LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2016) – Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.’s sensational sixth-round knockout of Leonard Bundu delivered over +6 million viewers during his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight this Sunday, according to Nielsen. Following the broadcast of the 2016 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team’s gold medal-winning performance, Spence Jr.’s fight posted a peak audience of 6.34 million viewers and averaged 4.8 million viewers for the entire hour. This fight is the highest-rated PBC fight to-date.

Spence-Bundu drew the largest television audience for boxing in 18 years (August 21, 2016 vs. March 23, 1998).

“I knew this would be the most important fight of my career and the goal was to not just win, but to put on a spectacular one-sided performance,” said Spence Jr. “It felt good to go out there and give everyone watching a great show and to do it in front of such a large television audience makes it even better. Thanks to everyone who tuned in and I promise you’ll be seeing more of me soon. My time is now and this is just the beginning.”

The Dallas boxer’s sixth-round knockout victory over Bundu ensures that he will fight for the world title currently held by British welterweight Kell Brook.

With his power, pinpoint accuracy and desire to close the show, Spence Jr. is squarely in the mix as a top welterweight in the most talent-laden division in boxing. As a young, hungry contender circling champions like Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Brook, Spence’s presence adds to the tantalizing possibility of super fights in the welterweight division harkening to the days of Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.

About Premier Boxing Champions
Premier Boxing Champions is a live boxing series created for TV and cable by Haymon Boxing. The series features the greatest array of international boxing talent in all weight divisions, with fighters representing over 10 countries including the United States and Mexico. From former Olympians to Champions of all nationalities, the series can be seen on over ten networks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the U.K., and heard on Sirius/XM satellite radio as well.

BROOKLYN (August 18, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu went face-to-face for the first time Thursday before they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC this Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

Televised coverage of the welterweight world title eliminator begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. PBC on NBCSN begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting featherweight Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on undefeated Derrick Murray plus unbeaten rivals Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in a featherweight matchup.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

Spence Jr. and Bundu spoke to media at Via Della Pace in downtown Manhattan before they visited Coney Island for photo-ops ahead of their Sunday bout in the Brooklyn venue. Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This has been a long camp. I’m in great shape and I’ve had strong sparring partners throughout. Bundu is a very good fighter. He’s experienced and technically sound, but he can be awkward.

“I’m happy to be back in New York. I think it’s going to be a good fight and I’m looking to put on a spectacular performance.

“We went up the rankings trying to find an opponent. A lot of guys didn’t want to fight me, even in a title eliminator. So I want to thank Bundu for taking the fight.

“I’m not worried about what’s going to happen next. I know what’s next if I take care of my business. If I win I’m guaranteed a chance at the world title. I want the title fight sooner rather than later.

“We try to break down an opponent’s weakness in camp. But we’re also looking at what they do right. We have to capitalize on everything. My trainer will watch the video and talk about what he sees. It’s a lot of communication in the gym.

“I love sparring with younger guys. Preferably amateurs or guys who just turned pro. They have more to prove in a sparring session. They really push me and help make me better.

“My main goal is to win. The only thing I have to do, is win. If the knockout comes, I’ll take it. But I’m not going to force it. He’s a tough and durable fighter. It has to be setup and it has to be calculated.”

LEONARD BUNDU

“Spence Jr. is a good boxer. He’s probably my toughest fight to date. These kind of fights make me more motivated.

“I have nothing to lose. I’m going to give it all I have and I’m very confident in myself. I believe I can be victorious.

“Spence Jr. and Thurman have some similarities but also are completely different fighters. I have studied Spence and I believe I will have an even better chance against Spence Jr..

“I’m always trying new workouts and trying to improve my training. I’m in tremendous shape and I know it will help carry me in the ring.

“I thought my performance was okay against Thurman. There was definitely room to improve and I think I’m an even better fighter now than I was then. I feel like I was 10 years ago. I’m like wine, I’m truly getting better with age.

“I see his weaknesses and I have to take advantage of them. I believe I can put him in trouble with my countering but it all has to come together in the ring.

“I love the challenge. I want to give him his first loss. That’s what I have to do. That’s all that is in my head.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“Everyone should come out to Coney Island on Sunday afternoon to see what’s going to be an incredible day and early evening of boxing. The fights start at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon and is fully covered, so there will be no weather issue. It’s a beautiful new facility with an incredible view.

“This is the first boxing broadcast that will be nationally televised from Coney Island. In my mind we have one of the best young fighters in the world defending his standing against a guy who has had a long and successful career. Both Spence Jr. and Bundu were Olympians and it will be a real test for Errol.

“There’s no question Errol is the favorite while Bundu is the underdog, but he’s been the underdog before. He knows he has to win and that this could be his last chance on a big stage.

“I’ve promoted a lot of fighters throughout the years and there wasn’t a better fighter from the last Olympic class or this one that is better than Errol Spence Jr. In terms of ability, talent and instincts he’s world class. He fights with much more intelligence than his ring age. He’s a master of controlling the ring. When I watch this kid fight I’m always blown away.

“On Sunday Spence Jr. is fighting a real professional and he has a chance to prove something on national television. This is a great forum for him to follow the Olympic Gold medal basketball game. The kind of audience that is going to watch the Gold medal game are the kind of people that we need to bring into boxing. I’m proud to promote this show.”

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

New York, NY (8/18/16) – Since forming DiBella Entertainment (DBE) in 2000, promoter Lou DiBella has had his share of success in the sport that he grew up loving as a young boy. Having promoted hundreds of shows, both here in the US and abroad, as well as working with a number of the most recognizable names in the sport and staging some of the biggest fights in boxing over the past decade, the promotional powerhouse has enjoyed quite a ride along the way. While it is only August, 2016 has already been a year to remember for DiBella.

On Sunday, August 21, the year will be even more memorable when Errol Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) headlines the inaugural boxing event held at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, promoted by DiBella Entertainment, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, and televised by NBC. Spence will face off against Leonard Bundu (33-1-2, 12 KOs) in an IBF welterweight world title eliminator.

