Showtime – Page 7 – Standing-8

SHAWN PORTER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

SHAWN PORTER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT
QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former Welterweight World Champion Battles Danny Garcia
for Vacant World Title Saturday, September 8 Live on
SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn &
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS (August 16, 2018) – Former welterweight world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter hosted a media workout at the Porter Hy-Performance Center in Las Vegas Wednesday as he prepares to take on Danny “Swift” Garcia for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, September 8 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight title eliminator between Yordenis Ugas and Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

Undercard streaming coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN as five-division world champion Amanda Serrano attempts to win a world title in her record sixth weight class when she faces Yamila Esther Reynoso for the WBO 140-pound title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Porter was joined by his father and trainer, Ken Porter, as the two discussed the highly-anticipated welterweight showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Here is what the Porters had to say Wednesday:

SHAWN PORTER

“I love being in training camp and grinding every day. We’re just 100 percent focused on what we have to do. I’m seasoned enough where I know how to excel through these stages of camp. I feel great.

“We always work on the jab to start our training session. Everyone knows that everything I do comes off of my jab. It’s all about the fundamentals. My dad is smart and knows my athletic potential is there. He’s focused on all the technical and strategic parts of the game.

“Whether we look to box or not will be a game-time decision. We’ll have to read the fight. I think we’re going to start trying to mix it up and then take it from there. It’s up to me to see the adjustments and make them. Whatever it takes to win this fight, I am prepared to do it.

“Danny’s counter-punching I think plays into my hands. I’m a combination puncher. There’s more than one coming. If there is only one coming, you don’t know where it’s coming from. I think it’s going to take care of Danny’s strength, but I don’t take it lightly. I know that he’s a strong fighter and that’s what I expect in the ring.

“I don’t believe that he’s going to stand toe-to-toe with me, but I do believe that’s where he thinks he can win the fight. The point is to hit and not get hit, so we’ll try to keep it as clean as possible. It gets rough in there sometimes, but if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.

“Once upon a time I probably would have that thought that I could just beat Danny with activity. But I know that I have to be sharp, precise and land most of my punches. I want to throw 60 a round and land 40 percent.

“I’m going go out there and be aggressive, be sharp, be quick and let the rest take care of itself. This is a humungous fight that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.”

KEN PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer

“Any fight that Shawn is in, you’re going to have action. If Shawn went in there and laid back, I doubt that Danny would go after him. I just don’t think Danny is going to go forward like that.

“We have to continue to do what we’ve done to get this far. But we’re not going to go after him the way he expects us to.

“Danny is trying to pump himself up like he’s some kind of one-punch knockout artist. But I’m a one-punch artist if it’s against someone who can’t box anymore or who’s coming way up in weight. If you hit Shawn Porter with one of those punches, he’s going to hit right back, and with Shawn, it’s going to be more than one.

“My focus is on making sure that Shawn is prepared to do the things I need him to do. I have to get him where I need before I focus too much on what Danny is going to bring. We’re making sure Shawn is 100 percent first.”

Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter New York Press Conference
Quotes & Photos

(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

“I will show the world once again why I am one of the best
in this sport,” – Garcia

“Winning a title is always special, but beating Danny Garcia will be
icing on the cake,” – Porter

Welterweight Stars Battle for Vacant 147-Pound World Title Saturday, September 8 Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

NEW YORK (July 30, 2018) – Former world champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Monday at a press conference to formally announce their showdown for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship Saturday, September 8 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will pit two of the division’s biggest names against each other in a marquee showdown of elite welterweights.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m excited for this fight because I’m a world championship-level fighter and this gives me the chance to be back where I’ve been for so long. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’m just happy to be back and fighting for the title.

“The loss against Keith Thurman hurt me for a little bit. I thought I finished the fight strong and won. At the end of the day though, I feel motivated again. I feel more motivated now than I did before the fight. There’s something different inside of me.

“There’s no pressure on me, I’m just going to come to fight. We can dance if he wants, but I guarantee I’m coming to bang with him in the middle of the ring. I feel I’m the stronger puncher, have the faster hands and and am the better all-around fighter.

“I’m so used to hearing my dad’s voice during a fight. Me and my dad are different than other people. We do a lot together outside of the ring. We’re friends first because of where we came from. We’re enjoying every moment and we’re hungry for me.

“At the end of the day, my mindset is fully focused on September 8. I have to go grab this title and then you can ask me to fight anyone. I’ve never turned down an opponent in my career. I’m a fighter and this is what I do.

“This wasn’t the first time someone has called me out and it won’t be the last. Come September 8, I will show the world once again why I am one of the best.

“At the end of the day, I have to go in there and make adjustments and do what I do best. I’ll set the tempo and the pace and take it one round at a time.

“The fans at Barclays Center love me. This is the ‘Danny Garcia Show.’ Whenever I fight here, all I hear is ‘DSG! DSG!.’ They are going to be there for me.”

SHAWN PORTER

“I think for a long time, watching Danny do what he does and hearing him say what he’d do to me, I got stirred up to the point where I really wanted this fight. I made that known after his fight against Brandon Rios and I think that’s why we’re here right now.

“This is a great opportunity to get the fight I wanted for my career. I’m thriving right now and you’ll see it all on fight night.

“I’m a very difficult fighter to prepare for. You never know what you’ll get with me. I’m used to being the underdog and I thrive on it. I’m the more intelligent fighter at the end of the day.

“Me and my dad are a little different than Angel and Danny. Boxing is our way of life and this is what he’s grown me into. Fight night is like Christmas or another birthday. That’s when we come together the most and make the best of every opportunity.

“Brooklyn doesn’t like me because of what I wear or what I say, they like me because I come to fight and I entertain. That’s all because of my dad and the tools he’s given me to be the very best that I could be.

“All of my abilities – power, quickness, the whole nine will help me get this victory. To beat Danny Garcia, you have to use your whole arsenal. Especially beating him in the fashion we want to beat him in. We want to look great.

