BROOKLYN, NY (March 20, 2014) – Its no secret that Brooklyn native and current WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo is hoping to land a shot at facing pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather and on his quest he has received the support of Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Yormark called a possible Mayweather vs. Collazo bout a “Dream Fight” for Barclays Center.

“How great would it be for Brooklyn if the favorite son of Brooklyn fights this legendary fighter Floyd Mayweather? I think that goes down as, in many respects, the rational for what we want to do here,” Yormark told Mitch Abramson of Boxing Scene.

“Getting a chance to fight Floyd and prove I’m the best is definitely the goal,” said Collazo. “Now, getting a chance to fight Floyd at home [Brooklyn], that’s a whole different ballpark. That’s a dream.”

Mayweather is set to face Marcos Maidana on May 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, while Collazo has set eyes on Amir “King” Khan. No official statements have been made.

“Amir Khan up next and then, Floyd at home, that would be ideal,” said Collazo with a grim smile. “I’m very proud Mr. Yorkmark thought of me and Mayweather as Brooklyn’s ‘Dream Fight,’ that makes me truly proud of my roots, of Brooklyn.”

This week saw our boss, Floyd Mayweather, along with the rest of ‘The Money Team’ (TMT) make the time to hand out food and water to homeless people around Las Vegas. It’s something I strongly believe in, taking the time out to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. One homeless person commented how it was nice to see the champ down here.

I’m in preparation and anticipating my next fight in Las Vegas in seven week’s time. It will be my second appearance in this city of glitz and glamour.

I’m pushing harder and harder each week, getting additional inspiration and motivation from Floyd Mayweather. The hard work he puts in is remarkable, but he also has time for his roster of fighters. There is always personal and team advice on how we can improve as fighters. His words are always appreciated, as it’s the best anyone can get in the professional boxing game, taking time out to address us on how he feels we can be better and improve – priceless stuff.

Floyd is already in great shape and as ever walking around at his fighting weight. He is a great example to all athletes worldwide on how to take your career seriously, he is always incredibly hard working and dedicated. I’m privileged and delighted to be part of his team and representing The Money Team in the United Kingdom and across the world.

My next fight is my 42nd and I’m closing in on my 35th win, world champions, Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia are my targets. I’m just two wins away from being in a ring with them. I believe it’s my destiny, so I’m doing all that is possible to make it possible.

Danny just struggled at the weekend against a tough, determined and skilled fighter in Mauricio Herrera. Herrera is very much like myself, an experienced and talented fighter with wins and losses against the world’s elite. Danny won a tight majority decision in Puerto Rico that many thought he lost, just like many believe I beat him back in 2010. There’s not a month that doesn’t pass that a fellow boxer or boxing fan comes up to me and express their disappointment that two of the judges ruled against me at the time. Setbacks and bad decisions happen in life, you have to continue to move forward. If you want to be the best and fight the best, then there is no risk free approach – you just have to lay it all on the line – every time.

The team started back up Mount Charleston this week. 9000ft above sea level, and 6 unforgiving miles uphill. It is no joke, but it is another reason why I’m always in frightening shape.

I’ve had another productive week in Las Vegas, I completed 24 hours training this week. I put in work; in the fitness centre, boxing gym, running up the mountain, drills and sprints on the track. No stone is left unturned.

With CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather guiding my boxing career, I’m in experienced and accomplished hands. I truly have a super team backing me.

As they do all they can for me outside of the ring, I’m laser focused on delivering inside the ring – another week of focus, drive and determination ahead and I can’t wait.

LONDON (March 12) – Unified light-welterweight world champion Danny Garcia is unfazed at being overlooked as Floyd Mayweather’s next opponent.

The undefeated 25-year-old knows that victory this Saturday night against Mauricio Herrera, live and exclusive on BoxNation, will herald further calls for him to be the next man to face pound-for-pound king Mayweather.

Having blitzed his way past a host of top names in the 140-pound division, Garcia has emerged as one of boxing’s leading lights and returns to action in Puerto Rico this weekend following his momentous victory over Lucas Matthysse last September.

That time he was fighting on the undercard of Mayweather’s record breaking showdown with Canelo Alvarez, with his highly impressive victory over the feared Argentine Matthysse leading to calls for him to be next to challenge the man headlining the bill.

However, Garcia was overlooked as Mayweather’s May opponent at the expense of the hard-hitting Marcos Maidana, though he is unperturbed by this, despite many believing he should have been in the big money sweepstakes.

“I’m a boxer, at the end of the day I like to fight the best, so you know that’s what my manager wanted, and that’s what my team wanted, and that’s what I want,” Garcia said, speaking on fighting Mayweather.

“Destiny is destiny. I’m okay with whatever happens. I don’t question my manager’s job, I never did, and I think that’s why we’re in the position today where people think I should be fighting him [Mayweather] and people think I deserve to fight because my manager and my promoter did a great job so far.

“We weren’t really pressing for the fight, we just let Golden Boy do their job and I let Al Haymon [manager] do his job. So, I think they’re doing a great job and I’m doing my job, and hopefully the fight might happen one day,” said Garcia.

The WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine light-welterweight world champion is well aware that should he continue to impress up against the skilled Mexican-American Herrera he will be one of the leading candidates to fight Mayweather in the near future.

Philadelphia born Garcia goes in against Herrera in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where he will be returning to the birth place of his parents and fulfilling a lifetime ambition of fighting on the mountainous island which has produced a host of world champions including Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to fight in Puerto Rico, just to reach out to my fans in Puerto Rico, because I am Puerto Rican and they don’t have a champion right now. So I think this gave me the perfect time for me to go over there and show the Puerto Rican fans that they have a true champion,” he said.

“It’s very exciting, because this is where my family’s from, this is where my roots are and it’s something I always asked Richard [Schaefer].

“I think this is very special to me because this is one of my dreams that I always dreamed of, and to go over there and fight in front of all the Puerto Rican fans that are going to be there is amazing. I’ve never fought in an arena where every single fan was mine, and it’s going to be very special to me and I’m going to deliver,” said Garcia.

Despite going in as the favourite to win the fight, and with apparent big fish to fry, Garcia is adamant that he won’t be underestimating Herrera, the last man to beat the highly touted WBO light welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov.

“He’s a good, tough fighter. I know he wants to be world champion and I know he’s going to come to fight, but I fought many amateur fights, I fought the best pros in the world, and I don’t think there’s anything he can show me differently than I already do,” Garcia said.

“So, I’m going to go in there and do what I do best, and that’s go in there, make adjustments, and get the crowd excited,” he added.

The 33-year-old Herrera is used to going against the grain having turned professional fairly late at 27, beating the tough Provodnikov and taking Mike Alvarado the distance in a closely contested decision.

Herrera is under no illusions that he will enter the ring as the underdog when he steps in against Garcia, though, this is nothing new to the man they call ‘El Maestro’.

“I’m feeling like I’m being overlooked,” said Herrera. “And maybe part of that is because I’m not really known, nobody really knows me. I mean, the same way with Provodnikov when he went up against [Tim] Bradley, I mean, I’ve seen comments and hear people say, who’s this guy? Who’s this ESPN guy? He isn’t going to do anything. What is Bradley fighting this guy for? And as you see what happened, you know, it was a different story,” he said.

“But I feel the same way, I mean, when people don’t know who you are and they see you have some losses, they don’t know your whole story and your whole background, and they see a knockout percentage and they go by that too.

“But all that doesn’t matter, with boxing anything can happen. And they’re going to see that I’m at that level, and that I will rise to the occasion,” Herrera said.

Garcia vs. Herrera is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/490HD & Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
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LAS VEGAS (March 8, 2014) – Boxing superstar and 10-Time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs) held court at a jam-packed press conference at MGM Grand today to formally discuss his 147-pound welterweight world title unification bout against the dangerous, hard-hitting Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (34-3, 31 KOs) in the main event of “THE MOMENT” on Saturday, May 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Addressing media members hours before the start of Saturday night’s “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” event on SHOWTIME PPV, Mayweather touched on a variety of subjects, including Maidana, the upcoming matchup with the Argentine slugger, his future and more. Also speaking were Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME SPORTS.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, 10-Time World Champion, Five Division World Champion and WBC Welterweight

“Maidana is a young, strong and tough competitor. He’s a guy that I can’t overlook. You can never take any fighter for granted because anything can happen.

“I believe in dedicating myself to my craft. This is my 18th year in the sport. I’ve had a strong run and we’ve got three more fights after this one. I truly believe in taking one fight at a time.

“This was my first week out [in training camp] and we had a tremendous week.

“Hopefully, some day I help some of this up-and-coming talent and promote them. Boxing is growing and is here to stay.

“I’m not scared of any opponent. I fight who I want to fight.

“Tonight is another marvelous show. Canelo is one hell of a fighter and Angulo is too. It’s going to be nonstop action. This is a fight not to miss.

