Mayweather vs. McGregor to be Presented Live in U.S. Cinemas Saturday, August 26

9:00 p.m. ET. The fight will originate from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and the event will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

“The buzz that my fight against Conor McGregor is getting has been great already, so what better way to watch this larger than life event than on the big screen?” said Mayweather. “We brought boxing back to movie theaters eight years ago and it was a huge success, but this event is on a different level and I’m so glad we are giving fans another way to see all the action. Grab your popcorn because this is a fight no one will want to miss.”

“I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds,” McGregor said. “Mark my words…I don’t care about a ring or an octagon. Put me in there and I’m going to kick ass.”

Tickets for “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR” can be purchased online by visiting
www.FathomEvents.com,
or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“Mayweather Promotions is very proud of its longstanding partnership with Fathom Events and we’re glad to be able to once again bring a Floyd Mayweather fight to movie theaters nationwide,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather
Promotions. “If you can’t make it to T-Mobile Arena, but want to feel like you’re sitting singside, watching this mega-event on the big screen will be an experience fans won’t want to miss.”

“We are excited to once again partner with Mayweather Promotions and all promotional partners to be part of what is shaping up to be the most anticipated match up in years,” Fathom Events VP of Programming Kymberli Frueh said.
“Since our first bout broadcast to cinemas, fans of boxing and MMA have come together and enjoyed a larger-than-life ring-side experience on the biggest screens around. This will certainly be one for the history books for fans and all involved.”

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR WORLD TOUR CONCLUDES IN LONDON AFTER WHIRLWIND THREE-COUNTRY TOUR

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR WORLD TOUR CONCLUDES IN LONDON AFTER WHIRLWIND THREE-COUNTRY TOUR TO ANNOUNCE AUGUST 26 BLOCKBUSTER ON

SHOWTIME PPV^® AT T-MOBILE
ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

More Than 50,000 Fans Packed Four Sold-Out Venues In Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and London

Click
HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Sports

Click
HERE For Photos; Credit Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

LONDON (July 14, 2017) – Four days of a contentious international world tour came to a fitting close on Friday when global superstars Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor faced off for the final time on their three-country excursion
at London’s Wembley Arena.

After 98 hours, over 14,000 totaled miles traveled, four sold-out venues, and more than 50,000 raucous fans in attendance, the Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour has concluded.

What follows next before the boxing legend and UFC superstar meet Saturday, Aug. 26 on SHOWTIME PPV live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas? Forty-three days of grueling preparation, speculation and pundit analysis as the world’s
best combat fighters continue their collision course toward an event that has become a global phenomenon.

In front of a capacity crowd at a famed venue that has hosted acts ranging from The Beatles to the Olympic Games, Mayweather and McGregor capped off nearly a week of intense gamesmanship that grew with each tension-filled face
off.

“You’re the student and I’m the teacher,” said Mayweather, a once-in-generation talent who has dispatched at least five future Hall of Famers en route to an unblemished 49-0 professional record. “On August 26, I’m going to take
you to school.”

McGregor, an unrivaled figure in mixed martial arts who has transcended his sport to become a must-see attraction, answered, “In six weeks, I’m going to sleep this fool. And when I sleep him, I’m going to bounce his head off
the canvas as well.”

The World Tour may be over, but the show has just begun.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor World Tour Hits Fever Pitch at New York City Press Conference

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor World Tour Hits

Fever Pitch at New York City Press Conference

(Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME)

Quotes & Photos from Barclays Center Event in Front of

Over 13,000 Fans

Click
HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click
HERE for Photos from Rosie Cohe /SHOWTIME

NEW YORK (July 13, 2017) – Day three of their blockbuster world tour sawboxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor continue to trade verbal jabs as the global stars went face-to-face in front of over 13,000 fans at Barclays Center ahead of their Aug. 26 showdown on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

After filling venues in Los Angeles and Toronto, an electric crowd greeted the two fighters Thursday as Mayweather and McGregor picked up right where they left off, building on the two increasingly combative
press conferences held Tuesday and Wednesday.

The world tour concludes on Friday when the fighters travel to The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“I knew that this was going to be a huge event. We had to give the people what they wanted to see and if we break the PPV record, all I’ll be doing is breaking my own record.

“I’m just thankful to be in this position. To be at this age and compete against young guys, it’s a blessing. He’s bigger, he has a longer reach and I’ve been inactive. Plus, we’ve never seen him lose standing
up. He feels like he’s the best. I was the best when I was competing. So I think I had to come back for this last hurrah.