“We have seen Danny in the ring with different fighters with different styles. You can be aggressive and beat him, you can use the ring and outbox him, we are going to use them all.

“At the end of the day, I learned a lesson in my last fight. My dad told me not to do anything for the crowd. You have to do what you have to do to win. September 8 isn’t going to be about making the crowd yell and winning them over. That is already done. It is a matter of going in there with whatever game plan we go with and making it happen.

“The belt is all I want. Winning a title is always special, but beating Danny Garcia for it will be icing on the cake. He’s been a top fighter for a long time and this win will help solidify me. Once I have the belt, the sky’s the limit.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“I don’t see anything special in Shawn Porter. He comes with his head, he comes wild. We’re going to take care of him and we’re going to work on him. He’s not bringing anything to the table that I haven’t seen before. It’s Danny’s time.

“At the end of the day we got a fight. Words are just words. I’d give my life for Danny. I’d take a bullet for him, I love him.

“Listen, when Danny hits him on the right side he’s going to feel it on the left. My son’s power is like nothing he’s ever seen before.

“Listen, at the end of the night September 8th, Danny will be champion again. That belt is coming home with us and back to Philadelphia.”

KENNY PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer

“We really enjoy fighting at Barclays Center. The energy there is different than any other location. It is a comfortable location for us and it is going to be an exciting night.

“Training has been different in a lot of ways, but a very good different. We are doing a lot of things that we have never done before and we are excited about that. To do different things that create excitement and make you look forward to coming to train is always good.

“They will not be prepared for us on fight night. We will start to focus on some of the things that we will do for Danny and in that aspect, there are some things we will have to prepare for differently.

“The biggest thing is to make sure is that Shawn is ready. We’re going to have a solid game plan that Shawn will know how to implement. We’re going to make Danny adjust to us.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“These are two guys who have really made a name for themselves fighting in Brooklyn. They’ve been a part of the best fights in Brooklyn. They are two of the best fighters and most exciting fighters in the sport. This is as good as it gets style-wise, period. These guys get that this is entertainment. These are two guys that entertain.

“Shawn has come out on the short end a couple of times, and clearly those fights could have been scored differently. They were sensational fights as all of his bouts tend to be.

“Danny Garcia doesn’t get enough respect, he gets out there and wins. He’s a great fighter who does everything well, which makes him extremely dangerous.

“These guys have earned this opportunity and the winner deserves the belt. The winner will get one of the biggest fights in the sport after this. Both guys are professionals who know the stakes on September 8.

“This is going to be an electric fight. The fans will be on the edge of their seats this whole night and you’re not going to want to miss it.

“These are two guys who know how to fight and will entertain you. Make sure you get your tickets early.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“As Lou said September 8th should be terrific. I am personally looking forward to it. It adds to our resume of BROOKLYN BOXING. It comes almost right at our 6th anniversary of Barclays Center.

“Both fighters are veterans in our ring. This is Danny’s seventh fight in Brooklyn and Shaw’s fifth and they have built fan bases here. Our presale in the first few days have been terrific.

“Danny opened the building for BROOKLYN BOXING almost six years ago and we thank you for that and we thank you for continuing to come back.

“Shawn’s last three fights have been in Brooklyn. I think you and your dad have been sitting ringside for every fight in Brooklyn and we are thrilled to have you back.

“We are thankful to be hosting the boxing industry time and time again and we are as committed as ever to bring the best of the best to Brooklyn and doing it consistently throughout the year. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 8th. It should be a spectacular night.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“Garcia vs. Porter will be the 12th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event of the year. That is just through September. Adding our other live boxing events, we have done 24 live boxing presentations this year. It is not just quantity; it is high quality.

“Eight times on SHOWTIME this year alone, there have been top five fighters fighting each other. Here we have two of the strongest resumes not just in the welterweight division, but in the sport overall.

“Danny Garcia has 12 fights against current or former world champions. There is no question that Danny Garcia has one of the strongest resumes in the sport. I don’t think he gets credit for it and it is time that he does. Of Shawn’s last 11 fights, eight have been against former world champions. He always wants to fight in the very best fights.

“Between the two of them, they have fought on SHOWTIME and/or CBS combined 20 times. The best fighters, the biggest most meaningful fights. That’s what we have been doing, and with fighters like Danny and Shawn, we are going to continue to do it.”

MIKEY GARCIA UNIFIES LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST ROBERT EASTER JR. SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

Photos from Scott Hirmano/SHOWTIME

MIKEY GARCIA UNIFIES LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST ROBERT EASTER JR. SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

Luis Ortiz Registers Second-Round TKO of Razvan Cojanu in Co-Feature
Video HERE; https://s.sho.com/2mPpH8r

Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated With Eighth-Round TKO Against Jose Roman

Watch the Encore Presentation Monday at 10 P.M. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

LOS ANGELES (July 28, 2018) – Mikey Garcia became the 10th lightweight champion to unify the division with a unanimous decision against Robert Easter Jr. Saturday on SHOWTIME, and immediately afterward set his sights on boxing’s best, namely Errol Spence Jr.

Full fight highlights here: https://s.sho.com/2LzlnJ6

All three judges scored the fight in favor of Garcia,118-109, 117-110, 116-111, in an electrifying fight in front of 12,560 fans at STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The four-division world champion Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) – who was fighting in his native Southern California for the first time in seven years – keeps his 135-pound WBC title and also claims Easter’s IBF Lightweight belt

“I’m here for the biggest challenges,” said Garcia, 30, who unified a title for the first time in his career. “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence. I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen. I think it can be made. I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

“I feel I have the power and the skillset to compete in any division up to welterweight. He’s the toughest guy at welterweight so I want to face him.”

Garcia scored a knock down in the third round against Easter (21-1, 14 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, who was sent to the canvas for just the second time in his career. A strong right jab put Easter out of position, immediately followed by a devastating left hook sent him down with 24 seconds remaining in the round.

