car accident. That was a setback. And when setbacks occur, there’s nothing you can do. I’m young. I plan on being in this game for as long as I possibly can be.

So I’m not complaining at all. I’m happy to be where I am in the sport of boxing today.

Q
So are you saying that you’re willing to just wait it out and let Danny have the tune-up fight that he said that he needed and then make the fight now as opposed to trying to force the issue within the last year?

K. Thurman
This is the fight I wanted and I had no objective of waiting for it. If that’s what we needed to do, it’s not optimal, but at this stage, I can live off of one paycheck, and I was able to do that. My body went through a lot with the car accident and the rehab that I had to go through.

Last year was a big year for me. It was my 20th year anniversary in boxing, in the sport of boxing. And so even though I fought once, I got to sit back and relax and reflect and really just pat myself on the back and say, you’re champion of the world, you’ve accomplished the dreams that you Ben Getty set out for yourself as a young child. And I know it might be aggravating for fight fans, but for me, it was a blessing. I was happy to just reflect on all of my accomplishments and really just get ready to put on a tremendous performance for 2017. I got to travel the world a little bit last year and just do things for Keith Thurman and just appreciate what I’ve accomplished and the lifestyle that I’m living today.

I could have stayed busy. There were some options out there. Danny took his tune-up so that he didn’t want to go from Robert Guerrero and sitting, while I just fought Shawn Porter. So I would have been a little bit more active than them and they wanted to get back into activity and then take the big fight. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I respect that. And that’s why I waited to make this fight happen because this is the fight I wanted. I believe this is the fight the fight fans deserved. And I wanted to challenge myself and go for my second title.

Q
Keith, your thoughts about where this fight lies perhaps in the history of boxing?

K. Thurman
Boxing is all about is making history. That’s my ultimate goal is to not just make a living for myself, not just live my American dream and accomplish my goals as an athlete but my ultimate goal has been, ever since I was a child, is to make history in the sport of boxing so that when I’m done boxing, people get to remember who Keith “One Time” Thurman really was, what he brought to the welterweight division and hopefully, arguably, when people start talking about their favorite fighters and the greatest fighters of all time that there will be somebody standing in a circle who said “I really love that boy, Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman.” For me, that’s what it’s all about.

Q
Danny, your thoughts on that? About the unifying of those belts that those great fighters had and the rarity of this welterweight unifications?

D. Garcia
Yes, it feels good. It’s an honor. At the end of the day, you know, I feel like I’m this caliber of fighter. I’m an old school fighter in the streets of Philadelphia. I feel good that we fight for those titles and it gives me the opportunity to win my fourth world title.

Q
Is it part of your preparation mentality to go out there and try to prove people wrong?

D. Garcia
The critics will be the critics. They don’t know what I can do. I’ve been here before. It’s not new to me. But at the end of the day, I know what I can do and I’m a great champion, I’m a true champion and that’s what I’m going to show on March 4.

Q
Keith, tell us why you think you’re going to win on March 4th?

K. Thurman
Well, it’s because I’m an undefeated champion and I’ve never lost. I feel strong. I have a strong amateur background. He does, too. This is my life. This is what I do. I love the challenge. I love the fight game. I love another man trying to get the best of me right in front of me, going toe-to-toe with me. I just live for it.

I’ll never back down. I’m bigger than Danny naturally. He was always smaller than me in the amateurs. He’s smaller than me in the pros. He’s moving up. He might hold his weight well but I’m just a little bit bigger. So that gives me some confidence there.

We both have great records, great resumes, lots of knockouts, but I have less fights, more knockouts. So I believe that I do punch harder and that I’ll just edge him out statistically a little bit and it’s just going to come down to the fight who lands the right punches at the right time and strength and conditioning and just everything that the fight game is about. I always come prepared for this kind of fights. I’m just looking forward to it.

Nowadays, win, lose or draw, I’ll always be a champion. I’m not worried about nothing. I’m not worried about my reputation. Like I said, I’m living my dream. I’m trying to make history.

But it’s not easy to be Keith Thurman, I got an ‘0’ and I’m not afraid to let it go. If you can beat me, beat me. I’m going to shake your hand at the end of the fight. I’m going to congratulate you at the end of the fight. But I don’t bow down to nobody and I know that I’m the greatest challenge that most fighters will ever face. So that’s where my confidence comes from and, you know, I’m just looking forward in the fight. It’s going to be a great fight.

Q
Danny, same question for you, why do you feel so confident you’re going to win this fight?

D. Garcia
I’m a true champion. I’ve been in the big fights before. I’ve been in unification fights before. I feel I’m the better fighter. I always rise to the occasion. And that’s pretty much it. At the end of the day, Danny Garcia, he comes to fight and he comes to win.

Q
Is there anything in Keith’s record or how do you watch Keith’s fights, Danny, that gives you confidence that you see something that you could beat him?

D. Garcia
We did our homework. We did the math. We’re coming in the fight with a great game plan and if anything happens, then we got to adjust. But we’ve done our homework and we’re confident going into this fight.

Q
Keith, is there anything you’ve seen in watching Danny’s recent fights that tells you you’re going to be able to win?

K. Thurman
Danny has always won. He has always prevailed in his fights. But ultimately, looking at the books and everything and looking at the record, I think Danny has been in more close decisions than I have been. The closest fight that I’ve been in was my most recent fight with Shawn Porter, a fighter who knows me very well and somebody who I competed against coming off of injury and a big layoff. So we feel stronger this camp. We feel more prepared and ready for this camp. And we believe that we’ll be able to make a statement.

He just let people be in the fight with him more than I believe fighters have been in the fight with me. I think I’ve had more dominant decisions over my opponents than Garcia and that gives me confidence in winning this fight.

Q
Keith, my question is for you. Is this fight personal for you?

K. Thurman
No, man. This is a kid that I’ve known since we were kids. If anything, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. I’m proud of everything he’s accomplished. He’s lived the life that I’ve lived in a different state in a different scenario. But we’re like two pit bulls. We were bred for this at a young age. We’re not new fighters. We didn’t pick up boxing yesterday. This isn’t new to us. This is the career that we chose while we were growing up. When people were trying to figure out what they want to be, we knew what we wanted to be. We knew we wanted to be fighters and this is what we wanted to do.

