FAIRFAX, VA. (March 21, 2019) – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will defend his titles against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams live in primetime in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action on Saturday, May 11 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Plus, unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

“Jarrett Hurd has established himself as one of the breakout stars in boxing, and now he’ll have a chance to showcase his talents in front of his hometown faithful,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will have a stiff test from Julian Williams, who since his only defeat has racked up win after win to show that he is still squarely in the elite class of the division. This is setting up to be a fantastic main event for viewers in primetime to enjoy on FOX and FOX Deportes. With ‘Swift’ making his first hometown title defense, the crowd at EagleBank Arena is sure to deliver a raucous atmosphere.”

Hurd vs. Williams is one of the best matches that can be made in the super welterweight division as two of the division’s young, hungry fighters square off on the march toward an undisputed world title.

Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) has already picked up two titles with heart-pounding victories in one of the toughest divisions in boxing. He began his run when he stopped Tony Harrison for a ninth-round knockout to capture the IBF title in 2017 on FOX. He successfully defended the title with another victory when he became the first person to stop former world champion Austin Trout. The 28-year-old picked up the WBA title with by dropping Erislandy Lara and earning a split decision in the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year last April.

A native of Accokeek, Maryland, Hurd will be fighting in front of his hometown fans when he takes on Williams and is returning to fight in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area for the first time since a 2014 win at Constitution Hall in D.C. He most recently delivered a knockout victory over Jason Welborn in his last fight on December 1.

“I couldn’t be happier to be fighting at home for the first time as a champion,” said Hurd. “My hometown has been asking me to bring the championship back home and now I can. Julian Williams is a tough opponent and I don’t see him as a stepping stone. He’s crafty, technical and fundamentally sound. I want to go out and get a decisive win and show that I’m on a different level than everybody else in the division.”

Williams (26-1-1, 16 KOs) never backs down from a challenge and he has fought his way back into contention for his second world title shot. He has ripped off four straight victories since losing to Jermall Charlo in a world championship match in 2016. Included in that run were impressive victories over former world champion Ishe Smith and contender Nathaniel Gallimore. The 28-year-old from Philadelphia is coming off a knockout victory over Francisco Javier Castro on December 1.

“Jarrett Hurd is a good, strong fighter that’s really hot right now,” Williams said. “This is a hometown fight for him, but Philly isn’t that far from Virginia. I’m looking forward to putting on an exciting fight for all of the fans on FOX, and most importantly winning those titles and showing the world that I am the best in the 154-pound division.”

Barrios (23-0, 15 KOs) has grown into a brilliant super lightweight contender after starting out at 130 pounds. The 5-foot-10 fighter from San Antonio, Texas, has carried his power with him up the ladder as demonstrated by stopping his last seven opponents, including victories over Naim Nelson and Jose Luis Rodriguez on FS1. He enters the fight with Velasco after a knockout victory over Richard Zamora in his last fight on February 9.

Velasco (20-1, 12 KOs) picked up the nickname “The Pitbull” early in his career because of his aggressive style. It has served the 31-year-old resident of Buenos Aires, Argentina well throughout a career in which he’s only tasted defeat once. He suffered the first loss of his career in his last fight when he was stopped by Regis Prograis on July 14. He will be looking to rebound against another rising unbeaten fighter in Barrios.

The 36-year-old Korobov (28-2, 14 KOs) lost a hard-fought decision to Jermall Charlo live on FOX in a middleweight championship match on December 22. He was a late replacement and gave Charlo a tougher fight than many experts expected. Even though he came up short, the Russian-born fighter, who now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, served notice to the rest of the division that he is still a threat to top 160-pounders.

Aleem (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will have been out of the ring for nearly a year when he steps in against Korobov. The 25-year-old is coming off a sixth-round knockout victory over Juan De Angel in his last fight on May 19. Korobov presents a major challenge for Aleem of Richmond, Virginia, who suffered the first loss of his career when he was stopped by Hugo Centeno, Jr. in August 2017 on FS1, following a career-best win over then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

LOS ANGELES –Forget Anthony Joshua. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury still have some unfinished business.

A Wilder-Fury draw in a terrific fight Saturday night at Staples Center made a rematch a lot more likely than a big money date with Joshua for either heavyweight.

Both Fury and Wilder showed great resilience, power and – in the end – guts in a bout that was close most of the time.

In the final three minutes, both fighters fought their way out of trouble and defeat.

Wilder needed at least a knockdown. He got it with a concussive right-left combo. For a fleeting second, it looked as if Fury would not get up. Wilder went to a neutral corner, rolled his shoulders and smiled.

But the celebration was premature. He, like everybody else, had underestimated Fury, who about a year ago was about 150 pounds heavier than he was at opening bell for Showtime pay-per-view bout.

Fury got up, avoided the loss, survived for another day, another shot at Wilder. Judge Alejandro Rochin of Mexico scored it 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper of Canada scored it 114-112 for Fury on a card initially announced at 114-110 and then corrected. The third card announced was from judge Phil Edwards, who scored it 113-113. Edwards is from the UK, Fury’s home country. UK fans filled Staples Center. They probably wanted to give Edwards his Brexit papers. But they, too, probably want a rematch

“Let’s do it,’’ said Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs), who kept his World Boxing Council belt. “In the UK, wherever. Wherever there’s the most money.’’

If the Staples crowd reaction was any indication, both Fury and Wilder can expect raise. Wilder was guaranteed $4 million, according to the California Commission. Fury collected a $3 million guarantee. The crowd screamed for more, especially through the six final rounds.

In the early going, Fury appeared to be in control. Wilder missed and missed with his big wind-up shots. But in the ninth, Wilder’s feared power touched Fury just enough to knock down the Manchester City fighter for the first of two times.

“With two knockdowns, I thought won the fight,’’ Wilder said.

But the clever Fury made Wilder looked awkward with agile footwork. It often left Wilder looking like a windmill, swinging his arms aimlessly, above and short of Fury. All the while, Fury mocked him.

“Listen, I got knocked down twice,’’ Fury said. “But I got up twice and won the fight.’’

The argument will continue. The only answer rests in a rematch.

Hurd’s body shot ends Welborn’s upset bid

Jarrett Hurd calls himself Swift. Make that Swift To Respond.

Just as it looked as if Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) might lose his junior-middleweight belts in a significant upset, he rallied, throwing a wicked body shot that finished the UK’s Jason Welborn (24-7, 7 KOs) at 1:55 of the fourth round.

The aggressive Welborn had been rocking Hurd with repeated shots from head to body through three-plus rounds. Then, Hurd, of Accokeek, MD, decided to go to work. He got it done with one punch.

Luis Ortiz ends dull fight with 10th-round stoppage

The Staples crowd booed. But Luis Ortiz didn’t hear their impatience until the end. Finally, however, the Cuban heavyweight did what could have been done five rounds earlier. He stopped Travis Kauffman of Reading, Penn., midway though the 10th and final round with a succession of punches.

Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) also knocked down Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) in sixth, eighth and earlier in the 10th. For Ortiz, there’s been talk of a rematch with Deontay Wilder, who was waiting in his dressing room waiting to defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury. Wilder got up from a knockdown and stopped Ortiz in the Cuban’s only loss.

UK heavyweight Joe Joyce opens pay-per-view card with first-round stoppage

Joe Joyce opened the Showtime pay-per-view part of the Fury-Wilder card at Staples with a UK accent. Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) also kept it short and sweet, scoring a first-round stoppage of Newark heavyweight Joe Hanks (23-3, 15 KOs).

