By Norm Frauenheim-

It’s a fight hard to pick, mostly because Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman are welterweights fighting to recreate themselves or perhaps re-discover who they were.

The guy who wins the identity crisis wins the fight. That’s one theory, anyway.

Sixteen days before opening bell at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, there’s only one familiar trait. Pacquiao’s likability is unchanged, un-eroded by time and controversy. His popularity has been evident ever since the Filipino Senator arrived back in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago for his final stretch of training at the Wild Card Gym.

Social media is full of photos of Pacquiao doing his roadwork on LA streets. Crowds of runners follow him in scenes straight out of Forrest Gump. At a couple of levels, Pacquiao is little bit like the Gump character. The Senator has done it all in an unlikely rise from crushing poverty to international celebrity. But like the Gump film, there’s also that line about a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.

That sums it up for just about every 40-year-old fighter. Pacquiao is beyond his prime, yet still has muscle memory that can recapture legendary moments. For one night at least, he could be the younger guy. Then again, he could be just another old guy trying to extend his career with one more paycheck. The reviews for Pacquiao’s last two outings have been good.  Power was there in a stoppage of Lucas Matthysse in 2018. Speed was there in a decision over Adrien Broner in January.

But Matthysse was shot, a hollowed-out version of the feared puncher he had been. Broner was there to outrage, insult and entertain. He did all of that and more. He did everything, however, but fight. His punch output barely registered on the CompuBox meter.

Neither Matthysse nor Broner provided enough opposition to really get a fair look at what kind of fighter Pacquiao really is at 40. Maybe, it won’t matter against Thurman, who is called One Time yet has looked Past Time over his last few bouts. Perhaps, injuries and inactivity help explain his forgettable performance against Josesito Lopez.  Or, perhaps, he is exactly the fighter he has appeared to be.

 That said, he is 10 years younger than Pacquiao. He should be at his prime and he promises to be there – or back there – against a middle-aged fighter whose name is still as current as ever. There’s a better chance that the younger man can recapture his edge more readily than the older man. Thurman is still young enough to be the welterweight he has always been projected to be.

For Pacquiao, it’s not that easy. A lot of it just depends on what his aging body feels like when he wakes up on July 20, fight day.

Guess here, the odds will remain even until opening bell. Pacquiao might be a slight favorite, simply because of his enduring popularity. Those guys running behind him in those roadwork photos will bet on him too.

 Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if Thurman attempts to do what a forgotten name did to Pacquiao in Australia a couple of years ago. Remember Jeff Horn? Horn roughed up Pacquiao in a punishing fight in Brisbane in July 2017. Horn won a controversial decision before hometown fans. In Vegas, it is fair to say the scoring would have gone the other way in a decision for Pacquiao, a longtime Vegas favorite.For now, however, Horn’s performance provides a tactical blueprint for Thurman, who like the Aussie can use his strong upper body to tie up, slow down and perhaps beat Pacquiao. It all depends on who shows up.  

LOS ANGELES (July 4, 2019) – There are no holidays for the reigning Fighter of the Decade and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) as he continues to train for his upcoming challenge of undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida.  The two warriors are just 16 days away from their world championship collision. 

“The only hot dog Manny is thinking about is Keith Thurman,” said Hall of Fame trainer world-famous Freddie Roach.  “Thurman talks a good game but we’ll see if he can cut the mustard with Manny on July 20.  Manny is 10 years Thurman’s senior and yet this will be Manny’s third world championship fight over the past 12 months.  Activity keeps fighters sharp.  The lack of activity explains why Thurman has looked worse and worse over his last three fights.  He’s like the Jeff Bridges character in The Big Lebowski.  He just seems to be fighting as little as possible to keep his title.  Only Thurman’s not The Dude, he’s The Dud.  Manny will sizzle and Thurman will fizzle when they battle it out in the ring at the MGM Grand on July 20.  After that, it will be champagne and Lobster Thurmandor for us.  Happy Fourth of July!”

LOS ANGELES (July 3, 2019) — The reigning Fighter of the Decade and boxer laureate, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs), has two weeks of rigorous training at world-famous Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club, six weeks total, under his belt.  Manny is in full throttle for his challenge of undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida, which takes place in 17 days.  Daily morning runs of three to five miles with hundreds of fans trailing, followed by one thousand sit-ups and assorted drills, afternoons at the gym, filled with 10 rounds of sparring, 10-12 rounds of mitts with Freddie and Buboy Fernandez, endless rounds of heavy bag and speed bag work, are capped off with another 1,000 sit-ups.  Is this normal behavior for a 40-year-old man?  Probably not, but no one ever accused Manny of being ordinary.  He continues to be history in the making.

“Manny is so unbelievably fast.  He’s 40 years old and moving around the ring with the same speed he had when he was just a seven-division world champion,” said Roach.  “Manny has Keith Thurman’s number.  Thurman is slower than Heinz ketchup.  Manny is going to beat him 57 ways on July 20.  The fans know it, and the sports books know it.  Manny has gone from underdog to a betting favorite.  Manny is money for this fight.  It’s going to be champagne and Lobster Thurmandor for us!”

LOS ANGELES – Today, FOX Sports announces a robust programming lineup to promote the highly anticipated FOX Sports Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View headlined by Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman, including the premiere of FOX SPORTS PBC FACE TO FACE: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN on Sunday, June 30 (1:00 PM ET), immediately followed by the premiere of the half-hour PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN (Part 1) at 2:00 PM ET. Rounding out the schedule, the one-hour FOX SPORTS PBC COUNTDOWN: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN premieres on Saturday, July 6 (2:00 PM ET).

“Manny Pacquiao versus Keith Thurman is without a doubt the biggest fight of the year, and FOX Sports will get viewers pumped up for this blockbuster summer showdown with the PBC FACE TO FACE, COUNTDOWN and FIGHT CAMP shows,” said Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President of Content, FOX Sports. “Fans will get an unprecedented look into the lives of Manny and Keith, as they prepare for the biggest fight of their career. Viewers will not only see their training, but will also get an inside look at their lives in training camp.”

In the explosive FOX SPORTS PBC FACE TO FACE: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN, the two superstars trade verbal jabs and discuss their motivations and strategies heading into the fight with host Brian Campbell. In the show, Pacquiao says that Thurman’s trash talking won’t affect him: “I’ve been more than two decades in boxing,” says Pacquiao. “I’ve experienced all the hardest fights – when I fought De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Morales, Marquez, Hatton, Margarito, who’s much taller than me. Nobody will intimidate me.”

“I can see it, but that’s because I’m a champion, too,” says Thurman. “It’s just a fight. It’s just a black eye. It’s just another body shot. It’s not the first and it’s not the last. But this will be the first time you’ve experienced my punch, Manny.”

PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN is a four-part series detailing the lives and training regimens of both fighters. Cameras go behind the scenes and inside the lives of both men – following Pacquiao as he arrives in Los Angeles from the Philippines, spending time with fans at his LA home and training alongside the legendary Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym. Meanwhile on Florida’s Gulf Coast, cameras embed with Keith Thurman, who has embarked on a whole new fitness and strength regimen. With new coaches, Yo Murphy and Kimberly Doehnhart, in addition to his long-time trainer, Dan Birmingham, Keith pushes his body to peak fitness.

PBC FIGHT CAMP series is produced by Five Films, the multi-Emmy Award winning production company founded by Scott Boggins and Craig Jenest that established the popular “athlete-follow” format in sports television. Building the anticipation for the fight, PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN Part 2 continues on FOX on Sunday, July 7 at 4:30 PM ET, with Part 3 airing on FOX on Sunday, July 14 (4:00 PM ET) and Part 4 debuting on FS1 on Thursday, July 18 at 8:30 PM ET.