“Even though I haven’t been competing in boxing, you still have young guys calling me out all the time. Even the MMA fighters call me out.

“My thing is that either I’m going to get him, or he’s going to get me. The outcome is going to be what it’s going to be. Once you have that mindset, you’re going to be okay. He’s coming for me and I’m coming
for him.

“Nobody knows that squared circle like me. I know angles. I know where to touch you at. I know what you don’t like. I don’t have to watch your tapes. That’s something I’m blessed with. But, he’s unorthodox.
So it’ll definitely be something different in the ring. I just have to keep my composure.

“I have to stand up for the Americans and the American fight fans. He represents his country and I represent the red, white and blue. I represent everyone in this country.

“I’ve been doing this for 21 years in five weigh classes. I’ve never quit.”

CONOR MCGREGOR

“Floyd saying he’s going to knock me out is the funniest comment of the whole tour. I hope he comes for it and I hope he brings it. I’ll be prepared for anything and anticipate whatever he brings.

“I’m in great shape, that’s why I’m not wearing a shirt. I’m in shape to fight right now. I don’t have a nick on my body right now. I’m going to be 100 percent on fight night.

“I have a very high fight IQ. I understand when to go and when not to. Only me and the opponent can see these details. I’m very confident whether it’s in a ring or an octagon.

“The rounds are two minutes shorter than I’m used to and there’s a lot less action than I’m used to. He’s going to feel like he’s wrestling a bear when we tie up for the first time. He’s too small. I’m going
to have my way with him.

“I know every shot he throws. I know what to expect. He fights the same every time. So we’re preparing. But he knows nothing about me. He has no idea how I’m going approach him.

“I’m not tired of this. It’s really a lot of fun. We’ll keep it professional for now. I could never get tired of this. It’s such a great time to be a fight fan.

“Floyd is saying a lot about me tapping out, but he’s never had a true fight. He knows nothing about the game that I’m involved with. We’ll see who is quitting on Aug. 26.

“To come back here in New York, where I made history and become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles simultaneously, I’m blown away by the support.”

TENSION ESCALATES BETWEEN FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND CONOR McGREGOR IN TORONTO ON SECOND STOP OF BLOCKBUSTER WORLD TOUR

TENSION ESCALATES BETWEEN FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND CONOR McGREGOR IN TORONTO ON SECOND STOP OF BLOCKBUSTER WORLD TOUR

Capacity Crowd Of Estimated 16,000 Fans Pack Toronto‘s Budweiser Stage As Mayweather and McGregor Meet For Just The Second Time

Click HERE For
Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Sports

Click HERE For
Photos; Credit Edris Erba/Mayweather Promotions (Note: Images will be uploaded shortly)

TORONTO (July 12, 2017) – The tension between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor boiled over into Toronto on Wednesday as the global stars continued their blockbuster World Tour to announce their Aug.
26 showdown on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Mayweather and McGregor met on Wednesday for just the second time, jarring toe-to-toe for more than three minutes in the initial faceoff in front of a largely pro-McGregor crowd at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage.

Multi-platinum and GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Drake made a special guest appearance in front of his hometown Toronto fans “to witness history” for an event to celebrate what he called “the biggest fight in the history of fighting.”

After hearing McGregor once again promised to knock out a man that’s never been beaten, Mayweather challenged McGregor to put his money where his mouth is.

“If you believe in yourself like you say you believe in yourself, bet your whole fight check,” Mayweather said.

“One shot is all it takes,” promise McGregor. “Check the facts – I bounce heads off the canvas.”

To watch Wednesday’s press conference in full, visit the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/n7ZcGjg03-E.

The Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour continues Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and concludes on Friday at Wembley Arena in London.

Below are flash quotes from today‘s event in Toronto:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

“We’re not talking about being at the top for one year, two years, three years, four years. We’re talking about 21 years.

“Turn the pressure up. I don’t quit, I don’t fold under pressure. I’m the best and I know I’m the best.

“If you believe in yourself like you say you believe in yourself, bet your whole fight check.”

CONOR MCGREGOR:

“I thrive in uncomfortable positions. There is nothing these guys can do to phase me. Twenty-eight years of age, I’m getting fight checks and promoter checks. When Floyd was 28, he was on Oscar De La Hoya’s undercard and that’s just facts.