Joyce landed a right that forced Hanks to hold on to the ropes. Without those ropes, he would have been on the canvas. It should have been scored a knockdown. It wasn’t, but it didn’t matter. Seconds later, Joyce landed left, dropping Hanks, who was flat on the floor with no chance of continuing in a that ended at 2:25 of the first.

Guerrero wins comeback bout in a swift stoppage

It didn’t take long for Robert Guerrero to start his comeback. To be exact, he got it done within two rounds against overmatched Hungarian Adam Mate (28-13, 21 KOs). In winning a second-round stoppage, the 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) scored a knockdown in the first and two more in the second, unleashing three reasons to think his comeback has a real chance at succeeding.

Wilder family stays unbeaten with a Marcellos victory

The Wilders kept the 0 in the family midway through a card Saturday that would end with Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Tyson Fury in a Showtime -pay-per-view bout.

Marcellos Wilder, Deontay’s little brother and a big cruiserweight, went to 3-0 (2 KOs) with a unanimous decision of David Damore (1-4-3) of Bakersfield, Calif. Marcellus, whose record includes two KOs, flashed some of Deontay’s power, knocking Damore through the ropes in the second round.

Light-flyweight Jessie Rodriquez stays unbeaten, wins unanimous decision

Jessie Rodriquez, a San Antonio light-flyweight trained by Robert Garcia, was quick and accurate, an overwhelming combination in a one-sided decision over Josue Morales (8-9-3) in the second bout on a card featured by the Wilder-Fury heavyweight title fight.

Philadelphia light-middle weight Julian Williams scores quick stoppage

It was never a question of if, just when. The when was early. A stronger Julian Williams (25-2, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia light-middleweight, sent Mexican Francisco Javier Castro (28-9, 23 KOs) crashing into the ropes. Seconds later, Castro was unable to defend himself in a bout stopped at 2:40 of the second round.

First Bell: UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins fifth-round stoppage in opener to Fury-Wilder card

UK fans were still singing outside Staples Center when a UK fighter struck an opening key that they hope to hear throughout Saturday.

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe (16-0-3, 6 KOs) opened the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder show with a matinee victory, landing undefended strikes to the head and body that floored Argentine Lucas Rafael Baez (33-17-5, 17 KOs) twice in the fifth round. At 2:11 of the fifth, the non-televised bout was over in a stoppage that left a dazed and slumped over on a stool for a couple of minutes before he could leave the ring under his own power.

LOS ANGELES (November 26, 2018) – Top super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock’’ Williams will take on Mexico’s Javier Francisco Castro in a 10-round bout that has been added to an exciting night of undercard action presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by the heavyweight world championship showdown between WBC champion Deontay Wilder and lineal champion Tyson Fury live on SHOWTIME PPV® presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. vs. Alfredo Angulo bout, originally scheduled to appear on the December 1 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® telecast, is off because Chavez’s father, Julio, Sr., and his team didn’t believe Chavez Jr. was ready to return to the ring. Chavez, Jr. will return at some time in the future. Angulo will still appear in a bout on the undercard.

The December 1 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will now begin at 7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME and feature one-fight coverage from Canada as boxing’s longest-reigning world champion Adonis Stevenson makes the 10th defense of his WBC Light Heavyweight Title against unbeaten challenger Oleksandr Gvozdyk. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also stream live for free on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page immediately preceding the Wilder vs. Fury SHOWTIME PPV.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

Williams (25-1-1, 15 KOs) is back in the title picture at 154-pounds since his only defeat pro defeat, a loss to Jermall Charlo in a 2016 title fight. Since that setback, the 28-year-old of Philadelphia has rattled off three straight victories, including triumphs over former champion Ishe Smith and hard-hitting contender Nathaniel Gallimore.

The 34-year-old Castro (28-8, 23 KOs), who is from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico is coming off a TKO victory over Carlos Urrea in his last fight in 2017 and has challenged Errol Spence Jr. amongst his 36 pro fights.

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ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

Follow all the action as Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd fight in an IBF/WBA Junior Middleweight unification bout.  The co-feature will be a rematch for the IBF Super Middleweight belt between Caleb Truax and James DeGale.  The card kicks off at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT with a Junior Middleweight contest between Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore.

NOW BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY 

Round 1: Left from Lara…2 more lefts..Counter left

Round 2 Right from Lara..left..Left to body from Hurd..Combination..Left uppercut and another left..Left..Uppercut from Hurd..right

Round 3 Counter left and right from Lara..Right and left..Good left..Counter right from Hurd

Round 4 Hurd landing a nice combination..Lara looks at Hurd..Nice combination from Hurd..Good right..4 punch combination..Good right

Round 5 Hurd lands a right..Chopping right from Lara..2 rights from Hurd..Left to body and right to Hurd..Combination from Lara..right from Hurd..Right from Lara..

Round 6 Right from Hurd..Left from Lara,,Nice right from Hurd..

Round 7 Good right from Hurd..Short uppercut..Good right from Lara..Left..Uppercut from Hurd..Combination from Lara..Good Hook from Hurd at the bell

Round 8 Body shot from Hurd..Right..Nice combination..Good right from Lara..Good right from Hurd..Nice uppercut..good left to the body

Round 9 5 jabs from Hurd..good straight right..3 Jabs..Good straight left from Lara..Swelling around the right eye of Lara..Body shots from Hurd..Left from lara..2 lefts from Hurd..Nice uppercut..2 shots from Lara..

Round 10 Hurd opening up..Left from Lara..Counter left from Lara,,.Left..Right

Round 11 Nice left from Lara..Body work from Hurd..Big left from Lara

Round 12 5 punches from Hurd..Nice work from Lara on the inside..Uppercut from Hurd..Straight right from Hurd..left from Lara..Uppercuts from Hurd…right to head..Big right from Hurd..2 rights and and a uppercut..left and right from Hurd..combination..Left from Lara..Right from Hurd…SHORT LEFT AND DOWN GOES LARA..2 Uppercuts from Lara

114-113 for Lara; 114-113 Hurd; 114-113 for HURD

Round 1 Good double right from Truax…Hard left from DeGale..

Round 2 Combination from DeGale..Left from Truax..Uppercut from DeGale..Uppercut..Body work from Truax..Good right..Good body shot from DeGale..Right from Truax

Round 3 2 jabs from Truax..Good right drives DeGale into ropes..DeGale cut around the right eye of DeGale..Right from Truax

Round 4 Good right from Truax..Jumping left from DeGale..

Round 5 Double left hook from Truax..Good right..Jab from DeGale..Right from Truax..Body shot from DeGale..

Round 6  Body punches and good left from DeGale..right

Round 7 Right from Truax..Left from DeGale..Truax is cut along the left eye from a headbutt.

Round 8 Left from DeGale.  Right.  Right..Right uppercut..Short right..Left.. Truax cut over his right eye.

Round 9 Good body shot from DeGale

Round 10  Uppercut from Truax..another uppercut…Left hook..Right from DeGale..DEGALE DOCKED A POINT FOR HOLDING..Left and combination from DeGale…

Round 11 Good left from DeGale…Nice right..Combination..Good combination

Round 12 3 Punch combination from DeGale..2 Punch combination from Truax

117-110 AND 114-113 TWICE FOR DEGALE

Round 1 Quick right from Williams..Hard jab..Jab/Right..Right from Gallimore

Round 2: Left hook and right from Williams..Jab ad right hand..Counter right from Gallimore..

Round 3 Jab and right from Williams…Body work..Left to body..4 punch combo..left and uppercut from Gallimore..