The undercard will feature the highly anticipated grudge match between Brooklynite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (17-0, 4 KOs), one of the biggest local attractions throughout all of NYC, and longtime rival Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-0, 1 KO), of Providence, RI, and New England’s most popular female fighter. With the WBC International women’s featherweight title at stake, the Hardy-Vincent fight will be the first female bout televised by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), airing on NBC Sports Net.

Tickets for the August 21 PBC on NBC event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com. Doors open at 2:30pm.

“This has been a great year for boxing so far and I am thrilled to add to it by promoting the first nationally broadcast boxing event from Coney Island at Ford Amphitheater, on Sunday, August 21. We will continue to witness the emergence of rising star Errol Spence Jr., who takes on the experienced Leonard Bundu in a significant fight for the welterweight division. The PBC on NBC telecast, beginning at 5:00PM ET, will have a terrific lead-in with the Olympic men’s basketball gold medal game,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The Hardy-Vincent bout is the culmination of a rivalry brewing for many years and, given their all-action styles, is guaranteed to be a brawl. With a platform like NBC Sports Net, this bout is also very important for the progress of women’s boxing.”

Both Hardy and Vincent are promoted by Lou DiBella, who has been a longtime advocate for women’s boxing, showing support for the movement and helping it grow by continually putting female bouts on his cards. Earlier this year, DiBella signed Puerto Rican Amanda Serrano, who won the WBO female featherweight title on one of DBE’s Broadway Boxing events. Serrano then became the first female ever to defend a world championship at Barclays Center as part of the DBE-promoted Leo Santa Cruz-Carl Frampton card on July 30.

2016 started off with a bang for DiBella. Making the third defense of his WBC heavyweight championship, Deontay Wilder scored a devastating one-punch knockout over once-beaten Artur Szpilka before a raucous crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The knockout, which left Szpilka sprawled out flat on his back for several minutes, is one of the leading contenders for knockout of the year. The bout was Wilder’s New York debut and the first heavyweight championship in Brooklyn in an astonishing 115 years, drawing a live gate of 12,688.

As soon as the March 12th Thurman-Porter welterweight world championship bout was announced, the boxing world was buzzing. The matchup was not only the biggest bout to be made in the welterweight division, it was also one of the most anticipated fights in all of boxing. After Thurman suffered a neck injury from a car accident, the championship bout was postponed to June. On June 25th, at Barclays Center, Thurman and Porter turned in spectacular performances. Before a crowd of 12,718, which garnered the highest economic gate in Barclays Center’s history, and in the first championship bout televised on CBS in prime time in nearly 40 years, Thurman and Porter engaged in a vicious 12-round war that became an instant classic. The bout, which Thurman won by a narrow decision, drew a peak audience of 3.94 million viewers. It is the most watched boxing telecast of 2016 thus far and is one of the leading candidates for “Fight of the Year”.

“If you didn’t appreciate that fight, you don’t love boxing. To have a fight with that kind of anticipation, with the best fighting the best, and then you get a ‘fight of the year’ candidate. You get what you anticipate and you get what, on paper, you hoped it would be. This was a good night for the sport,” proclaimed DiBella shortly after the bout.

Then came the July 30th Santa Cruz-Frampton featherweight world championship on Showtime. When the fight between the two undefeated champions was first announced, boxing insiders and fans were excited about the matchup, though many questioned why the fight was being brought to the east coast. Santa Cruz is a superstar on the west coast with a huge following among his Mexican and Mexican-American fan bases. Frampton, hailing from Northern Ireland, had only fought in the US once before, in San Antonio.

Inside an electric Barclays Center, the undefeated 122lb. champion Frampton moved up in weight and took on Santa Cruz, the best fighter in the featherweight division, ripping away the defending champion’s 126lb. title in a star-making performance. The fighters waged a brutal war from the opening bell, combining to throw over 1,600 punches and had the nearly 10,000 screaming fans on their feet for the entire 12-round contest. Fans and insiders once again immediately began hailing this contest as the “Fight of the Year”.

At the post-fight press conference, DiBella stated, “The last time we were here, I called the Thurman-Porter fight the ‘Fight of the Year’ because of the competitiveness at such a high skill level. I think that might’ve been outdone by this one. You could make a very strong argument that you were just privileged to see the ‘Fight of the Year’ because these guys fought a war at a tremendously high skill level. This was great. I’ve been given the opportunity to promote some brilliant, amazing fights. It was a privilege to promote this fight. Obviously, as a fan though, it was more of a privilege to watch this fight. It was such a great fight. Neither guy went down. It was bombs-away. I’m humbled by watching that. If you’re a boxing fan and you didn’t like that, then there’s something wrong.”

Just over seven months into the year, 2016 has already produced one “Knockout of the Year” candidate and two “Fight of the Year” candidates.

That’s not all that DiBella has been up to though.

In March, on just a week’s notice, former middleweight title challenger Avtandil Khurtsidze stopped highly regarded and top-rated middleweight contender Antoine Douglas in a huge upset. The win earned Khurtsidze the #1 ranking in the WBO, and likely will set him up for a shot at the title sometime later this year.

In April, DiBella’s Puerto Rican star and former Olympian Jose Pedraza successfully defended his IBF 130lb. title, and DiBella is currently working to place the Puerto Rican either in a unification bout or have him move up in weight with the goal of becoming a two-division world champion.

In June, undefeated Dejan Zlaticanin (22-0, 15KO’s) became Montenegro’s first-ever world champion when he stopped Franklin Mamani to win the WBC lightweight championship. It was Zlaticanin’s second consecutive bout in the US since signing with DBE, both of which were broadcast on the Showtime network.

In addition to the undefeated champions Pedraza and Zlaticanin, the DBE roster sports some of the most promising young talent in all of boxing, including a stable of Ukrainian fighters in Sergey Derevyanchenko, Ievgen Khytrov, Ivan Baranchyk, Ivan Golub and Radzhab Butaev, all of whom are co-promoted with Fight Promotions Inc. and have a combined record of 48-0, 41KO’s.