“Canelo’s a different breed. A lot of people think because of the way I made Canelo look, they’re going to be able to do the same thing, but that’s not true. He’s a strong fighter.

“Tonight’s fight is different than my fight with Canelo back in September. They [Canelo and Angulo] have great styles and styles make fights. This fight is tailor made to be a war.

“I fight myself. I don’t fight to break Ali’s record or Sugar Ray Robinson’s record. I fight to please myself. I know in my heart where I’m rated. I didn’t fight in Ali’s era. This is my era.

“I don’t know who my three next opponents will be. A lot of people ask me that. You want to fight me? Earn it.

“I’m a strong critic of myself. I’m really hard on myself. Even with the Canelo fight and the fight before that fight, I wasn’t happy with my performance. I haven’t reached my peak yet. I know I can do better.

“I’ve been in the sport of boxing for a long time, but I haven’t been able to bring my ‘A-game’ totally out. I’ve beaten fighters with my ‘C-Game’ and with my ‘D-Game,’ but I haven’t been able to beat anybody with my ‘A-Game.’

“I’m a firm believer that before you can go anywhere, you have to conquer the level that you are at, just like young kids do it today with video games, they have to finish one level to go to the next one. Conquer one level at the time, and only then you’ll get where you want to go to.

“I always say that I’m a clean athlete and that I should be randomly tested anytime, urine and blood.

“I have only seen Maidana’s last fight against Broner. I’ve only watched the first six or seven rounds. I’ve also seen highlights of other fights, but not many. He’s a good fighter; I’m not taking him for granted. I don’t take anybody for granted.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Maidana’s Trainer
“In 1998, Floyd and I won a title in the same year in the same weight division. Sixteen years later, I’m training my fighters to fight him and he’s still a champion. That is hard to believe.

“Our guy Maidana earned this fight. I want to thank Mayweather for taking this fight.

“There were other names out there, but Mayweather is a boxing person and he made the right choice. I think Maidana earned the right to fight Floyd. He’s going to come out and do his best. Just like he did against Adrien Broner.

“Broner was supposed to be the next great thing. What Maidana did to him was something that no one believed could happen. It takes hard work and dedication.

“It takes a great fighter that listens to what his coaches tell him to do and we’re going to come out and do our best to please everyone with a great fight and come out with a win. Everyone has a time and it could be this time. No one has a blueprint because no one has ever beaten Floyd.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
“Floyd Mayweather did it again. He picked the most dangerous opponent he could have.

“It’s going to be a thrilling fight. Maidana is ready and he’s going to come to try to knock out Mayweather.

“The tickets went on sale this morning at 10 a.m. There are 16,000 seats [in the arena] and 14,000 were sold with over $12 million in the bank already.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“Maidana’s a tremendous fighter. He can crack with either hand and Floyd is going to have to be at his best to beat him on May 3.

[On the Mayweather Promotions opponent poll] “Floyd has over 11 million followers across different platforms, all of those were taken under consideration.

“On the first tweet he put out, there were over 50,000 comments on the first two hours. My team and I went through all of the responses, and Maidana was an overwhelming favorite.

“Maidana earned the right to fight Floyd and May 3 is going to be a great night for boxing.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME SPORTS
“SHOWTIME Sports has become the home of the most compelling fights and the biggest events in the sport of boxing. And there are no bigger events than those featuring Floyd Mayweather.

“We are proud to be part of the May 3rd event and look forward to another incredible night at the fights.”

# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and is the third fight of a lucrative six-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $550 and $350, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of two (2) at the $350 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. was an hour late Saturday for his own news conference. But a crowd stuck around, waiting for him to arrive anyway. It just goes to show that Mayweather can draw a crowd even if he’s fighting nobody.

Marcos Maidana is next on Mayweather’s rich Showtime card, May 3 in a pay-per-view bout at the MGM Grand. Maidana didn’t make it to the first formal news conference since he was picked to fight Mayweather instead of Amir Khan. Maidana stayed at home in Argentina to be with his pregnant wife.

“He did the right thing,’’ said Mayweather, who apologized for being late and blamed it on a late night at the
tables in the MGM Grand’s casino. “He’s supposed to stand by his wife.’’

Maidana’s understandable absence didn’t matter much anyway. It’s the Mayweather brand that accounts for the biggest numbers in boxing these days. The HBO audience for his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 is still the pay-per-record. His victory on Showtime over Canelo Alvarez in September set the revenue record.

“They used it to call it pay-per-view,’’ Mayweather said in a video promo for a fight dubbed The Moment. “Now, it’s May-per-view.’’

Some early odds indicate that Maidana will go the way of Robert Guerrero and Canelo, who was getting ready to fight Alfredo Angulo while Mayweather was holding court. Some off-shore odds-makers have favored the unbeaten Mayweather by as much as 10-1. That’s the kind of chance a nobody gets. Yet, Maidana’s heavy-handed power and his December upset of Adrien Broner, a Mayweather wannabe and friend, moved him to the head of the line, or least ahead of Khan.

“Marcos Maidana is young, strong, a great competitor and one I can’t overlook, because anything can happen,’’ Mayweather said, his promotional mouthpiece firmly in place.

By now, it’s no secret that Mayweather picks and carefully choose who he fights. Maidana was the choice in many social media polls. In his own poll, Khan was the choice. But he picked Maidana anyway. The decision, he said, was based mostly on each fighter’s last four fights. Maidana had earned his way onto the ticket; Khan had not.

But it’s clear that polls didn’t make the choice. Only Mayweather did. And does

“I’ve earned my stripes,’’ said Mayweather, who said he began sparring last week. “I earned the right to pick and choose who I fight.’’

Nobody at the MGM Grand had any complaints about that prerogative Saturday. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Mayweather’s promotional partner, said 14,700 tickets were gone within hours after they went on sale at 10 a.m. (PST). According to Schaefer, the early rush amounts to a live gate of more than $12 million. Tickets were still for sale. A crowd of about 16,000 for a gate of about $16 million is expected.

“Nobody is forced to watch,’’ Mayweather said.

But they do.

LAS VEGAS (March 5, 2014) – MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. has won the right to host the Saturday, May 3 mega-fight between 10-time and Five-Division World Champion and current WBC Welterweight World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather against Argentine power-puncher and WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana.

“We are honored to host another one of Floyd Mayweather’s epic championship fights at MGM Grand,” said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. “The MGM Grand Garden Arena has been Floyd’s home for many years and he always thrills the fans inside the Arena and those watching worldwide.”

“We are so delighted that Floyd will be fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the 12th time,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “It is truly Floyd’s home away from home and as we always say, when Floyd fights at MGM Grand, it stands for ‘Mayweather gets money’ because of his ability to sell every seat in the house.”

“Floyd Mayweather will be coming home once again on May 3 when he faces Marcos Maidana at MGM Grand in Las Vegas,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “With 11 of his previous fights being held at MGM Grand, Floyd has become the venue’s greatest sports franchise, so it is only fitting that he face one of his toughest challenges here in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas.”

Mayweather has fought and won some of his most memorable battles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, including wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and most recently Canelo Alvarez last September. This will be the ninth consecutive time that Mayweather fights at MGM Grand and 12th appearance overall.

Mayweather is known for breaking records every time he steps into the ring as evidenced by his appearances at MGM Grand as well as the facts outlined below:

Mayweather’s last five fights have been sellouts.
Mayweather’s September 2013 fight against Canelo Alvarez shattered gate records totaling more than $20 million.
MGM Grand displays Mayweather “Home of the Champion” banners on the exterior of the building.
The official weigh-in for the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight in September at the MGM Grand Garden Arena set a record of more than 12,000 fans in attendance, making it one of the biggest weigh-ins in the history of the sport.
It is very rare for events to use souvenir tickets, but it is a Mayweather standard to create tickets with a fight graphic. At his last fight against Canelo, Mayweather had artist Richard Slone develop a one-of-a-kind piece printed on all of the tickets.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $550 and $350, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of two (2) at the $350 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Mayweather vs. Maidana, a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the third fight of a lucrative six-fight deal with SHOWTIME Networks Inc.

More details about the event, including undercard bouts, will be announced shortly.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to annual events including Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and the Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

VERONA, NY (March 1, 2014) – Undefeated super middleweight J’Leon Love dominated en route to a 10th-round TKO over Vladine Biosse on Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation. In the co-featured bouts, Derek Edwards upset previously undefeated Badou Jack and rising Mayweather Promotions star Christopher Pearson defeated Lanardo Tyner in an 8-round middleweight bout.

The evening’s promoter, 10-time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather, was ringside at Turning Stone Resort and Casino and interviewed by SHOWTIME Sports analyst Steve Farhood for the first time since Mayweather announced his next opponent—Marcos “El Chino” Maidana.