Round 4 Combination from Williams..3 body shots..left and right from Gallimore..3 punch combination..Good body shot..Hard left..Right from Williams

Round 5 2 jabs from Williams..Williams cut over the left eye..Combination and right from Gallimore..Uppercut and right and a uppercut

Round 6 Counter left from Gallimore..3 punch combination..

Round 7 Right from Gallimore..Nice left hook from Williams..uppercut

Round 8  Left from Gallimore..Chopping right from Williams

Round 9 Good left from Williams..Combination and big uppercut..2 Body shots from Gallimore..Right..Good right from Williams

Round 10  Good body shot from Williams..uppercut..Body shot..right over the top..Good right from Gallimore

Round 11 7 straight punches from Williams..Right hand..Right and uppercut from Gallimore..Right from Williams and 2 uppercuts..Big left and right..Gallmiore is hurt..Right..left..2 uppercuts..chopping right..Chopping right..staright right..6 punch combination,..Gallimore on shaky legs..

Round 12  4 Punch combination from Williams…Body shot.Double jab and right hand…Uppercut from Gallimore

117-110, 116-112 and 114-114 ..MAJORITY DECISION FOR WILLIAMS

Jarrett Hurd needed a final round knockdown to pull out a 12-round split decision over Erislandy Lara to retain his IBF and capture the WBA Junior Middleweight titles at The Joint at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Lara started out well as he was able to land solid left hands on the inside.  Hurd came back as he stalked the whole fight, and his pressure started to catch up to Lara.

Lara started to swell and the bleed around his left eye in round nine.  In round twelve, with Lara now bleeding badly around the right eye, Hurd landed a short left hook on the inside that sent Lara to the canvas.  Lara was not only able to get up but stood toe to toe with Hurd up until the final bell.

Hurd took two cards by the razor thin tallies of 114-113, while Lara won a card 114-113.

Hurd, 153 lbs of Accokeek, MD is now 22-0.  Lara, 153.5 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 25-3-2.

It was a tough one, but I went out there and did exactly what I said I was going to do – fight all 12 rounds and get the victory,” Hurd said. “I didn’t feel like that (I needed the knockdown). I feel like I was in control the whole fight, applying the pressure.

“I don’t think it had anything to do with age. I think it was me and the game plan we had to apply the pressure.”

“’Swift’ isn’t ducking anyone,” Hurd responded. “I’m No. 1 now. We’re calling the shots.”

“Besides the last round, I thought I was winning this fight easily,” Lara said. “That’s not to decide the fight. I was winning the fight. One punch in a fight doesn’t determine the fight.

“It was a great fight for the fans. I stood there, fought and it was fun. I thought I clearly won the fight. Once again a decision goes against me, but h?ey we just have to do the rematch.”

In a ugly and bloody battle, James DeGale regained the IBF Super Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous  decision over Caleb Truax.

The bout featured a lot of holding and headbutts, but DeGale was able to land the flashier punches in spots during the fight.

In round three, DeGale was cut around the right eye from a punch.

In round seven, Truax was cut along the left eye from an accidental headbutt.  A round later, Truax was cut over his right eye.  In round ten, DeGale was deducted a point for using his shoulder.

DeGale took most of the second half of the fight, and won by scores of 117-110 and 114-113 twice.

DeGale, 167.2 lbs of Haresdon ENG is now 24-2-1.  Truax, 167.8 lbs of Osseo, MN is 29-4-2.

“Two-time world champion. It feels great,” DeGale said. “But full credit to Caleb – he shows he can mix it with the top fighters.

“I’m just happy that I’m a two time world champion and I got my IBF world title back. I’m back, Team Chunky, we’re back. Two-and-a-half years I had it and I lost it to Caleb. He embarrassed me, but we’re back.”

“I couldn’t see from my right eye, DeGale said. “I like Robert Byrd (referee), but today he was a bit wrong. I couldn’t see. But I’m just glad I got through it. I showed some heart. In my last fight, I was like a weak little kid.”

“I thought I did enough to win the fight, but I also thought I was pretty flat and didn’t get my shots off like I wanted,” Truax said. “I was just a little bit flat. I felt really good coming in but I just couldn’t get my shots off like the last fight. He never hurt me, but it is what it is.

“I gave him a rematch straight away so why not do it again.”

Julian Williams won a 12-round majority decision over Nathaniel Gallimore in a junior middleweight bout.

In round five, Williams was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.

Williams had a big round eleven when he landed a big left hook that started an onslaugh of punches that had Gallimore wobbling for much of the round.

Williams, 154 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 117-110, 116-112 and 114-114, and is now 25-1-1.  Gallimore, 153 lbs of Chicago is 20-2-1.

Williams outlanded Gallimore 191-107.

“I wasn’t surprised a judge had a draw,” Williams said. “Sometimes when you’re fighting real close like that, it is hard for judges to score. I knew I won. Once I heard 116-112 and 117-111, I knew I won because I knew he didn’t win eight rounds.

“He is a strong fighter, but I knew he was going to do what he did. Start strong early, but I knew he wasn’t strong after six rounds.

“The hits to the body was all in the game plan. You have to go to the body in a 12 round fight.

“I didn’t really think I won the fight,” Gallimore admitted. “I just let too many early rounds go. I just gave him too many rounds. I had him hurt a couple of times, but he was tough. I should have done more combinations. I will look at the fight and review it, and will make adjustments.”

Emanuel Medina defeated Saul Corral via eight-round unanimous decision in a welterweight bout.

Medina, 146.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 to keep perfect at 14-0.  Corral, 146 lbs of Sonora, MX is 27-11.

Xavier Martinez remained undefeated by stopping Jairo Vargas in round two of their scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

Martinez dropped Vargas in round one. In round Martinez landed a left hook that sent Vargas down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Martinez, 131 lbs of Sacramento, CA is now 11-0 with 7 knockouts. Vargas, 131.8 lbs of Richmond, VA is 6-4.

Sharone Carter scored a eight-round unanimous decision previously undefeated Ahmed Mahmood in a featherweight bout.

Scores were 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 for Carter, 125.4 lbs of St. Louis to raise his record to 9-2. Mahmood, 124.5 lbs of Detroit, MI is 7-1-1.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clashing with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features super middleweight world champion Caleb Truax in a rematch against former champion James DeGale.

The 12-round IBF title eliminator gives Williams a chance to earn a second world title fight, while it would be Gallimore’s first shot at the title. Gallimore has been outspoken in his belief that he will stop Williams, but Williams has chosen to not let the words affect him and focus on the task at hand.

“I have no reaction to the talk coming from Gallimore,” said Williams. “He’s trying to draw attention to himself and doing it in a classless way. If he wants a back-and-forth, he’s going to be talking to himself.

“He seems like he’s a strong fighter, but you never really know until you step in the ring with a guy. He’s on a hot streak, he’s a big puncher and obviously he has a lot of confidence. We thought this would be a good test and I think it’s going to be a great fight for the fans.”

Williams is currently finishing up training camp at the SNAC gym in San Carlos, California with trainer Stephen Edwards. In addition to work in the first part of training in Philadelphia with DeCarlo Perez and Jaron Ennis, he has sparred with the likes of Peter Quillin, Prenice Brewer and Joey Spencer in California.

“I’ve been coming out to California for parts of camp since 2014 and it’s really just something that gives me a bit of a spark heading into the fight,” said Williams. “There are some elevation and recovery aspects of training that we can do out here. It’s also a good way to get away from things and really dig to another level.”

Williams has been on the road back to title contention after dropping his first title shot to Jermall Charlo in 2016. Williams knew that he did not need to revamp his entire game and has recovered with victories over former champion Ishe Smith and Joshua Conley leading into this fight.