The one-hour FOX SPORTS PBC COUNTDOWN: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN explores how each fighter got to this fight. Take a look back at Pacquiao’s memorable and historic fights with Floyd Mayweather, Tim Bradley, and Adrien Broner. In addition, re-live Thurman’s battles with Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, and Josesito Lopez. Both Pacquiao and Thurman, along with their trainers and our panel of experts break down these past performances.

Finally, on Saturday, July 20 (9:00 PM ET), boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) returns to face undefeated Super WBA Welterweight Champion Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown live on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Leading up to the fights, PBC fighters offer unique, behind-the-scenes clips on the FOX PBC social pages. Follow @PBConFOX on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all updates throughout the #PBConFOX fights Saturday.
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information, visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

FOX SPORTS PBC PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

DATE
TIME (ET)
EVENT
NETWORK*
Sunday,
June 30
1:00 PM
FOX SPORTS PBC FACE TO FACE: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN
FOX
Sunday,
June 30
1:30 PM
PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN (Part 1)
FOX
Saturday,
July 6
2:00 PM
PBC COUNTDOWN: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN
FOX
Sunday,
July 7
4:30 PM
PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN (Part 2)
FOX
Sunday,
July 14
4:00 PM
PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN (Part 3)
FOX
Thursday, July 18
8:30 PM
PBC FIGHT CAMP: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN (Part 4)
FS1
*All programs available on FOX Sports App and FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83

–FOX SPORTS–

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing FOX Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Additionally, FOX Sports and social broadcasting platform Caffeine jointly own Caffeine Studios, which creates exclusive eSports, sports and live entertainment content. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

About Five Films
Critically acclaimed, cinematic, authentic, compelling, smart – Five Films creates all-access, character-driven content. The multi-Emmy award-winning production company founded by Scott Boggins and Craig Jenest established the popular “athlete-follow” and “team-follow” formats in sports television. Five Films remains at the forefront of that format and continues to develop all-access programming in other genres, producing a diverse range of premium content that spans from episodic series (The Circus, The Boardroom, Chain of Command) to documentaries (Being Liverpool, Rise as One, and HBO’s 24/7).

DENVER – June 26, 2019 – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao returns to face undefeated Super WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown broadcast live on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With his speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in recent bouts. This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.

Tickets for “Pacquiao vs. Thurman” can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices now.

The live broadcast of “Pacquiao vs. Thurman” presented by Fathom Events, Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports is set for Saturday, July 20 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. AK / 3:00 p.m. HI. Boxing fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 175 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

In his last match on January 19, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of his illustrious career. It was his first time fighting in the U.S. in two years. Before that, he scored an impressive knockout over Lucas Matthysse to win his version of the WBA welterweight championship in Malaysia last July 15.

The 30-year-old Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) is the longest reigning welterweight champion in boxing, having collected his WBA title with a stoppage victory over Diego Chaves in 2013. He has successfully defended that title eight times and became a unified welterweight champion when he defeated Danny Garcia by split decision to win the WBC title. Thurman was out of action for nearly two years due to injuries before getting back into the ring with a hard-fought victory against Josesito Lopez in January. His power punching earned him the nickname “One Time.”

“Fight fans coast-to-coast were thrilled to watch Pacquiao’s victory over Broner live and larger-than-life in their local cinemas in January,” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. “We’re pleased to partner again with our friends at FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions to bring another of Pac Man’s highly-anticipated bouts to the big screen.”

For artwork/photos related to “Pacquiao vs. Thurman” visit the Fathom Events press site.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 975 locations and 1,578 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events and new product launches. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century Fox’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App and FOX Sports GO. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

 LOS ANGELES (June 19, 2019) – Under the watchful eyes of world-famous Freddie Roach and Vice Mayor Buboy Fernandez, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs), the Philippines’ national treasure, boxer laureate and the sweet science’s only eight-division world champion, kicked off his U.S. training camp with eight rounds of sparring.  Not bad for the jet lagged fighter who arrived at LAX after a 19-hour flight on Saturday night to a throng of media and fans.  After five weeks of training in the Philippines, Manny is back at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif., preparing for his third world championship fight in the past 12 months.  Amazin’ Manny has begun the most intense part of his training and conditioning for his battle against undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida.   

            Pacquiao and Thurman will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event,Saturday, July 20, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.      

And for the first time in many years, Manny, 40, and ten years Thurman’s senior, has been installed as an underdog by major sports & race books around the world.

“I haven’t made a bet in a long time, but the oddsmakers have brought me back.  I’m going to make a huge score betting on Manny in this fight,” said Roach.  “Manny loves beating undefeated fighters, especially the younger ones.  Heck, at this stage of the game, everyone Manny faces is younger.  But that makes it fun for Manny.  And when Manny is having fun, his opponents had better watch out.  I was very pleased with Manny’s first day at Wild Card.  Buboy and Justin [Fortune] have him in great condition for the rigors of this part of training camp.  We were scheduled for six rounds of sparring and Manny insisted on going eight with two sparing partners.  He’s running the Hollywood Hills like a deer.  Nobody has the work ethic and conditioning like Manny.  I can already see we are going to have to hold him back throughout camp.

“This is a great matchup.  Thurman has youth and size.  I’m sure he will come into the ring with 160 pounds behind his big right hand.  Manny will be under 150,” Roach continued.  “But we will have speed and movement.  Winning this fight will come down to taking chances.  Manny proved in his last two fights, against Matthysse and Broner, that he has his killer instinct back.  Thurman better be prepared to shoot the works.”   

*************************

Pacquiao and Thurman will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  In a battle of unbeatens, IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (28-0, 10 KOs), from Nashville, will make the first defense of his title against the pride of the University of Notre Dame Mike Lee (21-0, 11 KOs), from Chicago, in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The respective world championship showdowns will take place on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

            Click HERE for Fighter Bios

            Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.  Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.

For more information: 

visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

LOS ANGELES (June 14, 2019) — MANNY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!  Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs), the Philippines’ national treasure and boxing’s only eight-division world champion, returns to Freddie Roach’s Hollywood-based Wild Card Boxing Club to begin phase two of his training camp in preparation for his rumble with undefeated WBA  welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida  — his third world championship fight in the past 12 months.  The Pacman Express is scheduled to arrive at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal Tomorrow!  Saturday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m. PT via Philippine Airlines flight PR 102.

             What a whirlwind journey it has been for the Amazin’ Manny over the past 11 months.  It started out with him knocking out defending WBA welterweight world champion Lucas Matthysse in the seventh round of  their July 15, 2018 bout, which took place at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.  He returned to the ring, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, on January 19, and blitzed former four-division world champion Adrien Broner.  And next month, at age 40 1/2, he will look to complete his world welterweight championship hat trick against Thurman.  And in between?  There has been no down time for Manny.  He maintains a schedule that keeps the international icon thriving.  Manny traveled to the United Kingdom at the invitations of the prestigious Oxford Union and Cambridge Union to speak about his life and answer questions from the student members on consecutive days.  Then it was back to the Philippines and his duties as a Senator.  

            Up until last week’s Senate recess, it was 14 to 16-hour days divided into two-part rigorous training sessions and a full work day dedicated to his senatorial duties. Once the Philippine Senate session ended, on June 7, Team Pacquiao returned home to General Santos City to focus on training

            “At age forty I want to prove I can still beat an undefeated champion,” said Manny.  “I like being an underdog in this fight.  It is nothing new and it is fun.  I have been an underdog my entire life.  Keith Thurman does not scare me.  Keith Thurman does not intimidate me.  Keith Thurman has inspired me.  I am training harder than ever.  This is the biggest test of my career.  It is a story that is forty years in the making.”    