From the opening bell, Love (17-0, 10 KOs) was the aggressor, punishing Biosse (15-3-2, 7 KOs) through all 10 rounds. In the third, Love opened up a cut over Biosse’s right eye and continued to batter the area throughout the night. In the 10th, with Love scoring heavily near the ropes, the ref stepped in to halt the contest at 2:15 of the final round.

“We worked really hard in camp and I wanted to be able to take advantage of that work and use all my punches,” said Love after the fight. “I was hitting him with great combinations, going downstairs and upstairs.
“He was a tough guy, but I knew eventually with the shots I was throwing I would get him out of there. A late stoppage is good.”

In the evening’s co-feature, Edwards (27-3-1, 14 KOs) shocked Jack (16-1-1, 11 KOs) with a first-round TKO. Jack walked into a short right hand and hit the deck 32 seconds into the bout. Jack recovered but was on unsteady legs. Edwards jumped on him and again sent Jack awkwardly down to the canvas, face first. Jack rose to his feet, but the ref had seen enough and waved off the contest at 1:01 of round one.

In the opening bout, Pearson (14-0, 10 KOs) claimed a split decision victory over Tyner (31-9-2, 20 KOs) to remain undefeated. Two of the judges scored the bout 78-73 for Pearson, while the third had it 76-75 for Tyner.
Speaking to Farhood about the announcement this week of his next opponent, Mayweather complimented his challenger saying, “Maidana has had a lot of great wins lately… This is a very difficult fight for me. This is a guy I can’t overlook. Each and every time Marcos Maidana goes out there he gives it his best. I know I have to go out there and be at my best. I will sit down with my father and go over a brilliant game plan and hopefully this training camp goes well. He’s tough. He’s a champion just like I’m a champion, so when you bring the two together you get nothing but excitement. I must push myself to the limit, and May 3, The Money Team will be ready.”

On his prediction for next week’s SHOWTIME PPV® headlined by Canelo Alvarez and Alfredo Angulo, Mayweather said, “Angulo is a tough opponent, but Canelo has all the tools to bounce back.”

Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME and SHOWTIME ON DEMAND.

Superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather will be ringside at tonight’s ShoBox: The New Generation from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., and will be interviewed during the live telecast on SHOWTIME (9:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). This will be the first television interview Mayweather will give since announcing his next fight against Marcos “El Chino” Maidana which will take place on Saturday, May 3, live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Three of Mayweather’s undefeated fighters will be featured on the evening’s Mayweather Promotions tripleheader – J’Leon Love, Badou Jack and Chris Pearson.
ABOUT LOVE vs. BIOSSE:
Love vs. Biosse is a 10-round super middleweight bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions this Friday, Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® immediately following the episode 1 premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Angulo at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) live on SHOWTIME®.

Tickets priced at $60, $35, $25 and $15, plus applicable taxes, fees and service are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling the box office directly at 1-877-833-7469 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s biggest challenge on May 3 won’t come from Marcos Maidana. Not even Maidana’s heavy-handed power has much of a chance at knocking Mayweather off his pound-for-pound perch.

But Mayweather’s promotional skill faces a real test as he reaches what could be the halfway point of a Showtime deal for a possible six fights and a potential $250 million. Maidana-Mayweather looks to be a tough sell, especially at a pay-per-view price for the Showtime telecast that figures to be $60, or $70 for high definition.

Mayweather’s biggest rivals will be in a busy PPV market during the next few months. There’s Canelo Alvarez-Alfredo Angulo on Showtime PPV on March 8. On April 12, Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley engage in a PPV rematch offered by Home Box Office. After Mayweather-Maidana, there’s Miguel Cotto-Sergio Martinez on June 7, also an HBO pay-per-view bout.

To watch all four in high-def, it’ll cost $280. That’s not much if you’re in Mayweather’s income bracket. For the average fan, however, that’s a lot of groceries.

Mayweather’s marketing team will invest time and ad money into saying that Maidana is dangerous. He is – he was – in beating Adrien Broner in a December upset that shoved Amir Khan to the back of the line and earned Maidana the big payday that comes with a shot at Mayweather.

But some of the early betting odds indicate that the public will need a lot of convincing. Mayweather could be a 10-1 favorite. Translation: The bookies are saying that the betting public thinks that Maidana has no chance. Compare that to Pacquiao-Bradley in a sequel of Bradley’s hugely controversial decision over the Filipino Congressman in June, 2012. Pacquiao is a slight favorite.

Odds are, Pacquiao-Bradley is the better buy.

There’s a theory, often offered by Showtime, that people will watch Mayweather no matter who he fights. OK, Mayweather possesses singular speed and skill. But this isn’t Olympic figure skating. It’s a fight. If there isn’t much doubt, there isn’t much drama.

Maidana is a tough sell for at least two reasons:

· Khan, whose reputation has taken the biggest beating in the polling and guessing game over who Mayweather would anoint as his next foe, beat Maidana in what was the 2010 Fight of the Year.

· Maidana lost a one-sided decision to Devon Alexander in 2012. On only one of three scorecards did Maidana win a single round. He was shut out on two cards. The 10-round loss to the quick Alexander could serve as a preview to what might happen to Maidana against Mayweather, who has lost some foot speed but still had enough to confound Robert Guerrero and Canelo. Maidana has one thing in common with Guerrero and Canelo. He’s flat-footed, which represents two more reasons to think he has virtually no chance on May 3.

Mayweather, whose career has generated a reported 12.8 million PPV customers for about $800 million in gross revenue, is averaging 1.5 million PPV buys over his last eight bouts, according to reports from the networks and television media.

It’ll be harder to maintain that average than it will to stay unbeaten.

BOLTON (Feb. 25) – Official statement from Amir Khan following the official announcement confirming that Marcos Maidana will fight Floyd Mayweather on Saturday 3rd May.

“Following the announcement by Floyd Mayweather that he will be facing Marcos Maidana on May 3rd I would like to clarify my situation for my fans and members of the media.

“Despite having signed my part of the agreement to fight Floyd in early December, I’ve been preparing myself for some time that the match up with him wasn’t going to happen, as I announced on Twitter a few days ago. Therefore, this announcement did not come as a surprise.

“I am, however, very disappointed with Floyd and his team for not providing any explanation as to why he delayed the announcement for so long and ultimately avoided the fight with me.

“Clarification, if he was not fighting me, would have allowed me to look over my options and pursue another path, rather than the ultimate delay to my career this has caused.

“It has been a very frustrating period as I’d been due to fight in December against Devon Alexander, however, I was strongly advised to not take this fight as I would be facing Floyd this May – and therefore signed my side of the contract on this belief.

“Floyd was keen to engage with the fans and so decided to let them choose who he should fight in his next bout. I clearly won his official poll, by a significant margin, but for unknown reasons he decided to ignore the fans vote and failed to keep his word. Disappointing many fight fans who took the time to vote.

“I genuinely wish Marcos and Floyd all the best for their fight – two great fighters. As a team we have now moved on and are looking at different options.

“I’ve been training very hard since my last fight. I’m a fighter who wants to face the very best out there and have never ducked any opponent.

“I’m focused and ready for my next outing – we currently have a few options on the table at the moment and my team are working alongside Golden Boy Promotions to announce my next fight within the next 10 days.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and am determined to put on a great show for my loyal fans who have waited a long time to see me back in action – and I’m very excited about what’s yet to come this year. Thank you for all your continued support.”

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 24, 2014) – After weeks of speculation, including feedback from fans across an array of social media platforms, boxing’s pound-for-pound superstar, pay-per-view king and WBC Welterweight World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather will face the dangerous, power-punching WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana on Saturday, May 3, live on SHOWTIME PPV.

Mayweather vs. Maidana, a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the third fight of a lucrative six-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc.

Mayweather vs. Maidana will pit the brilliance of Mayweather against the power of the Argentine slugger.

Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs), undeniably the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and a 10-time world champion, is coming off of a spectacular 2013 in which he continued to display his ring prowess with dominating victories over Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez. In Maidana, Mayweather is arguably facing the most demanding and troublesome opponent of his heralded, 17-year Hall Of Fame career.

“Marcos Maidana’s last performance immediately brought him to my attention,” said Mayweather, who celebrates his 37th birthday today. “He is an extremely skilled fighter who brings knockout danger to the ring. I think this is a great fight for me and he deserves the opportunity to see if he can do what 45 others have tried to do before him – beat me.”

Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs), of Margarita, Santa Fe, Argentina, captured the attention of boxing and sports fans around the world with his thorough defeat of the highly regarded and undefeated Adrien Broner on Dec. 14, 2013. The 30-year-old impressively dominated Broner from the opening bell and registered two knockdowns against the three-time world champion. Maidana connected with a punishing 231 power punches in the bout en route to a unanimous decision by margins of 117-109, 115-109 and 115-110.