“I thought I was doing well in the Charlo fight so I never pushed the panic button after it didn’t go my way,” said Williams. “Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The plan was always to improve each fight and each day in camp, so that’s what we’re still doing. We’ll see on April 7 if it’s enough.”

With an opponent who enters this fight on a seven-fight knockout streak, Williams knows he will have to use all of his physical and mental skills to pull out the victory.

“It’s going to be up to me what this fight looks like,” said Williams. “In the ring you have to be mature. I can’t get drawn into the kind of fight that he wants. If I stay focused, I should dominate him.

“I’m never going to look past anybody. I know that there’s nothing I can do in my future in this sport if I don’t beat Gallimore. I’m ready to go in there and look impressive on April 7.”

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2018) – Fighters training in the Los Angeles-area and competing in upcoming Premier Boxing Champions events on April 7 and April 21 hosted a media workout Thursday as they prepare to enter the ring live on SHOWTIME.

Former super middleweight world champion James DeGale and super welterweight contender Nathaniel Gallimore participated in the workout ahead of their respective matchups on Saturday, April 7 from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.

Middleweight contender Hugo Centeno Jr. also worked out for media before he enters the ring on Saturday, April 21 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast on Saturday, April 7 features DeGale in a super middleweight world title rematch against Caleb Truax and Gallimore facing Julian Williams in a super welterweight world title eliminator. The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by a 154-pound title unification between Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd.

The April 21 event features Centeno Jr. facing Jermall Charlo for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by a showdown between Adrien Broner and Jessie Vargas.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Wild Card Boxing Club:

JAMES DEGALE

“Training camp has been fantastic. I rushed back from my shoulder injury in my last fight. I couldn’t believe I lost my title and I could only blame myself. I’m lucky to have this chance to make it right and regain my title.

“I’m injury-free now and physically ready for this fight. Most importantly, I’m mentally ready for this challenge and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“I learned that you can’t rush fitness. I had a reconstructive surgery and I came back far too quick. I learned my lesson the hard way. Now I have to get it back the hard way.

“Fighting in Las Vegas is another dream come true. So many great fights have been there and I just can’t wait. The atmosphere and the vibe will be special. I’m going to put on a fantastic performance and regain my title.

“Caleb Truax is not on my level. I’m miles above him. On April 7 I’m going to show everyone why and show everyone what I’m all about.

“As soon as the doctor said that some athletes come back after six months from my injury, I was determined to fight in 2017. Everyone can see that I was slow in the ring. I was ashamed of my performance. It was embarrassing and I’m looking to erase that on April 7.

“I’ve watched the first fight with Truax a couple of times but it’s very tough because I know that’s not me in there. For the past six weeks I’ve felt so much better. My jab is sharp again and everyone will see that when I become a two-time world champion.

“Truax has tasted what it’s like to be a world champion. He’s going to be hungry and have that burning desire to beat me. At the end of the day, I’m just too good for him and I’m going to prove it. I have to make a statement.”

HUGO CENTENO JR.

“I’m feeling great right now. The rib injury was somewhat a blessing in disguise. It gave me a training camp for my training camp. Once I came back from the injury I was already in great shape. I feel great and I’m not depleted whatsoever. I’m 100 percent mentally ready for this fight.

“I was disappointed at first because I wanted this fight to happen so badly. I had a chance to regroup and talk with my team and they put me on the right direction. I’ve had a great camp and I believe everything happens for a reason.

“I don’t pay attention to anything people are saying about Charlo. I’m staying focused because I know that this fight can change my whole career. I’m ready to win.

“Charlo is a strong fighter. A lot of fighters stand in front of him but he’s also a great boxer. I feel like I have those same attributes that he has. It’s going to be a chess match and a great fight.

“We have to see who the smarter fighter is on April 21. I know Charlo says he’s going to knock me out in one round, I’m not planning to let him do that. If I get my opportunity, I’m going to take it and I’m going to hurt him.

“I learned from my loss that I can’t underestimate anyone in this sport. I’ve stayed in the ring and worked the whole time since the loss and it’s shown. Getting that big knockout over Immanuwel Aleem was a great moment and has helped catapult me back to the top of this division.

“This is the kind of fight I’ve looked forward to since I was seven years old. I’m just a kid from a small town trying to make his dream come true. Now the moment is finally here.”

NATHANIEL GALLIMORE

“I’m not worried about the IBF belt right now. I’m worried about Julian ‘J-Pebbles’ Williams on April 7. I see a lot of things from Williams. I see fear and I don’t think he’s totally there mentally. He should have taken harder fights before this one. This is the wrong fight for him.

“I’ve had seven knockouts in a row and this is going to be eight. It’s nice to stay active and be able to jump on an opportunity like this when it presents itself.

“It’s always important to put on a good show for the fans. I’m a showman. I give the fans what they want. All action.

“It doesn’t matter where I fight, I’ll be ready. I’m excited to go back to Las Vegas. This is my third time fighting there and I’m planning on making it 3-0.

“This is a new training camp. I’m working in Los Angeles with John Pullman and Buddy McGirt. The weather is good out here and I think everything is going in my favor. I love the atmosphere out here.”

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event will see Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clash with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The three-fight telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features Caleb Truax making the first defense of his 168-pound title against James DeGale in a rematch of their exciting first bout in December.

Williams and Gallimore will look to put themselves into the mandatory position for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Title currently held by Hurd.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

The epitome of a Philadelphia fighter, Williams (24-1-1, 15 KOs) has won his last two fights after suffering the first loss of his career to Jermall Charlo in his first world title fight in 2016 on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old Williams rebounded by stopping Joshua Conley last June before picking up a victory over former champion Ishe Smith in his most recent fight in November.

“This is going to be a really good fight on April 7,” said Williams “Gallimore has been talking a big game, but I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder, and I’ve been training like it. I think he’s going to bring out something different in me. He’s going to find out that there are different levels to this game. He’s a bit of a stalker in the ring and he’s been knocking people out. He thinks he’s a puncher, but he hasn’t really fought the level of competition that I have. I don’t care if he’s training with Buddy McGirt now, because no one can save him when he’s in that ring.”

The 29-year-old Gallimore (20-1-1, 17 KOs) has stayed active while rising up the ranks at 154-pounds and picking up four knockout victories in 2017. The Jamaican fighter, who now trains in California with Buddy McGirt, impressively stopped previously unbeaten Jeison Rosario and then once-beaten Justin DeLoach in two performances that announced his arrival as 154-pound contender.

“This is going to be my coming out year,” said Gallimore. “This is a huge opportunity to present my skills and my abilities to the world. There’s no mistaking why I’m here, and I’ll make a statement starting with ‘J-Pebbles’ Williams. I call him ‘J-Pebbles’ because he’s not a ‘J-Rock.’ He’s an average fighter. There’s nothing special about him. The best way he can prepare is to do chin pushups, because I’m going to test his chin and that’s the only thing that can protect him. I’m going to dismantle him piece-by-piece, round-by-round, and when that time comes to seek and destroy, I’m going to take him out. I’m the one they should be worried about.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (November 16, 2017) – Top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams is on the path to another world title shot but will first have to get by former world champion Ishe Smith when they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce live from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, November 18.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Williams took his training camp to Big Bear, California earlier this year and served as a sparring partner for middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin before heading home to finish training for Smith.

“This has been a long camp,” said Williams. “I’ve really been training since June 30. I came back from Big Bear and hit the ground running training with Gabriel Rosado. The fun part comes now when we get to fight.