“Toronto, what a city. I was here one time, I was also on a world tour. I was also facing an unconquerable quest. I was facing the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Jose Aldo. They said the same things then as they’re saying now. They said I have
no chance. They said I’m in over my head. They said [he] kicks too hard, too many weapons. The Irishman is going to fall short, he doesn’t stand a hope. It took me 13 seconds.

“One shot is all it takes. Check the facts. I bounce heads off the canvas.

“He tip-tap-toes to a decision. He’s never fought a day in his life, he’s a runner.”

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

World Tour Kicks Off with Raucous Press Conference as Global Stars Discuss Saturday, August 26 Showdown on SHOWTIME PPV

From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

“I am guaranteeing you this. You are going out on your face or on your back. So which way do you want to go?” – Mayweather

“I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds. Mark my words,”

– McGregor

Click
HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE
for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2017) – Unbeaten boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather and UFC star “The Notorious” Conor McGregor
went face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday, in a highly anticipated press conference in front of over 11,000 fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles as the two global stars discussed their Saturday, August 26 showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event that will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV.

The fighters posed for the first face-off of the unprecedented event that has captured the imagination of sports fans around the world. Mayweather and McGregor will meet in a super welterweight contest that
serves as the first time champions from boxing and MMA will meet in a sanctioned boxing match.

The Mayweather vs. McGregor world tour will continue on to Toronto, New York City and London as the superstars deliver all the spectacle of the summer’s biggest event directly to the fans who demanded it.

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

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“Everyone knows I’ve never backed down from anybody. You line them up, and I knock them down like bowling pins. On August 26, I’m knocking Conor out.

“I am guaranteeing you this. You are going out on your face or on your back. So which way do you want to go?

“Twenty one is the number. They ask me why is that the number? Because that’s how long I’ve been kicking ass. I don’t care about a ring or an octagon. Put me in there and I’m going to kick ass.

“It takes two warriors to bring an event like this together. The two biggest forces in combat sports made this happen.

“This was something that the fans wanted to see. I spoke to my team and said that the Mayweather-McGregor fight can be the biggest fight in history. That’s what we’re here to turn into reality.

“McGregor is a professional, stand-up fighter. The only loss he took was when he was on the ground. He’s a tough competitor and I’m taking him very seriously.

“Everyone knows I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve been here before. He’s a tough guy though and a warrior. The best must fight the best. The fans wanted this fight, me and McGregor wanted the fight.
It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears on August 26.

“Training camp has been rough. I know deep in my heart that this is the last one. I’m taking care of my body and giving myself time off to allow my body to rejuvenate.

“Conor really wants to win. Extremely badly. Other fighters it usually plays out two ways. Some guys play it safe and then some like Marcos Maidana go for the kill. I think he’s the Maidana-type. He’s a heavy-hitter
so I have to be cautious. It’s going to basically be a toe-to-toe battle.”

CONOR MCGREGOR

“My mind is blown. I’m absolutely honored to be here in front of you fans for this great spectacle. Somebody’s 0 has got to go.

“He’s got little legs and little hands. I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds. Mark my words.

“I’m a young, confident, happy man. I’ve worked extremely hard for this. I’m going to embrace everything. No one can do anything to me. I’m going to have a good time.

“Floyd will be unconscious inside of four rounds. The power and ferociousness that I have, he’s never experienced it before. I don’t fear him.

“Even if he catches one of my punches with his glove, it will still hurt him. I’m like nothing he’s ever seen before.

“Twelve, three minute rounds is going to be a breeze for me. Not to take anything away from this sport, but I have no worries about going twelve rounds with Floyd.

“Floyd is the perfect motivation for me to go in and conquer the supposedly unconquerable. What more motivation could you need? This pushes me on to do these record-breaking events.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a great fight that the fans have demanded. That’s exactly what we’re going to give them on August 26.

“Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated, pound-for-pound king and The Best Ever. He’s here to give the fans what they wanted and that’s his huge event a memorable fight on August 26.

“Mayweather Promotions is all about giving the fans exactly what they want, and this battle between Floyd and Conor is going to deliver all of that and much more.

“This is the can’t-miss event of the summer and this crowd at STAPLES Center proves just how big it’s going to be. This whole week we’ll be bringing all the excitement of a fight week to sold out venues throughout
the world.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“Over the last several years, SHOWTIME has teamed up with MGM and Mayweather Promotions to give fans the biggest and most exciting events in sports. Record-breaking event after record breaking event. We also have a long history of MMA in SHOWTIME and are glad to be in business with UFC and Conor McGregor.