And I remember the day that Shawn Porter turned pro and he started to compete at 147 because Porter, as an amateur, competed at 165. And I remember when somebody passed on the knowledge that “Oh, Shawn Porter, he’s having his pro debut” and this and that and he’s fought so many fights now and he’s competing at 147, I mean, he was nobody to you guys until the reporter at the time and I knew from them I probably was actually nobody, too, and – but I knew, I said, “Oh, well, me and Shawn Porter are going to have to fight one day.” And now, me and Danny Garcia have to fight.

This is what it is, man. There are a lot of other fighters out there today that I grew up with in the amateurs and it’s just great to see so many people just accomplishing their goals and their dreams. In life, you have to fight for survival. Everyone is fighting and everyone is struggling but we fighters, we truly fight to make a name for ourselves, and it kind of makes me laugh. It was humorous to me.

Andrzej Fonfara in Full Swing With VADA Testing

BAY AREA, CA (February 16, 2017) – In preparation for his upcoming fight with former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-4, 19 KOs), Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) is in full swing with his mandated VADA testing. The 10-round bout is set for March 4th, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn NY, on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia, undercard.

Fonfara, who recently hired Virgil Hunter, 2012 BWAA Boxing Trainer of the year, gives his thoughts on the importance of drug testing in boxing.

“Today I had my mandatory VADA testing and I feel good about it.” said Andrzej Fonfara, the current WBC #9 rated contender. “I think it’s very important that all fighters be tested for PED’s.” “We all put our lives on the line when we step in the ring and everyone knows boxing is a very dangerous sport. People die in the ring and for someone to have an advantage by taking drugs, should not be tolerated. I believe cleaning up the sport of boxing is a good thing, one that all fighters should applaud.”

Danny Garcia Media Workout Quotes

PHILADELPHIA (February 15, 2017) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia hosted Philadelphia media at his training camp Wednesday as he prepares to face fellow welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Broadcast coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battling once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout.

Here is what Garcia and his father and trainer, Angel, had to say Wednesday from DSG Boxing Gym:

DANNY GARCIA

“At the end of the day, I prepare myself to be 100 percent ready for anything Thurman does. I’m a true champion because I’m able to adapt to anything he can bring.

“Training camp has been crucial. We’re working hard and pushing ourselves to the limit. We’ve done everything we have to do so far. It’s almost fight time.

“We’re just working smart and hard. We’re sharpening and working on a great game plan. I have to stick to the game plan and adjust if I have to.

“I’ve been in a lot of big fights, so I can’t psych myself out. On March 4 I’m going to show the world again why I’m a real champion.

“There’s no better feeling than unifying the title. I did it at 140 and now I have the chance to accomplish my goals at 147. It’s up to me to take advantage of it.

“There’s been a lot of trash talk, but come March 4, that’s all over. We each need to do what we do best, and that’s win.

“I think I have a lot of advantages. One of them is that Barclays Center is like a second home. I’m the sharper, more patient and more battle-tested fighter. I’ll prove it on March 4.

“Thurman’s fight against Porter was a good fighter but I’m a different fighter than Shawn Porter. I bring a whole different skill set.

“It feels good to represent my city. This is what Philadelphia fighters are all about. We rise to the occasion. I’ve been doing it my whole career.

“There’s a lot of pressure on me to be the best. That’s what keeps me focused. I think about the eyes that are going to be on me and I have to go in there and look my best. These kind of fights really bring out the best in me.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“For me it’s an important fight every time Danny steps in that ring. We train the same way no matter who the opponent is. We have to take everybody very seriously. There’s nothing easy in life. From the beginning of his career to its end.

“Thurman is undefeated but just because they call him ‘One Time’ doesn’t mean he’s going to do that to Danny. My son has a great chin. We don’t know about Thurman’s chin. He hasn’t fought a guy like Danny. This is a good sight for Danny to take into even bigger successes.

“Danny has power just like Keith. We’re not scared of him. This is the hurt game. You know you’re going to get hit. We just don’t know if he can take a punch.

“You can bet your money on whoever you want. At the end of the night, I know what Danny is going to bring to the table. At the end of the night, he’s going to be the new unified champion of the world.”

# # #

The two-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast will be just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years. It is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

Keith Thurman Media Workout Quotes

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (February 15, 2017) – Undefeated world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman hosted media at his training camp in St. Petersburg, FL Wednesday as he prepares to face fellow welterweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Broadcast coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battling once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout.

Here is what Thurman had to say Wednesday from the St. Petersburg Boxing Club:

KEITH THURMAN

“At the end of the day, it’s just another fight. My job has not changed since I was seven years old. This is the sport that I love. The name of the game to hit and not get hit, but you know I’m looking to inflict some damage as well.

“I know Danny is confident coming into this fight. He’s trying to challenge me and hurt me. I have an ‘0’ and I’m not ready to let it go. If you think you can beat me, beat me. It’s going down on March 4.

“You can expect a world class fight. We’re both great champions with impressive skills. We’re going to be pushing each other and testing each other. I see myself as the smarter fighter. I’ve shown that I can adjust in the middle of a fight. With the experience that I have, I go in there with an objective I’m trying to achieve. If it’s not happening, then I have to use something else.

“Ultimately, my heart desires victory at this stage and at this level. I’m looking to do what I do best. Which is be a smart fighter, look for the openings and if I can cause some damage, hopefully I can capitalize on that.

“I showed against Shawn Porter that when you fully challenge me and make me gut it out, I’m there. I’m a champion and this champion doesn’t lie down for anybody. That fight was a tremendous fight and we showed that we understand each other as fighters.

“I thought to myself after eight rounds against Porter, ‘this fight is tied.’ Nothing that happened in the first eight rounds mattered. The fight was going to be decided in four rounds, just like the amateurs. I had to do what Ben Getty always said, ‘smart fighters win and dumb fighters lose.’

“I just want to keep moving myself up and establishing my legacy. I want to distinguish myself from the other welterweights. The winner of this fight will get the spotlight over everyone else in the division.

“I’m doing this for my career, for my legacy and for the fans. Without the fans, there’s no legacy. I’ve been boxing for 21 years of my life and I look forward to having some more great years. I’m proud to be living my dream.

“To get two tremendous fights back-to-back is evidence that I’m on the right track and you could say we’re gaining more power in the sport. I’m getting what I want out of the sport, which are big fights like this.

“This is something that the fans are excited about and I’m truly looking forward to this fight. I just want to keep living my dreams and working to become the best fighter in the world.

“Establishing a unification of a weight class is my ultimate goal in the sport of boxing. That’s what we’re working for.”

DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer

“The preparation has been fantastic. Keith has been on both. His long runs, short runs, sprinting, listening to everything in the gym not to mention great sparring. You are going to see a great performance.

“This is a dream come true for me. I never dreamed of this when I was Youngstown, OH before I came to Florida. When I came here there were guys like Jeff Lacy and Winky Wright that came into my gym who I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. Then came Ben Getty and Keith Thurman.

“I owe most of this to Ben Getty. I want him to get a lot of the recognition. He really deserves it. I am just trying to continue what he started.

“Fans are going to see a great performance. They are going to see a well-conditioned, well-trained Keith Thurman. He is very focused on getting rid of Garcia and moving up in the ranks.”

# # #

DANNY GARCIA & KEITH THURMAN JOIN RECORD BOOKS & ELITE GROUP OF LEGENDS IN MARCH 4 WELTERWEIGHT UNIFICATION

NEW YORK (Feb. 15, 2017) – Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns. Felix Trinidad vs. Oscar De La Hoya. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.

That is the elite company welterweight champions Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman will join when they meet in just the 10th unification in division history on Saturday, March 4 on SHOWTIMECHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, live on CBS from 9-11 p.m. ET/6-8 p.m. PT.

Garcia, the WBC titleholder, and Thurman, the WBA champion, will unify the exact same titles that Leonard (WBC) and Hearns (WBA) unified in their 1981 Fight of the Year.

And while Hearns was undefeated and Leonard entered with one loss, Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) and Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) will meet in just the third unification between undefeated welterweights in boxing history, the first since Trinidad vs. De La Hoya in 1999, a bout billed as “The Fight of the Millennium.”

Garcia vs. Thurman will be broadcast in Primetime on CBS, the first unification on network television in any division in over two decades (Note: Terry Norris vs. Paul Vaden at 154-pounds on Dec. 16, 1995 on FOX). It’s also just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years.

While Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman are joining a who’s who of legendary 147-pounders, their showdown also presents current implications in boxing’s glamour division. With the retirement of pound-for-pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather, Garcia and Thurman, both just 28 years old, meet with a chance to become the new face of the stacked 147-pound division, and perhaps earn a spot on the mythical pound-for-pound list.

More than 80 percent of the total punches landed by Garcia are power shots, putting his high-octane power punch output nearly 10 percent higher than the welterweight average.

Keith Thurman ranks No. 4 amongst all current boxers in percentage of power punches landed, connecting at 48.2 percent according to Compubox. That’s more than 10 percent better than the welterweight average.

Both fighters are young, hungry and undefeated. Their bout on March 4 is the quintessential career-defining fight. It is a chance for both to add to their growing legacy and potentially, ultimately, be forever linked with every boxing great in the coveted International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Note: Welterweight Unifications (9) In Boxing History
Jackie Fields (NBA) W DQ 2 Joe Dundee (World) 7-25-29
Sugar Ray Leonard (WBC) KO 14 Thomas Hearns (WBA) 9-16-81
Donald Curry (WBA, IBF) KO 3 Milton McCrory (WBA) 12-6-85
Simon Brown (IBF) KO 10 Maurice Blocker (WBC) 3-18-91
Felix Trinidad (IBF) W 12 Oscar De La Hoya (WBC) 9-18-99
Ricardo Mayorga (WBA) KO 3 Vernon Forrest (WBC) 1-25-03
Cory Spinks (IBF) W 12 Ricardo Mayorga (WBA, WBC) 12-13-03
Floyd Mayweather (WBC, WBA Super) W 12 Marcos Maidana (WBA) 5-3-14
Floyd Mayweather (WBC, WBA Super) Manny Pacquiao (WBO) 5-2-15
Note: Curry-McCrory and Trinidad-DLH were matchups of unbeatens.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Exciting Matchup Between Polish Light Heavyweight Contender Andrzej Fonfara & Former Three-Time World Champion Chad Dawson Highlights Night of Undercard Action Saturday, March 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (February 9, 2017) – Exciting Polish contender Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) will meet former world champion Chad Dawson (34-4, 19 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight attraction as part of an exciting night of non-televised undercard bouts on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Broadcast coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battling once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout.

“Fonfara vs. Dawson is the definition of a crossroads fight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Former world champion Chad Dawson needs a signature win to reignite his career. Fonfara is coming off a shocking knockout loss. Fonfara should have the support of New York’s strong Polish community on March 4 at the Barclays Center. This is a significant light heavyweight fight and a terrific addition to a strong undercard.”

A popular Polish-fighter who has fought out of Chicago for most of his career, Fonfara will make his New York debut in front of the many Polish fans in Brooklyn. Now training in Oakland with Virgil Hunter, Fonfara will look to bounce back from a defeat to Joe Smith Jr. and work his way towards a second world title opportunity, after he dropped Adonis Stevenson in a decision loss for his world title in 2014. The 29-year-old has impressive recent victories including becoming the first fighter to stop Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., when he blasted out the former champion in nine rounds in 2015, and a follow-up victory over current light heavyweight titlist Nathan Cleverly that was a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate and saw the fighters break Compubox records in the division for number of punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) in a fight.

A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking to earn another world title shot. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Adamek and is coming off of victories over Shujaa El Amin last year. The New Haven, Connecticut-native has fought professionally since 2001 and was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights on his way to becoming a two-time world champion. His victory over Hopkins in 2012 made him a three-time champion and he will now work his way towards a chance to become a four-time world champion.

Erickson Lubin & Jorge Cota Clash in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in Primetime Battle on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

BROOKLYN (February 8, 2017) — Undefeated rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will take on once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in the co-feature bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, live on CBS from 9-11 p.m. ET/6-8 p.m. PT.

The broadcast, which will be just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years, is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification between unbeaten stars Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia. The broadcast is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

Lubin and Cota will open the broadcast with an elimination bout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship held by undefeated champion Jermell Charlo, who is due a mandatory bout against No. 1 contender Charles Hatley. The highly regarded Lubin (17-0, 12 KOs) will face his toughest opponent to date in Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) as both men vie for their first world title shot.

“I’m very excited that I have the opportunity to showcase my skills on CBS, especially on one of the most anticipated fight cards in boxing,” said Lubin. “I’m facing a tough, rugged fighter in Jorge Cota, who I know is coming to fight. He’s got a lot of heart and fans are going to witness a great battle between two warriors who are going to leave everything in the ring. This will be my New York debut at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and I can’t wait to give the fans a great performance.”