“Training with Golovkin was a great experience. To get to shadow a top five fighter in the world, to see how he moves, to see the kind of work he puts in and the exercises he does, it was very valuable. He gave me some pointers and helped me out so overall it was great.”

Williams most recently stopped Joshua Conley in the seventh-round in June as he made his ring return following his first defeat, to then IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo in a fight Williams believes he’s learned from.

“I just got a little impatient with Charlo,” said Williams. “Even the second-round knockdown, I got up and I thought I did enough to make that an even round. Then I got impatient, got caught and I paid the price. This is one of those times though that I think some good can come from a loss. It taught me to be a more patient and smarter fighter.”

Now, Williams will face a tough former champion in Smith, the first Las Vegan to capture a world title and a rugged contender who’s faced the very best in the sport for years.

“I remember watching Ishe Smith back on ‘The Contender’,” said Williams. I’ve definitely followed his career. He’s a guy who has seen a lot of styles, but he has eight losses for a reason. He makes mistakes.

“At the same time, nobody has stopped him. I think I can be the guy to knock him out. I think I have the answer for him. At the end of the day, I expect him to be true to his style. Whether he’s winning or losing, it’s a defense-first approach from him. This will be nothing but business for me on Saturday night.”

If Williams can get by Smith on Saturday night in Las Vegas, the 27-year-old has his sights set squarely on a 154-pound world title and is ready for any champion who will get in the ring with him.

“I treat every fight like it’s a must-win,” said Williams. “I treated the Conley fight like that and I’ll bring the same intensity on Saturday. I’m just a hungry fighter who’s focused. I don’t care about all the distractions and nonsense.

“I’m interested in fighting all of the current champions and I have the ability to beat them all. The choice isn’t necessarily up to me, but they’re all great fighters and I know I’m a great fighter too. I’ll take any of them.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $29, $39, $59, $69, $89 and $149 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 andwww.ticketmaster.com.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. and features Lionell Thompson clashing with unbeaten prospect Earl Newman in a 10-round light heavyweight bout plus unbeaten prospects Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Harmonito De La Torre going head-to-head in a 10-round featherweight fight.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in 99 million homes across the United States and 95% of all African-American television homes.

Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce will be available to be streamed live via Bounce’s new subscription-video-on-demand service Brown Sugar, which features an extensive and one-of-a-kind library of iconic black movies as well as Bounce original programming and series. Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. Brown Sugar also has Google Chromecast capabilities which allow video to play on televisions directly from mobile devices and tablets for consumers with Android and iOS devices. There is a free initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter.

For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

LAS VEGAS (November 14, 2017) – Former world champion Ishe Smith will look to stake his claim to another world title opportunity when he battles top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce live from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, November 18.

Smith knows that Williams provides a steep challenge and the veteran will have to be at his best to hold off the hungry title contender.

“Julian Williams is tough, one of the toughest in the division,” said Smith. “I don’t overlook his talent and what he brings to the sport. I’ve been in boxing going on 17 years, so I’ve seen a lot. Williams hasn’t been tested in all the ways I have. Unlike my opponent, I’ve been in the ring with all levels of fighters: world champions, rising prospects and former world champions. I’ve seen it all.”

The winner of his last two contests, Smith most recently defeated then once-beaten Frank Galarza last September. On November 18, Smith looks to prove that his experience and hard work in training camp will make all the difference once the bell rings.

“This camp is definitely different than my last one, in the sense that I feel more prepared,” said Smith. “I have been conditioning my body to go the distance like I have with all fights. With my experience, coupled with my trainer Rafael Ramos, who has been great in preparing me for any and all curveballs my opponent may try and hand me, I’m ready.

“Training for fights becomes more challenging the longer you stay in the sport, but I’ve always kept it a habit to fine tune my body throughout the year, because at any moment you can get that call. My work and my mindset have improved dramatically and by November 18I’ll be exactly where I need to be.”

The Las Vegas-native will fight in his hometown for the 19th time as a professional and as always, the first Las Vegas-born world champion hopes to make “Sin City” proud with his performance.

“My city has supported me since day one,” said Smith. “It feels great to headline another show in my hometown. Through my up and downs my fans have always been there and supported me and this fight won’t be any different; All I can do is get out there and put on a hell of a show. It’s a special feeling to have home court advantage.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $29, $39, $59, $69, $89 and $149 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. and features Lionell Thompson clashing with unbeaten prospect Earl Newman in a 10-round light heavyweight bout plus unbeaten prospects Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Xavier Martinez going head-to-head in a 10-round featherweight fight.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in 99 million homes across the United States and 95% of all African-American television homes.

Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce will be available to be streamed live via Bounce’s new subscription-video-on-demand service Brown Sugar, which features an extensive and one-of-a-kind library of iconic black movies as well as Bounce original programming and series. Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. Brown Sugar also has Google Chromecast capabilities which allow video to play on televisions directly from mobile devices and tablets for consumers with Android and iOS devices. There is a free initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter.

For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

LAS VEGAS (October 23, 2017) – Former world champion Ishe Smith battles top 154-pound contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams in a 10-round super welterweight clash that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce live from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, November 18.

In the co-feature, Lionell Thompson clashes with unbeaten prospect Earl Newman in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten prospects Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Xavier Martinez going head-to-head in a 10-round featherweight fight.

“This card is going to bring it,” said Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe. “The fans will be presented with variety; veterans and prospects going head-to-head and tough fighting styles meshing come fight night. The main event between Ishe Smith and Julian Williams is going to be an exciting battle! I think Ishe and Julian are going to put on a great show. Both fighters are very tough competitors and fight with everything they have. We also have a great undercard line-up. This is going to be an all-around exciting night of boxing for the fans.”

“This is the kind of show that presents something for every boxing fan,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Ishe Smith is a former champion who still has title aspirations. He’s going up against a young hungry contender on the comeback trail in Julian Williams. Earl Newman will be taking a major step up when he takes on Lionell Thompson in the co-feature and both Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Xavier Martinez will be looking to keep their undefeated records intact. It all adds up to a fun night for boxing fans.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $29, $39, $59, $69, $89 and $149 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 andwww.ticketmaster.com.

The 39-year-old Smith (29-8, 12 KOs) won his world championship with a majority decision over Cornelius Bundrage on Feb. 23, 2013 to become the first Las Vegas-native to win a world title. He has also challenged top fighters such as Erislandy Lara and Daniel Jacobs and most recently defeated Tommy Rainone and Frank Galarza in his last two bouts.

“I took this fight just like I’ve taken every tough fight over the years,” said Smith. “I constantly challenge myself to the best and I believe Julian Williams is one of the best in the division. If you look at my resume, all I’ve done is fight the best guys, in their prime, so this is nothing new to me. I’ve reached the point where I’ve seen it all. This fight will get me exactly where I need to be, closer to a world title shot.”

Williams (23-1-1, 15 KOs), one of the top young contenders in the 154-pound division, is working his way back into title contention by taking on a tough former world champion in Smith. The 27-year-old Williams of Philadelphia suffered a KO loss to Jermall Charlo in his first title shot in 2016 and returned to the ring with a TKO victory over Joshua Conley in his last fight on June 30.

“We’ve been working hard for months and I’m ready to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “I could fight tomorrow. I know this is an important fight for my career. Ishe is a veteran and he is going to bring his ‘A’ game to try to prove he’s still got it. I’m not going to give him that opportunity. I will be victorious and show that I’m ready to fight the best in the world.”