Garcia got better as the fight progressed. In the final four rounds Garcia out-landed Easter 95-34 in total punches and ended the fight being the more active fighter throwing 555 punches to Easter’s 507. He connected on nearly 40 percent of his power shots while Easter landed at a 24 percent clip.

“It’s a great accomplishment being here in L.A.,” Garcia said. “I was in control most of the fight, and I did what I had to do. I knew he was a tough opponent. He’s a tough warrior. He gave a great fight but I was a better fighter. I was in control of the fight and I did what I had to do to win.”

Easter, who went into Garcia’s locker room after the fight to congratulate his opponent, was gracious in defeat.

“Whenever we step in the ring, we are both putting our lives on the line and tonight Mikey was victorious,” said Easter, who entered the fight as the longest reigning champion at 135 pounds. “I just couldn’t find the timing and I just couldn’t let my right hand go. He caught me with a clean shot and I went down, but I got up like a true champion.”

During an interview at the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host desk, Spence, a fellow top-five pound-for-pound great, said he would “definitely” welcome a fight with Garcia. “I feel like that’s the best fight available for me right now with Shawn [Porter] and Danny [Garcia] fighting in September. Keith Thurman is still recovering and needs a tune up.
Full interview here: https://s.sho.com/2veXH1T.

“He’s daring to be great, he wants to be great, he wants to move up and dethrone me and it’s not going to happen. It’s definitely going to be an easy fight. [Garcia] will be pound-for-pound No. 1 if he beats me. He has great skills but I see myself winning. I don’t really see anything that concerns me. He’s technically good, but I don’t see him hurting me at 147.”

Heavyweight southpaw Luis Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) returned to the ring with a resounding victory, scoring a devastating second round knockout (2:08) of former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs)

Ortiz landed 42 percent of his power shots (eight of 19) while Cojanu landed just two of 13 (15%) in the short fight.

Ortiz was emotional after the fight. He told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray that just five days ago he learned doctors have found a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a disease his daughter suffers from.

“Thanks to God they found a cure for my daughter’s disease,” Ortiz said. “My wife told me while I was boarding the plane to get here. It’s been hard to be away from them. I’m happy I won, but it’s been really hard to be away from them.”

Both fighters were coming off losses in heavyweight world title fights. Ortiz was fighting for the first time since challenging Deontay Wilder in a 2018 Fight of the Year candidate. The 6-foot-4 Ortiz wasted little time knocking out the 6-feet-7½, 269-pound Cojanu, returning for his first fight since challenging then-WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker.

“In my mind, King Kong has not been defeated. I don’t feel I lost against Deontay Wilder. I want to fight [Anthony] Joshua, but he only fights boxers he’s sure he can defeat. I’m going to ask the government to put me on disability, maybe that way Joshua will fight me.”

In the telecast opener, Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) remained undefeated recording his sixth straight stoppage with an eighth-round TKO of Jose Roman (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match. Each of the judges, as well as SHOWTIME expert scorer Steve Farhood, scored the fight 80-70 in favor of Barrios at the time of the stoppage as Roman’s corner didn’t answer the bell for the ninth round.

San Antonio’s Barrios relied on effective body work in dominating the fight, connecting on 61 of his 133 body shots. He connected on 44 percent of his power punches (104/239) compared to 26 percent for Roman (34/132), who had just five body shots on the night.

“[Body work] is something I’ve been able to work on,” Barrios told Gray in the ring. “You put the body work in early and by the end of the fight they have nothing left. That worked perfectly for this fight. This was the farthest I’ve gone in a while. It was great work and I feel like I’m transitioning to the fighter that I always thought I’ve be.”

Barrios, who suffered a cut above his left eye in the first round, sent Roman to the canvas at 1:15 of the fourth round with a strong right that dazed Roman, then a left hook that put Roman down for the seventh time in his career. Barrios ended the round with a flurry of punches that left Roman stunned.

The 23-year-old Barrios sent Roman down again with 1:38 remaining in the eighth round. Roman survived the round, but his corner refused to answer the bell and the fight was over.

“I feel I’m ready [for a title shot)],” Barrios said. “I feel strong. I feel fast. I’m young, but whatever my managers throw at me I’m ready. If I could get it tomorrow, I’d take it.”

It was a star-studded night at Staples as current and former world champions attended the fights, including Jarrett Hurd, Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Gervonta Davis and Adrien Broner.

Shawn Porter was also in attendance. It was recently announced that Porter and fellow former 147-pound world title holder Danny Garcia will square off against one another for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME Saturday, Sept. 8 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“I’m just a different type of athlete,” Porter told SHOWTIME’s Brian Custer. “When you talk about having the tools to become a two-time world champion; I have the tools, the athleticism, the tenacity the ring generalship. You will see all of that on Sept. 8.

“We always say that the business has to make sense [to make fights], And it sounds to me like the business has played its part. I win the WBC Championship and you’ll get Shawn Porter vs. Errol Spence.”

In streaming coverage of live undercard fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, undefeated super lightweight prospect Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), the brother of former champion Marcos Maidana, recorded a seventh-round stoppage (2:32) against former world title challenger Andrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs).

Also on the live stream, 2016 U.S. Olympian and unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) dominated 54-fight veteran Giovanni Caro (27-24, 21 KOs) scoring a stoppage at 2:09 of the fourth round in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

MIKEY GARCIA v. ROBERT EASTER JR., FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS

MIKEY GARCIA vs. ROBERT EASTER JR., FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT From Staples Center In Los Angeles, Calif.

WBC & IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds

Credit- Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

Mikey Garcia – 135 lbs.
Robert Easter Jr. – 134 ½ lbs.
Referee: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (N.J.), Edward Hernandez Sr. (Calif.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

HEAVYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds

Credit-Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

Luis Ortiz – 241 lbs.
Razvan Cujanu – 269 lbs.
Referee Jerry Cantu (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Credit-Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

Mario Barrios – 141 ½ lbs.
Jose Roman – 142 lbs.
Referee Gerard White (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

FLASH QUOTES
Mikey Garcia
“All the work is done; the talking is done. Now it’s time to settle this thing in the ring.”