“We will be working to deliver this event to the fans in unprecedented ways. We will give you new ways to experience the preparation leading up to the fight and then fight night, like never before. We’ll bring you behind the scenes and up close and personal with the “All Access” series. Your backstage pass to this fight premieres on July 28 on SHOWTIME.

“They said this fight could never be made, they said this fight would never happen, but this fight is no surprise. 10 years ago Floyd decided to leave his promoter and become his own boss. He became his own
boss and broke PPV record after PPV record. Here we are, 49-0, he’s fought 24 world champions, and never lost. Floyd Mayweather has generated 20 million PPV buys and 1.3 billion dollars in PPVs. He is by far the number one attraction in sports and entertainment.
There is no one else who is even close.

“Am I surprised that this fight is happening? Especially against someone younger, bigger and stronger than he is. Not at all. This is Floyd’s plan. To put on the most exciting and spectacular events that the sports world has ever seen. That’s what August 26 will be. That’s been the plan all along. “

DANA WHITE, President of UFC

“This is the biggest fight any of us have ever been a part of. People have just rallied behind this fight. Don’t judge a fight until the fight is over. You never know what’s going to happen, especially with a guy like Conor who hits like a truck. When he hurts someone, he puts them away.

“This is a completely full event today, not a seat left. We had to move to a bigger venue in Toronto. Barclays Center sold out and then today tickets sold out at Wembley in 10 minutes. There’s never been anything
like this.

“Floyd is almost 41 years old. Conor is a young southpaw who hits hard. We’ll see how it plays out. It’s crazy to think that Conor won’t connect with him.

“Conor McGregor believes in himself like nobody I’ve ever seen before. What he thinks about, he manifests into reality. The boxing media will get to know Conor on this tour and see the mental warfare that he
engages in. Then on fight night, Conor is going to try to knock Floyd out.”

RICHARD STURM, President of Sports and Entertainment, MGM Resorts International

“Thank you to all the great fight fans around the globe watching this event. We’re thrilled that this event will be held at T-Mobile Arena, the home of the biggest events in the sports and entertainment industry. In only 15 months the T-Mobile Arena has become an industry leader and home to many of the greatest entertainers and athletes in the world.

“Las Vegas and the T-Mobile Arena will be the center of the sports universe for this great spectacle when two great champions bring these two sports together for the first time. It’s going to be an absolutely
electric weekend. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience to all the fans who travel from around the world to this great event

FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO MEET CONOR McGREGOR IN UNPRECEDENTED BOXING EVENT

FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO MEET CONOR McGREGOR IN UNPRECEDENTED BOXING EVENT

Saturday, August 26 Live on SHOWTIME PPV^®

From T-MOBILE ARENA in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2017) – A worldwide audience will witness a one-of-a-kind sporting event when legendary boxer and pound-for-pound king
Floyd “Money” Mayweather returns to the ring to battle all-time MMA great and UFC champion
“The Notorious” Conor McGregor in a 12-round boxing match. The fight announcement on June 14 captured the world’s attention as fans across the globe anticipate the outcome of this once-in-a-lifetime showdown taking place Saturday, Aug. 26 at T-Mobile
Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

A 12-time world champion in five weight classes, the 40-year-old Mayweather retired undefeated in September 2015 as one of the greatest to ever step in the ring, buoyed by box office success that saw him shatter
nearly all of the revenue records in the sport’s history. Now, he returns to challenge the bold, powerful and popular McGregor, whose elite striking skills put him in the record books as the first athlete to hold two UFC titles simultaneously, all while soaring
to the mantle of the sport’s No. 1 PPV attraction at only 28 years old.

Mayweather and McGregor will meet in a super welterweight contest (154-pound limit), serving as the first time champions from boxing and MMA will meet in a sanctioned boxing match.

“There was only one name that could bring me out of retirement and that’s Conor McGregor,” said Mayweather. “I’m excited to give the fans what they’ve all been asking for. I always want to do something different
and groundbreaking and this fight with Conor is that perfect opportunity. He’s a young, skilled and powerful guy who I’m not going to take for granted. I expect to come out victorious, but anything can happen in the ring. This is a must-see event live or on
pay-per-view on August 26. The whole world will be watching Mayweather vs. McGregor.”

“This is a historic fight and will be the greatest spectacle in combat sports history,” said McGregor. “I am about to change the entire approach to fighting as it stands today. On August 26 I will shock the
world. Again.”