The resounding victory over the heavily favored Broner was the fourth in a row for the crowd-pleasing, offensive-minded Maidana. A former WBA 140-pound world champion, Maidana’s hard-charging, aggressive style has earned him knockouts in 82 percent of his wins. The remarkable ratio of knockouts ties the late Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo for the highest knockout percentage of any Mayweather opponent to date and is one of the highest of any current fighter at the world-class level.

“I am extremely happy to be facing Floyd Mayweather because it will give me the opportunity to show the world that I am the best welterweight in the division,” said Maidana, who will represent throngs of Hispanic boxing fans on Cinco de Mayo when he faces the pound-for-pound king. “I just handed a great defensive fighter his first loss and I plan to do the same to Mayweather. I don’t care whether he’s the best and undefeated. I will bring some real Latino power to him on May 3rd.”

“This is an extremely dangerous fight for Floyd as Marcos Maidana is a technical knock-out artist and continues to show us that he gets better with each fight,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Maidana showed so much in his last performance, he’s clearly at the top of his game and a great match-up for Floyd.”

Mayweather set in motion a flurry of online polls following a message posted to his Twitter and Instagram accounts (@floydmayweather) on Sunday, Feb. 2 asking fans to voice their opinion on his next opponent. Through the accumulation of more than 100,000 votes on the various online polls, more than 100,000 comments on Mayweather’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as nonstop fan Tweets, Mayweather saw an overwhelming majority favor Maidana.

“In Marcos Maidana, Floyd Mayweather may be in for his toughest opponent ever,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Maidana is the type of fighter who will find out if Floyd still belongs on top of the pound-for-pound list. He’s strong, tough and aggressive. He in giving Adrien Broner his first loss, he showed that he won’t be intimidated by talk, a big fight atmosphere or an unbeaten record. I give Floyd a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate and testing himself once again. He is a true warrior, and the fans will be the winners on May 3rd.”

“The first two events in our partnership with Floyd Mayweather were incredible and SHOWTIME PPV is proud to present the next chapter in Floyd’s remarkable career,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “Marcos Maidana is a boxer whose fearsome power can change the trajectory of a fight with a single punch. Couple that with his ferocity and perseverance and you have the recipe for an incredible fight on the grandest stage of the sport.”

Undefeated Floyd “Money” Mayweather, (45-0, 26 KOs), a 10-time world champion in five weight divisions, reaffirmed his worldwide popularity when he faced then- undefeated boxing phenom Canelo Alvarez last September. The mega-event, which set the record as the highest grossing pay-per-view event in television history with over $150 million in revenue, showed once again that Mayweather’s drawing power is unlike any other. During Mayweather’s extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over numerous world champions, including Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Victor Ortiz, Miguel Cotto, Robert Guerrero and most recently Canelo, marking the 45th win. Over the course of his pay-per-view career Mayweather has generated more than 12.8 million buys and over $800 million in revenue. The Grand Rapids, Mich., native, who fights out of Las Vegas, averages more than one million pay-per-view buys per event, which is the highest pay-per-view buy average of any boxer in history, and is the only fighter to participate in two events which generated over 2 million pay-per-view buys each. In 2007, Mayweather co-headlined a pay-per-view event with De La Hoya which generated the largest number of PPV buys in history. Mayweather has also been listed by Sports Illustrated (2012, 2013) and Forbes
(2012) as the world’s highest paid athlete in any sport.

Thirty-year-old Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs) stunned the boxing world in December when he defeated up-and-coming superstar Adrien Broner with an unforgettable performance. Hailing from Margarita, Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana first emerged on the world scene in 2009, when he won the interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Championship with a stunning sixth-round technical knockout over Victor Ortiz. After three defenses of his title, Maidana lost a 2010 Fight of the Year candidate to Amir Khan, but he regained the belt with another classic against future Hall of Famer Erik Morales in 2011. In 2012, Maidana joined forces with renowned trainer Robert Garcia (2012 Trainer of the Year) and has since gone undefeated at 4-0 with 3 knockouts.

More details about the event will be announced shortly.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 14, 2014) – Mayweather Promotions will bring some heat to the chilly East Coast with a full fight card of top talent on Friday, Feb. 28 from Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center in Verona, NY live on ShoBox: The New Generation. Headlining the show will be undefeated super middleweight contender J’Leon Love against Providence’s Vladine Biosse.

In other televised action, Mickey Bey Jr. will square off in a 10-round lightweight bout against Mexican warrior Alan Herrera, hard-hitting Badou Jack will meet Derek Edwards in a 10-round super middleweight bout and undefeated Chris Pearson will be showcased in an eight-round middleweight bout against an opponent to be announced..

The telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® immediately following the episode 1 premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Angulo at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Tickets priced at $60, $35, $25 and $15, plus applicable taxes, fees and service are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling the box office directly at 1-877-833-7469 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Turning Stone Events Center doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET.

“February 28 is going to be another great night for Mayweather Promotions,” said Floyd Mayweather, president of Mayweather Promotions. “We ended 2013 with a full card of great fights. We are looking forward to putting on our first show of 2014. It’s going to be a great card from top to bottom that the fans won’t want to miss.”

“Being able to showcase our talent once again on SHOWTIME is great for the fighters and great for our brand,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “On Feb. 28, Mayweather Promotions is going to continue to make our permanent mark on the world of boxing.”

Coming off a sixth-round knockout over Lajuan Simon last December, Inkster, Michigan’s J’Leon Love (16-0, 9 KO’s) is ready to start 2014 off strongly. Love, who first impressed boxing fans when he bested 28-fight veteran Derrick Findley with a near-shutout decision on Feb. 23, 2013 in front of his hometown crowd in Detroit, is aiming for another impressive knockout victory. With his recent win as a ShoBox: The New Generation headliner, the 26-year-old will look to make it two in a row when he faces Providence’s Vladine Biosse (15-2-2, 7 KO’s) on Feb. 28.

Cleveland native Mickey Bey Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KO’s) also had an evening to remember last Dec. 6, when he rocked Carlos Cardenas with a third-round knockout. A sensational amateur, a four-time national champion and a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, he was unable to compete in the Olympic Qualifiers or Olympic Games when he became ill with pneumonia after winning the Olympic Box-Offs. After turning pro in April 2005, Bey had high hopes which were not realized until he recently signed with Mayweather Promotions in 2013. On Feb. 28, he will look for a repeat performance when he faces Alan Herrera (32-5, 21 KO’s) of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

A member of the 2008 Gambian Olympic team, Badou “The Ripper” Jack (16-0-1, 11 KO’s) now fights out of Las Vegas, where he has made a strong impression in the fight capital of the world. In his most recent fight, the super middleweight won by sixth-round technical knockout over Rogelio Moreno. The exciting, undefeated up-and-comer continues to grow as a professional, while crediting Mayweather for guiding him to believe in himself and strive to be a champion some day. Jack will meet Winston-Salem’s Derek Edwards (26-3-1, 13 KO’s).

Undefeated middleweight Chris Pearson (13-0, 10 KO’s) wowed in his last fight with a first- round knockout of previously unbeaten Acacio Ferreira in December. The exciting rising star from Dayton, Ohio has a very bright future ahead of him and will look to continue his impressive winning streak on Feb. 28 against an opponent to be announced.

In non-televised action, Luis Arias (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Milwaukee will face Dashon Johnson (15-14-3, 5 KO’s) of Escondido, Calif. in an eight-round super middleweight bout; Ronald Gavril (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Bacau, Romania takes on Cameron Allen (5-14, 3 KO’s) of Battle Creek, Mich., in an eight-round super bantamweight fight; John Franklin (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Kansas City, MO will face an opponent to be determined and Omontunde Tabiti of Chicago, Illi (4-0, 4 KO’s) will open the night in a cruiserweight bout against an opponent to be determined.

For more information, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/jleonlove, www.twitter.com/MickeyBeyTMT, www.twitter.com/badoujack, www.twitter.com/_chrispearson, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromo and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

ATLANTA (February 12, 2014) – Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (20-0, 13 KOs) is shooting for the stars, better make that, The Star.

Not only does Andrade plan to succeed Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. as boxing’s pound-for-pound champion and biggest draw, the slick southpaw hopes to fight Mayweather prior to “Money” closing his boxing bank, so to speak.

Andrade, a native of Providence who now lives in Atlanta, defeated previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-1-1, 21 KOs) by 12-round decision for the vacant WBO title last November on HBO. The 25-year-old is now required to make his first title defense, likely in April according to Andrade, against WBO No. 1-rated mandatory challenger Brian “The Lion” Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs).

The 36-year-old Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs) will face either Amir Khan or Marcus Maidana on May 3 in Las Vegas on Showtime PPV. The nine-time, five-division world champion Mayweather is the reigning WBC and WBA Super junior middleweight title holder.

“I’m getting ready to take over boxing after Mayweather retires,” Andrade said. “I want to match my natural, God-given skills against his before he hangs up his gloves for good. Let’s unify the titles, Floyd. We can do it here in Atlanta, Las Vegas or New York. You pick the place, just don’t leave me hanging and retire without fighting me. This is my time!”