Robert Easter Jr.
“I told Mikey there ain’t no more talking. I’m coming in shape. It’s going to be an exciting fight for all the fans that are here from my side and from his side. We’re just ready to fight and put on a great performance for LA.

“This fight is champion vs. champion. It’s going to determine who’s the best, for real. Tomorrow is going to be the best of the best and you’re going to see the best out of me.”

Luis Ortiz
“I’m going to do what I’ve always done in my career and even in the amateurs, and that’s just fight. It’s going to be no different. I’m going to come out punching.

“Every fight is an important fight and tomorrow night I will show what I can do. I’m going to show why I’m known as the most avoided fighter.”

Razvan Cojanu
“I’m in very good shape. Tomorrow night it’s SHOWTIME. We’re going to bring the pain.

“The secret to beating Luis Ortiz is two things. One, I cannot say because I’m in front of the cameras but the other one is the heart.”

Mario Barrios
“Everything about fighting on SHOWITME excites me. I’ve been working for this and dreaming about this day since I was a little kid. Now it’s here and I want to take full advantage of it.

“I hope the fans can expect a lot. I’m here to showcase my talents and they are going to see fireworks. I always get a lot of love from the fans when I fight in L.A.”

Jose Roman
“I have a special motivation for this fight. My cousin’s son is battling leukemia so I dedicate this fight to him. He’s only three years old. It’s really hard because I’m a father and just imagining that breaks my heart.”

Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. Final Press Conference
Quotes & Photos

Lightweight World Champions Clash in Unification Fight That Headlines Action Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2018) – Lightweight world champions Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they enter the ring for a 135-pound title unification Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Joining them Thursday and competing on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) were Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz and former title challenger Razvan Cojanu, who meet in a 10-round bout plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Jose Roman, who compete in a 10-round showdown.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Conga Room at L.A. Live:

MIKEY GARCIA

“This will be my first title unification match. It means a lot to face another unbeaten champion. It will help my legacy and my career. I’m taking the proper steps to move forward and cement my name for the ages.

“There isn’t another fight in front of me right now that gets me excited other than this one against Robert Easter Jr. He’s going to come with everything he has. This is definitely his biggest fight and I believe we’ll be able to bring the best out of each other.

“Me and Robert Easter Jr. are the only unbeaten champions in the division. So in my eyes, the winner is the best fighter in the division.

“I’m very happy to be fighting again in Los Angeles. It’s been seven years since I fought here. To give fans a chance to see this big fight live at STAPLES Center is a great thing. I’m very thankful that we could have the fight here. Most opponents wouldn’t have come here.

“I’m coming back to STAPLES Center as a world champion and I have a chance to unify in my hometown. There’s nothing better that I could ask for. I’m going to do everything I can to come out victorious on Saturday night.

“I’m glad that Robert is confident coming into this fight. I believe that he will show up the best possible version of himself. That’s what gets me even more motivated and excited for this fight.

“I’m here to take the biggest fights and biggest challenges. I will be at welterweight very soon and I look forward to taking on the best there. Everyone says not to do it, and that’s what excites me and motivates me the most.”

ROBERT EASTER JR.

“I really don’t pay attention to being ‘overlooked’ or what my opponents say leading up to a fight. On July 28 we still have to get in there and throw these hands. Nothing said by him or anyone outside bothers me at all.

“The only big name Mikey Garcia has beaten is Adrien Broner. I’m going to give him problems. I believe with our skills and record, the winner of this fight is the best fighter in the weight class.

“This can add big attention to my career. It can help me get the recognition that I deserve. I look at all my fights like a big fight, but obviously this is unification. You will see two warriors in there on Saturday.

“It’s been a long time since I made my pro debut at STAPLES Center. You’re going to get a lot of action and excitement on Saturday night. Expect the unexpected.

“I had such a great training camp with coach Cunningham and my dad. It was all boxing all the time and really what I needed heading into a matchup like this.

“Everyone will be able to see my hard work pay off on Saturday night. I’m not the one who likes to talk about it, I want to show everybody what I got.

“These are the kind of fights that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. It’s a big fight that I know the fans are going to really enjoy. I’m going to give them something to remember.

“Being the underdog is what it is. Only one of us can be the favorite. We did what we had to do to prepare for this fight and on July 28 you’ll see it all in action.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother and Trainer

“There’s always risk in any fight. We’re very well-prepared for this big challenge and Mikey is in a great place mentally. Easter is a tall guy who I’m sure will try to use his reach and fight from the outside. But we’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

“This is obviously a big fight for Mikey against another elite boxer. When two undefeated guys are unifying, it’s always big. We had great sparring partners who prepared Mikey to be at his very best.

“We’re ready for the best Robert Easter possible. I’m not even looking at his past two performances. We’ve done what we had to do to be ready for this fight and the best version of our opponent.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Easter’s Co-Trainer

“Robert has always been a tremendous fighter and an excellent boxer when he wants to box. We just put extra emphasis on how we want to fight Mikey Garcia. Robert has the natural skill and ability, plus the size and reach to get this done.

“We’re prepared to dictate the tempo, control distance and range and do everything we want to do. We’ve done it so far in camp and we’re going to bring it into the ring on Saturday night.

“It’s obvious for the last couple of weeks that Garcia has been talking more about future fights than this fight on Saturday night. I look at that as him overlooking Easter. However, Mikey is a pro with a seasoned trainer so I doubt he’s being totally overlooked. He better be ready.”

ROBERT EASTER SR., Easter’s Father & Co-Trainer

“I always feel very confident about Robert’s chances every time he steps into the ring. We had a good camp and I know he’s ready. He’s always ready, just like he’s been for every fight leading up to this one.

“This fight is going to live up to the hype. Robert is going to go out there and show the world what he is really made of.