            Now it’s off to Hollywood, California and his second home, Wild Card Boxing Club,  where Manny will endure the most intensive part of his training in preparation for his title fight against Thurman.  Holidays will be work days for this training camp.  Manny plans to hold off on celebrating July 4.  He will set off his fireworks when he steps into the ring with Thurman.

*******************************

            Pacquiao and Thurman will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-Viewevent beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  In a battle of unbeatens, IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (28-0, 10 KOs), from Nashville, will make the first defense of his title against the pride of the University of Notre Dame Mike Lee (21-0, 11 KOs), from Chicago, in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The respective world championship showdowns will take place on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

            Click HERE for Fighter Bios

            Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.  Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.

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

LAS VEGAS (June 6, 2019) – Undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. takes on Yordenis Ugás in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator highlighting a loaded undercard in support of the Manny Pacquaio vs. Keith Thurman battle for welterweight supremacy that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The action also features hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets going toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. in a 10-round welterweight match. The show opens with former world champions squaring-off as undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery takes on slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a 12-round bantamweight bout at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The stacked card is the perfect accompaniment for the summer’s biggest fight, which will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown in the main event. This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

“MP Promotions is proud to be co-presenting this all-action undercard with PBC and FOX Sports,” said Sean Gibbons, President of MP Promotions. “It will be a historic night of boxing, spanning many platforms and this is the type of PPV undercard that is jam packed with top-flight boxers. When you look at the fighters involved in supporting what is the best biggest fight of the year – Pacquiao vs. Thurman – you can be assured that the night will be filled with non-stop action.”

Figueroa (28-0-1, 19 KOs) is a come forward boxer-puncher who’s yet to meet an opponent who could slow down his relentless style. The 29-year-old from Weslaco, Texas, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Molina Jr. in February on FOX. A former lightweight world champion, Figueroa owns victories over former world champions including Robert Guerrero, Ricky Burns and Antonio DeMarco.

“I’m excited for this fight against a talented Olympian who’s very skilled,” said Figueroa. “I know he will be moving around the ring a lot, so I’m going to have to move with him and chase him all night. I’m going to have to be in really good shape and work hard on my conditioning. This fight has definitely raised the stakes for me, so I know I have to be ready. I’m going to have a good camp and come in with excellent preparation for July 20.”

The 32-year-old Ugás (23-4, 11 KOs) has been one of the busiest welterweight contenders in boxing the last two years, fighting three times in both 2017 and 2018. Ugás, who is from Santiago, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, was on an eight-fight win streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in a world title fight on FOX in March.

“I’m very excited to be on the biggest card of the year,” said Ugás. “Omar Figueroa Jr. is a tremendous fighter, and that’s the style I like to face. I’m an all-action fighter and the fans are going to be in for a full course meal before the actual main event. That I can promise. You don’t want to miss this event and you don’t want to miss this war. I’m grateful to FOX Sports and PBC for including me in an event of this magnitude.”

The 30-year-old Lipinets (15-1, 11 KOs) made a successful debut at 147-pounds in March with a TKO victory over former two-division champion Lamont Peterson in a PBC on FS1 fight that is an early Fight of the Year frontrunner. Lipinets, who was born in Kazakhstan, grew up in Russia and now lives in Los Angeles, has only one loss on his record. He lost his 140-pound belt in a 2018 showdown against four-division champion Mikey Garcia.

“There’s no slowing down in my march to get that welterweight championship belt,” said Lipinets. “As always, I’m fighting a guy that is very dangerous and tough to the last bell. My title shot is right around the corner. I’m very excited to be part of a show like this and I’m grateful for these opportunities in my career and I promise that I’ll earn my keep. I’m looking forward to becoming a two-time world champion.”

Molina (30-8, 24 KOs) is coming off a close unanimous decision loss to Omar Figueroa Jr. in February. A tough veteran brawler, Molina, of West Covina, California, has been in the ring with some of the top boxers at lightweight, junior welterweight and welterweight. Over his 13-year career he’s been involved in multiple Fight of the Year contenders while picking up victories over Ruslan Provodnikov, Mickey Bey, Hank Lundy and Ivan Redkach.

“It’s going to be another barnburner like every one of my fights,” said Molina. “My opponent is tough and durable, so I know it is going to be another exciting fight for my fans. There’s no surprises at this stage of the game for me. This is going to be a huge night from top to bottom and I can’t wait.”

Nery (29-0, 23 KOs) is a power puncher and has stopped his last 10 opponents and 14 of his last 15. He scored a TKO victory over Shinsuke Yamanaka for the world bantamweight title in 2018. The 24-year-old southpaw from Tijuana, Mexico is coming off a dominant stoppage victory over McJoe Arroyo on the March PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View.

“I am thrilled to be back on a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event and to be fighting on a card with my friend, Senator Manny Pacquiao,” said Nery. “To fight in Las Vegas has been a dream of mine since I turned professional. All the great Mexican fighters have fought in the fight capital of the world. My fight against Juan Carlos Payano is the last step to me getting my shot at the WBC championship and getting my belt back. Viva Mexico!”

Payano (21-2, 9 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over then-unbeaten Damien Vazquez in October on FS1. It was a bounce back victory from his loss to Naoya Inoue in a world title match last October. The only other loss in the career of the 35-year-old from La Vega, Dominican Republic came in another world title match, when he dropped a majority decision to Rau’shee Warren in 2016, after previously beating Warren for the title in 2015.

“Manny Pacquiao has been my favorite fighter since I’ve been a pro and I’m very excited to be fighting on this pay-per-view,” said Payano. “I even nicknamed myself ‘Baby Pacquiao,’ so this is a special honor. Fighting Luis Nery is also a great opportunity for me. Luis is a very hungry, strong fighter looking to regain his championship status. Unfortunately, he is not going to do that with me. I’m sure he will be ready and come for war, and so will I.”

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

LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, plus unbeaten super middleweight champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee,squared-off for the second day in a row Wednesday, this time at a Los Angeles press conference as they previewed their respective showdowns taking place Saturday July 20 presented by Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao and Thurman will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Plant will make the first defense of his title against the unbeaten Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“It’s easy for my opponents to talk before the fight, and I’m used to everything they say. But when we get to the ring, it changes, and it will change on July 20.

“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s a great fighter, he’s undefeated and because we can give a good fight to the fans. I want to make the fans happy on that night and show that I can still go toe-to-toe with any opponent.

“He said he’s young, but we’ll see who looks young in the ring on July 20. I’m going to let my fists say everything for me.

“We will work hard in training camp like always for this fight. We’re not going to take Keith Thurman lightly or underestimate him. He’s a world champion. I’m thankful for what he’s been saying, because it’s giving me motivation to prove that at 40-years-old, I feel 29.

“Keith Thurman is aggressive and throws a lot of punches. I’m hoping on July 20 he will follow through with what he says and fight toe-to-toe with me.

“The fans need to watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime fight. It’s going to be a Fight of the Year and full of action from start to finish. I’m ready to get it on July 20.

“Most of my opponents are bigger than me and I beat them all. When we get into the ring, it doesn’t matter. This has happened before and it will happen again against Thurman.

“My experience will be very important for this fight. It’s going to be useful against an undefeated fighter. I’m going to give him the experience of losing for the first time.

“I’m still having fun and enjoying the sport. I’m excited to go straight to the gym after this and start focusing on training for the fight.”