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for over a year and I am looking forward to becoming the mandatory for the championship on March 4,” said Cota. “Lubin has never faced a crafty fighter like me. Lubin has some experience, but I will be his first real challenge. Don’t be surprised if I knock him out.”

“Erickson Lubin is one of the hottest prospects in boxing; many consider him to be the top young prospect in the game,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “On March 4, he will be tested in front of a national television audience against Jorge Cota in a title elimination bout. If ‘Hammer’ is successful in this tough test, he’ll graduate from prospect to serious championship contender.”

Since bursting onto the scene in 2013 at just 18-years-old, Lubin has impressed with his exciting style, power and ability to finish opponents with both hands. The 21-year-old fights out of Orlando and concluded a big 2016 by being named ESPN’s “Prospect of the Year.” Lubin has won nine times in the last two years against increasingly experienced opposition and most recently knocked out then once-beaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera in the second round of their December matchup on SHOWTIME BOXING on FACEBOOK LIVE.

The 29-year-old Cota scored two knockdowns and won an entertaining 10-round battle with Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson in his U.S. debut in 2015. Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Cota enters this bout having won nine bouts in a row, including six that ended inside of the distance. Sporting an 85 percent knockout rate, Cota scored knockout victories in his first 16 pro fights.

Unbeaten Brooklyn Fan Favorite Heather Hardy Returns to Take on Former Title Challenger Helen Joseph in Undercard Action Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (February 7, 2017) – Unbeaten brawler and Brooklyn-area favorite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) will return to the ring to battle former title challenger Helen Joseph (9-3-1, 8 KOs) in a super bantamweight contest that highlights undercard action on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, with prime time televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena ever since. On March 4, she will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the eighth time, and seventh time in her last eight fights. In Hardy’s most recent bout last August 21, at Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island, Hardy won a decision over previously unbeaten rival Shelly Vincent to capture the WBC International featherweight title. The entertaining slugfest was shown tape delayed on NBCSN and helped Heather increase her national profile.

By fight night, Hardy will have been out of the ring for six-and-a-half months, her longest stretch of inactivity, which was due to the new insurance regulations put in place by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), in effect since September. All boxing action in the State came to a halt until last month’s Barclays Center event. Dependent on her boxing income to support her family, Hardy sought out other ways to make ends meet. On January 14, Hardy had planned to make her MMA debut for Invicta in Kansas City, MO, however her opponent suffered an injury in training and the event was cancelled. Returning her full focus to boxing, Hardy is determined to conquer another tough challenge on the way to her first world title opportunity.

“I’m grateful and excited to be back in the ring at Barclays Center next month,” said Hardy. “It will be my first fight since August. I’ve had to hustle extra hard these past few months since the insurance issue shut down the New York boxing scene for the last quarter of 2016. I even decided to take an MM fight in January to help supplement my income and pay some bills. However, my opponent dropped out the day before I was flying to Kansas City for the event. It’s been one disappointment after the next, so I am truly happy to be back at home where I belong, doing what I love.”

Born in Nigeria but fighting out of Ghana, Joseph will fight in the U.S. for the second time as a pro after dropping a decision in Texas against Jennifer Han in her most recent world title opportunity. The 27-year-old had previously challenged Dahiana Santana in the Dominican Republic for a world title in 2012 and had a successful run of victories after turning pro in 2004 that lasted until 2009, when she suffered her first defeat. She most recently scored a second round stoppage of Namely Emilia in November of last year.

WBC – Jan. 20, 2017 – Angel Garcia

The WBC is extremely concerned with the behavior and actions showcased by Mr. Angel Garcia, who is the trainer of WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia, during the press conference for the highly anticipated fight between Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman.

The WBC prides itself for its battle against apartheid, in which South Africa was banned from boxing for 19 years, and our constant rejection to any sort of discrimination and abuse of power.

The WBC condemns the foul language, the discriminatory threats, and the very dangerous actions which could have led to a riot and personal injuries during this presentation.

The WBC has no jurisdiction over licensing of trainers, which is a matter that corresponds to the local boxing authorities. However, the WBC Code of Ethics and Constitution, Rules and Regulations, emphatically reject these actions, which cannot be tolerated in our sport.

The WBC respects and has always enjoyed a very respectful relation with Mr. Angel Garcia in the past, and the WBC will hold a meeting in person or by teleconference next week through the WBC administrative process and protocol.

Boxing is a sport of contact, but it is a noble one and fighters are role models for the youth of the world with countless exemplary actions of fair play, respect, unity, humanity and brotherhood.

Garcia vs. Thurman is a very important fight between two undefeated champions, which brings the best of our sport, and the attention must be fully into this great event and the two fighters putting their future on the line.

Mauricio Sulaiman
WBC President

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Press Conference Quotes

BROOKLYN (January 18, 2017) – Undefeated welterweight world champions Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman hosted a press conference in Brooklyn Wednesday to discuss their primetime showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPION CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The broadcast, which will air live from 9–11 p.m. ET/6–8 p.m. PT, is just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Thurman and Garcia were joined by their trainers at the press conference Wednesday afternoon at Barclays Center. Here is what the participants had to say:

KEITH THURMAN

“It’s a pleasure to be here again. This is where it’s at. I get the most love out here, since the first time I ever fought here. The fans in New York make me feel like I’ve made it.

“This fight March 4 has two undefeated champions. Two of the best welterweights going toe-to-toe. Someone’s ‘0’ has to go.

“I’m blessed to get this fight because I’ve been asking for it. I’m looking forward to it. We’re working hard down in Florida. You don’t want to miss this fight.

“This fight is going to have action. There’s too much on the line. I remember Danny from the amateurs. I applaud him for everything he’s done in this career. He signed the wrong contract though, because Keith Thurman’s got this. Danny Garcia, you’re getting knocked out.

“At the end of the day it’s your actions that speak louder than words. We will make our statement on March 4. You will know after that night, who the champion truly is.

“Angel will talk to try to get people off of their game. Danny is an elite fighter, and he can talk for himself. These father trainers seem to like the limelight as much as the fighter, if not more. At the end of the day, I’m only fighting Danny Garcia.

“Danny Garcia has some power. He has enough, even compared to me. But if you look at a lot of his fights, he knocked guys down. But they got back up. There is a difference between knockdown and knockout power.

“He’s dangerous but we believe I’m more dangerous. He hasn’t fought a true welterweight with punching power. I believe I’ll be the last man standing on March 4.