The SHOWTIME PPV on-air team will call the action on the telecast beginning
live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The telecast also will be available in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, said, “Floyd has been a trailblazer his whole career and this event proves that he is still the marquee name in the fight game. This is the kind of event that Floyd
Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions are known for and we’re proud to bring this exciting night of action right to the fans. We know that Conor McGregor is a dangerous fighter who believes 100 percent that he is going to win this fight. I’m expecting to see
as sharp a Floyd as always and I anticipate him doing what he always does, going in there and winning. You will not want to miss this once-in-a-generation showdown on August 26 in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME PPV.”

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports, said, “We are proud to reunite with Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions and the MGM Grand to deliver this unprecedented global event. Never
before, in the vast experience of SHOWTIME PPV which includes worldwide events featuring record-setting events with Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and Floyd Mayweather, have we experienced a reaction like we have to Mayweather vs. McGregor. Both Floyd and
Conor are trend-setting personalities who have transcended their respective sports. They carry unmatched reputations for spectacle and athleticism, and together they create a truly can’t-miss event.”

Dana White, President of UFC said, “My goal has always been to put on the greatest fights the world has ever seen, whether they take place inside an Octagon or a boxing ring.
Floyd Mayweather is one of the best fighters of all-time but he has never faced someone like Conor McGregor. Throughout his UFC career, Conor has proven that he should never be underestimated and I believe this will be no different. On August 26th, we will
see the biggest fight in history. The world will be watching to see if Conor can follow through on another promise and make history once more. No matter the outcome, this will be a historic night in sports and we are honored to give the fans what they have
been asking for.”

Richard Sturm, president of entertainment and sports for MGM Resorts International, said, “It is an honor to have the opportunity to host the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor fight at T-Mobile Arena, our
industry’s leading venue for major sports and entertainment. Las Vegas is known for its summer heat but nothing will be hotter than this championship event on August 26.”

One of the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport, Mayweather, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and fighting out of Las Vegas, used his trademark speed, defensive prowess and ring generalship
on his way to 24 triumphs over world champions during his illustrious career. Among those 24 victories are the biggest names in the sport, past and present, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel
Marquez, Zab Judah and Arturo Gatti.

In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Forbes, Fortune
and Sports Illustrated have all named Mayweather the world’s highest paid athlete multiple times. His
events amass record-breaking numbers; he has headlined four of the six highest-grossing pay-per-view events of all-time and holds the all-time record in gross pay-per-view receipts. His
2015 showdown with Pacquaio shattered the all-time pay-per-view television record with 4.6 million buys while the event grossed a staggering total of more than $600 million.

Mayweather, the only fighter to have headlined three events that each generated more than 2 million pay-per-view buys,
has garnered numerous “Fighter of the Year” awards over his storied career, including five ESPY Awards and two Boxing Writers Association of America awards.

Representing his hometown of Dublin, Ireland, McGregor’s larger than life personality and devastating power have helped him become his sport’s No. 1 attraction. He became the first MMA fighter
to crack Forbes highest-paid athlete list in 2016 and was even higher on the list in 2017.

He became the undisputed UFC featherweight world champion by delivering pinpoint left handed shots that quickly ended the nights of top fighters Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. McGregor then moved
up in weight for a pair of blockbuster matchups with Nate Diaz that saw him set a new mark for UFC pay-per-view buys when he defeated Diaz in the rematch last August.

After dispatching Diaz, McGregor set his sights on history as he headlined at Madison Square Garden against lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. McGregor put on a striking clinic against Alvarez
knocking him down five times before getting the second round knockout and adding the lightweight title to his featherweight world title, becoming the first UFC fighter to ever hold two belts concurrently

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor World Tour Kicks Off Today at The STAPLES Center In Los Angeles

In anticipation of the unprecedented showdown between Floyd Mayweather and
Conor McGregor, fans in Los Angeles will have a special once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the global stars go face-to-face for the first time, as they embark on a four-city
international press tour that spans three countries in four days and brings all the spectacle of this massive event directly to the fans who demanded it.

Mayweather vs. McGregor will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 and is an event produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
Edit

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

Late Snippets-

Too Swift For His Own Good

Danny Garcia (31-1 19 KO) had his moments but it was not enough. Keith Thurman (28-0 22 KO) was just better. Thurman was masterful early using excellent movement while landing jabs, powerful combinations, and doing just enough body work to keep Garcia honest. The Garcia beard was as good as advertised. I still don’t know how he stayed on his feet with the early shot he took right off the chin that spun him around. As was stated, Thurman was masterful early. Thurman’s activity level greatly reduced in the second half of the fight. It appeared to me that he had hurt his right hand because he wasnt throwing it late as he was early, but that was not the case. Thurman simply stayed away and gave a few rounds away believing he had done enough to win. He was partly right but only because Garcia failed to cut off the ring with any regularity and while Garcia won rounds late, it wasnt enough.