KEITH THURMAN

“It’s a blessing to be on this stage and have a fight of this magnitude. I’m an all-American fighter, an all-American champion and come July 20, I’m going to stay champion.

“Manny is a world class fighter. He’s a gentleman inside and outside of the ring. I look forward to trading punches with a living legend. But one thing’s for sure, he’s not walking away with my title.

“All Manny does is hop around in the ring. I’m not going to lose to a bunny rabbit. He’s not Tupac, but he does a little hip hop and he’s not going to stop until he gets dropped.

“Manny is a world class fighter, not a world class boxer. I’m going to trip him up in the ring and he won’t know what direction to turn to. I know who I am as a fighter, and it will be proven come July 20.

“I’m destroying the legend of Manny Pacquiao. His legacy ends on July 20 and mine begins. He’s an inspiration to many people throughout the world and everyone respects him, but I’m respectfully going to finish him.

“This is a big fight as far as the stage goes, but it’s a big fight against a little guy. He’s a veteran and I’ve dismantled veterans in the past. I believe I would have destroyed Manny Pacquiao five years ago. I’ve always been ready for this fight. He’s never fought someone like me with this kind of lateral movement, speed and power. I’m coming for him.

“I was in the gym four weeks ago starting some preparations. I wanted to get the ball rolling and use the momentum from my last training camp for this opportunity. Who better to showcase my skills and talent against than Manny Pacquiao? He chose me because it will be a guaranteed action fight.

“I think this is one of the best Manny Pacquiao fights in a long time. I’m going to bring it. Pacquiao did not get reminded in his last fight what it feels like to be up against a real champion. I’m the youngest, fastest, hungriest fighter that he’s ever been in the ring with. July 20, it’s the ‘Keith Thurman show’.”

CALEB PLANT

“I never consider myself the A-side because my history says that I shouldn’t even be here. As beautiful as the belt is, it’s about more to me than that. It’s about legacy for me. I’ve been carrying myself as a world champion since the day I started this journey, so this is nothing new to me.

“I’m the whole package. I have speed, I have footwork, I have power, I have the heart and the will to win. Until you find someone else who’s all that, I’m going to keep having my hand raised.

“Where I’m from, there’s confrontation every day. This is nothing new to me. There are times I was told that I wouldn’t make it. Nobody paved the way for me like I’m from New York or Los Angeles. I paved my own way.

“Mike Lee is in uncharted territory. I’m curious on how he plans on beating me. Does he plan on roughing me up and trying to knock me out like my last opponent? Can he do that better than Jose Uzcategui? Is he going to try to outbox me with his hand and foot speed? Because there’s no person from 160 to 175 who could do that.

“I’ve been committed to the same thing for the last 18 years straight. Rain, sleet or snow, I stayed committed. I’m bred for this. I was created for this. It’s the only thing I’ve done my whole life. On July 20, I’ll be keeping the thing that I’ve worked my whole entire life for.

“At every decision that has to be made, you can go left or you can go right. From the genesis of my being, every time it was the moment to make a tough decision, I went the same way. Because I do not bend or fold for anything. No matter what’s tossed my way, this journey must go on for me. He said he has nothing to lose, but I have everything to lose.

“All the motivational videos that he watches and books that he reads, I’m the very essence and meaning of that. I’m the pinnacle of all those things he’s studied. You can’t learn mental fortitude in a book. Those things are earned, they’re not learned.”

MIKE LEE

“This is a dream come true for me. I’ve been through so much and there were days where I thought my dream was over. I’ve chased this since I was eight-years-old and I’m thankful for this chance to go after a dream that others thought I couldn’t reach.

“The beauty of this sport is that it’s only me and Caleb in there. Everyone else can only talk. I’ve been in the ring through adversity and stuck it out, because that’s the kind of person I am. I know that if I come on July 20 as the best Mike Lee possible, that I can win.

“I’ve been in the gym working every day. Doctors told me at one point that I wouldn’t fight again, but I’m still standing right here. I pushed through my pain to get here.

“I’m excited to be here in Los Angles, where we hold training camp. I’m bringing the belt back to Chicago, but Los Angeles is a second home to me.

“Today is the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work and discipline. I’m undefeated for a reason but I feel people underestimate me and I like that. I’ve been underestimated my whole career. I’ve thrived off people say I couldn’t do it.

“I respect Caleb Plant. He’s the champion for a reason and I respect any fighter who can step into that ring. You have to be a different kind of animal to do that in front of all those people, and I am that animal.

“I’m coming with power, strength, speed and I’m going to give it everything I have. I’m going to become the new IBF Super Middleweight World Champion.”

RICHARD STURM, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment & Sports

“I’d like to welcome back Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman, two of the world’s best fighters, back to Las Vegas and MGM Grand. Manny returns to the ring at MGM Grand following his convincing win in January while Keith will fight in Las Vegas for the first time in four years, looking to remain undefeated.

“We’re truly excited to be hosting this sensational event at MGM Grand and we look forward to seeing everybody in July.”

BILL WANGER, Executive Vice President of Programming, Research & Content Strategy for FOX Sports

“Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman is a living legend, versus a legend in the making. We’re excited to deliver an unprecedented night of boxing on July 20 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Manny is one of boxing’s biggest stars. Keith Thurman is an undefeated world champion and a huge ratings draw. We’re excited to bring viewers inside the ropes and up close to the action on fight night, and produce extensive behind the scenes preview programming that will air across the FOX networks.

“FOX Sports is thrilled to have a battle on July 20 with such a compelling storyline to kick off a great night of championship boxing with the IBF champion Caleb Plant against the undefeated Mike Lee.

“In January, Caleb Plant headlined the most-watched boxing event ever on FS1. Now he’s fighting on the FOX network for the first time as the main event. At FOX Sports, big events that capture America’s attention are in our DNA. This fight certainly fits that bill.

“Our goal with the PBC deal is to build these fighters into household names, and we’re well on our way. We expect a great show on July 20 in Las Vegas.”

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

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NEW YORK (May 21, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, plus unbeaten super middleweight champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee went face-to-face Tuesday in New York at a press conference to preview their respective showdowns on Saturday July 20 and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao and Thurman will square-off in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Plant will make the first defense of his title against the unbeaten Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Gotham Hall in New York City:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I’ve never been scared of a challenge. I’m so excited for this fight against an undefeated champion. He’s the kind of fighter that you can’t underestimate. His record and successe gives me more motivation to work hard.

“I will make sure that I’m 100 percent and ready for this fight. We’ll find out what happens on July 20, but it’s going to be exciting. I like being the underdog for this fight because that gives me more focus in training.

“I’ve been careless and over confident in some fights, but this time around it’s different. Keith Thurman is a good fighter and we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20.

“It’s a great honor for me to be fighting back in Las Vegas and on the FOX Sports pay-per-view. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s undefeated and I want to prove that at age 40 I can still beat a great fighter like Keith.

“My time is not yet over. My journey is continuing. I’m going to prove that and more on July 20 against Keith Thurman.

“I’m the kind of fighter that I don’t talk too much. I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring. He can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me.

“I will work hard for this fight. I haven’t felt this motivated and excited since the Oscar De La Hoya fight. I feel like I’m back against the best fighters in the world.

“Our focus in every fight is on the speed and footwork, because those are advantages for me. We’re going to work on avoiding Keith’s offense.

“Fans should watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime showdown. We’re going to bring action and I’m confident I will be victorious.”

KEITH THURMAN

“We’re ready. This is a blessing to be here and a dream come true. I started boxing at the age of seven. I worked hard to be a champion and I’ve always wanted to fight the greatest names in the sport.