Lionell Thompson (18-4, 11 KOs) is on the trail of a 175-pound world championship and he hasn’t taken the easy road, having challenge the likes of Sergey Kovalev and Radivoje Kalajdzic in his pro career. The 32-year-old out of Buffalo, N.Y. is coming off a knockout victory over Steve Lovett in his last fight on Feb. 24. The last time he fought at the Cosmopolitan, he defeated Donovan George by unanimous decision on Sept. 16, 2016.

Unbeaten prospect Earl Newman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) will be taking a big step forward in taking on his toughest competition to date in Thompson. The 26-year-old Brooklyn-native is coming off a split draw against Paul Parker on Sept. 19 after winning his first 10 pro fights.

A 2012 Olympic Silver medalist from Mongoloa, Tugstsogt Nyambayar (8-0, 8 KOs) now fights out of Carson, California. The 25-year-old turned pro in March of 2015 with a first round knockout of Gabriel Braxton. Since then, Nyambayar has stopped every opponent in his path, including most recently scoring a 10th round TKO over Jhon Gemino in February.

The unbeaten 19-year-old prospect Xavier Martinez (9-0, 5 KOs) will face his toughest test as a pro when he enters the ring on November 18. Representing Sacramento, Martinez has scored two victories in 2017 having stopped Jesus Aguinaga in September after earning a decision over then unbeaten Prince Smalls in June.

# # #

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in 99 million homes across the United States and 95% of all African-American television homes.

Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce will be available to be streamed live via Bounce’s new subscription-video-on-demand service Brown Sugar, which features an extensive and one-of-a-kind library of iconic black movies as well as Bounce original programming and series. Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. Brown Sugar also has Google Chromecast capabilities which allow video to play on televisions directly from mobile devices and tablets for consumers with Android and iOS devices. There is a free initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter.

For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

By Jimmy Tobin-

Jermall Charlo, the more aggressive, harder punching of Kevin and Terrie’s twin boys, climbed the ropes of the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles last December and hurled rhetorical questions about his dominance at a crowd reeling still from the spectacle of his worst intentions. Behind him, silent and humbled, Julian Williams gathered whatever of himself Charlo had not forever claimed.

That moment defined not only Jermall but also Jermell, the smoother boxing twin who in the aftermath of his brother’s violent arrival was relegated to being the other Charlo, the one that, whatever his merits and accomplishments, would for the time being be distinguished by accolades either absent and another’s. Frustrating that, as any brother can attest; and that frustration is only exacerbated when the proving grounds are shared. Any fighter would want a moment like the one Jermall enjoyed against Williams, and who amongst us wouldn’t be overjoyed to watch his brother awash in the glory of such a triumph? But surely, Jermell the competitor, the man who his entire life has been measured, sometimes even literally, against his twin, wished he too could be individualized in the crucible.

Saturday night, at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, Jermell got his chance. His opponent, undefeated Erickson Lubin, a one-time Olympic medal hopeful who passed on potential gold for real green. Like Williams, Lubin shied not at all from declaring his expectations of victory and had become a trendy upset pick in part because he was Charlo’s opponent. And like Williams, Lubin was left groping his way through the din of broken synaptic dialogue. It took Charlo less than a round to jab Lubin into place for the uppercut that made fools of Lubin’s handlers and, more importantly, made Charlo more than the other brother.

Twinning his brother again, in the aftermath of this defining victory Jermell spoke heatedly of payback, of what rage smoldered behind his prefight silence, how he had yearned for the opportunity to punish Lubin for his insolence. That talk, as it was with Jermall, is being branded by some as classless, as beneath the sport. Very well, let people selectively apply such standards of decency, tenuous moral superiority being the currency of the times. They should know, however, that such criticism leads back to the Charlo interview that birthed it, the context of that interview, and, inevitably, the punch that gave Charlo such license. Rest assured, Charlo would happily have critics trace that origin story for any purpose they like.

What is interesting about both brother’s vitriol is how fabricated it seems. Indeed, it was their silence in the build-up to their biggest wins that is out of place: rarely do fighters, irrationally confident, bulwarked against doubt, concede more than the possibility of attrition (and the nod to their opponents couched therein). Why are the Charlos so incensed by typical cliche? Surely they do not expect men similarly constituted to speak otherwise? Brotherhood is as likely an explanation as any other; that blood bond uniting them against their undoing and demanding that each brother meet the standard set by his kin. It is perhaps this motivation that helps explain why the brothers have similar trajectories of improvement, why their biggest challenges have produced their finest moments.

The counterexample, mind you, is obvious. Given the opportunity the Charlos would relish, the Klitschko brothers avenged one another, each hanging defeats on his sibling’s conqueror. The honor of the family name restored, Wladimir and Vitali seemed mostly drained of animus; their vengeance a sort of debt settlement, more arithmetical than existential. However malicious—and here Vitali made clear a striking sibling difference—there was none of the rage or frenzy that has marked the Charlo’s recent performances. A certain nobility born of perspective characterized the Klitschko’s (though one not without its lapses); one gets the sense they saw themselves always as mere participants in a sport, bloody as that sport may be.

For the Charlos however, everything is personal. Could you imagine either of them outsourcing their vengeance to their brother and finding any satisfaction in get back not wrought of their own hands? Or being as philosophical about a draw as Gennady Golovkin and Saul Alvarez were in what was supposed to be the highest stakes fight on American soil this year? Is it not difficult to envision either brother even touching gloves with an opponent? For years they were twins first, fighters second, a biological gimmick foisted on the public by an entity long reviled. It should come as no surprise then that having arrived as individuals and together they are indifferent to—even incredulous before—demands for decorum. Their conduct has, somewhat ironically, blurred the distinction between the brothers, though the fighting the expectation remains the same for both: ill-will artfully applied. They are the permanently insulted responding in kind, with a dash of injury thrown in for emphasis.

Pride and pridefulness are not for everyone, of course, and even those who persist in their appreciation of a near outlaw sport predicated on exploitation and the quickening of ends can have their delicate sensibilities. But honesty is something most everyone can appreciate. And is there anything more honest in sport than a man motivated by things greater than himself, armed only with his fists, endeavoring to leave every threat to his livelihood, his family, his name, in utter crisis? The Charlos will tell you no, and may not understand any answer to the contrary. May they never change.

Robert Easter, Jr. retained the IBF Lightweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov at The Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.

It was a hard fought battle that was fought mostly on the inside. Easter’s handspeed was the difference in the bout as he was more adept with quick combinations inside.

Somehow two judges gave Easter every round to the tune of 120-108. A third judge was more in line with what actually happened in the ring and saw it 116-112.

Easter, 134 lbs of Toledo, OH is 20-0. Shafikov, 134 lbs of Miass, RIS is 38-3.

“I’m thankful for my team preparing me for this victory,” said Easter. “I give my performance a B- tonight. I could have done a lot better. I fought on the inside more at the beginning of the fight but my team wanted me to box so I was able to do that late and get the win.”

“I know a lot of guys’ weakness is their gas tank so I wanted to go after him and test him early,” said Easter. “Shafikov proved that’s he’s a tough opponent but we were able to get the job done.”

“I thought that’d I’d be the first guy to be able to break Shafikov down,” said Easter. “I was able to get the win and I’m going to be ready for everybody out there.”

Julian Williams stopped Joshua Conley in round seven over their scheduled ten round super welterweight bout.

In round six, Williams was cut around the right eye.  Williams, who dominated the fight, landed a hard left that sent Conley to a knee.  When the fight resumed, Williams turned it up with a hard flurry of punches, and Conley’s corner threw in the towel at 58 seconds.