Derevyanchenko and Khytrov have been on the fast track since turning pro. The middleweight stable-mates have appeared on national TV multiple times throughout their young careers and most recently co-headlined an ESPN card in July, with both undefeated fighters turning in flawless performances. Derevyanchenko dismantled former middleweight champion Sam Soliman inside two rounds, becoming just the second fighter ever to stop the tough-as-nails Australian. The win moved Derevyanchenko’s record to 9-0, 7KO’s, and earned him the #2 ranking in the IBF middleweight world ratings. Not to be outdone, Khytrov, who is rated in the top 15 by all four major sanctioning bodies, and as high as #5 in the WBC, handed out a vicious thrashing to highly regarded Paul Mendez, stopping Mendez, now 13-1-2 (1NC), in the ninth round. With the victory, Khytrov improved to 14-0, 12KO’s, and will likely jump even higher in the WBC world ratings.

An aggressive fighter with dynamite in his hands, Baranchyk has knocked out all but one fighter he has faced (11-0, 10KO’s) including back-to-back highlight reel first-round knockouts on ShoBox in December of last year and March of this year. The 23-year-old lightweight terror is scheduled to be back on ShoBox in the early fall.

Rounding out the group are welterweights Golub (12-0, 10KO’s) and Butaev (2-0, 2KO’s). Golub made his ShoBox debut in March, stopping previously undefeated Marlon Aguas. Both Golub and Butaev are looking to gain further national exposure in the coming months.

Chosen as one of ESPN.com’s 2015 “Prospects to Watch”, super lightweight Regis Prograis continues to impress with each outing. In March, Prograis stopped tough Aaron Herrera in just one round, his third consecutive appearance on ShoBox. The hard-hitting Prograis, ranked #12 in the WBA and #14 in the WBC, improved to a perfect 18-0, 15KO’s, in June, stopping Luis Eduardo Florez, picking up the NABF super lightweight title in the process.

Looking to further bolster his roster, DiBella recently announced the signing of top-rated contender Felix Diaz. The only Olympic gold medalist in the history of his native Dominican Republic, Diaz (18-1, 8KO’s), who was coming off a majority decision loss to Lamont Peterson last October, took a fight against the highly regarded, much bigger, and undefeated Sammy Vasquez Jr. in July. A significant underdog, Diaz pressured Vasquez from the outset and never let off the gas, ultimately winning a unanimous 10-round decision in an absolute war on the undercard of Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Chris Arreola. It was a sensational performance by Diaz, one that was broadcast live and in prime time on the FOX network. Diaz is looking for the biggest fights out there and has called out all of the top names in the 140 and 147lb. divisions.

DiBella has also seen a real-life Rocky story unfold for his Philadelphian junior lightweight Tevin Farmer, who has elevated himself from being a 7-4-1 stepping stone for young prospects to becoming a legitimate world title contender. In March, he won the NABF title, propelling him into the top 10 of the 130lb. world ratings. With none of the top 130lb. fighters looking to give the gifted Farmer a shot, he jumped up in weight to take on feared puncher Ivan Redkach on July 30. In a bout broadcast on Showtime Extreme, Farmer dominated Redkach, showing his entire arsenal and turning in a near flawless performance. Earning scores of 99-89, and 98-90 twice, Farmer increased his winning streak to 15 bouts in a row.

DiBella’s Broadway Boxing series, the longest running local boxing series in the US, which serves as a platform for DBE’s up-and-coming prospects, continues to thrive and grow both locally and outside the NYC area. DiBella brought the series to Foxwoods in June, staging the first of three summer shows at the casino and resort on June 30th. The series is set to return to the venue on Thursday, September 1.

With many big fights and events on tap, there seems to be no slowing down anytime soon for the New York-based promoter.

For additional information, you can visit www.dbe1.com, follow us on Twitter @loudibella @DiBellaEnt or like our fan page on facebook/DiBellaEntertainment.

BROOKLYN (August 15, 2016) -Unbeaten rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. is leaning on his experience as part of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team as he nears a world title eliminator on network television and eventually a world title shot.

“People ask if I’m nervous about headlining big fights, but I’ve already fought on the biggest stage you can fight on at the Olympics,” said Spence Jr. “I was fighting in front of the whole world and it got me ready for where I’m at today.”

The 26-year-old will take on once-beaten Italian contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

Televised coverage begins on NBC at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT following the Olympic Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game. For Spence Jr., it was the experience of being around world class athletes such as the members of the USA Men’s Basketball team that he remembers most vividly about his time in London.

“I’ll never forget meeting all of the athletes that I had grown up watching,” said Spence Jr. “I got to meet Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, the Williams sisters and Usain Bolt. Just being able to talk to them and be around them was amazing. I was an Olympian just like them.

“It was a big moment for me when people like that would recognize me and tell me they were going to come watch me fight. That’s something I’ll always remember.”

While Spence Jr. had the best run of any of the men on the 2012 U.S. team, he came up short of his goal of bringing home a medal for his country. Despite that, Spence Jr. wouldn’t change anything about his 2012 experience.

“I feel like everything happens for a reason,” said Spence Jr. “If I go back and change something, it might change something in my future. So far my future is looking great right now. I’m one of the top fighters in the game and everything that happened in the Olympics led to that.”

Four years removed from his time in the Olympic Village, Spence Jr. is ready to make his mark as a pro, but will still have an eye on the new crop of talent that is currently competing in Rio.

“I would tell the Olympians to stay focused no matter what happens,” said Spence Jr. “Work with what you have there, listen to your coaches and stay 100 percent dedicated. You got this far, so why slack now?