“Pacquiao wants a challenge and I’m very grateful to be sharing a ring with a legend. If you understand boxing history, you know that times change. I believe boxing is in a new era. Come July 20, Pacquiao will disappear. He’ll always be remembered in the sport, but I’m doing to Manny Pacquiao, what he did to Oscar De La Hoya.

“This is a big fight. I’ve waited 22 months to get back in the game. We had our ups and downs, but Keith Thurman is back on the rise. I’m going to make a big statement.

“This training camp is going to start this Saturday. Once I get home, it’s grind time and on July 20, it’s going to be my time.

“July 20 is 23 years in the making. I’ve dedicated myself to this beautiful sport of boxing for so long and my first trainer Ben Getty told me that I had what it takes to be a great champion. I’m truly looking forward to having another chance to show it.

“We definitely had a stretch with a lack of activity. Not everyone knows who Keith Thurman is today. You could see that I wasn’t at my best in January. But on July 20, ‘One Time’ is back. I’m getting ready to have one of my best training camps for this fight.

“I had the knockdown in my last fight that was a reminder of what ‘One Time’ is all about. We brushed the dust off and we’re taking that momentum into this fight.

“I’m excited to be the guy who shows Manny Pacquiao where the exit is. He’s a legend who’s done great things. But I’ve never lost to a fighter who’s lost seven times. I have no intention of losing this fight and I don’t see him winning in any shape or form.

“Speed, power and overall ring IQ will be the difference. I’m one of the smartest fighters in the sport. I always find a way to win. I know Pacquiao comes in shape, but he’s going to fall short of that finish line.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been boxing my whole life. They say it takes 10,000 hours of work to become a true success at something. Come July 20, I’ll have been doing this for 18-years straight. No breaks and no Plan B. I’ve just been boxing, day in and day out.

“Mike Lee may have a financial degree, but in boxing, I have a Ph.D. That’s something he doesn’t know anything about. I came from very rock bottom, where nobody makes it out. If he thinks I’m going to let him mess this up for me, he’s not half as educated as I thought he was.

“I have everything to lose. Every night from now until July 20, I hope Lee and his team are envisioning the worlds ‘and still’. Because that’s all anyone is going to hear on fight night.

“It’s exciting to be on this primetime card. Everyone who wants to take it to the top of the sport wants to be a main event at MGM Grand. At the same time, where we fight is not most important to me. We can fight in the parking lot, because it’s about legacy to me.

“Anytime that someone steps into the ring and wins their first world title in fashion, it’s going to be a confidence booster. But I did tell everyone what was going to happen. There’s a season for everything and right now is mine.

“He may come into the ring bigger and heavier than me, but boxing skills are what wins fights. Years of repetition with boxing teachers, are what wins fights. You’ll see all of that on July 20.

“I don’t look at myself as the favorite in any fight. I’m the one who’s not supposed to be here. Put everyone through what I’ve been through, and see if they would make it here.”

MIKE LEE

“This has been a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Most importantly, I’ve gotten somewhere no one thought I would get. I’m fine being the underdog. I have nothing to lose.

“I’m coming out with everything I have. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I respect Caleb Plant, but on July 20, I plan on making it my moment.

“I’ve headlined cards in Chicago and at Notre Dame before so the bright lights are nothing new to me. I’m very excited and working hard. On July 20, I’m going to keep proving people wrong.

“The whole reason I got into this sport is to do it on big stages. Everyone wants to prove it on the biggest stage possible and there’s no bigger stage than at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It’s a dream come true and it’s the reason I’ve worked so hard.

“Moving down in weight is an advantage. I’ve got a great team working with me to make the weight easily and rehydrate the right way. I’m going to be the bigger and stronger guy in the ring.

“I’ve had people that never thought I’d get here and I love it. It takes a different kind of person to step into that ring in front of so many people. You have to be ready to go out there and risk it all. I fight who they put in front of me and keep winning. That’s what I plan to do on July 20.”

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

Photos by Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

By Norm Frauenheim-

Call it the Welcome Back Division. At least, that what it is in mid-to-late January as the welterweights shake out who’s real. And who’s not.

First, there was the U.S. homecoming for an enduring standard in Manny Pacquiao last Saturday and this Saturday there is the return of Keith Thurman, who is back after a 22-month absence against Josesito Lopez at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in a Fox-televised bout (5 p.m. PT/8 pm ET)

Despite his age, the 40-year-old Pacquaio stamped himself as still relevant at 147 pounds by outworking a much younger Adrien Broner in every conceivable way. The caveat is that Broner helped him do it. Broner might have collected more money per punch than anybody in the history of prizefighting. According to CompuBox, Broner landed 50 punches, or a little more than four a round. If he collected a $5 million guarantee, he got $100,000 per punch.

“Time to cash checks and have sex,’’ Broner said of his plans after the bout (Showtime replay 10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

His hands were a lot busier endorsing those checks than they were against Pacquiao. Then again, Broner did his job. In part, he was there to showcase reasons Pacquiao can still be a factor 147 pounds. He pursued throughout 12 rounds. His power was still potent enough to send Broner into retreat midway through the fight and almost into hiding over the last couple of rounds. But the undiminished power in his name was more meaningful than anything he still has in his left hand. The Filipino Senator is still a draw.

Showtime’s pay-per-view audience was reported be about 400,000, modest by standards that Pacquiao set during a bygone era when anything short of one million was a disappointment. By today’s standards, however, the audience size and an estimated PPV revenue of $30 million are solid numbers.

That begs the obvious question, of course. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was at ringside, prompting inevitable speculation about a rematch of their revenue-record setting fight, a Mayweather victory by decision in 2015. Mayweather didn’t answer the question about whether he’s interested. His silence, of course, leaves the door wide open for months of further speculation and media attention. Leonard Ellerbe, of Mayweather Promotions, spoke for him Saturday, saying he had no interest and reminding everyone that he’s retired.

A couple of days later, Pacquiao ran into Mayweather at Los Angeles’ Staples Center at an NBA game. Remember, real negotiations for the first fight began at an NBA game in Miami. This time, however, there were no signs that history would repeat itself.

“I only want to continue to fight the best,” Pacquiao said. “If Floyd can no longer fight at my level, then of course he should stay retired.”

Only a fool would doubt whether the speculation will continue. Meanwhile, however, Pacquiao says will continue fighting. His retirement date is now a couple of years away. He mentioned 42. That could mean three, maybe four, fights, all against fighters he says will be “the best.’’

For those considered the best, the welcome mat is out. Pacquiao is older, but the guess here is that he can still outdraw any of the world’s other contending welterweights.

Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. fight might change that. But there’s no immediate prospect of that one happening. Instead, Crawford will fight a faded Amir Khan in April. Spence has an intriguing date against Mikey Garcia on March 16. Put Pacquiao in against three — Crawford, Spence or Garcia — of those four, and you have a pay-per-view attraction that could boost that PPV number by a couple of hundred thousand. That’s why everybody was so happy to have an effective Pacquiao back Saturday. Like the Mayweather questions, however, potential danger can’t be ignored.

A Pacquiao with relevancy restored in a one-sided victory over a shrinking Broner might be a Pacquiao set up to get hurt by the young lions.

Crawford, who ranks as No. 1 on this pound-for-pound list, seems to be sharpening the edge on his skillset and killer instinct with each opening bell. Spence, the strongest of today’s active welterweights, is also the biggest, which makes him too big for Pacquiao, whose natural weight is at about 140.