Trojan Warrior

Standing ovation for Tony Bellew (29-2-1 19 KO) for his mammoth victory over David Haye (28-3 26 KO). Granted, Haye fought injured from about the sixth round until the stoppage in the eleventh but such is sports. As we all know now, Haye tore his Achilles but really, before that happened Bellew was giving as good as he was getting. This was a good old-fashioned donnybrook with two warriors giving their all. While we praise Bellew for the victory, Mr. Haye deserves just as much credit if not more in defeat. When you tear an Achilles, you basically lose the use of the leg that sustained the injury. For Haye to have lasted almost five more rounds in a street brawl with that type of injury is nothing short of extraordinary.

Now Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Program…..

Girl Power

The resurgence of women’s boxing is amazing and will continue to grow. On Friday night, two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields (2-0 1 KO) stopped a game Szilvia Szabados (15-9 6 KO) in the fourth in front of her hometown fans of Flint/Detroit Michigan. This fight was entertaining in that Shields was throwing bombs on an opponent with a granite chin, while also showing a good chin of her own. I know Shields was hyped up at home for the knockout but she will benefit from working behind the jab to set up her power. Shields made this fight much harder than it needed to be but we’ll chalk that up to her excitement in that she was headlining the first ever women’s main event on a premium network.

Hot Shots-Part Lemieux

David Lemieux (37-3 33 KO) landed a left hook on Curtis Stevens (29-6 21 KO) that is still sending shock waves through the middleweight division. We knew the Canadian can bang but that short hook was a thing of beauty. To be fair, there was a right hand that landed before the KO shot but the short distance + the textbook hook on the chin sweet spot was lethal. The bout was entertaining until the stoppage with both men landing huge power shots. Lemieux did some great body work in the first which was the difference in the round. The second a bit closer, then the KO of the Year shot that ended things in the third. It was a blessing that Stevens was ok.

Meet Me In The Trap, It’s Going Down, Meet Me In The Mall, It’s Going Down, Meet Me In The Club, It’s Going Down, Anywhere Ya Meet Me Guaranteed To Go Down

Ok, it’s really like…Meet Me In The T-Mobile Arena It’s Going Down, such is the carousel of the Floyd Mayweather v. Coner McGregor rumored fight. The latest rumour is a June 10 matchup. A quick check of the hotels showed a 5X increase on June 9 and 10 at most Strip hotels. See the State of The Game article for Standing-8’s thoughts on this money-making circus act.

Boxing’s March Madness, Well, Sort Of

Super stoked for the World Boxing Super Series. The brainchild of former GBP CEO Richard Schaefer, now heading Ringstar Sports, and prominent UK promoter Kalle Sauerland, this bracketed tournament by weight class has us intrigued. The winner of each tournament (weight class) will win the Muhammad Ali trophy. A newly designed award approved by the Ali family. For more information, see World Boxing Super Series press releases on main page.

Miracle on 33rd Street

This Saturday night, Danny Jacobs (32-1 29 KO) will get his shot at the title. Problem is, the titles are guarded by Gennady Golovkin (36-0 33 KO). Jacobs has a well chronicled story, a champion in the ring of life against one of the most feared assassins, cancer. He was told he would never fight again but here he is in with GGG for the right to wear the middleweight straps. Standing-8 has always thought that a stiff jab gives GGG problems, thing is, his opponents are so worried about what will be coming in return they deviate from the game plan. Jacobs is not known to have a great jab so there may be trouble already; however, another Standing-8 observation is that GGG can be exploited up through the middle. Throw a shot from the floor to the bottom of his chin and you will hit pay dirt. In Standing-8’s preview of the Kell Brook v. GGG bout, The Case For Kell Brook, we speculated that if Brook, who throws a great uppercut could land that punch, it may impact the fight. Brook did land the punch and we saw GGG truly rocked for a moment but again, worried about the return artillery, Brook was unable to sustain his plan. Jacobs throws a decent uppercut so again, there may be opportunities. That said, we have seen Jacobs rocked a few times in his career against lesser punchers which is not good. Jacobs has already defeated a foe more formidable than any opponent he will see in a ring, why not a miracle on 33rd street?

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