Williams, 157 lbs of Philadelphia is 23-1-1 with 15 knockouts.  Conley, 156 lbs of San Bernadino, CA is 14-2-1.

Jamontay Clark won a debatable eight-round unanimous decision over Ivan Golub in a super welterweight bout.

The bout was entertaining with hard shots landed by both fighters.  Golub stunned Clark twice in round three.

Clark, 148.5 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 79-73 and 77-75 twice, and is now 12-0.  Golubm 148.5 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 13-1.

Follow all the action as Robert Easter, Jr. defends the IBF Lightweight title against mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a battle of junior middleweights as former world title challenger Julian Williams takes on Joshua Conley.  The action kicks off with a super welterweight bout between Ivan Golub and Jamontay Clark.

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Round 1 1-2 from Easter..Jab from Shafikov..working body..

Round 2  Right from Easter..Good 1-2…Huge uppercut..Big right snaps Shafikov’s head back…Right..

Round 3  Good right from Easter.. Good Left from Shafikov..Good uppercuts from Easter..2 straight rights

Round 4 Shafikov lands 2 lefts and a right..left

Round 5 Good jab from Shafikov..Straight right from Easter..Left from Shafikov..

Round 6 Easter lands a left to the body..Left from Shafikov and another

Round 7 Good 1-2 from Easter…Nice uppercut..Counter right..Long right

Round 8 Nice uppercut from Easter…Right..Good combination in center of ring

Round 9 Easter counters on the inside…Shafikov lands a left..Right from Shafikov

Round 10 Easter lands a combo on the inside..4 punch combination..Right..

Round 11 Nice right from Shafikov

Round 12 Good jab from Shafikov..Easter lands a right..Left from Shafikov…Shafikov cut around right eye

120-108 twice and 116-112 FOR EASTER

Round 1 Right from Williams..Body shot..Good right to the body

Round 2 Uppercut from Williams..Double left hook from Conley..Good body work from Williams..Right..Straight right..Over hand right..Good body shot…2 big uppercuts

Round 3 Good right from Williams..Right down the middle..Left..Body shot..Flurry

Round 4 Uppercut from Conley..2 uppercuts from Williams..uppercuts..

Round 5 Combination from Williams

Round 6 Right to the body..Good right to the body…Good uppercut..Williams cut from around the right eye

Round 7 RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES CONLEY…HARD LEFT AND CONLEY’S CORNER THROWS IN THE TOWEL

Round 1 1-2 from Clark..Body shot from Golub…Right hook..body and head shots..Nice right from Clark,,Straight left from Golub..Right from Clark

Round 2 Clark lands a left to the body and a left upstairs..Good right from Golub..2 nice rights from Clark and a left..Good left…Golub lands a 4 punch combination..Nice body shot from Clark..Left..Good body shot…

Round 3 Hard left stuns Golub..3 punch combo from Golub..Nice body shot from Clark..Hard b0dy shot from Golub, and another.1-2 to the body…Clark lands a big left and stuns him again with a left…Left from Golub..5 punches from Clark..3 landed shots from Golub

Round 4 Left to body from Golub..5 punch combination..Clark rips to the body..Both guys going to the body..Straight left from Clark behind   a double jab…Big right from Golub and Clark is hurt

Round 5  Golub lands a big shot that drives Clark to the ropes..Hard straight left..1-2 from Clark..Jab and left from Golub..Good hook from Clark..

Round 6 Good left from Clark..Uppercut..Big right..left from Golub…

Round 7 Left from Golub..Left from Clark

Round 8  Counter left from Clark..2 shots from Golub…Left from Clark..Body shot from Golub..

79-73, 77-75, 77-75 TWICE FOR JAMONTAY CLARK

TOLEDO, OH (June 8, 2017) – Super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs) will match-up against once-beaten Joshua Conley (14-1-1, 9 KOs) in televised action on Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio on Friday, June 30.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten welterweight prospects Jamontay Clark (11-0, 7 KOs) and Ivan Golub (13-0, 11 KOs) squaring-off in an eight-round matchup. The June 30 event is headlined by unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter making his second title defense against mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov.

“I am definitely excited to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “I can’t wait. It feels like it has been two years, not six months. I took my loss on the chin. I tried to learn as much as possible from it and I’m moving forward. Conley is a solid fighter. He only has one loss and it was to Daquan Arnett, who is another good fighter. I know he is coming to win. If he beats me, it opens a lot of doors and takes him to the next stage of his career so I have to come prepared.”

“This is a great opportunity for my career and I feel like a win here puts me on the list of up-and-coming 154-pound fighters,” said Conley. “Training camp has been going well. I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I know that it’s going to be a tough fight. I expect Julian to come out fast and try to prove something, but I’m going to stay composed and do what I have to do.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $225 $125, $100, $75, $55 and $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The 27-year-old Williams earned his first world title shot last year after defeating Marcello Matano to become the top contender before eventually falling short against unbeaten Jermall Charlo. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Williams has been highly regarded since a strong amateur career and proved his worth in the pro ranks by stopping veterans Arman Ovsepyan and Luciano Cuello in addition to a shutout victory over Joey Hernandez. He returns to the ring on June 30 looking to put himself in position for another world title opportunity.

Fighting out of San Bernadino, California, Conley enters this bout have won his last three contests, including two stoppage victories last year against Juan Manuel Mares and Adrian Arenas. The 25-year-old was unbeaten in his first 12 pro starts and his only blemish came via a split decision against Daquan Arnett in 2015. He will make his 2017 debut when he enters the ring against Williams on June 30.

An unbeaten prospect from Cincinnati, the “Quiet Assassin” Clark picked up two victories in 2016 over increasingly quality competition as he stopped Elvin Perez in six rounds and earned a unanimous decision over Edgar Ortega. The 22-year-old made his 2017 debut in March and stopped Gaku Takahashi in the seventh round of a fight on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

Originally from Ukraine but now fighting out of Brooklyn, Golub has fought exclusively in the U.S. since turning pro and comes off of a stoppage victory over veteran James Stevenson last September. The 28-year-old southpaw has stopped his last seven opponents inside of the distance as he enters this fight on June 30.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

By Jimmy Tobin–

Saturday night, at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, California, Jermall Charlo defended his sliver of the super welterweight championship by fifth round TKO. The victory came at the expense of earnest but overmatched Julian Williams, who, provided the opportunity to make good on a year of bold proclamations, delivered a belligerent moment or two where it actually mattered, before leaving the ring with his head barely attached.

What Charlo-Williams offered, what aficionados are offered too infrequently, is an evenly matched prizefight on a premium network; a fight where the winner is in doubt both before the opening bell, and frequently enough during the fight to imbue not only the exchanges but those tense moments of inaction with a drama so often absent from the inevitable. Never mind that both fighters were undefeated—an undefeated record is as much a masking agent as an indicator of merit. And never mind that Charlo held a title, given that he won that belt over a man in his forties, and first defended it against someone named Wilky Campfort. What mattered is that within minutes of them keeping no company but each other, Charlo and Williams recognized the quality of opponent before them and were concerned but unbowed by that knowledge.

There is no moment in the fight more significant than the one that saw Charlo roll Williams’ right hand and counter it with an uppercut. That punch, the beginning of the end, set Williams’ head at an angle almost perpendicular to his neck and drove him so forcibly to the canvas he nearly bounced up to his knees and elbows. Williams played off its affect as best he could, bringing to mind fellow Philadelphian, Eric Harding, who, ruined by Antonio Tarver’s left hand, offered the utterance, “I’m from Philadelphia” as justification for fighting on. Fight on Williams would, but only until Charlo, swinging not to prompt the referee’s mercy but to leave Williams in a heap, tumbled him to the canvas once more.