“We’ll see what kind of camp he has. If he works hard, then he’ll be geared up for a tough fight. A fighter’s performance is based off of training camp, not any past fights.

“He’s a champion and I’m a champion. You will see the results on March 4. I’m eager to unify these titles and this should be an exciting fight.”

DANNY GARCIA

“You know I’m already in shape. I’ve been active and in the gym getting ready. I feel great. Come March 4, I’m going to be the unified champion again.

“This is nothing new to me. I’ve been the underdog in a unification fight. At the end of the day, Angel and I, we’re going to come out with a great game plan and get the victory. I will have my hand raised at the end of the night.

“I just had to tell Keith to be careful what he wished for. He wanted this fight, but now that he’s got it, you have to deal with me.

“I’m going to take this one round at a time to get the victory. If the knockout comes, it comes. I’m not going out of my element. I’m going to do what I do best.

“We’re definitely going to work the body. But we’ll work the head too, wherever we can hit him. We’re just working smart and hard in camp. Nothing is changing from past camps. We’re going to put in work.

“I’m excited to fight on CBS. The fans deserve fights to be on free television so that everyone can watch it. I’m excited to unify titles in another division.

“At the end of the day he’s a world champion and you have to respect that. He’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve been fighting people like him since I was a little kid in Philadelphia. I’ve been boxing my whole life for this moment. I just have to go in there and make sure I’m ready mentally and physically.

“I just have to have tunnel vision on fight night. I’m going to show composure during every round and keep the momentum going my way. If it switches a little bit, then I’ll make adjustments and adapt like a true champion. I’ll be prepared like I always am.

“I feel very comfortable at Barclays Center. It’s like another day in the gym with me in here. It’s a fantastic atmosphere. This is the best place in the world to fight and I’m happy to be back.

“I hope everyone comes out to Barclays Center on fight night. I know there are a lot of Puerto Ricans in New York and I hope they’re here to support. Barclays Center is my home away from home.

“I just want to make sure I’m mentally and physically ready. If I’m ready, nobody can stop me. We’re going to do what we always do. Put the hard work in, talk a little trash and back it up.”

DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer

“Were here. We’re going to be ready. We’re focused on Danny Garcia. Keith Thurman will be the victor that night and stake his claim as the best in the division.

“Danny Garcia is a very good fighter. He’s like a mirror image of Keith Thurman. He boxes well, punches well and has good defense. But he’s facing a kind of fighter that he’s never faced before. Keith Thurman is the most talented welterweight in the world.

“Keith will bring the strength. He’s not a built-up welterweight. He comes down to make welterweight from about 170 pounds so we expect size to be an advantage.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia’s Father & Trainer

“Danny was the first man to headline here. Danny holds the attendance record at this venue. We knew Brooklyn was where we wanted to have this fight.

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where this fight should be. I love this venue and it’s been great to Danny every time he fights here.

“March 4 you will see the champion of the world, Danny Garcia, become a unified champion. Danny is a great fighter and he won’t be beat.

“We’re not the underdog here. Danny is the undefeated champion of the world. Thurman is in for a long night. Believe me.

“Thurman is a good fighter and he’s been around for a long time like Danny. I respect him, but they made him a champion. Danny became a champion, and there is a difference. Danny is a true champion. March 4 he will still be undefeated. Thurman won’t have an answer for Danny.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“On the heels of what was a tremendous fight card this Saturday night in this great arena, it’s great to be able to say that it doesn’t get any better than this fight.

“Thurman vs. Garcia is the best against the best, which is really what we have to do to elevate our sport to the sport of kings like it once was. We have two kings sitting at this table

“It’s a privilege to promote another great PBC card and at Barclays Center in my hometown. Say what you will about what is the cathedral of boxing in the U.S., but I’ll take this building over just about any venue in the world. They have a great commitment to the sport.

“In an era where some people think that PPV is a good thing, it’s incredibly important that a fight of this magnitude is on broadcast television. These two champions have the opportunity to do their thing in front of a huge audience. It’s great for boxing.

“We’re very proud that 80 percent of the seats in the building are available for between $150 and $49. We want this to be accessible to all boxing fans. That’s a tribute to everyone involved in this event and to serve all these great fans.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“Brooklyn Boxing is defined by 50-50 fights, dramatic moments and a regular schedule of big-time boxing events. Last Saturday night was a great start to our 2017 lineup. Every fan left wanting more, and they will get more, on March 4.

“We’re talking about world class championship boxing at its best. March 4 will be that, and more. This is the best welterweight fight of the year, with two spectacular undefeated fighters.

“We are honored to host the welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia. We expect to host the biggest fight night crowd ever at Barclays Center.

“Thousands of tickets have been sold for this fight and we are gaining incredible momentum. I’m looking forward to a great night on March 4. Buy your tickets now. This is going to be one of those moments at Barclays Center that you need to circle on your calendar.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“This is truly an event that doesn’t need to be sold. I am here to share that this fight will be the second installment of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS. The obvious question is why? It’s because this fight merits it. As we saw on Saturday, when the best fight the best, the results are often spectacular.

“It’s not a surprise that we get impressive results when elite fighters take on other elite fighters. Special things happen. New fans are created and rivalries are born.

“Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman are the two best welterweight in the world. End of story. They will fight on March 4, it will be a huge audience here at Barclays and on CBS and it will be a special night.”

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Welterweight World Title Unification Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, March 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (January 18, 2017) – The highly anticipated unification showdown between unbeaten welterweight world champions Keith “One Time” Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Danny “Swift” Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) will headline SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The broadcast, which will air live from 9–11 p.m. ET/6–8 p.m. PT, is just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years. The first, headlined by a thrilling fight between Thurman and Shawn Porter, was a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate and one of the most watched boxing events of the year. The March 4 broadcast, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

“Barclays Center and Brooklyn are my home away from home,” said Garcia. “I’ve headlined the most shows at Barclays Center and my fans from Philly and my fans from New York can be there. It’s going to be another Danny Garcia show. I don’t care if people think I’m an underdog. To me, Keith Thurman is nothing but a name. Come March 4, I am going to show the world once again that I am a true champion.”