In terms of size, a Pacquiao fight with Garcia, a lightweight and junior-welterweight champion, makes some sense, especially if he is competitive against the bigger Spence. In terms of age, however, they have little in common, other than December birthdays. Mikey Garcia was born on Dec.15, nine years after Pacquiao was born on Dec. 17. Garcia is still in his prime. Pacquiao is not.

Fighting to get back on the list is Thurman, who is two inches shorter than Spence and two inches taller and a decade younger than Pacquiao. Thurman, who flashed huge power and instinctive smarts, was shoved off that list by injuries to an elbow and a hand. He under surgery. He got married. In the time he was idle, there Crawford’s impressive jump for 140 to 147 and Garcia’s risky challenge of Spence. Now, there’s Pacquiao, on a lengthening list full of reasons for Thurman to hit the welcome mat with a big win.

The Manny Pacquiao – Adrien Broner Pay-Per-View bout from Saturday generated 400,000 buys, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

With around 400,000 units sold, that means Pacquiao-Broner grossed approximately $30 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue. The official gate for the announced crowd of 13,025 has not been made official yet by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but it will be in the seven figures.

By Bart Barry-

Saturday on a Showtime pay-per-view broadcast for the gullible and nostalgic Filipino great Manny Pacquiao decisioned American mediocre Adrien Broner by unanimous scores way closer than what action they appraised. Make or break, do or die, verb or other verb, Pacquiao-Broner finished a latenight show that was simply awful.

It was a lowbudget swindle, top to bottom, a return to the days when Showtime was the scrappy underdog, productionwise, while being so very far removed from that, qualitywise. Saturday’s was the work of a rubberstamp applied to a starmaking enterprise without an element of quality control in its ranks. What caustic commentary follows about the undercard is necessarily limited to a foiled plot to miss the whole damn thing, which be nigh impossible when the comain goes off a halfhour after the mainevent should.

In fact, start there: What possible demographic do you sate with a live sports event that concludes at 1:30 AM ET, last-call whoremonger? Stack the undercard a hundred fights deep, à la Don King, if need be, but don’t subject viewers to it; because it sure ain’t our problem PBC has more talent than it can afford to fight annually.

Comain victor Marcus Browne may be an exception to this, he’s on the rare PBC biannual plan, but he’s not exceptional. Perhaps it was the hour of his antics, but there’s something aesthetically offensive to a spectacle such as: After cautiously playing keepaway with a man so bloodied by his own wound even Tony Weeks tries to get the doctor to stop your fight, after wheeling shamelessly in the final 30 seconds from a man blinded by his own blood, you then perform the wrath of Achilles a halfsecond after the final bell frees you from the possibility of being punched again.

An apt leadin, that, for Showtime’s shopworn aping of HBO’s moribund model. Commercial, commentary, movie, national anthems, movie, ringwalk. National anthems, apparently, intend to announce: This is a serious event. But there’s no such thing as a serious event after midnight, that’s when, according to Eric Clapton, one merely chugalugs and shouts, which mightn’t actually be the worst way to describe AB’s performance in the main.

Broner is an entertainer who fights, not a fighter who entertains, and he’s not that entertaining either. He captures Floyd Mayweather’s schtick successfully enough to capture PBC funds, captured from Showtime, but not well enough to capture an audience. Mayweather long sold the prospect of comeuppance, a chance to see a boorish lout lose his undefeated record, maybe violently. But we’ve now seen Broner lose every way it can be done consciously, and the catharsis is long gone: There are committed if casual boxing fans among us who’ve watched hours of his fights live and have yet to see him win. Broner’s a conman who’s not conned anyone but his employer in a halfdecade. Because he rightly distrusts his conditioning, Broner makes dramatic fights that lack suspense and increasingly lack drama, too.

AB’s latest personal trainer, Kevin Cunningham, has collected a couple plump checks for bringing Broner in on-weight and fiercely performing empty orations, the sort of no-nonsense, give me 10 more reps, former-cop, cliche-gushing pap hardboiled sportswriters used to go cuckoo over.

After losing all but a handful of Saturday’s 36 minutes Broner leaped on the turnbuckle like an adolescent thespian following unclear stage instructions – over here, hands raised, OK? Pacquiao, who, a career ago, took the primes from three hall-of-famers seven times in five years, watched it all with a shrug: I guess this is the thing at my new circus, and the money’s nice, so, sure.

A certain barely detectable sadness now accompanies Pacquiao in the ring (or perhaps that’s projection); the men whose vanquishings made him a legend are already in Canastota, or just about, moved on to roles more permanent if less prestigious than Pacquiao’s senatorial gig, while Pacquiao plays acoustic renditions of his greatest hits with inferior and comparatively anonymous bandmates backing him. Maybe Manny needs the money, but more likely he just loves to play, and if the songs don’t have yesteryear’s force they still beat the hell out of silence.

In some odd way it brings to mind Marco Antonio Barrera’s bewildered look in Manchester a decade ago, after Barrera’d left his partnership at Golden Boy Promotions to contract his services on a fight-by-fight basis to whomever would pay for a legendary name on his inferior fighter’s resume, and a cut suffered early but allowed to bleed till Amir “Tomato” Khan could get his Barrera stamp happened, and Barrera absolutely could not have cared less. Fifteen months later Barrera was in San Antonio, going through the motions now with Top Rank, and he wanted to talk about the late Edwin Valero (with whom Barrera’d prepared for his uninspired 2007 rematch with Pacquiao) more than himself, and his cadence resembled that of Manny’s prefight chinwag with Showtime’s never-not-insufferable Jim Gray, Saturday.

It’s not that Manny’s not still fun to watch, he is, and it’s not that someone ringside for his best matches feels Manny’s new PBC tour is demeaning, not really, it’s that Manny himself seems to feel demeaning. Like he feels sorry for anyone gullible enough to swallow Saturday’s swill and call it otherwise.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – The smile never changes. It was there, forever young, all over again Friday as Manny Pacquiao looked into Adrien Broner’s bearded face and calculating eyes after both welterweights stood in front of each other for the face-to-face ritual that follows every weigh-in.

It’s still the smile that introduced Pacquiao to America. He’d walk to the ring, smiling like a kid headed to the playground. He’s 40 now. No kid, yet he’s still fighting to survive in a dangerous place he once ruled with punches and playfulness. He was happy to be there in those days. He’s happy to be there now.

The 29-year-old Broner promises – profanely, repeatedly and to anyone willing to listen – that Pacquiao has made a –mistake. Harm’s way — that canvas-covered turf surrounded by forbidding ropes – belongs to younger men with dangerous intentions still un-eroded by time. Broner’s youth and anger have sent a tone and a warning that middle-aged men belong on the safe side of those ropes behind a microphone or in a corner with a bucket.

Time moves on, and Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs) insists that his will finally arrive Saturday night when he vows to upset Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in a Showtime pay-per-view bout (9 p.m. ET/6 pm PT).

“This one is for the ‘hood,’’ Broner said after weighing 146.5 pounds. Pacquiao was at 146, one pound lighter that the welterweight mandatory

Translation: It’s not for a Senator, which happens to be just one of Pacquiao’s many titles, including eight in eight weight classes and two in Filipino politics. Yet, Pacquiao, also a former Congressman and the WBA reigning 147-pound champion, hears it all and responds with that one enduring gesture. He smiles. There’s no mistaking Broner’s endless profanity and slurs. The words are meant to intimidate. Yet, no matter what Broner says, he always sees the same thing from Pacquiao. Broner must wonder: What in the (insert profanities and slurs here) is that (more profanities and slurs) thinking?