“We’re going to go out there and get the win. We’re going to impose our game plan on Mikey and make it a really long night for him.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“My hunger and motivation to become world champion has not changed at all. My opponent is very big, but in the ring everyone is the same size. We’re going to be smart and I’m going to do my job on Saturday night.

“The Wilder fight is what it is. It’s the past now, and I don’t regret it. At the end of the day I want the rematch and I believe I deserve the rematch. They’re still running from me and they’re obviously running from Wilder, but I’m running from no one.

“A victory on Saturday night will put me back in line for the rematch with Deontay Wilder. Fighting is what I know how to do, and that’s what I’m coming to do on Saturday night. We’re both hungry for a win and we will see who comes out on top.

“I learned that I need to train even harder, fight harder, throw more and connect more. If I hadn’t been fatigued, I’d still be punching him today. I threw the clock away at the gym. We’re going to be smarter going forward.”

RAZVAN COJANU

“I am very ready for this matchup. When we got this call, I was already in shape. We just had to make the adjustment to fighting a southpaw. We have about a month of really fun sparring leading up to this fight.

“I feel very comfortable against the southpaw, especially one that everyone is familiar with like Ortiz. I know I have the skills to take home the victory.

“The Wilder vs. Ortiz fight was a great fight and I congratulate him for that performance. I saw plenty of things that I can expose. The main thing is the sharp one-two combination that gives him trouble.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“This is definitely the toughest test of my career. I’m very happy to have this big fight. This is going to be the breakout performance that I’ve been looking for.

“Whichever title is available to me is the title we’ll go after. It doesn’t matter who I have to face, I’ll be ready. I’m gunning for the very best.

“This is a great opportunity to make my debut on SHOWTIME. This is a card packed with talent, but I plan on stealing the show. I’m going to show everyone the kind of fighter that I am.

“I know that Roman is going to come to fight but so am I. I can’t wait to fight in this building. All the greats have fought here and I can’t wait to put on a great show.”

JOSE ROMAN

“Barrios’ best weapon would be his speed and his range and I think we have the perfect game plan to oppose it. I know that I have to be patient in there because I have a difficult opponent. I’m doing this for my family and no one can stop me.

“A win over Mario Barrios would be huge for me. The fans can come in there expecting a war between two Mexican warriors who will leave it all in the ring.

“When I’m not fighting I’m going to Cyprus College and majoring in Mathematics. I’ve been really good at math since I was a kid. I’m on a great track right now in my boxing career and in life.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is a top to bottom amazing card. It’s a boxing spectacular taking place here at STAPLES Center. We have a little bit of everything on this card. That includes talent from Robert Garcia’s gym, plus 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who I believe will one day be headlining at STAPLES Center one day.

“The televised portion of this card has a stellar lineup as well, including an undefeated Mario Barrios, who represents Texas well and makes his state proud. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the division and will have a tough challenge in Jose Roman.

“Luis Ortiz is the kind of fighter that you just don’t want to miss a minute of when he fights. He is coming off of one of the best fights of this year, when he challenged WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

“The matchup between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. is the cherry on top of an amazing night. I know that these fighters are ready to entertain and showcase their talent.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“There are fighters who say they want tough fights and then there are fighters who actually take tough fights. There’s a big difference between these two. Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. are the fighters who actually take the top fights.

“This is the third world title unification on SHOWTIME this year. No other network has delivered this level of fights to boxing fans. That’s more world title unifications than all the other networks combined this year.

“Mikey is a top pound-for-pound fighter and Easter is the longest reigning champion at lightweight and probably the most avoided fighter in the division. No one is rushing to fight either of these guys, yet, this was an easy fight to make.”

Robert Easter Jr., Luis Ortiz & More Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Lightweight Champion Easter Battles Mikey Garcia in 135-Pound Title Unification That Headlines Action Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2018) – IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. participated in a media workout to kick off fight week in Los Angeles Wednesday as he nears his 135-pound title unification showdown against WBC champion Mikey Garcia this Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Joining Easter Wednesday and competing on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) were Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz and former title challenger Razvan Cojanu, who meet in a 10-round bout plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and hard-hitting Jose Roman, who compete in a 10-round showdown.

Rounding out the workout participants was unbeaten prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who competes on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, which will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from City of Angels Boxing Gym:

ROBERT EASTER JR.

Photo Credit-Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

“Training down in Florida allowed me to get away from distractions and just focus on myself. Kevin Cunningham stayed on me every day. We focused on my skills, using my advantages and you’ll see it all on July 28.

“We have a game plan, but we’re professionals in there and we both know we’ll have to make adjustments as the fight goes on. I’m going to fight my fight and leave it all in the ring. My focus is 100 percent on Mikey Garcia Saturday night.

“Early in my career I fought a lot on the West Coast and my first pro fight was actually at STAPLES Center. So I’m very excited to be back in front of a big exciting crowd.

“Coach Cunningham had me really working on the skills that I hadn’t been using as much in past fights. He’s helped me put together a great game plan that focuses on the advantages I have. He knows what kinds of things will give other fighters trouble.

“Big fights like these are important to me. Champion versus champion speaks loudly about who we are as men. It’s the two best guys out there fighting to decide who’s the best in the weight class.

“I’ve been dreaming about fights like this since I was a little kid. It’s finally here and I’m going to show the world what Robert Easter Jr. is really made of.”

LUIS ORTIZ

Photo Credit-Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

“I feel great and I’m happy to get back in the ring on Saturday night. I moved past the loss after a day or two and got right back in the gym. I always knew I would fight again this year, because this is what I love to do.

“I’m excited to be fighting at STAPLES Center and I’m thankful to my opponent for accepting the challenge. I just want to show off my skills and prove again why I’m one of the best heavyweights in the world.

“I’m going to go in there on Saturday and do my job. I’m prepared to take care of the opponent in front of me, whether it’s in round one or round twelve. It’s going to be the same mission that I have going into every fight.”

RAZVAN COJANU

“We worked during training camp and sparred with a lot of southpaws to prepare for this. I feel good about our strategy and the shape I’m in.