“I’m looking forward to returning to Barclays Center and headlining a national broadcast on CBS – both the arena and the network were good homes for me in 2016,” said Thurman. “I am the champ, and I always will be. Danny Garcia is a fighter who I have asked for and who I have respect for. But he’s going to learn, just as my past opponents have, that my power and speed will rise above any swiftness he has. I am the true welterweight champion. I will unify the titles and show him what ‘One Time’ feels like. I look forward to this fight and the fans should too; be there on March 4.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50* and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“On the heels of an amazing fight card last weekend, Barclays Center will again host a Premier Boxing Champions mega-fight featuring the best facing the best, on March 4, when undefeated welterweight champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia collide in a unification showdown,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “I’m thrilled that this sensational fight will be broadcast by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS and that 80 percent of the tickets in the arena are priced between $150 and $49.”

“Thurman and Garcia have headlined our two most attended fight nights at Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “March 4 will further cement Barclays Center as the home to the best championship matchups and the premier boxing venue in the country.”

“Our goal is to deliver the biggest, most meaningful matchups to the broadest audience, and an event of this magnitude belongs on CBS,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “This is truly prizefighting at its finest – two undefeated champions in the prime of their careers fighting to unify boxing’s glamour division. When the two best fighters square off we often get spectacular results, as we saw this past weekend on SHOWTIME. The bar has been set high in 2017, and we have every reason to believe Keith and Danny will put on another tremendous show at Barclays Center on March 4.”

After establishing himself as the top fighter at 140-pounds, Garcia moved up to 147-pounds and defeated former champion Paulie Malignaggi before he earned a vacant world title in January 2016 when he bested another former champion in Robert Guerrero. The Philadelphia-native comes off of a victory in his hometown and will return to headline at Barclays Center for the sixth time. Garcia has compiled one of the best resumes currently in boxing with victories over the likes of Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Zab Judah, Mauricio Herrera and Erik Morales.

The hard-hitting Florida-native Thurman comes off of a successful world title defense in a “Fight of the Year” candidate with former champion Shawn Porter that rocked Barclays Center and was the first primetime boxing event on CBS in nearly 40 years. Prior to that, he dominated former champions Robert Guerrero and Luis Collazo on his way to two victories in 2015. The 28-year-old won his belt by knocking out Diego Chaves in 2013 and scored consecutive knockouts over Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz in his first and second title defenses.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @Danny Swift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. *Prices not including applicable fees.

THRILLING 2017 UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN BETWEEN WELTERWEIGHT KINGS DANNY GARCIA & KEITH THURMAN TO AIR EXCLUSIVELY LIVE ON BOXNATION

LONDON (30 December) – One of the most eagerly anticipated fights of 2017 will air exclusively live on BoxNation when undefeated welterweight hotshots Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman meet in a world title unification clash on March 4th.

Taking place in New York, the pair will do battle in a matchup which already has fights fans licking their lips in excitement as the 147-pounders finally meet following a build up of bad blood over the past year.

Regarded as two of the division’s very best fighters, a victory for either one will see them propelled right to the very top of the weight-class.

Current WBC world champion Garcia, with an unbeaten record of 33 wins and 19 KOs, and WBA world title holder Thurman, also with an unblemished past of 27 wins with 22 KOs, will put their belts on the line when the two the big hitters go toe-to-toe.

“I just had to tell Keith that he’s next,” said Garcia. “I’m going to beat him down. There’s not much more to say. Keith is going to get what he asked for and now he’s going to face a big dog.”

“You have two big punchers meeting on March 4,” said Thurman. “I don’t see how the fight can go 12 rounds. I see myself as the best competition that Danny has ever faced.”

“The Channel of Champions” BoxNation will also be the only place to see the brash and flashy Adrien Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) make his ring return when he goes up against light-welterweight contender Adrian Granados (18-4-2, 12 KOs) on February 18th.

Former four-division world champion Broner will be out to enjoy a more fruitful time in the New Year as he looks to pave the way to another world title shot in 2017.

27-year-old Granados, however, has aspirations of his own and is currently ranked in the top five of both the WBA and WBC.

Despite undergoing a tumultuous couple of years, both in and out the ring, Broner remains one of the most eye-catching fighters around and his bout with Granados, and that of Garcia v Thurman are two premier additions to the early BoxNation schedule for 2017.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to announce the additions of Danny Garcia v Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner v Adrian Granados to the 2017 BoxNation schedule. These are two highly anticipated world class fights and we are very pleased to be able to air these exclusively live on the channel. Garcia v Thurman without doubt has the potential to be ‘Fight of the Year’ and will have BoxNation subscribers on the edge of their seats for however long it lasts. Adrien Broner too always produces excitement – win, lose or draw – he is a fighter you have to watch and his clash with the tough Granados will be more of the same.”

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

Video: PBC Fight of the Year: Welterweight World Title Showdown Between Keith Thurman & Shawn Porter

It was a fight that was as competitive as it was engaging, a championship bout in which both participants put it all on the line until the final bell sounded. In the end, there would be only one winner in the world title fight between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, but there certainly was no loser.

Keith Thurman defeated Shawn Porter by unanimous decision to retain his 147-pound world championship at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25 in a back-and-forth battle between two fighters in the prime of their careers.

Considering the importance and the competitive quality of the bout, Thurman vs Porter was selected by the staff of Premier Boxing Champions as PBC’s Fight of the Year for 2016.

The Thurman-Porter showdown edged out a thrilling cast of contenders that included Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton, Adonis Stevenson vs Thomas Williams Jr. and Robert Easter Jr. vs Richard Commey.

Although Thurman won by identical scores of 115-113 from all three ringside judges, the discrepancy in arriving at the final result showed just how even the fight truly was. The judges were in complete agreement on just six of the 12 rounds (giving four to Thurman), and the six disputed rounds were split down the middle for each fighter.
Also underscoring the competitiveness of those 12 rounds is the fact Porter landed just one more total punch (236-235) than Thurman, although the champ connected with more of his power shots (203-177).

Thurman-Porter was the first prime-time fight on CBS since Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in February 1978, and it proved worthy of the big stage as it gained a peak audience of nearly 4 million viewers.

The fight didn’t take long to heat up as Porter bulled his way inside in the early rounds against Thurman, who relied on his footwork and counterpunching in his attempts to neutralize the former world champion.

Thurman finally broke through with some big shots in the closing seconds of Round 3, landing with both hands while backed against the ropes. He rocked Porter again late in the fourth with a pair of left hooks to gain the early advantage.

Porter roared back and controlled the next three rounds as he used his physical approach to work effectively inside. Then he tagged Thurman in Round 8 with a potent left hook to the body that caused the champ to retreat so he could recover.

The bout reached a crescendo in the ninth and 10th as the longtime friends engaged in consecutive Round of the Year candidates in which they stood toe-to-toe and exchanged leather with unrelenting ferocity.