Mayweather announced that he will fight only four more times, including May 3, and then retire next year from the ring as a boxer. Andrade needs to quickly position himself as a viable opponent and rising star in order to be seriously considered as one of only three more Mayweather opponents. A match-up between the two could be like the passing of the torch, assuming Andrade continues to develop in the ring and marketable product.

Andrade has been described by some as a younger, taller (by 5 inches), southpaw version of Mayweather because of their similar styles and tremendous boxing skills. Their similarities don’t end there, however. They are both African-Americans who flash endearing smiles, in addition to being former US Olympians (Mayweather – 1996 Olympic bronze medalist, Andrade – 2008), multiple National Golden Gloves champions (Mayweather 1993, 1994 & 1996, Andrade 2006 & 2007), and two of the few undefeated professional prizefighters. Andrade was also the 2007 World Championships gold medalist.

Is Mayweather vs. Andrade in the stars? Stay tuned, boxing fans.

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @BooBooBoxing.

Polls can be as reliable as scorecards. About as scientific, too. That’s why it’s hard to know what to make of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s question to fans about his next opponent.

Marcos Maidana?

Or Amir Khan?

From this corner, Khan still looks like Mayweather’s likely foe on May 3 no matter what the poll says. The only numbers that seem to matter are summed up by Mayweather’s nickname, Money. Follow it and you can get a pretty good look at what Mayweather is attempting. Against Britain’s Khan, Mayweather has a shot at a share of the UK’s big pay-per-view potential. Against Argentina’s Maidana, he doesn’t.

That’s a theory anyway. On second thought, however, perhaps it’s too simple. Mayweather is a gambler only at Vegas’ sports books. As a boxer, he’s careful about whom he fights and when he fights. He manages the risk, which helps explain his longevity and maybe his unbeaten record, 45-0 and counting.

The Maidana-or-Khan poll is the result of an argument that emerged after Maidana’s beat-down of Mayweather wannabe Adrien Broner in December. Then, there was already public discontent about whether Khan deserved the opportunity. He has won twice, yet struggled since Danny Garcia upset him. In April, he had to get up from a fourth-round knockdown for a narrow decision over Julio Diaz. Maidana, who lost to Khan in the 2010 Fight of the Year, has done more to stake his claim. Fair enough, but this is boxing. Fair is often an illusion, if not an artful feint.

Few give Khan a chance against Mayweather. Yet despite his vulnerable chin and recent struggles, he still possesses fast hands and agile feet. Mayweather has been at his dominant best against foes he has called flat-footed. Can it be a coincidence that Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez were the first two opponents on his rich Showtime contract? He called them flat-footed and he proved it with dominant victories over both.

No matter what you think of Khan, he’s not flat-footed. Add his fast hands, and Mayweather could have a problem, at least for a while. It’s simple as that old line about styles. They make fights. Few understand that quite as thoroughly as Mayweather.

The risk against Khan might look slim, but it’s bigger than the one Mayweather would face against Maidana. The Argentine has heavy-hands, but they land in a predictable, almost plodding way. Put Maidana in a foot race with Canelo and Guerrero, and you’ve got a dead heat.

Mayweather figures to beat either Maidana or Khan. But if it’s Maidana, he limits the risk. Doesn’t he always?

The poll gives him a chance to pass off the responsibility. Madiana was the poll’s early leader. Let’s assume it finishes with Maidana as the pick. If somebody accuses Mayweather of taking an easier fight in Maidana, he can simply say that he’s only giving fans what they want.

For the moment, let’s assume that Khan is Mayweather’s opponent, regardless of the poll. Then, it could become another example of Mayweather’s gamesmanship. Khan, who said weeks ago that he already has signed to fight Mayweather, appears as nervous as a politician fearful of losing an election.

Within hours of learning that Maidana was leading the poll, Khan was on Twitter, saying:

“Mayweather says he needs a easy fight and fans want to see a knock out so maybe thats the reason he doesn’t want fight me n wants Maidana ??”

“for those that hate me & think FM can KO me, then let’s see him try. Fight me! #SkillvSkill SpeedvSpeed.”

No matter what happens in this poll, the only winner is the guy conducting it.

Floyd Mayweather and the Timothy Bradley – Ruslan Provodnikov war highlighted the 2013 BWAA Awards which were announced Tuesday according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

It is the second time Mayweather has won the award. He also won in 2007, the last time he fought at least two times in a calendar year.

The pound-for-pound king was dominant as ever last year and Tuesday won Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year honors.
“It is a great honor to be voted by the BWAA as fighter of the year. To be recognized by this organization is special and I truly appreciate it,” Mayweather said in a statement given to ESPN.com. “I also want to congratulate the other winners and also recognize my fellow nominees, whose achievements in the ring this past year afforded them nominations too.”

“I have dedicated my whole career to being the best and because of that I have been on top for 17 years,” Mayweather said. “Hard work and dedication got me there and awards like these help keep me there too. On behalf of myself and the entire Money Team, I thank you so very much.”

“It’s unbelievable. I can’t even imagine, Timothy Bradley in a fight of the year,” Bradley said after ESPN.com had informed him that he had won. “It takes two people willing to engage in that type of action so I gotta give major props to Ruslan Provodnikov for bringing the best out of me. We put it all on the line. We put our lives on the line. I hope that all the fans really appreciated that night.

“I have talked to so many different people who say it was the best fight they have seen in a long time or that it is the best fight they have ever seen, and I’m a part of it. Who would think Timothy Bradley would be in a fight of the year and win the fight of the year? It’s a huge accomplishment.”

Freddie Roach won his sixth Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award, a BWAA record, thanks in large part to his work with Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Provodnikov.

“It’s nice to be back in the mix. We had a bad year (in 2012) and we had a much better year (in 2013),” Roach told ESPN.com. “No. 6? I love being recognized for what we do but without the fighters I wouldn’t be here.”

The Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year went to Al Haymon, whose list of clients is long and impressive, including Mayweather, junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia, welterweight titleholders Marcos Maidana and Shawn Porter, former welterweight titlists Adrien Broner and Devon Alexander, interim welterweight titlist Keith Thurman, junior welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse, junior featherweight titlist Leo Santa Cruz and top heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder. All of them have earned career-high purses under the powerful Haymon’s guidance.

Other awards:

The Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award to boxing was a tie between Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels and famed broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan.

The Sam Taub award for excellence in broadcast journalism went to former two-division titleholder Paulie Malignaggi, who is still an active fighter but has blossomed in his role as a color analyst on Showtime and Fox Sports 1 boxing telecasts.

The Marvin Kohn Good Guy award will be collected by ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, who was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.

Former welterweight titleholder Paul Williams, whose career end abruptly when he was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle crash in 2012, has kept an inspiring upbeat attitude and was voted winner of the Bill Crawford award for courage in overcoming adversity.

In previously announced awards, this writer was voted winner of the 2013 Nat Fleischer award for excellence in boxing journalism, a career achievement award that can only won once and is voted on by past winners, and Sandy Grady was selected as the A.J. Liebling award winner for outstanding boxing writing.

Winners will be honored at the BWAA annual awards banquet, which will take place in May or June at a site to be determined.

Never-ending speculation about Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao is boxing’s version of Groundhog Day, the 1993 film starring Bill Murray as a weatherman trapped in time, re-living the same day everyday until he gets it right.

Getting it right, of course, means an actual fight. Without one, we’ll only hear more of the same talk. I’d rather be a groundhog. More of the same seemed to be the message in Mayweather’s New Year’s missive in comments to FightHype. He ripped Pacquiao all over again. That’s not exactly news. On the surface, Mayweather made it sound as if there’s no chance that the two would ever agree to a fight.

But the timing was curious. Mayweather’s latest trashing of Pacquiao happened a few days after they actually agreed on something. Both dismissed an un-sourced story that reported they would fight in September.

Mayweather called the report “a lie.” Pacquiao said it was untrue.

Then, Pacquiao told Yahoo’s Filipino correspondent that they could only “talk about a possible fight next year” and only if there’s no new deal with Top Rank. Pacquiao’s Top Rank contract ends at the end of 2014. Within a few days, Mayweather delivered his rant. But why? Why now?

If Mayweather didn’t really want to fight Pacquaio, wouldn’t he’d quit talking about him? Wouldn’t he ignore Pacquiao altogether? If you’re not interested, why mention his name at all? But Mayweather chose that moment to re-ignite a possibility that had been muted throughout most of 2013.

Mayweather, who is as clever a promoter as he is a fighter, understands that the beginning of any fight starts with gaining the upper hand, a psychological edge, even before negotiations begin. He repeated a lot of the same old insults, but his comments were significant in what they indicated. If he’s talking about Pacquiao in any way, he’s probably thinking about a fight everybody still wants to see. Talk is the first step, but maybe a calculated one.