“My fight against (former heavyweight champion) Joseph Parker was an interesting fight. I only found out that I was facing him two weeks before, so I was not as ready as I wanted to be heading into it. But it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss and I believed in myself and fought all the way until the end.

“Ortiz is a strong fighter and a big challenge. I’m looking forward to another tough fight and putting on a great performance for the fans.”

MARIO BARRIOS

Photo Credit-Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

“I’ve finished off training camp the last four weeks in the Bay Area with Virgil Hunter and I’m feeling great. We had fantastic sparring and everything is looking great heading into fight night.

“I’m excited for this opportunity. I have a really good, experienced opponent in front of me, and I’m coming into his backyard. I have a lot to gain coming into this fight. This is going to be a very explosive fight.

“I’m ready to showcase my talent and dominate with the game plan that we’ve put together. We’re focused on this fight, but I’m looking to climb the ladder and get a title fight or title eliminator by the end of the year.”

JOSE ROMAN

“I trained really hard for this great opportunity that I have here. It was very exciting to find out I’d be on SHOWTIME, especially on a big show like this headlined by a fight everybody wants to see. Now I get to display my talent in front of everybody.

“We had an effective training camp. We worked hard each day and everything really went smoothly. Everybody wants to be in this position, but not everyone gets to experience it.

“Barrios has a really good record and he’s very talented. He’s undefeated for a reason. We’re coming here to win. I’m going to be at my very best on Saturday.”

KARLOS BALDERAS

“When I first made my pro debut I felt like I was rushing things in the ring and trying to do things too fast. Now as I get more fights in I’m going to be able to take my time and break these fighters down little by little. You can’t knock everybody out in the first round.

“I’m only 22-years-old and I still have a long way to go. More than anything I just need to remain patient throughout the bout. We’ve put in the work so I know what I have to do on Saturday night.

“I fought at STAPLES Center last month, so this is nothing new to me. I’m going to go in there and fight my fight, be smart and take him out of there. We’re doing things the right way and we’re planning on being here for a while.”

ELITE WELTERWEIGHT STARS DANNY GARCIA & SHAWN PORTER SET TO BATTLE FOR VACANT 147-POUND WORLD TITLE

ELITE WELTERWEIGHT STARS DANNY GARCIA & SHAWN PORTER SET TO BATTLE FOR VACANT 147-POUND
WORLD TITLE

Saturday, September 8 Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Tickets on Sale Thursday, July 26 at 10 A.M.

BROOKLYN (July 24, 2018) – Welterweight stars and former 147-pound titleholders Danny “Swift” Garcia and “Showtime” Shawn Porter will square off for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME Saturday, September 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will pit two of the division’s biggest names against each other, as the former unified 140-pound champion and former WBC welterweight titleholder Garcia meets the hard-charging fan favorite and former welterweight champion Porter. The consensus top-5 ranked welterweights face off for the WBC belt vacated by Keith Thurman as he rehabs from an elbow surgery.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and go on sale Thursday, July 26 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Friday, July 27 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“I’m excited and motivated to go in there and recapture what’s mine,” said Garcia. “The WBC title belongs to me. Come September 8, I’m going to prove that I’m the best fighter in the world. My loss is behind me and it’s given me a chip on my shoulder to run that extra mile and train even harder. I know that Shawn Porter is not on my level. I’m coming to fight him in the middle of the ring and I’m going to beat him at his game.”

“I’m going to force Danny Garcia to fight me, to be uncomfortable and to do things he’s not used to doing in a fight,” said Porter. “If Danny comes in being defensive and trying to hold, it may last a while. But if he comes and tries to trade with me and prove something to himself, then it will end fast. I think my style will give him problems and not allow him to pace himself. This is going to be an instant classic and I’m going to win and become champion once again.”

Garcia (34-1, 20 KOs) has fought and defeated many of the most formidable opponents at 140 and 147-pounds spanning two generations-Erik Morales, Zab Judah, Kendall Holt, Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Paulie Malignaggi and Lamont Peterson among them. Five of his six opponents in the welterweight division were world champions and 11 of his last 15 opponents were world champions or former world champions.

Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Garcia has made Brooklyn another home base, drawing big crowds in six fights since the arena opened in 2012 including his triumphs over Morales, Judah, Peterson and Malignaggi and a narrow decision loss to Keith Thurman in a blockbuster world title unification that aired on CBS. The 30-year-old put himself into position to earn back his WBC belt with a highlight-reel knockout of Brandon Rios in a title eliminator February on SHOWTIME.

Porter (28-2-1, 17 KOs) owns victories over four-division champion Adrien Broner and two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi over a career that has seen him develop a reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable all-action attractions. He lost a narrow decision to unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate in Brooklyn but rebounded with two victories last year at Barclays Center. He scored a TKO victory against former welterweight champion Andre Berto in a welterweight title eliminator and followed it up with a 12-round decision over Adrian Granados.

The 30-year-old Porter, who was born in Akron, Ohio and now lives in Las Vegas, will fight at Barclays Center for the fifth time on September 8, including his title-winning performance against Devon Alexander that earned him the IBF title in 2013.

“Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter will be an action-packed, can’t-miss brawl,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This hugely important matchup is between two of the best welterweights in the world and pressure fighters with pleasing styles. Both Garcia and Porter have shined in memorable battles at Barclays Center and September 8 will be a tremendous night for boxing.”

“Danny Garcia against Shawn Porter in a welterweight title fight is a throwback to the era when you had Thomas Hearns battling Roberto Duran,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Their styles are tailor-made to create action in the ring. Porter comes forward and throws punches in bunches and Garcia doesn’t back up for anyone. This one will be decided in the center of the ring like all the great welterweight championship matches.”

“In 2018 SHOWTIME has delivered the biggest and most meaningful matchups in boxing, and Garcia vs. Porter is no exception,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “This will be our sixth fight this year featuring consensus top-10 welterweights, an unrivaled offering of elite fighters in boxing’s glamour division. Danny and Shawn have fought a combined 20 times on SHOWTIME and, along the way, have earned reputations as fighters who never back down from a challenge. I know they are both eager to earn another world title and send a statement to the other champions in the welterweight division.”