“I wish them the best of luck and I think we definitely have some gold medal hopefuls like Shakur Stevenson and Claressa Shields. They’re going to come home with gold and it’s going to be big for U.S boxing.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Lou DiBella
Thank you very much everyone joining us. This is indeed the conference call for Errol Spence against Leonard Bundu which is an IBF welterweight world title eliminator. The winner will be the mandatory contender for the title currently held by Kell Brook.

So it’s a very significant fight for boxing purposes. This is PBC on NBC. It’ll be at 5:00 pm Eastern Time, 2:00 pm Pacific Time. The doors of the first about will begin at 2:30 pm from the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk on Sunday, August 21st.

It’s the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk, Sunday, August 21st, PBC on NBC. That’s 5:00 pm Eastern Time, 2:00 pm Pacific Time, start time will follow immediately the Olympic men’s gold-medal game on NBC.

So this is a tremendous opportunity for these two fighters to showcase their abilities, a tremendous opportunity for boxing to be showcased in a prime spot on national TV.

This fight card will be one hour and will immediately follow the Olympic men’s basketball gold-medal game. Tickets for the live events started $35. It’s presented by my company, Brooklyn Boxing, so the Barclay’s Center is involved in helping us promote this event.

Tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and at Ford Amphitheater Coney Island.com. Leonard “The Lion” Bundu, 33-1-2 with 12 KOs from Florence, Tuscany, Italy, so the land of my ancestors, Leonard knows the Olympics.

He represented Italy in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He turned pro in April 2005 and his only loss was a decision loss to Keith Thurman for the WBA welterweight title in 2014.

Other than that, his career record is unblemished. He has won the IBF Mediterranean title, the WBA intercontinental title, Italian titles, European Union titles, European titles, commonwealth titles, has a number of signature wins in his career and has a very fine career and is a worthy challenge for young Mr. Spence as he tries to establish himself as a star. Leonard, would you like to say a few words please?

Leonard Bundu
I just want to say I’m really happy that I have another chance to compete for a world title again and I know not going to be having more chances other than this so I have to give this all I have.

It’s going to be a spectacular fight, a nice fight. I know Errol has come to fight and I’m coming to fight. I’m coming for the big treat. I’m coming here convinced from my experience.

The last time I went to a big fight in Las Vegas. I got caught up in the show business and the hype, now I’m more concentrated. Training camp is going well. Everything is going well so on August 21st just expect a nice, good fight, the best from both of us. Thank you.

L. DiBella
The main event is highlighted by young men that I’ve had the pleasure to promote before, Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr., 20-0 with 17 KOs from DeSoto, Texas.

Like Leonard Bundu, Errol is an Olympian. The 26-year-old is a former 2012 US Olympian. He turned pro in 2012. He’s widely regarded as one of the sports big future stars, has been named prospect of the year for 2015 by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.

In his last fight he had a sensational stoppage of Chris Algieri in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. That was his first primetime main event and it was televised by NBC. So Errol will be returning to NBC on Sunday afternoon, August 21st. So it’s my pleasure to bring to you, Errol “The Truth” Spence.

Errol Spence
I’m excited to be fighting back on NBC, fighting back in New York and especially fighting for the IBF title eliminator. I want to thank Bundu for taking this fight and I just look for another spectacular fight, August 21st, another spectacular one-sided performance.

Q
I wonder, when you talk about a spectacular performance, in your mind, the spectacular performance been a shutout like that where you in every second of every round or is it just about getting a knockout?

E. Spence
I mean of course, I would want the knockout. But with me, I just look for, you know, a spectacular performance. It’s like walk them down or go for the knockout. You know, hopefully I get the knockout.

If it comes, I’m definitely going to take it. But I have to box, then I’ll box, too, but hopefully I have another performance like I did with Chris Algieri.

Q
So is it more important to look spectacular like you did against Algieri or to just win and make sure you get the opportunity to fight for the title?

E. Spence
I think both. I’m a rising star and I want to look spectacular against him and get a knockout, the main goal is to win. That’s what I’m looking for. I’m not going to look for the knockout. If I can get the knockout, if it doesn’t just come naturally, then I’ll take the win but that’s the main goal overall, is to win.

Q
When you watch Bundu, is there anything that you see in his repertoire that you think could even give you mild problems?

E. Spence
Definitely. Bundu is a real good fighter. He’s very crafty. Sometimes he switches from left hand to right-hand and he varies his punches, too.

Bundu’s a good fighter. He gave Keith Thurman fits at different points in the fight. So I’m just looking for him to be crafty, try to use his experience against me.

Q
How in the world do you go about slowing down the momentum that Errol Spence has right now?

L. Bundu
Well, you know, the bigger the fight, you get more motivated. These are the fight that I need. At my age, I know I will be having other chances some going to give it all I have.

And I know I could perform better than what I did with Keith Thurman. And what I like about Errol is that he’s coming to fight. And I know people want to see the comparison between my fights with Keith Thurman and the one that I’m going to be doing with Errol Spence.

, I’m not only coming there to go the 12 full rounds. I’m coming for the victory. I studied Errol. Training camp is going well.

I’m coming motivated. I know this is a good opportunity for me to show my skills to the world and I’m coming convinced and let’s see what happens. So I know I have something in me. I have something that people haven’t seen yet, so I will be putting everything into that match on August 21st.

Q
Errol, have you gotten any indication or heard anything about what Kell Brook’s future plans are regarding that IBF title?

E. Spence
No, it’s something I haven’t asked. It hasn’t given any thought since I got the Bundu fight. You know, I can’t look over Bundu. Bundu’s an experienced fighter.

He’s been in a lot of fights and has a lot of good tools so I can’t look over him and if I look over him and end up not looking good are losing or whatever and then I’m not fighting for the IBF title.

So I take one fight at a time. I’ll fight Bundu and then I’ll worry about the IBF.Iin the IBF, they’re real good at enforcing the rules so I’m not worried about that at all, so just one fight at a time.

Q
Errol, are you at the point now in your career where you’re watching other welterweights, you’re watching Thurman against Porter, you’re watching just other ranked guys? And when you fight, you are now fighting to, I guess, to outdo, you know, those other performances that you’ve seen?