Although there were no knockdowns, the intense competitiveness and ebb and flow of the fight made it an instant classic.

While there is no guarantee of a rematch since Thurman is now scheduled for a March 4 title unification bout against unbeaten Danny Garcia, the prospect of a Thurman-Porter II is certainly a welcome one.

“I would give him a rematch,” Thurman said. “It was a great fight. He was a great opponent.”

Said Porter: “We need that rematch. I know the fans want that rematch. … If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard and [this time] leave with his title.”

Coming Friday: the PBC Fighter of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.

Keith Thurman to Join Spike’s Announce Team for Danny Garcia vs. Samuel Vargas Main Event on Saturday, November 12

Keith Thurman
PHILADELPHIA (November 9, 2016) – Spike TV’s upcoming broadcast of the Premier Boxing Champions series on Saturday, November 12 at 9:00pm ET/PT will have some extra knockout power. Undefeated welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman will be joining Spike’s critically-acclaimed boxing announce team for the main event featuring Danny “Swift” Garcia vs Samuel Vargas.

Thurman will be paying close attention to Garcia as the two are set to square in a highly-anticipated PBC bout next March.

“I’m excited to be back calling the PBC fights this time on Spike and especially since it’s my next opponent Danny Garcia. Danny I’ve got my eyes on you. It’s going to be a great fight and Spike viewers will want to tune-in to hear what ‘One Time’ has to say,” noted Thurman.

Emanating from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA, Garcia, the prodigal son of the City of Brotherly Love, will put his undefeated record on the line in front of his hometown fans against the hard hitting Vargas from Colombia.

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

danny-garcia-640x360
NEW YORK (Oct. 25, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports will present seven marquee boxing matches pitting top-10 rated champions in the prime of their careers against fellow top-10 rated challengers over four consecutive months beginning in December. The schedule, which is the second robust boxing programming announcement from SHOWTIME in 2016, was announced today by Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. The lineup includes two long-awaited championship matchups, Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares and Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams; the can’t-miss featherweight rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz, and a welterweight unification blockbuster between undefeated champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia. All four of these anticipated bouts will be presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*World title bout
**World title unification bout

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, Jan. 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

SHOWTIME BOXING ON CBS Presented by PBC | June 25, 2016 | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY * Thurman vs. Porter Main Event Viewership *

– Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter was the most watched bout of the year thus far with an average of 3.1 million viewers throughout the SHO Boxing on CBS main event (ahead of 3.0M for Garcia vs. Guerrero, Jan. 23 on FOX).

– With a peak of 3.94 million viewers, Saturday’s broadcast drew the second highest peak audience for boxing on broadcast television since 1998 (De La Hoya, FOX). The peak, which came at the very end of Thurman vs. Porter bout, trails only the peak of the PBC debut event of Thurman vs. Guerrero (4.56M; March 7, 2015, NBC) since ’98.

– The audience grew steadily throughout the broadcast, most notably during the main event, a Fight of the Year candidate. In fact, the second half of Thurman vs. Porter, including the announcement of the official decision, averaged 3.5 million viewers.

Video: Thurman Porter Post fight Press Conference

CBS SPORTS NETWORK TO AIR ENCORE OF EPIC THURMAN vs. PORTER FIGHT TONIGHT

Keith Thurman
CBS SPORTS NETWORK is set to replay Saturday’s two-fight boxing broadcast including the instant-classic main event, the WBA Welterweight World Championship bout between Keith “One Time” Thurman and former champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter, tonight, Monday, June 27 at 10 p.m. ET. The replay will include the opening bout from Saturday’s live CBS broadcast pitting undefeated super welterweight contenders Jarret Hurd vs. Oscar Molina.

CBS SPORTS NETWORK will offer a second replay of the live event on Friday, July 1 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Thurman vs. Porter also will be available commercial free to SHOWTIME subscribers later this week. This offering, including bonus coverage from between rounds of the main event, will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and on the SHOWTIME Streaming Service.

The entire two-fight broadcast will also be available on CBS ALL ACCESS.

Saturday’s event, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was the first CBS primetime boxing broadcast since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks I in 1978.

Good if not quite timeless: One Time decisions Showtime

By Bart Barry-
Keith Thurman
Saturday in Brooklyn, Florida welterweight Keith “One Time” Thurman hit Ohio’s “Showtime” Shawn Porter many many times and all over though not too often on the chin and beat him by three fair scores of 115-113. Social media reacted with uncharacteristic sobriety to a match Showtime-on-CBS-presented-by-PBC commentary mistook for a historic war from opening bell to closing after promising a historic war over and over and over.

The match was better than expected and about a third what viewers heard it was from the PBC’s circusbarking play-by-play dude. Somewhere in his relentless drumbeat of historic punchstat figures and legendary power this contradiction became obvious in a way best posed like a question: How come Mike Tyson never set any activity records in his heyday?

Television, mankind’s greatest yet enthusiasm-dissemination device, embraces then amplifies emotions as they arise, picking them up and setting them down instant by instant, and therefore no conflict registered to Saturday’s on-air lunacy. But here it is in a plainspoken way television can’t do: If Keith Thurman hits so damn hard, how come 200 chops with the Thurman axe didn’t dent much less fell the Porter tree? How come a Sunday morning camaraderie pic of Thurman and Porter saw Porter looking so clean, safe and sane?

Because Porter has a legendary chin! Sure, right, whatever; legends don’t get dropped by clowns like Adrien Broner and Porter did.

Great acts of combat inspire great prose.

“They both appeared exhausted in the final round but let it all hang out,” wrote ESPN’s Dan Rafael.

“With the kind of tremendous action they created in the ring, a rematch is a no-brainer and an easy sell,” wrote USA Today’s Mike Coppinger.

Porter was what his supporters believed he was and Thurman was a bit less. Like every other volume puncher in history Porter erred with his chin over his front knee, too anxious to impose himself and consequently wide open to counter uppercuts. Thurman landed a few and more of other counters like his left hook but often Thurman was in such frantic and tanglefooted retreat the punches did not measure on Porter’s chin the way they attacked PBC viewers’ ears.

Congratulations of a sort for that: The missing component of television broadcasts has long been its flattening audio that makes all punches sound the same. PBC raced directly past that issue in a wide circle that now has every punch sounding much louder and the same.