“I am pleased to welcome both Danny and Shawn back to Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Both fighters have established a great following in Brooklyn, and September will be their biggest moment yet at Barclays Center. We are the number one venue for boxing, and are proud to host another world-class fight.”

MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT
QUOTES & PHOTOS

Four-Division World Champion Garcia Battles Lightweight Champion Robert Easter Jr. in 135-Pound Title Unification Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia worked out for the press Tuesday at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles as he prepares for his 135-pound title unification against IBF titlist Robert Easter Jr. Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Here is what Garcia, his brother and trainer Robert Garcia and Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer had to say ahead of Garcia’s first title unification fight:

MIKEY GARCIA

“It’s been seven years since I last had the chance to fight here in LA, and that was even before I was champion. Now after all of my accomplishments, I get to come home and put on a unification match for my local fans.

“Every time I walk into the ring, there’s a moment where I get butterflies and feel the emotions from the fans. This time it’s with my hometown fans and that’s really special. I’m really looking forward to it because I know the fans are going to show up and show their love and support.

“I think I’m in my prime right now. I’m in the best shape physically and mentally that I’ve ever been in. I need to take advantage of the moment right now and take on the biggest challenges. I want to give the fans fights to remember. Those are the fights that excite me the most.

“I know Easter is very tall and has a longer reach than me. In the gym, we’ve been working on sparring partners who present different challenges and made adjustments from there. I have to catch him reaching in or put pressure and work my way inside. There are different things that I’m capable of doing.

“I’m pretty experienced from fighting taller guys in the past, so I don’t think it’s going to make too huge a difference. It’s a disadvantage on paper, but once fight night comes, I’ll be ready.

“This is a big fight for me and I’m sure it’s the biggest fight of Easter’s career so far. I’m glad to hear he’s training extra hard. It shows me that he’s motivated and hungry to show off his very best, just like I am.

“This is my natural weight and so far everything in camp has been smooth. The weight started coming off right away and now just restricting the diet enough so we get to where we want to be.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

“We know that Robert Easter is training like never before to be ready for this fight against Mikey. He has a huge reach advantage, so we know he’s going to come in and use that. He has a new trainer [Kevin Cunningham] who is going to try make us box with him.

“We don’t listen at any criticism of Easter for having close decisions in his last couple of fights. We know that Easter is going to come in having trained like never before. It’s going to be the best Robert Easter Jr. possible on fight night.

“Mikey fighting at home in front of his hometown fans is huge for us. We know that there’s extra pressure that comes with it, but everything we’ve done together so far in his career has prepared him for it. I’m confident it’s going to bring out the best in him.”

“We have to use our experience advantage. Mikey has fought the better competition, but Easter is a young guy who wants to take Mikey’s spot. Mikey is very smart, so he’s going to look for the right punch to do damage.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Mikey Garcia has the opportunity to dominate at 135 and 140-pounds, plus he even wants to move up in weight and challenge himself against the best at 147-pounds. It shows the character and strength of Mikey Garcia. No challenge is too big for him.

“Whenever Mikey Garcia fights, it is must-see TV. He’s as good as it gets in the sport. This challenge against Robert Easter Jr. is the kind of fight that can turn you into a boxing fan. This is going to be a barnburner. They say that styles make fights and these two styles are made for each other.

“There was always somebody who carried the sport of boxing who was in Los Angeles, but right now there isn’t. Mikey is coming to fill that void. To have Mikey back at STAPLES Center is a perfect pairing of fighter and arena. STAPLES Center tends to bring out the best in fighters and that’s sure to happen again on July 28.”

Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz Returns to Take On Razvan Cojanu in Co-Feature Bout on Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGGER LUIS ORTIZ RETURNS TO TAKE ON RAZVAN COJANU IN CO-FEATURE BOUT ON SATURDAY, JULY 28 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AND PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Mario Barrios Battles Jose Roman To Open Three-Fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Headlined By Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. World Championship Unification Event

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returns to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will open with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios takingon hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

After having heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder nearly out on his feet in their March classic, Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) eventually succumbed to the power of the unbeaten champion. Now, Ortiz looks to get back to world title contention on July 28. Originally, from Camaguey, Cuba, now residing in Miami, Fla., Ortiz will fight in Los Angeles for the first time as a professional. Ortiz quickly became one of the most avoided men in boxing with victories over Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott on his way to the memorable showdown with Wilder.

“I’m looking to make a statement on July 28 and get back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Ortiz. “I’m excited to be back in the ring. I am thankful to have this opportunity. To all the fans in Los Angeles, don’t miss this great card at STAPLES Center. ‘The Real King Kong’ is coming to LA!”

A native of Romania and fighting out of Burbank, Calif., Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) challenged then WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker for the title in May 2017. Cojanu took the New Zealand champion the distance but lost via unanimous decision in the champion’s home country. Standing over six-foot-seven, Cojanu scored three straight knockout victories in 2016 to earn the title shot and will return to the ring for his first fight in the U.S. since January 2016.

“I’m proud and confident to know that I will be stepping into the ring against a worthy opponent on July 28,” said Cojanu. “Luis Ortiz is a world-class fighter with a lot of experience, which will give me the opportunity to show my skills to all the fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and watching on SHOWTIME.”

The 23-year-old Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) has been impressive since moving up to 140 pounds last March. He’s scored stoppage victories over Yardley Cruz, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Naim Nelson and most recently a second-round destruction of Eudy Bernardo. The five-foot-ten Barrios of San Antonio had previously campaigned at 130 pounds before making the move to the higher weight class that has helped unlock his power.

“I fought on SHOWTIME EXTREME but making my debut on SHOWTIME has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Barrios. “Now, the time has come to show why I’m here. I’m ready to keep showing why I’m going to become a star and one of the sport’s next great fighters. Come July 28, everyone should tune-in for a great night of fights. It’s ‘Azteca’ time.”