E. Spence
I study boxing. I’ve been watching these guys. I’m not one of those dudes who’s going to lie and say, “I never watched him. I never watched that guy.”

I’ve been watching these guys since I turned pro and since I was amateur. I was watching these guys on YouTube and watching their fights and stuff like that.

So I’m real familiar with everybody in 147, and everyone – people at 147 – 140, 135, 130. I’m a boxing fan overall so I don’t mind sitting down and watching a fight, watching a fight on YouTube or watching it on TV. I watch boxing all the time.

It’s been the motive to outdo another welterweight. I think that’s the ultimate goal. It makes you look better when Keith Thurman or Manny Pacquiao or Amir Khan fought this guy and you’re fighting him now.

You want to look better than they did implement a better performance so it’s definitely one of the motives when I go in for fight and fighting a similar opponent.

Q
When you watch Errol Spence and the way he fights, what weaknesses, if any, do you see in his game?

L. Bundu
Weaknesses – I don’t know. You have to test him out in the ring. I don’t know, maybe he only – comes forward, he throws heavy punches and I don’t know. I don’t know. We have to check his chin.

I know he has a few weaknesses but we’re working on them and come fight night, will try to discover them and show the world what is wrong or good with him.

I’m not a big puncher but I’m a big volume puncher so, we have to see how he reacts, whether he may be good or not. But anyway, we’re not just relying on that, of course.

We’re going to go and try to see how he does with the distance and other things. He’s a very complete boxer but I think he has to be fully tested and I’m here for that.

Q
You mentioned earlier in the call that you thought Thurman did a lot of running in that fight. Do you think that Bundu hurt him at some point or why do you think that was?

E. Spence
I don’t know. Maybe he was just trying to win. Keith Thurman was not really at the point where he just had to put on a spectacular performance every time out.

Maybe he just thought it was just easier to out punch him and just win. So, I don’t know what was going on in his head but I’m sure Bundu hurt him a couple times.

Q
How do you feel Bundu compares to Chris Algieri in terms of talent level and how much trouble he might be able to give you in comparison to what Algieri did?

E. Spence
They’re different fighters – Chris Algieri and Bundu. They’re way different fighters. They have different styles. Chris Algieri is more of a pure boxer who just recently tried to plant his feet and tried to fight a little bit, where Bundu, he can move. He can box. He can come forward too. I think Bundu has more to his arsenal than Chris Algieri.

Q
Okay, and you don’t expect Bundu to do what Chris try to do with you which obviously failed, in terms of trying to bang with you, right?

E. Spence
I think at some point he will try that. Bundu, he switches. Sometimes he tries to box, sometimes he tries the bang. He varies so I think at some point, he’ll try to go.

Q
So I was just wondering what your perspective on that is that how much you think being an Olympian helps people in terms of their promotional value, as professionals, and also maybe helps you, if you have a long extended amateur career like that, to be ready for the professional game which is very different, obviously?

E. Spence
I think being in Olympian has got a lot, especially the experience part, fighting internationally, fighting a lot of international fighters, going overseas and fighting other fighters on their ground, not knowing who you’re going to fight until the morning of the fight.

So it’s getting the experience, getting different styles under your belt and fighting in different venues and different places around the world and fighting on those different types of stages.

Of course the Olympics is the biggest age you can fight in. And just having that under my belt gets me ready for big fights like this.

Being an Olympian doesn’t carry as much weight as he used to. A lot of guys, they were 13, 14 and 0 fighting for world titles and stuff like that and not having to go through a title eliminator and things like that that we had to go through. But, you know, it’s been good and to just be branded an Olympian, that means a lot.

Q
Did it help you as much as you thought it would or less are about the same or how do you view that?

Errol Spence
I think it helped more being an Olympian. Just casual people, Americans, they find it real cool and think it’s awesome that you’re in Olympian.

To me that’s a great thing to represent my country and to fight overseas, for a gold-medal, which I didn’t get, which I wanted but just being in Olympian has helped me out a lot, just branded me as an Olympian and just knowing that, when you’re in Olympian, you’re the cream of the crop in your country.

You’re the top guy. You beat all these top prospects. Like, most of the top prospects in today’s game, I fought them in amateurs and I beat them. And I came out on top so be in Olympian means you’re the cream of the crop in your country.

Q
The kids that are going to fight in the upcoming Olympics, do you know any of them or are familiar with any of them?

E. Spence
I’m looking for, Shakur Stevenson – that kid, he’s talented. He’s a gold medal favorite. Of course, Clarissa Shields, she can fight. She’s really good. She’s already in Olympic gold medalist and looking to repeat.

We’ve got a good team that’s coming out. And they’re young. They’re fast and they’re motivated to win. And, you know, the scoring system is different now, too, so looking for a lot of gold medals.

Q
Stevenson, is he the kid that maybe has the most talent on the team that you’ve seen so far?

E. Spence
I think so. From what I watched him on – I watched a couple of his fights on YouTube. He can fight. Very talented, very skilled. His boxing IQ is very high and other than Clarissa Shields, he is the most talented boxer on their team.

Q
So Lo Greco goes the distance with Shawn Porter, KO-5, Errol Spence. Algieri goes the distance with Manny Pacquiao, KO-5, Errol Spence. Bundu goes the distance with Keith Thurman. Are we seeing a pattern here?

E. Spence
I guess so. Like in those fights, I was never the one that called the knockout because I don’t want to end up forcing a knockout, you end up looking bad. So I’m not going to go force the knockout. If it comes, it comes. If it don’t, hey, cool, it don’t. I’ll settle for the win but if it comes then I’ll take it.

Q
I’m not saying you’re going for the knockout, but if you do what you think you’re going to do, knowing what he does, do you expect to get the knockout?