For Mayweather, Pacquiao appears to be something of a straw man anyway. Mayweather’s real target looks to be Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter. Mayweather trashes Pacquiao to get at Arum. Mayweather says there’ll be no fight with Pacquaio as long as he is represented by Arum. It’s as if Mayweather is trying to get Pacquiao to leave Arum. The Filipino has been Top Rank’s biggest money earner for nearly a decade. Top Rank without Pacquiao is a promotional entity without its biggest star. In Mayweather’s bitter rivalry with Arum, that would rank as a significant victory for Mayweather.

There are plenty of reasonable ways to interpret what Mayweather says and doesn’t say, but it’s impossible to separate anything he does form the context of his Showtime contract, a 30-month deal for a possible six fights and a potential $250 million. For that kind of money, you’d think that Showtime would get some say-so. It’s safe to say that Showtime — and its bosses at CBS — would love to have Pacquiao-Mayweather.

On Feb. 19, Mayweather’s landmark deal with Showtime will be two fights and 12 months old. In 2014, let’s assume he fights Amir Khan in May and Marcos Maidana in September. If he wins both, Mayweather would be 47-0, two victories away from equalling Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 milestone.

Over the first six months of 2015, he could maximize the contract’s potential with two more fights, the second of which might be for his legacy against the very fighter he trashed a few days ago. It’s only trash talk if there’s no plan. The timing makes it look as if Mayweather has one.

LONDON (21 Nov) – Boxing’s biggest-ever money fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could finally take place according to a key player behind the negotiations.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes the Filipino superstar, admitted to BoxNation that there is genuine will on his part to make the fight happen should Pacquiao overcome the relentless Brandon Rios in Macau, China this weekend.

The matchup between boxing’s two superstar names has long been mooted, ever since both men became household pay-per-view draws.

However, failure on the part of both camps to get round the negotiating table, following back-and-forth mudslinging, has led to a standoff which has prevented boxing’s premier matchup from being made.

But Arum has now revealed that it is a fight he is determined to make happen and is prepared to sit down with Mayweather’s team to put together what will be the biggest prize-fight in history.

“On our side the answer is yes [the fight can be made in 2014], we’re very open to it,” said Arum. “There are ways it can get done, they have to dumb down the rhetoric, we are prepared to dumb down the rhetoric and get it done. There is no real impediment to having that fight happen whether it will or not depends completely on the Mayweather side. I can see it happening but I can’t predict that it will happen because it takes two to tango.” he said.

One potential stumbling block to the bout being made is the US TV issue, with Top Rank fighters appearing on HBO and Mayweather, who signed a multi-million pound six-fight deal last year, fighting on Showtime.

Arum, though, believes the blueprint on how to overcome the issue has been laid out from previous superfights.

“You’ve got to go back in history when Lennox Lewis, who fought for HBO, fought against Mike Tyson who was a Showtime fighter. Both networks participated in the promotion so that’s a road map of how we get this thing done,” stated Arum.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch 546) this Sunday at 1.30am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

BoxNation will donate £2 from every new subscription this week to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

-Ends-
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LONDON (24 Oct) – Boxing’s oldest ever world champion Bernard Hopkins has his eyes on a superfight with pound-for-pound ace Floyd Mayweather should he get past Karo Murat this Saturday night live on BoxNation.

The 48-year-old displayed his usual calm demeanour during the pre-fight press conference ahead of his IBF light-heavyweight world title clash at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City this weekend.

Over the past few weeks there has been speculation linking the Philadelphia legend with a potential matchup against the mercurial Mayweather, pitting two boxing greats against one another in a fight that would certainly generate global interest.

Despite the obvious weight differences, Hopkins has looked to clear up talk of a fight between the two boxing icons, admitting that it is something which has been put to him.

“Well, first of all I had no conversations, but it was a conversation said to me, and that’s why I responded,” said Hopkins. “And when I realised that there is a fight that they owe him in May of next year, and whether I’m willing or can I make 160, and I said, well, if I have that much time, a guy like me, the way I live and the way I keep my body right, even six pounds from fight night next week, sure,” he said.

“They didn’t act like they were joking, and we’re talking powerful people. So I’m sitting back saying, “Okay, hey, you know,” because no one else is going to beat Floyd Mayweather in their 20s and even in their early 30s.

“Not this checkerboard man colony, young fighters who can be great later, but right now they just don’t have the degrees to do it. So that’s the only reason I threw my hat in there.”

After having shared the ring with the likes of Roy Jones Jr, Oscar De la Hoya and Felix Trinidad, a fight with Mayweather would add one last historic name to Hopkins’ résumé but would mean having to move back down to the middleweight division where he made his name.

“I would love to put a feather in my cap to go down two weight classes after coming up two weight classes to make history with [Antonio] Tarver, almost six, seven years ago. I mean can you imagine the ‘All Access’ [Showtime build up show]? Can you imagine the promotion for that fight? Because I’m not a shy guy and I don’t have a shy camp,” he said.

“But I keep reminding people, okay yes, there’s a possibility of anything. I’m not chasing anybody. I’m not standing in line for anybody. I’m not trying to pick on the little guy. But if you can find somebody that people want to see fight after that performance [Mayweather’s last fight], masterful performance of a king chess player that we witnessed less than two months ago – good luck,” said Hopkins.

With over 20 years experience as a professional Hopkins knows more than most about overlooking an opponent, something which he isn’t doing with the seasoned Murat, a man who can derail any future money fights.

“Right now, Saturday becomes a thing – I can let everybody off the hook if I just get brain dead Saturday night and they be saying, “Okay, got him out of the way”. So trust me, Karo Murat is not a guy I’m sleeping on and under estimating, and he’s going to see that early.

“Can’t nobody fight for me. Can’t nobody fight for him,” added Hopkins.

Watch Hopkins vs Murat live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
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BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

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The dust has started to settle after my appearance on the biggest boxing event the world has seen in a generation.

There was a record 22 million Mexicans tuned into ‘The One’ boxing event featuring Floyd Mayweather, Saul Alvarez, Danny Garcia, Lucas Matthysse, Ishe Smith, Carlos Molina, Pablo Cesar Cano and of course, yours truly. The American PPV audience was over 2 million viewers, and that’s not counting the people watching in movie theatres and on closed circuit in hotels across Las Vegas.

The significant worldwide audience in Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania and Asia is yet to be totalled.
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather was guaranteed 41.5 million dollars for his performance against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. His pay looks to be near an unbelievable 100 million dollars when all the figures are finally counted up. He has been the highest paid sportsman in the world for the last two years, and unlike any other global sports superstar, none of that is from endorsements.
Floyd Mayweather is a phenomenon.
I opened up this colossal show against two time world title challenger, Pablo Cesar Cano. Three world title fights followed. Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions handed me this huge and life changing opportunity. It gets no bigger than the stage I was given.
Fight week was breath taking and nothing short of superstar stature. From the fighter arrivals, to the media workout, autograph signing, press conference, to the 12,000 fans at the weigh in and the 16,000 fans at the fight in the MGM Arena. This was so special and something I will never ever forget.
I also got to spar with Floyd Mayweather in the lead up to his fight. I’ll always be able to say I helped him get his 45th win. It was an honour and a privilege.
From when I walked into the Mayweather Boxing Club in 2011, Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe have always shown me love and respect. All I can say is a deeply felt Thank You. They are two of the greatest guys!
To have a British fighter opening this big a stage, is something that has never been done before. Britain’s three most successful active fighters are Amir Khan, David Haye and Carl Froch, and they have never fought on a stage this big. They are British fighters I have respect for, and in the case of Carl and David, I’m inspired by.
My fight with Pablo was a back and forth, see-saw fight. He hit me with everything he had, and I hit him with my best shots. He buckled my knees and I wobbled him. It was a tough and entertaining fight, and one close enough to have the judges split.
Since the fight, boxing fans have stopped me in Las Vegas, New York and London and told me what a performance I put on and that they believed I won. That is worth hearing. My “granite” chin now has won its own fan club.
The best of UK’s media showed me love in the lead up to the biggest show of my life – The Sun, Daily Mail, The Mirror, Metro, The London Evening Standard, The Daily Star, TalkSport, Zoo, Nuts and Sport magazine all ran articles on me. BoxNation televised my fight, and the British fans were so supportive. I can only say Thank You. It was very much appreciated.
I am due to fight later this year in Las Vegas. I have the backing of Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe. My life shows that with hard work, dedication and perseverance that anything is possible.
Two of the most important men in boxing, believe in my talent. Now believe me – the best is still yet to come.

Team Khan would like to dispel recent reports that Amir Khan has pulled out of a potential match-up against Devon Alexander on December 7th, taking up a fight against Floyd Mayweather in May of next year instead.

Contrary to this story, Amir Khan is currently in training camp in San Francisco with the aim of fighting again in December against Alexander once an agreement can be reached.

NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2013) — Last Saturday’s blockbuster boxing event — THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO — ranked as the highest-grossing pay-per-view of all time, with nearly $150 million in U.S. pay-per-view revenue reported to date. The news was announced today by Showtime Networks Inc., a division of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS), in conjunction with event promoters Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.
The SHOWTIME PPV presentation of THE ONE surpassed the previous record of $136 million generated by Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing event in 2007.

Preliminary reports from distributors show pay-per-view buys projected to be 2.2 million. While not fully reported from all distributors, the total buys could challenge the existing record of 2.48 million pay-per-view buys set by De La Hoya vs. Mayweather. The initial report immediately following the De La Hoya vs. Mayweather event in 2007 was 2.15. THE ONE has already exceeded the previous #2 event, the infamous World Heavyweight Championship bout between Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II (1.95 million, 1997).

The Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 event, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, was headlined by the #1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, who already holds the all-time record in gross pay-per-view receipts, and wildly popular Mexican challenger Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a super welterweight world championship bout. Mayweather dominated the exciting fight and won by decision to remain undefeated with 45 wins in his 17 years as a professional. Also on the pay-per-view boxing card was Philadelphia’s Danny “Swift” Garcia who emerged as the #1 boxer in the world at 140 pounds with an action-packed decision win over Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse of Argentina. Both of these bouts will premiere on SHOWTIME® on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 9:00 PM, ET/PT. The telecast will include never-before-seen ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO footage from fight night. Then, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, SHOWTIME will conclude the ALL ACCESS series devoted to this event with “Epilogue,” premiering on SHOWTIME at 10:00 PM, ET/PT.

What had been called the biggest boxing event in years during the build-up proved worthy of the hype. Tickets for the event sold out within 24 hours of going on sale and set a new boxing record for live gate revenue at more than $20 million. Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions reported earlier a record number of sponsorship and sponsor activation for a boxing event and additional distribution records for live closed circuit viewing (over 26,000 tickets sold in Las Vegas alone) and live movie theatre screenings at more than 500 theatres nationwide. On Friday, before fight night, the crowd at the official

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weigh-in was believed to be the largest on record, featuring an announced attendance of more than 12,000 excited fans.

ABOUT “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO”:
THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO was a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship that took place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, was promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse squared off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina squared off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV featured a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event was produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® at 9:00 PM, ET/6:00 PM, PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).
* * *

I’ll never forget this week for the rest of my life.

A dream that started long ago as a five year old kid, was realized as a 33 year old man. I always wanted to fight on a super boxing event and I finally have.
I remember watching Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard in the 1980s and thinking I’d love to be part of that one day. Well that day happened on Saturday 14th September 2013.
A Floyd Mayweather fight is now so much more than just an event, it’s simply the biggest boxing show in the world.
The week started on Tuesday, when we had the ‘Grand Arrivals’ at the MGM Casino. That was unreal! It finally dawned on me then that this was really about to happen.
I train hard all the time regardless of the proximity of a fight. I thrive on it and enjoy it, so I push myself to be the best that I can be. Being in the gym training with great fighters can only get the best out of you.
Seeing the thousands of faces waiting in anticipation for the fighters at the Grand Arrival was crazy. That unique feeling of seeing my opponent, face to face for the first time – is unexplainable. You can’t prepare yourself for an event like this. You can watch it as a spectator, but actually being in there is another thing completely. There’s a heck of a lot of pressure to perform, but I feel like I was born for the big stage.
Pablo Cesar Cano had fought on a Floyd Mayweather card before against the legend, Erik Morales. He has fought Paul Malignaggi at the Barclays Centre in front of over ten thousand people. He has fought boxing legend, Shane Mosley in Mexico. He’d been part of big events before, so he knew the feeling. For me, this was both new and exhilarating.
I knew that I had fought and beaten better fighters than him, but occasions like this test the true character of a man. It can be daunting and nerve racking, or you can love the attention and thrive on the pressure. I loved the pressure and the attention!
Floyd told me later that day in the locker room, that all I have to do is win and he would get me a world title shot. He looked at me and said “you know I can make it happen”. He has presented me with a life changing opportunity, because he believes in me. I’ve waited and worked my whole life for this moment. I’m very grateful to him and Leonard Ellerbe.
On Wednesday the undercard fighters had the autograph signing, and a workout at the MGM Grand. It was again incredible. Everyone had their time slot to sign gloves, and take pictures with the fans. Following this, each fighter was given a chance to show off their skills in the ring in the lobby of the MGM Grand. World champions Ishe Smith and Danny Garcia followed myself and two time world title challenger, Pablo Cesar Cano.
Thursday was the press conference! Leonard Ellerbe introduced me, and summarized the story of how and why I was signed by Mayweather Promotions. Listening to him talk about me, made me feel proud of what I had accomplished. Being signed by the number one boxer in the world isn’t easy, but I achieved it with hard work, perseverance and resilience.
As I walked to the stage. I was surrounded by some of boxing’s top men; Richard Schaefer, Bernard Hopkins and Leonard Ellerbe. These are memorable and unforgettable times, they will last with me forever.
Hundreds of the world’s media were in attendance, patiently listening to me. I started by thanking Leonard and Floyd for this incredible opportunity, because without them, it would not have been possible.
I told my story of how I fell in love with boxing from watching Mike Tyson in the 80?s. Turning professional ten years ago in Britain with no one in Britain’s boxing establishment believing in me. But somehow I had become British champion, and beaten former world champion Demarcus Corley, two time world title challenger, Delvin Rodriguez, who fights Miguel Cotto next and dropped a split decision to world champion, Danny Garcia who had knocked out Amir Khan.
It feels good knowing that I’ve faced some very good fighters on the world stage.
I was told that I stole the show at the press conference, one reporter told me that my story is reminiscent of the “American dream”.
The weigh in at the MGM Garden Arena was filled with 12,000 fight fans, with by far the majority being Mexicans. I was the first to walk out with Notorious B.I.G’s song ‘Juicy’ banging out around the Arena. I signed t-shirts, stopped for pictures and shook hands on my way to the stage to weigh in.
I’ve obviously watched these things so many times on TV over the years, but to be part of it was truly amazing and something I’ll remember to my dying day. This week was the best week in my ten year boxing career.
I got to the stage and Richard Schaefer and Bernard Hopkins were already there. The Commissioner, and the most respected of boxing’s media were below watching and reporting on the proceedings. Some of the Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions fighters were lined up on stage watching; Shane Mosley, Devon Alexander, Amir Khan, Abnar Mares, Badou Jack, to name but a few.
Pablo Cesar Cano came to the stage after me. The crowd was electric, and we could feel them pulse through our veins as the world’s cameras focused on us. We both weighed in below the 143lb weight limit which was stipulated in the contract. The great modern day champion, Bernard Hopkins stood between us. We did the traditional stare down, no one blinking, no one showing fear. We both so much wanted and needed this win.
Danny Garcia, Lucas Matthysse, Ishe Smith, Saul Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather all weighed in after me. What a gathering to be part of. The bill had already broken the record for ticket sales, and Floyd Mayweather had also broken the record previously held by Mike Tyson, for the highest guaranteed purse of 41.5 million dollars. Which could rise to 100 million after PPV has been added to it.
I was playing my part in the biggest boxing show in history. Ashley Theophane from London. Who would have dared to think that ten years ago when I turned professional. Coming from where I’ve come from, I’m a winner already. I followed my dream and I made it a reality. From London to Las Vegas! But now I was here, I wanted so much more, on a platform like this – I so wanted to win.
Saturday 14th September 2013. Two time world title challenger Pablo Cesar Cano and I went at it, no quarter asked for, and believe me, none given. The Mexican fans were making a deafening roar for their man. Many of the fans in the arena were gripped to their seats.
It was a hell of a fight, it went back and forth. No respect was given, it was full on every minute. We both gave our all and both had to dig deeper than we ever had before. It was a relentless pace, and we felt each other’s blows again and again. The momentum changed quickly from one to the other, we called on our reserves and battled all the way to the final bell. It was tough, very tough indeed.
We waited anxiously for the scorecards, boxing judges Richard Houck and Patricia More seeing the fight different to Richard Ocasio, who scored the fight to me 96-94. He had his strong moments and I had mine. Just like my fight with future world champion Danny Garcia, it was a fight that could have gone either way.
British boxing legends, Ricky Hatton and David Haye both sent me positive messages after the fight. Ricky told me “what a great performance at world level”. David, who has inspired and motivated me with his performances over the years, gave me words of encouragement. “It’s good to be officially ‘world class’, so you never know what title shot may arise.”
Thank you gentlemen, you taking the time to share your supportive words with me will never be forgotten.
Floyd Mayweather told me after the fight that I’d be okay and that he still had love for me. When he was doing his post-fight press conference he told the world’s media “Ashley fought like a champion, I’m still proud of you”.
René Carayol flew from the UK to watch me take part in a historical event. He was proud of my performance and told me “The dream continues”.
Very few people are able to follow their dream and make it a reality. It takes hard work, dedication, and you have to be very mentally strong as you’ll come across many non-believers who, if allowed to, can suck your energy and self-belief. I have not given them the pleasure of seeing me wilt on my special journey.
I only have very good things to say about Floyd Mayweather. He’s obviously a great elite athlete, but he’s an even greater person. Floyd, the most sincere thanks for believing and investing in me.
CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leonard Ellerbe gave me this extraordinary opportunity, and also believes in my talent.
On the long and arduous road to success, set backs are a necessary part of the process. I have the best team in the world behind me. We will get there!
Some succeed because they are destined to. But most succeed because they are determined to.
I have learned loads, I gave loads and took loads from this unbelievable experience – winners never quit, and quitters never win. I’m no quitter.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 18) – Nearly 8-out-of-10 households in Mexico with a television set tuned into last Saturday’s “THE ONE: Mayweather vs. Canelo” mega-fight live on Televisa’s Channel 5. The 12-round majority decision fight, which Mayweather won, garnered a national rating of 41.1 points, which equates to a 77 percent share, 22.1 million viewers and 5.9 million television households, making it the highest-rated boxing program ever on television in Mexico. The telecast peaked with a National rating of 42 points (78.4 percent share/22.6 million viewers6 million television households) and the total program average from 8:00 p.m. CT to 12:30 a.m. CT was 30.1 points (16.2 million viewers/4.3 million television households).