Fighting out of Garden Grove, Calif., Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) scored knockouts in nine of his first 11 pro fights and has won 10 of his last 11 leading up to July 28. The 30-year-old most recently dropped a decision to Wilberth Lopez last September after a run of defeating veteran fighters and will look to put himself back on the path to a world title with a victory over Barrios at STAPLES Center.

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity,” said Roman. “Barrios has been on a roll, but I have the experience to take him out. Both of us bring pressure and I know he’s going to be hungry to keep his record perfect. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been for this fight. I can’t wait to put on a show in my backyard for all the great fans in Southern California.”

ERROL SPENCE JR. DEFENDS WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT

ERROL SPENCE JR. DEFENDS WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT IN HOMECOMING DEFENSE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME^®FROM DALLAS COWBOYS WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Danny Roman Defends WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® Co-Feature;

Catch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME^®

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Ryan Hafey/PBC

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 16, 2018) – Errol Spence Jr. defended his IBF Welterweight World Championship with a first-round knockout of previously undefeated mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in a homecoming fight Saturday on SHOWTIME at Ford Center at The Star. VIDEO: https://s.sho.com/2HTG4Zv

A sellout crowd of more than 12,600 fans packed Ford Center at The Star in Frisco to witness Spence’s first homecoming defense as champion and his first fight in Dallas since 2015. The consensus top-5 pound-for-pound fighter did not disappoint, pounding the body from the opening bell with his trademark body attack and superb ring generalship.

Spence, who was making his second defense as a 147-pound champion, floored Ocampo with a brutal 1-2 body shot combo, the second punch landing flush on the challenger’s side and instantly flooring him as the opening round concluded. Ocampo (22-1, 13 KOs) crippled over in pain while on the canvas, was unable to beat the count and remained on the floor for more than two minutes while Spence celebrated his victory.

“I was a little disappointed. I wanted to give the crowd their money’s worth,” Spence said. “I wanted him to sustain a bit and give him some punishment, but the body shot got him and I dropped him.”

It was the ninth time Spence (24-0, 21 KOs) has floored an opponent with a body shot in his 24 professional fights.

“I knew if I hit him again he would probably drop,” Spence said. “That was my game plan. I’m the body snatcher. If he reacts weirdly, I just keep going to the body and I keep breaking him down.”

After the fight, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones joined Spence in the ring to congratulate him on the victory.

“This moment is a dream,” Spence said. “I wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys and now I’m fighting in front of the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones. Thank you to the whole Dallas Cowboys organization.

“We’ll definitely be back after I unify some titles. We’ll make this an annual thing where I fight here.”

Jones was thrilled with what was the first boxing event inside the Ford Center at The Star, the centerpiece of the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility.

“This room was full of Dallas Cowboys football players supporting you,” Jones said. “They share your passion. I saw a guy in this ring who knew what he wanted. When you knock a guy out by hitting him once on the side of his back, you’re bad to the bone.

“I love his awareness. He had a plan from the beginning. He is exceptionally gifted. He has family that is behind him and our family, the Cowboys, want to be behind him as well.”

After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame last Sunday, asked Spence what he would like to do next.

“I want to fight the best,” Spence promised. “Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter are fighting each other (for the WBC title) and I definitely want to make that a unifying fight. We both have the same management, we both fight on SHOWTIME. Why not make that happen? I definitely want that fight whenever it’s available.”

In the televised co-feature, Danny Roman defended his WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Moises Flores in a 12-round fight that was scored 116-112, 118-110, 120-108.

The champion Roman (24-2-1, 9 KOs) was the faster and sharper fighter from the opening bell. Roman, who was making the second defense of his 122-pound belt, pounded the body repeatedly over 12 rounds, connecting on a staggering 50 percent of his body shots.

Flores (25-1, 17 KOs), who failed to make weight for the title fight and was unable to win the belt, tired in the latter half of the fight and was largely a stationary target for Roman for 12 rounds.

Both fighters threw more than 1,000 punches, yet it was Roman who was the more effective boxer, connecting on an impressive 42 percent of his power shots.

“I was trying to box him. We tried to do a smart fight,” Roman said. “We tried to take him out, but unfortunately we couldn’t.

“I would like to unify. I would like to challenge any of the champions. I’d love to face Rey Vargas or Isaac Dogboe. I don’t mind going back to Japan either.”

“I know I messed up in training,” Flores said. “I didn’t make the weight, but I still wanted to perform and give it everything I have.

“We both hit each other a lot. I hit (Roman) with some good shots, I just couldn’t finish him. I was probably around 60 percent energy-wise. From the fifth round on I had to just fight with pure heart.

“(Roman) put on a great show for the fans, and that’s what makes me feel great. That’s all I wanted was to put on a good fight.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Javier Fortuna suffered an injury while falling through the ropes due to an accidental push in the fourth round and his 140-pound matchup with Adrian Granados was ruled a No Decision.

Granados (18-6-2, 11 KOs) and Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KOs) both came out swinging from the opening bell. In a wild fourth round, Fortuna was deducted two points, first for punching to the back of the head, and second for holding. After the second point deduction, the former 130-pound champion Fortuna aggressively moved forward and unloaded a series of shots.

Moments later, Granados and Fortuna were clinching along the ropes near Granados’ corner when Fortuna fell backward through the ropes, whipping his neck as he fell back. Complaining of pain and lack of movement, Fortuna was stabilized with a neck brace and removed from the ring on a stretcher in what was later described as a precautionary measure.

At the time of the stoppage, Grandos was leading on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

“I didn’t push him. I think he fell with his own,” Granados said. “I think he was looking for an excuse on his way out. We were both battling, but I knew he could feel I was getting stronger. He caught me with a shot and it just turned me up.

“First and foremost I just want to pray that he’s OK. Let’s do the rematch. I’ve been dying for a fight at 140.”

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and SHOWTIME ANYTIME.

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