E. Spence
Oh, definitely. I think my intensity raises as the fight goes on. And I definitely think if everything goes well and I took my rhythm and I’m doing what I’m supposed to do in the ring, I think the knockout will come but will be forced at all.

Q
It seems like welterweights are become hesitant when you’re brought up. Do you notice that or do you see the way I see it or – and how long do you think that can go on?

E. Spence
Well, it won’t go on long. It’s really just a matter of time, fighting for title. After that, I’m ready to fight for the world title. Now what can they say? Everybody’s got to fight. It’s time.

The ultimate goal is to become undisputed welterweight champion. I see it like you see it but at the end of the day, they’re going to have to fight.

Q
Leonard, I just wanted to know where you would rank Errol Spence compared to, like, the opponents you’ve faced so far and including Keith Thurman at the time you fought him, not necessarily the Keith Thurman of today?

L. Bundu
Well, I think he’s at the top. He’s one of the best. I mean, comparing him to the level of Keith Thurman, he has to be proven. He’s one of the toughest guys I’ll ever fight.

Q
Do you feel like there’s more motivation to kind of show the world there’s a lot more to you than what they’ve seen so far?

L. Bundu
Of course, there’s a lot more motivation. This is my second chance to come onto a world stage and the first time maybe I was a little bit caught in the hype and it was my biggest fight.

But now I know the situation. I know how it is. I know how to take control of the situation. And so I think I can showcase my skills. I’ve been working hard and I feel good and strong. I’m playing all my cards. I have a chance for good, nice fight.

Q
I just wanted to know, how much family you still have, that you keep in touch with back in New York, and what kind of turnout you’re expecting from them?

E. Spence
I’m expecting a big turnout like the Chris Algieri fight. I have a lot of family in New York. Most of my family, still is in New York. I’m expecting a big turnout from both sides, my mom’s and my dad’s side.

Q
You’re becoming the face of NBC and also this is your second straight fight now in Brooklyn. So does it mean more to that your kind of becoming the face of boxing out here?

E. Spence
Definitely. It means a lot to me, too, to be fighting in front of my family. A lot of them didn’t have the money to come see me fight when I fight in Vegas or somewhere else.

So just be able to fight in front of my family, fighting in front of New York where I think, a lot of fans from New York, they’re organic.

They’re real fans. They’re real boxing fans in New York. I’m excited to be fighting in New York again.

Q
What was your fondest memory of the 2012 Olympics?

E. Spence
The whole experience. I would say nothing bad. It was great, just the whole media coverage and fighting in front of those great fans and on TV representing my country and being in the Olympic Village.

Getting to meet these great athletes that I see in TV and watching on TV as a kid. I get to see Lebron James, Kobe Bryant right in front of me.

You see all these great athletes and just know that I was a part of that and I’m an Olympian just like them. The whole ceremony and everything, it was just the whole great experience overall. And it’s once-in-a-lifetime and something I’ll never forget.

Q
Errol, do you consider Leonard Bundu to be your best and toughest opponent so far as a pro?

E. Spence
Yes, definitely. Of course, Bundu’s a very tough later, very durable for later and he always comes to fight.

Q
How much do you focus on this fight and how much do you focus on future fights since this is a title eliminator?

E. Spence
I don’t have an eye on the future. I think winning this fight, my future is already set in stone so I’m locked into this fight. Once I get an opponent, I’m locked into him. I’m locked into Bundu. This is the title eliminator.

So I’m not worried about the future because I know what comes after this is the world title fight, so regardless of if Kell Brook vacate. So my main focus, 120%, is on Bundu and the fight on August 21st.

Q
How much of a factor do you think your height and reach advantage is going to be in this fight?

E. Spence
It’s always plays a factor but it’s not something I’m really worried about. But it always plays a factor have the height and the reach advantage.

I mean, it could play a disadvantage, but we’re practicing for everything. We’re practicing for any style of fight, practicing for a real fight, practicing for dirty fight, practicing to box. But basically you’re not just working on one thing.

Q
How much does all this affect you in terms of the way this fight has been organized?

L. Bundu
For me, like I said before, it’s a big motivation. I’m fighting a world class fighter. And it’s something that just keeps me going on and that will inevitably get the best out of me.

So, it’s a big motivation, big, big, big fight and I know the 21st is going to be a good fight. I think with our styles it will make a good fight.

Q
How do you see the atmosphere in a fight in Italy and other countries comparing to that of the United States?

L. Bundu
In Italy, boxing is not the mainstream. It’s kind of different. When I fought in England or Las Vegas, it was something tremendous. It was something that actually helps you to get you more motivated, like I said before.

It’s really big. You can feel the people and it’s a big show. You know people want to see it and it’s more followed so you get more courage and motivation to do your job.

It’s my passion to box. I’ve been boxing for a lot of years and it’s good to be rewarded like that with a good, spectacular crowd around it.

For me, coming here again to New York is fantastic and I’m blessed.

Q
Does anybody want to make a prediction, either Errol or Leonard?

E. Spence
I win but I don’t know how I’m going to win but I’m going to win and I’m going to look spectacular doing it.

L. Bundu
What I’m going to say is don’t overlook me. Don’t overlook me, all of you. I think I’m getting more respect from Errol than the rest of you, so don’t overlook me and you might be in for a big surprise August 21st.

PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

BROOKLYN (July 19, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) is set to take on once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu (33-1-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight world title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

The action on NBC begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT following coverage of the Olympic Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game. The 2012 U.S. Olympian Spence Jr. will look to move one step closer to becoming the second member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team to win a world title after Rau’shee Warren won a bantamweight championship in June.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35. Presale tickets are available now with public on-sale beginning tomorrow at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

“This is another great opportunity for me to gain exposure on NBC,” said Spence Jr. “A lot of people will be watching because of the Olympics that may not have known my name before. As an Olympian, headlining a major event four years after my Olympic run is exciting. Bundu is an older fighter, but he’s tough and has a lot of experience. He fought well against Keith Thurman. Thurman outboxed him but couldn’t knock him out. I think I can make a big statement in the division if I can stop him, as I did with Chris Algieri.”