For this fight, at least, that Pacquiao smile is a psychological weapon. Broner is trying to elicit a response, yet all he gets are his own second thoughts about what he might be getting into against an aging fighter. A bad loss for Pacquiao might eliminate a much-talked-about rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., whose face and words figure all over the Showtime telecast. It also would eliminate a speculated with Errol Spence Jr. or Mikey Garcia, both of whom are lot more dangerous than Broner ever hopes to be. Spence and Garcia are set to fight on March 16.

But retirement only means Pacquiao moves on, finally and for good, into a stage of his life that includes fulltime politics and the Hall of Fame. For Broner, there’s more to lose, mostly because there not much else beyond another opening bell. Trouble with the law has been a constant for Broner. He is 1-1-1 over his last three bouts. Only the arrest warrants are outstanding.

Broner behaves like an angry man, raging at everything he doesn’t have and hasn’t won.

Pacquiao already has a lot, has won a lot and is poised to do more of both.

No wonder he still smiles.

WBA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds

Manny Pacquiao – 146 lbs.

Adrien Broner – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Russell Mora (Las Vegas); Judges: Tim Cheatham (Las Vegas), Dave Moretti (Las Vegas), Glenn Feldman (Connecticut)

WBA INTERIM LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds

Badou Jack – 175 lbs.

Marcus Browne – 175 lbs.

Referee Tony Weeks (Las Vegas); Judges: Eric Cheek (Reno), Max DeLuca (Calif.), Don Trella (Connecticut)

WBC BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds

Rau’shee Warren – 116 ½ lbs.

Nordine Oubaali – 118 lbs.

Referee: Vic Drakulich (Reno); Judges: Ricardo Ocasio (Las Vegas), Julie Lederman (New York), Steven Weisfeld (New Jersey)

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Hugo Ruiz – 125 lbs.

Alberto Guevara – 126 lbs.

Referee: Jay Nady (Las Vegas); Judges: Adalaide Byrd (Las Vegas), Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Glenn Trowbridge (Las Vegas)

Note: Alberto Guevara replaces Jhack Tepora, who failed to make weight

FLASH QUOTES

Manny Pacquiao

“Age is just a number. It doesn’t matter that I’m 40 years old. I still feel young. Tomorrow I have something to prove – that at the age of 40, I can still give my best. It’s my legacy to give a good fight and to accomplish all this and especially at the age of 40. I have to prove something that Manny Pacquiao is still there.”

“Having Freddie [Roach] back has helped a lot. I’m happy that the team is united. We’re so happy and satisfied with the results of this training camp.

Adrien Broner

“This is a hell of an opportunity. I’m not just doing this for me, I’m doing this for the hood. After I win tomorrow night, I’ll be a legend overnight. I just have to do me. You’ll see tomorrow night.”

Marcus Browne

“He’s acting like he’s tough, but he isn’t. It’s business. He knows what time it is.”

Badou Jack

“He’s a good fighter. I respect everybody that steps in the boxing ring, but I’m going to show him what level I’m on. He’s never been on this level. He’ll see tomorrow.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @MannyPacquiao, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/MGMGrand.

Photos by Scott Hirano /SHOWTIME

Photos By Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Photos by Chris Farina / Mayweather Promotions

LAS VEGAS (January 17, 2019) – Before they enter the ring on the undercard of this Saturday’s Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, fighters competing in PPV action squared-off against their opponents at the final press conference Thursday in Las Vegas.

The press conference saw a stare down and some verbal sparring between former two-division world champion Badou Jack and unbeaten contender Marcus Browne as they near their battle for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title.

The event also featured former champion Rau’shee Warren and unbeaten Nordine Oubaali, who battle for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship, and WBC Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora and former champion Hugo Ruiz, who compete in a 12-round attraction that opens the PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In the main event, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,boxing’s only eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $200, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from MGM Grand:

BADOU JACK

“We had a great camp. As usual, I’ve been in the gym training hard. It’s nothing new to me. I’m on weight and I’m full of energy. I feel blessed.

“Marcus Browne is a young up-and-coming guy. You have to respect everyone who steps into the ring. I’m ready for this challenge.

“On paper Marcus Browne isn’t on the level with the guys who I’ve fought. Who knows? He might be a great champion. But either way, I’m focused on what’s in front of me. If he doesn’t respect this challenge, that might be his downfall.

“Everybody opponent has talked about me and said I’m a basic fighter, but after the fight, they have excuses. I don’t want to hear any excuses after Saturday.

“If Marcus Browne really believes that this is his time, then that will bring the best out of me. I’m not a trash talker, but I’m extremely motivated now. I hope he comes to fight. My prediction is to win and dominate.

“Marcus has never been in this position so I think he’s a little nervous or he doesn’t know how to act. He’s disrespecting world champions and he’s never even won a title.

“I’m dedicating this fight to all of the refugees out there. If you go to badoujackfoundation.org you can find out about the refugee kids that I’m fighting for.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“My team has sacrificed their holiday to grind it out with me in camp and It’s got me ready for Saturday night. I’m in the best shape of my life physically, spiritually and mentally.

“I have respect for Badou Jack for stepping up to the plate and giving me this opportunity. In boxing you have to fight the guys who are hungry for opportunities and I’m that guy.

“I’m not trying to disrespect anyone he’s fought, but I feel like he hasn’t fought top level guys since moving up to this division. I’m young and hungry and I’m ready to go. I’m a different animal than what he’s seen.

“Hopefully after this fight they’ll say that this kid has something about him. Some pizazz, some sauce that I never seen before. My ideal year is winning this fight and getting on the phone and then discussing future plans.”

“I’m ready man. I’m focused, I’m hungry, I’m ready to get in there, weigh in and do what I have to do. I’m tired of talking. I’ve been put on hold a couple times, but I’m prepared for this moment right now.

“Badou is a strong, smart-headed as a fighter and just disciplined. A win over Badou would give me the respect that I deserve. But I gotta win first, and that’s what I’m here to do.

“I’m ready to go right now. I’ve worked so hard for this moment in my career. He’s fought six world champions in a row, but he hasn’t fought a real light heavyweight like myself. Come Saturday night, we’re going to go wherever we have to go to get this victory. I’m leaving Las Vegas with this win.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“I had a wonderful training camp. There’s nothing like fighting someone you lost to in the Olympics. I know Roy Jones Jr. felt like that when he got cheated in the Olympics. In this rematch, It’s going to be a way different fight.

“I’ve been in camp for about three months. My coach has seen me overcome different situations in training. I had the toughest sparring I’ve ever had in camp and I want to thank them for getting me to this point.

“Oubaali hasn’t fought anyone like me. Getting in the ring with me is a whole different story than when we met the first time. It’s an honor to get my revenge.

“I’m a different fighter from when I fought for the title the first time. In this fight I’ve picked up something different, which is my jab. I feel like I’m going to control the whole fight with my jab, my speed and my timing.

“In the professional ranks you have to sit down and pick your shot more than you did in the amateurs. When I land that shot, I’m going to put my foot on the gas and finish the job.”

NORDINE OUBAALI

“I’m doing this for everyone who supports me and helped me to this moment. Saturday is a big fight for me to get my first world title.

“To have this fight in Las Vegas makes me very happy. This is the fight capital of the world and it makes it an even more special moment to be here.

“I fought Rau’shee Warren in the amateurs, but I know in the pros it’s totally different. I know that I have progressed even more since I turned pro and am better than when we fought in the Olympics.

“Rau’shee is a good, smart and slick fighter, but I have the strategy for this win. I have the power that he lacks. I’m going to accomplish my American dream.

“I came here to win a world title, not look at the lights. People may not know me now, but after this fight, people will know my name and know I’m a world champion.”