It is easy to call Porter a fun fighter without calling him or Saturday’s match legendary and probably advisable too. Being anywhere but Brooklyn for a columnist had the advantage of being far from the event’s boorish puppet-promoter sweating and screaming across press row about the quality of his product. Porter combines athleticism, desire, and yes, intelligence the way young Timothy Bradley and Juan Diaz did. He is aware of his limitations in a way his opponents are not; volume guys do not fear violence or exhaustion or ridicule the way they shudder at others’ right uppercuts but it takes a Juan Manuel Marquez – much more than a Keith Thurman – to plant and hold steady with a wildman racing your way. Porter’s jab wasn’t merely the decoy it appeared but wasn’t much more than that either. When the two men jabbed together Porter’s jab was often the first arriver but no credible source ever said Thurman had a great jab.

What Thurman has is a right hand and sometimes a left hook but it’s been so long since he fought an opponent bad enough to make him look invincible it’s admittedly hard to recall what made us so excited about him years ago but speed and intensity are good places as any to look. Or perhaps it was our delirious search to find some welterweight who might ice Floyd Mayweather that made us see in Thurman more than was there. Whatever images once danced in our heads Thurman’s footwork today rates, on a scale of novice-to-master, about: Amir Khan + 1.

Porter was able to jab him out of position and spin him fairly easily because, whatever postfight allusions Thurman concocted about Muhammad Ali (who as an aside gave away opening rounds in order to knock George Foreman out, not decision him narrowly) Thurman’s feet rarely anchored his body properly. His vaunted power, which took precious little fight out of Porter, relied heavily on Porter’s aggressiveness and Porter delivered that aggressiveness, swinging and missing ferally and fairly often(ly), but Thurman was out of position or in-position and retreating at the time of Porter’s arrivals mostly. A generation raised to confuse wide circles and wasted effort with great defense surely saw in Thurman’s tactics something like genius but not the rest of us. Better put: In 36 minutes of what horizontal ferocity snaps heavybags from gym ceilings vertically Thurman didn’t once show Porter as much conviction or technique or effect as “About Billions” did.

Still, Thurman-Porter 1 was dramatic throughout and suspenseful occasionally. Let us see an immediate rematch. According to their Sunday pic neither guy was ruined by Saturday’s match and according to previous box-office receipts neither guy is popular enough to spend another year starching novices. Provided the check clears this week CBS should agree to air the rematch in December, too – maybe even at a discount.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premiere Boxing Champions; 9p – 11:30p Overnight Ratings

– The main event of Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter, WBA Welterweight World Championship, began with a 2.0 rating and grew to a 2.6 in final half hour.
– Ratings increased each half-hour from 9p –11: 30p showing growth throughout both broadcast bouts.
– Overall, the 2 ½ hour broadcast earned 1.8 overnight rating which is 80-percent higher than Algeri vs. Spence broadcast (April 2016).
– Complete viewership isn’t available at this time, but Saturday’s boxing event on CBS is likely to be the most watched boxing broadcast of 2016.

REPLAY: The broadcast will be available for replay on various platforms in the coming days. Stay tuned for more information including distribution outlets and availability.

FOLLOW THURMAN – PORTER LIVE FROM RINGSIDE

Thurman_Porter weigh in

Follow all the action live from ringside as Keith Thurman defends the WBA Welterweight championship against former IBF champion Shaw Porter. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a battle of welterweights Jarrett Hurd & Oscar Molina.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

12 Rounds–WBA Welterweight title–Keith Thurman (26-0, 22 KO’s) vs Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Thurman	10	9	9	10	10	9	9	9	9	10	10	10	114
Porter	9	10	10	9	9	10	10	10	10	9	10	9	115

Round 1: Left from Thurman…counter right..right,,,left to body…

Round 2: Right from Porter..rights and left from Porter on the ropes…left…Porter smothering Thurman on the ropes and landinginside left..

Round 3: Left from Thurman..right from Porter..Good right from Porter…Hard right and left from Thurman..Porter comes back with a flush right and left..

Round 4: right to top of head by Thurman..left..left..Left from Porter..Trading big shots…left hurts Thurman…

Round 5: Tremendous exchange…Jab from Porter..Body shot from Thurman..Both land good rights..

Round 6: Jab from Porter…right over the top..Porter applying a lot of pressure..Counter right from Thurman..right over top from Porter…

Round 7: Left from Porter…inside left from Thurman..Left from Porter..Good right from Thurman..Hard right from Porter..

Round 8: Combo from Thurman…Hard left to the body hurts Thurman..Uppercut on inside..right,,,

Round 9: Right from Thurman…left to body…Big combination from Porter..Thurman is cut over left eye..Great exchange on the ropes..Left from Porter..Cut caued from Headbutt

Round 10: Big right from Thurman..right…good exchange on ropes..left from Porter…Left buckles Porter,,,another exchange in the corner..

Round 11: left from Thurman…Right to body from Porter..

Round 12: Right from Thurman..Left..

115-113 on all cards…AND STILL WBA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION, KEITH THURMAN

10-rounds-Jr. Middleweights–Jarrett Hurd (17-0, 11 KO’s) vs Oscar Molina (13-0-1, 10 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Hurd	10	10	10	9	10	10	9	10	10	TKO			88
Molina	8	9	9	10	9	9	10	9	9				82

Round 1: Hurd jabbing to the body..Molina digging with the left..left to head..left from Hurd…BIG RIGHT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES MOLINA..

Round 2: Hurd lands a left to the body

Round 3: Jab from Hurd…triple jab..left uppercut…Left hook to head from Molina…Jab to body from Hurd..

Round 4: Right from Hurd…Molina lands a counter right…left to body..right to body from Hurd..uppercut from Molina…trading left hooks..right to body from Molina…

Round 5: left to body from Hurd…left to body from Molina…left to head…right from Hurd…right on insde…flicking right and left…left from Molina

Round 6: Right from Hurd drives Molina back…left on inside…uppercut and right…hard right uppercut…

Round 7: Left from Molina..hard right from Hurd…Hard left hook from Molina..right…left from Hurd

Round 8: Combination from Hurd..Hurd working inside..Jab..hard counter right…right..big right

Round 9: Right and left from Hurd…1-2 from Molina..Jab from Hurd…Good work by both fighters..Good right from Hurd…

Round 10: Hurd shoves Molina to canvas…Right from Molina…left and right from Hurd..Hurd pounding the body..Counter right from Molina..3 SHOTS TO THE HEAD THE FIGHT IS STOPPED FOR HURD