“I am going to use my experience to my advantage on August 21,” said Bundu. “When I fought Thurman I ended up being overcautious, but that will not be the case this time. I know it’s now or never for me and I won’t let this chance slip away. Spence will come forward but that will work to my advantage because I love fighting on the inside. I’m going to show Spence a few things that he hasn’t seen before.”

The brand new Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk builds on the rich history of the sweet science in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Several heavyweight title fights took place on Coney Island at the turn of the 20th century, including James J. Jeffries’ heavyweight world title knock out of Bob Fitzsimmons in the 11th round on June 9, 1899. Jeffries would then defend the title two more times on Coney Island with a points victory over Tom Sharkey and a knockout in the 23rd round against James J. Corbett. Lightweight great Joe Gans and former middleweight champion “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey also boxed in Coney Island.

“It is exciting to have rising star Errol Spence headlining the inaugural boxing event held on August 21 at the new Ford Amphitheater at the historic Coney Island Boardwalk,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Spence is one of the most gifted young fighters in all of boxing and is on track to be a world champion. He will face off against Leonard Bundu, in a final elimination bout, to become the mandatory for the IBF welterweight title, currently held by Kell Brook.”

An Olympian who boasted a highly decorated amateur career, the 26-year-old Spence Jr.is coming off a dominating performance in which he stopped former world champion Chris Algieri in the fifth-round in a PBC on NBC main event. Spence Jr. is widely regarded as a future star in the sport and was dominant in his previous NBC appearances when he stopped Phil Lo Greco in the third round in June. His impressive 2015 also included TKO victories over Chris van Heerden, Samuel Vargas and Alejandro Barrera, culminating with him being named ESPN’s Prospect of the Year. Now, he looks to secure himself a world title shot.

Originally from Sierra Leone but fighting out of Toscana, Italy, Bundu represented Italy at the 2000 Olympic games where he defeated eventual world champion Daniel Geale. A former European welterweight champion, he owns victories over Frankie Gavin, Lee Purdy and Ismael El Massoudi in addition to going the distance in defeat against Keith Thurman. Bundu comes into this bout with victories over Pablo Munguia and Jussi Koivula in his last two bouts.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Amir Khan made his claim to be a possible Floyd Mayweather opponent by scoring an emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Devon Alexander in a battle of multi-division former world champions at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Khan, 147 lbs of Bolton, England won by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 and is now 30-3. Alexander, 147 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 26-3.

Keith Thurman retained the WBA Interim Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Leonard Bundu

In round one, Thurman dropped Bundu with a left hand. Thurman was never challenged the rest of the night.

Thurman oulanded Bundu 189-62.

Thurman, 146 1/2 lbs of Clearwater, FL won by scores of 120-107 on all cards and is now 24-0-1. Bundu, 146 1/2 lbs of Florence, IT is now 31-1-2.

Abner Mares scored a stoppage after round five in his scheduled 10-round bout with Jose Ramirez in a Super Featherweight bout.

Mares dropped Ramirez in the 1st from a right hand. Mares was cut over his right eye later in the frame. In round five, Mares landed a combination that was finished off by a left hook that sent Ramirez to the canvas. Mares continued to drill Ramirez for the remainder of the round and the bout was stopped in between frames.

Mares of Guadalajara, MX is now 28-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Ramierez of Mexicali, MX is now 24-4-2.

Jermall Charlo scored a 3rd round stoppage over Lenny Botai in a scheduled 12-round IBF Jr. Middleweight elimination bout.

Botai was cut in round two around his left eye. In round three, Charlo landed a left hook that sent Botai to the canvas. Bottai got up at nine but the referee stopped the fight just as Botai’s corner threw in the towel at 39 seconds of round three.

Charlo, 154 lbs of Houston, TX is now 20-0 with 16 knockouts. Botai, 154 lbs of Italy is now 22-3.

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2014) – The stars of boxing’s present and future will be out in full force at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 13, when Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions present a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring a pivotal welterweight showdown and two world championship fights, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

In a pair of must-see, high-stakes welterweight matchups, British superstar and former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan of Bolton, Englandwill take onformer two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” of St. Louis, Mo., while undefeated interim WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., will defend against Leonard “The Lion” Bundu of Lazio, Italy.

Rounding out an action-packed night on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will be WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade of Providence, R.I., who risks his 154-pound belt against tough undefeated young star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo of Houston, Texas. Charlo will make his first attempt at world title glory in a battle of unbeaten junior middleweights.

Featured on the undercard will be two separate 10-round bouts featuring former three-time, three-division world champion Abner Mares and former welterweight world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz. Mares, who will fight in a featherweight bout against an opponent to be determined, will look to build on his recent victory over Jonathan Oquendo. Ortiz is looking to make a comeback statement in a welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“Getting back in the ring is all I’ve been looking towards these last few months,” said Khan. “I want to show everybody that I’m a major force at 147 pounds and I’m ready to take on the best. This fight with Alexander has been on the table for a while, but it is finally happening and I plan on winning impressively to show that I am truly one of the best welterweights in the world.”

“I’ve wanted this fight for a long time and I’m ready to show that I’m worthy of this opportunity and the opportunities ahead after I win on Dec. 13,” said Alexander. “I’ve worked hard my entire life and now the pressure is on to really show what I can do.”

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and defend my title,” said Thurman. “I’m going to give all my fans the performance of a lifetime and prove why my name should be at the top of the welterweight conversation.”

“December 13 is going to be the biggest night of my professional career thus far,” said Bundu. “To be fighting in the United States, in the fight capital of the world — Las Vegas on SHOWTIME against one of the most promising American prospects is a dream come true. But Keith Thurman doesn’t scare me. I know that I have what it takes to win and truly make a name for myself throughout the boxing world.”