JHACK TEPORA

“I’m ready for this fight and I’m thankful to Manny Pacquiao and my team for making this happen. I wish my opponent good luck and I’ll see you in the ring Saturday.

“I’m just excited for Saturday night and I can’t wait to step into the ring and show the world my abilities and what I can do.

“I don’t go into a fight expecting a knockout, but it comes automatically to me. The same thing will happen this Saturday. Knockout win.”

HUGO RUIZ

“I’m very emotional and I’m thankful for everyone who helped me get this opportunity. My team is a family and we’re here to take advantage of this opportunity.

“I have a big responsibility to come and put on a good fight for everyone in the arena and watching on SHOWTIME and all over the world.

“I’m tall enough and strong enough for this weight class and I’m coming to get another knockout on Saturday. I’m more experienced than Tepora and I believe that I know how to start fast and break my opponent down.

“I have won titles at bantamweight and super bantamweight and now I’m going to become champion at featherweight and continue to prove I am a great fighter.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a terrific undercard. I’ve promoted 14 PPV fights over the last 12 years, and hands down this is the best undercard thus far. It’s just a great night from top to bottom.

“Tepora vs. Ruiz will certainly be an all-action fight to open the telecast. Rau’shee Warren will enter trained by the renowned team of Barry Hunter and Patrice Harris, while Oubaali has the legend Roy Jones Jr. in his corner. I believe this all adds up to a war on Saturday.

“The co-main event could possible steal the show. Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack will be taking on Marcus Browne, who’s a great fighter that is very hungry. Marcus feels like this is his time and he feels he’s going to prove it on Saturday.

“Words can’t express how I feel about Badou Jack. He’s my favorite fighter. He’s done so much for the sport in a short period of time. He’s looking to put on a great show come Saturday night.”

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

“The combined record of these six fighters is 134 wins against just seven losses. You don’t see that level of quality top to bottom very often. These are also exciting all-action affairs.

“Tepora is coming off six straight knockouts, and 11 knockdowns in those fights. He’s looking to keep that streak going. If you’ve seen Hugo Ruiz fight, you’ve probably seen him in a Fight of the Year candidate, because that’s what he does.

“Rau’shee Warren and Nordine Oubaali are fighting in an Olympic rematch. Rau’shee is another fighter with high-quality fights on his resume, and Oubaali is aggressive himself, with five straight knockouts.

“Badou Jack vs. Marcus Browne is a matchup of two top-10 light heavyweights who were homegrown on SHOWTIME. This is Badou’s 13th appearance and Marcus 8th appearance on the network. Badou has one of the strongest resumes in boxing and is one of the underappreciated stars in the sport. He’s facing another great fighter in Marcus Browne, who’s looking to keep his unbeaten streak alive.

“Top to bottom this is a card worthy of your attention. We’re proud of what we put together and we’ll see you on Saturday night.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BRONER
Pacquiao vs. Broner is headlined by Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,boxing’s only eight-division world champion, ending his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, January 19 in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature two-division world champion Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship and unbeaten WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora defending against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @MannyPacquiao, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/MGMGrand.

LAS VEGAS (January 16, 2019) – Fighters competing on the PPV undercard portion of Saturday’s Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event participated in a media workout at MGM Grand in Las Vegas Wednesday as they prepare to enter the ring January 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

In attendance at the workout and featured in action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were two-division champion Badou Jack and unbeaten contender Marcus Browne, who meet for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former champion Rau’shee Warren and unbeaten Nordine Oubaali, who battle for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship, and WBC Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora and former champion Hugo Ruiz, who compete in a 12-round attraction.

In the main event, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

BADOU JACK

“Training camp went great. It was my best camp, by far. I had a great nutritionist helping me with rehydration and recovery.

“Everybody knows me. I’m always gonna bring it. I’m gonna make it an explosive, exciting fight.

“All the focus is on Marcus Browne. I’ll fight all the champions, whoever pays me the best.

“[Browne’s] never been tested. He hasn’t been a big fight, but I expect a tough guy. He’s a tough contender, and you can’t take anybody lightly in boxing.

“I believe in my skills. I believe in myself. He’s a good fighter, he’s a good prospect. I respect everybody that steps into a boxing ring.

“It’s special to me because of how big the card is. I’m just in there to win. That’s all there is to it.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“His style fits my style, and it’s gonna make for an exciting fight. There’s fire here in these fists, and he’s gonna feel it.

“I just came from Colorado Springs, where I trained for five weeks. I’m in the best shape of my life. He says this fight is gonna go into deep waters. Well, I’m ready to swim because I’m a shark.

“This is a no-brainer. Of course I wanted this fight and I want to showcase my talent for the whole world to see. He’s not better than me. I do everything better in the ring. This is the biggest moment of my entire career. I respect Badou Jack, but I’m in the best shape of my life. I could go 15 rounds.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“It’s gonna definitely be a different outcome than when we fought the last time. That was the amateurs. I need that belt. I need it.

“It’s an honor [to fight Oubaali]. I’ve been thinking about this moment since they announced I’d be fighting on this card. I’m gonna call this a payback.

“I want everybody to tune in to the fight. It’s gonna be a show. Mentally, I’m ready. I’ve been in the gym since my last fight, working hard and staying mentally sharp. I put my heart on the line in training camp and it’s going to show come Saturday night.

“It’s going to mean a lot for not only me, but my weight class. Me winning the title is going to go a long way in gaining respect for the weight class in this country. There’s a lot of good fighters out there and I want my name to be in the mix. I’m ready to be a two-time world champion.

“Winning this fight will be huge for me. I want to face all the big names in the division. I’ve already accomplished a lot, winning a world championship, but I plan to do it again and that will bring my career to a whole different level.

“I’m ready to go to war. I’ve been through all of my preparations and I’m feeling great. I’m looking forward to winning this title and making sure our weight class gets some shine because we put in just as much work as everybody else. The heavyweight division is getting a lot of attention right now and I want my weight class to get that next.

“I’m going to take the fight as it comes to me. I’m going to set up my shots and stay patient. This is a 12-round war and one shot can end the fight. I’m going to do what I have to do and get the win and keep the belt in the United States.”

NORDINE OUBAALI

“It’s something Warren has said and he’s right: This fight will be completely different than when we fought at the Olympics. He can be sure I’ll bring back the belt to my home country. I will show the world who I am.

“Happy 50th birthday to my manager Roy Jones Jr. He’s really helped me and told me what it’s like to be fighting on the big stage.

“This is a dream come true for me, to be fighting on the Pacquiao-Broner undercard, it’s a dream come true. Roy’s endorsement is very important. He has so much experience, and it gives me extra energy. We’re very good friends… I’ve looked up to him since I was a boy.

“It’s super important to put on a show. We had the opportunity to take a fight in America before, but we wanted to wait and take the right fight.

“Being in America is special. It’s the capital of boxing. We want to put on a show. When we win, it’s going to be a huge party. No one will sleep that night.”

HUGO RUIZ

“I’m so excited to be fighting on this card and really and can’t believe all the attention it’s getting. This is my time to shine and show the world what I can do in the ring.

“I’m expecting Jhack Tepora’s power and not underestimating him at all. He’s a knockout artist and I know he will bring it. I’m prepared to go toe-to-toe and we’ll see how it goes.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BRONER

Pacquiao vs. Broner is headlined by Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, ending his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, January 19 in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature two-division world champion Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship and unbeaten WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora defending against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @MannyPacquiao, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/MGMGrand.

Photos by Esther Lin / Showtime

Photos By Chris Farina / Mayweather promotions

Photos by Chris Farina

Photos by Ryan Hafey