“Boxing fans demanded “THE ONE” and when we gave it to them they responded with these record ratings,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “This proves that great fights with great fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez will always strike a chord with viewers and that Canelo is undisputed as the biggest star Mexican boxing has today.”

The last time a sporting event rated this high on Televisa was in 1999, for a Copa Confederaciones soccer final between Mexico vs. Brazil, with the only other programs rating this high in Mexico being select, very popular telenovelas on Televisa’s Channel 2.

The previous viewership high for Canelo, who has never garnered less than 7.5 million viewers for one of his eight appearances on Televisa, was his April bout against Austin “No Doubt” Trout, which pulled in a 28 point rating and over 15 million viewers.

For more information, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com , www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com and www.TelevisaDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mayweatherpromo, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/canelopromotion, and www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @MayweatherPromotions @GoldenBoyBoxing.

In the wake of her controversial scorecard that had this past Saturday night’s bout between Floyd Mayweather and Saul Alvarez be a draw, judge CJ Ross has stepped down as a judge in Nevad according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Luckily two othwe judges rightly scored the fight in favor of Mayweather thus giving him a majority decision.

“I will be taking some time off from boxing but will keep in touch,” Ross wrote.

“We respect her decision, and appreciate her love of the sport she has served for over 20 years,” said Nevad executive director Keth Kizer. “She came into the [commission] office [on Tuesday] and spoke with chairman [Bill] Brady, commissioner [Francisco] Aguilar and me.”

“She did not get too in depth, especially without a DVD of the bout,” Kizer said. “She referenced it was round-by-round scoring, and that overall she thought Mayweather outperformed Alvarez.”

“I apologized to the governor for any embarrassment we may have caused the state,” Brady told the newspaper. “He made me aware of his concerns. He wants things done right.”

“There will be more questions asked, and Keith will be held accountable for his recommendations,” Brady told the Review-Journal. “We won’t be a rubber stamp anymore.”

EW YORK (Sept. 17, 2013) – SHOWTIME Sports will air Floyd Mayweather’s “masterful” (Associated Press) performance against Canelo Alvarez and Danny Garcia’s “scintillating” (Wall Street Journal) victory over Lucas Matthysse this Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) as a replay of the blockbuster Sept. 14 PPV event titled “THE ONE: Mayweather vs. Canelo.”

The television premiere of “THE ONE” will be preceded and immediately followed by the SHOWTIME Sports documentary film “LT: The Life & Times”, the first ever feature length film about the incredibly dramatic life of NFL Hall of Famer and legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor (premieres this Friday, Sept. 20 at 8p ET/PT on SHOWTIME).

The dramatic moments surrounding the historic event will be chronicled in ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo Epilogue premiering next Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The epilogue will spotlight the intensity of fight week, taking viewers inside the ropes on fight night and into the rarely seen, uncelebrated aftermath of world championship boxing.

Mayweather, the undisputed, pound-for-pound king, put on a clinic against Mexican sensation Canelo, handing the 23-year-old superstar his first loss in front of a largely pro-Canelo crowd at the sold out MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Canelo couldn’t solve the puzzle of the 36-year-old Floyd Mayweather, who showcased his signature speed and elusiveness en route to a questionable majority decision. For the night’s work, Mayweather collected a guaranteed $41.5 million and Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight Championships.

In the event’s co-feature, Garcia knocked down feared power-puncher Matthysse for the first time in his career and retained the unified super lightweight world title in an impressive performance against his favored opponent.

Matthysse entered the fight having knocked out five of his last six opponents but his power wasn’t apparent against Garcia, who executed a solid game plan in the unanimous decision victory.

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, FLIX ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (Sept. 14, 2013) – Floyd Mayweather truly is “THE ONE.”

The undisputed, pound-for-pound champion put on a clinic against Mexican sensation Canelo Alvarez, handing the 23-year-old superstar his first loss in the toughest test of his career Saturday on SHOWTIME PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Canelo (42-1-1, 30 KO’s) fought with everything he had, but couldn’t solve the puzzle of Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather showcased his signature speed and elusiveness in front of a largely pro-Canelo crowd of 16,746 fans en route to a majority decision (114-114, 116-112, 117-111).

For the night’s work, Mayweather collected a guaranteed $41.5 million and Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight Championships.

“It’s all about skills,” Mayweather said. “I came out tonight and showed my skills. But a true champion like Canelo can take a loss and bounce back.

“My dad had a brilliant game plan. I executed that game plan. I could have pressed it and got the late stoppage, but tonight experience played a major key. Tonight was just my night.”

After the fight, a seemingly frustrated Canelo admitted that Mayweather’s skills and style of fighting were too much to overcome.

“He’s very elusive, he’s a great fighter and that’s why I couldn’t catch him,” Canelo said. “I didn’t know how to get him. It’s as simple as that. He’s very elusive. He’s a great fighter.

“The frustration was getting in there. But simply he’s a great fighter. I didn’t want to lose. I didn’t want to leave here with a loss. But it happens and it hurts.”

After calling Mayweather’s dominating performance SHOWTIME PPV play-by-play announcer Al Bernstein had an insightful observation about young superstar, “Canelo may be the fighter of tomorrow, but he’s not quite yet the fighter of today.”

In the highly anticipated co-main event of the evening, Danny Garcia retained the unified super lightweight world title with an impressive performance against the favored Lucas Matthysse.Utilizing solid combinations and body shots, Garcia executed a solid game plan en route to a unanimous decision (115-111, 114-112, twice).

Matthysse (34-3, 32 KO’s) entered the fight having knocked out five of his last six opponents and a reputation as one of the most feared punchers on the planet. But the Argentinean knockout artist’s power wasn’t as apparent against the aggressive Garcia (27-0, 16 KO’s), who silenced his doubters and defended his WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Titles.

Seemingly down on points, Matthysse came out with a vengeance in the eleventh to kick off the championship rounds, knocking Garcia’s mouthpiece out with a powerful straight right. But, after a brief pause to recover the mouthpiece, Garcia bounced back and floored Matthysse for the first time in his career.

“I’m the champion of the world,” said the proud Philadelphia native. “The champion of the world isn’t scared of anyone. If you can make it out Philly you can make it out of anywhere.

“The only way to slow him down was to go down to the body and throw combinations upstairs. I just let my hands go.”

Garcia landed a straight jab to Garcia’s right eye in the seventh round that completely closed the eye within 45 seconds. Garcia continued, but did so with a comprised depth perception.

“I only had one eye for half of the fight but, it’s no excuse,” Matthysse said. “He fought a great fight. He’s a great champion and we knew he wasn’t intimidated by my punching.”

In the first of three world championship bouts on the telecast, Carlos Molina dethroned defending champion Ishe Smith, capturing the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship with a split decision victory (112-116, 116-112, 111-117).

In the opening bout of the PPV telecast, Pablo Caesar Cano (27-3-1, 20 KO’s) scored a split-decision victory (97-93, 98-92 Cano, 96-94 Theophane) over Ashley Theophane (33-6-1, 10 KO’s).

The Mayweather-Canelo and Garcia-Matthysse bouts will air in the delayed broadcast on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. ET / PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Brian Kenny served as host of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi serving as expert analysts with Jim Gray and Heidi Androl reporting. The telecast was produced by David Dinkins, Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.

ABOUT “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO”:
“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship took place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and was promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse squared off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina squared off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which was promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV featured a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event was produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event was telecasted in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).