“There is no way I’m letting go of my belt,” said Andrade. “Jermell Charlo is a good fighter, but nothing is going to stop me from defending my belt and raising my hand in victory on Dec. 13. I am confident that this will be a fight fans won’t want to miss.”

“I am beyond excited to finally get a shot at a world title,” said Charlo. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to be a world champion. Nothing is going to stand in my way. Andrade is the champion and I’m not looking past him at all, but this is my time. I know it. The title will lead to bigger and better things and that is what I’m all about.”

“I am so happy to be back at MGM Grand after my recent win in July,” said Mares. “My ultimate goal is another shot at a world championship and a win on December 13 will help me get there. I plan on putting on a great performance and showcasing my skills once again.”

“I’m excited to get back into the ring,” said Ortiz. “I got caught in my last fight, but I’m ready to get back to work and improve my game. I know what it takes to win and that is what I plan on doing on December 13. I’m thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to giving fans a great show.”

“A huge main event with two former champions looking to take a major step back towards a title shot; undefeated fighters going head-to-head on the undercard; our last big show of the year -Dec. 13 at MGM Grand will have it all,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Golden Boy Promotions is finishing 2014 strong and will move into 2015 continuing to make good on our promise to make the most exciting fights for boxing fans.”

“The Dec. 13 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING delivers on our promise to televise stacked fight cards featuring big name fighters in meaningful fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The main event, Amir Khan versus Devon Alexander, is a matchup between two renowned former world champions, each at a critical juncture in his career. In the co-feature, Keith Thurman, one of the brightest young stars in boxing, faces perhaps his toughest test to date in the highly regarded and undefeated Leonard Bundu, as each boxer battles for position in the ultra-competitive welterweight division. The opening bout on the telecast features two very talented undefeated rising stars, champion Demetrius Andrade and No. 2-ranked challenger Jermell Charlo. Each fight on the telecast will have a significant impact on the top-10 divisional rankings.”

Khan(29-3, 19 KOs), a 2004 Olympic Silver medalist who turns 28 on Dec. 8, has won his last three contests, all against former world champions. In his most recent outing, he scored three knockdowns en route to a lopsided 12-round decision victory over Luis Collazo in the co-main event on May 3. Before that, the popular, lightning-quick Brit defeated Julio Diaz via unanimous decision in April of 2013 and Carlos Molina in Dec. of 2012. A victory against Alexander would put Khan in a position to become a two-division world champion in 2015.

The 27-year-old southpaw Alexander (26-2, 14 KOs), is a former welterweight and junior welterweight world champion and is coming off of a 10-round unanimous decision over the tough Jesus Soto Karass last June. Fighting with a newfound passion and aggressiveness, Alexander was victorious by the scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93. A winner of five of his last six bouts, a stretch that has seen him defeat the likes of Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana, Alexander believes that his technical artistry will put him back in the world title hunt soon.

Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs) has always been feared for his knockout power, but when he won the WBA Interim Welterweight World Title with a 10th round knockout over Diego Chaves in July of 2013, he was put in a position where the elite of the fight game would have to square off with him eventually. The 25-year-old Thurman has since made two successful title defenses with knockouts over Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, and he will attempt to achieve the same result against Bundu.

Bundu(31-0-2, 11 KOs), who represented Italy in the 2000 Olympic Games, is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut. The European and Commonwealth Champion, is coming off a hard-earned 12-round decision over previously undefeated contender Frankie Gavin on Aug. 1. Bundu was born in Sierra Leone before moving to Italy, where he has fought the majority of his fights since turning pro in 2005. He is ranked No. 3 in the WBC and No, 4 in the WBA and IBF.

A decorated amateur, Providence, Rhode Island’s Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) turned professional in 2008 after representing the U.S. in the Olympic Games in Beijing. In November of 2013, the talented southpaw won the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Title with a 12-round decision over Vanes Martirosyan and this past June, the 26-year-old successfully defended his title for the first time with a seventh-round technical knockout over Brian Rose.

Charlo (24-0, 11 KOs), 24, is the younger-by-one-minute brother of identical twin, Jermall, who is also a world-ranked undefeated contender at 154 pounds. A tall fighter for his division, Charlo has stepped up in class in some recent fights and is coming off two consecutive terrific points’ victories against Charlie Ota in a 12-round fight on May 24 and against Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round battle on Jan. 25. Charlo, also a top-notch amateur, won the bronze medal at the 2005 Junior Olympics. December 13 marks a milestone in Charlo’s career as he will do everything he can to capture his first world title.

Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and fighting out of Downey, Calif. is coming off of a unanimous decision victory over Johnathan Oquendo at MGM Grand in July. Prior to his impressive win, Mares suffered the first loss of his professional career to the hands of Johnny Gonzalez, but has since bounced back and is ready to fight. Mares found himself on the pound-for-pound list in 2013 after winning the WBC Featherweight title, adding to his accomplishments as he already held world championships at bantamweight and super bantamweight.

Ortiz (29-5, 22 KOs) is ready to show the boxing world that he still has what it takes to be great. The 27-year-old Ventura, Calif. native has made headlines in and out of the ring, not only as a fighter, but also an entertainer. A former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles against the best in the boxing business including Floyd Mayweather, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez. He has also crossed over into the bright lights of Hollywood as a member of the cast of ABC’s hit series “Dancing With The Stars” and most recently as part of the film “Expendables 3.” Now Ortiz will return to the ring for the first time since his knockout loss against Luis Collazo in January and looks to show the boxing world he’s serious about another run at a world title.

“Royal Battle: Khan vs. Alexander,” a 12-round welterweight bout for the WBC Silver Welterweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Keith Thurman defends his WBA Interim Welterweight World Title against Leonard Bundu, and in the televised opener, Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Jermell Charlo in a bout promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SHOSports, @AmirKingKhan, @TheRealDevonA, @KeithThurmanJr, @LeonardBundu, @boobooboxing, @TwinCharlo, @abnermares00, @viciousortiz, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm follow the conversation using #KhanAlexander, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.