Whatever blows they exchanged prior, including the Charlo jab that floored Williams with in the second round, and the counter crosses Williams chased Charlo’s jab back with, were evidence enough that both men understood what tools might serve them best against each other and that none of those tactics would come free of charge. It was a fight fought evenly until, in a flash, one man could fight no longer, and since what matters most always transpires between the ropes, Charlo’s landing his decapitator is the defining moment of the night.

And yet, it may not be what he is remembered for. At least not entirely.

In the aftermath, Charlo, still burning, refused to accept Williams’ congratulations, a move that drove the crowd to boo him for his lack of grace. Asked by foremost expert in classlessness, Jim Grey, whether his poor sportsmanship might detract from his victory, Charlo responded: “Detract from what? I knocked him out?”

It is a fair question to ask, however unpopular it may have been to a crowd that responded to Charlo’s asking it like it should have been issued a trigger warning.

Williams, who became Charlo’s mandatory in March, dogged him for nearly year, calling Charlo out and promising to take his title. His bandwagon—strangely full for a fighter who, beyond being accessible on social media and having an appealing moniker, had done little to justify many of the absurd claims made about his ability—also got in on the act from bathrooms, bus stops, and bar stools across the country. That ten-month keyboard assault fueled Charlo, who remained at 154 pounds only to shut Williams’ mouth. That he made good on that opportunity hardly means he need be friendly to his tormentor afterward, and if that does not fit into some romantic notion of how a man who is stripped near naked and sent out to leave another unconscious should act, so what?

The challenge the Charlo twins always faced, quite understandably, was that they were near indistinguishable from one another; a problem exacerbated by the absence of star power in their division and the fact that neither had a signature moment in the ring. But that is no longer the case. Jermall is now the Charlo brother who turned “J-Rock” to rubble and then reveled in it with zero regard for decorum.

Had Charlo responded more graciously people might have felt better about enjoying the spectacle of one man beating another to the ground with his fists. But if one of the goals a fighter has is to leave the crowd wanting to see him again, that approach would have done less for Charlo than his heel turn. And proof of that is that days later, people are not still talking about how Charlo planked Williams: they are talking about how Charlo planked Williams then acted like a goon, and whether such behavior did him a disservice or otherwise. True, Charlo will squander all that buzz if his next fight is unremarkable, but his behavior Saturday with fist and microphone in his face make that fight worthy of anticipation.

Sergey Kovalev can attribute much of his popularity to his maliciousness, so too can Terence Crawford, who interestingly enough, was considered a bore until his mean streak became an undeniable fixture in his performances. Perhaps Charlo too has this uncomfortable yet alluring quality about himself, and all that was needed was a night of genuine enmity to usher it forth. If so, may he harbor such ill will toward all of his coming opponents.

Abner Mares won the WBA Featherweight title with a 12-round split decision over defending champion Jesus Cuellar at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.

Mares was the more active fighter and he floored Cuellar with a hard right in round 11.

Mares won by scores of 117-110 and 116-111. Cuellar took a card 115-112.

Mares of Guadalajara, MX is 30-2-1. Cuellar of Bueno Airies, Argentina 28-2.

Jermall Charlo retained the IBF Junior Middleweight title with an emphatic 5th round stoppage over previously undefeated Julian Williams.

In round two, Charlo scored a knockdown from a jab that put Williams on the seat of his pants. In round five, it was a perfect counter right uppercut that dropped Williams face first. Williams got to his feet, but it was only for a few seconds as a big combination dropped him for a 3rd and final time at 2:06.

Charlo of Houston, Texas is 25-0 with 19 knockouts. Williams of Philadelphia is 22-1-1-1.

WBA Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Jesus Cuellar – 124 Pounds
Abner Mares – 126 Pounds
Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dave Moretti (Nev.)
IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Jermall Charlo – 153½ Pounds
Julian Williams – 154 Pounds
Referee: Wayne Hedgepeth; Judges: Eddie Hernandez (Calif.), Patrick Russell (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)
SHOWTIME BOXING ON FACEBOOK LIVE – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds
Sergey Lipinets – 139¾ Pounds
Lenny Zappavigna – 139½ Pounds
Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Erickson Lubin – 157 Pounds
Juan Ubaldo Cabrera – 159 Pounds
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (December 8, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title showdown that headlines action this Saturday, December 10 at Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles and live on SHOWTIME®.

The press conference also featured super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top rated challenger Julian Williams who meet in a battle of unbeaten rising stars that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

Additional action on Saturday will be shown via SHOWTIME BOXING on Facebook Live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and feature unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets battling Australia’s Lenny Zappavigna in a junior welterweight world title eliminator and undefeated prospect Erickson Lubin taking on once-beaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from the Galen Center Founders’ Club:

JESUS CUELLAR

“I’m feeling healthy and on weight. I’m really happy with the work I put in during camp and what I’ve accomplished so far.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my pro career. This is historic and I definitely think that it will be a memorable fight for fans. Because of who I’m fighting and what we’re fighting for, it makes it crucial that I get the victory.

“I’m a warrior. My style is to be aggressive and fight with my heart. If I have to let the warrior out, I am ready. But if I have to box, I am ready for that too.

“We are finally here and we are ready. I am willing to give it all for this fight. I’m very excited to perform.

“I want to give the fans a great performance. I know that he will have a lot of support here in California, but I’m going to make them Jesus Cuellar fans. I will bring the heart of an Argentine warrior into the ring.

“Mares is a great fighter and has been a great champion. But I don’t think he’s ever faced anyone with my power or ability. It’s not going to be an easy fight for either of us, but I’m very confident that I will win and probably knock him out.

“I want to thank my great team for the amazing training camp. I am sure that I am going to bring my title back to Argentina.”

ABNER MARES

“People said I could have taken a tune-up fight, but there’s no point to that. Jesus Cuellar is one of the hardest punchers in the weight class. Of course I’m aware of his power, but I’m not scared. This is a contact sport. I can punch back.

“I’m looking forward to this test. Every single fight is a test for me. I’m going to make you guys believe. You will see a tremendous fighter in the ring on Saturday night.

“I’m really excited about this fight. It’s been a long year of waiting. It’s been a process. Having this fight so close to happening makes me really happy.

“I don’t pay attention to the fact that I’m a three-division world champion. That’s in my past and it’s my history. It’s always going to be part of me, but I’m looking for that fourth world title.

“He says he’s going to try to box me. If he wants to do something that’s not really who he is, that’s on him. We’re going to go in there and do what we do. We’re going to stick to a game plan.

“You guys know that I’m always going to give you a good fight. Win or lose, it’s always exciting. I fought last year and lost to Leo Santa Cruz, but I didn’t feel like I lost. It was a close fight and now I’m here. This is going to be an early Christmas present to the fans.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“I had a great camp. Everyone stood by my side as I prevailed through camp. Everyone is here to support me. I’m fighting for more than a world title. I’m fighting to keep my legacy alive.

“There is no fighter equal to me. I grind different and I shine different. I’m not worried about what Julian does well. I’m focused on my game plan and doing what I can do well.

“This is a very interesting fight. I’ve been under these lights before and I’ve felt the pressure of a big fight. You always have to keep looking forward. I could easily have moved up to middleweight, but this is about legacy. This is about giving the fans what they asked for. That’s what I’m here for.

“As hungry as Julian talks, I expect him to come at me. I expect him to come in crazy, which is what I want to do. I’m going to use my brain and my smarts. I know when it’s time to turn it up. I’m a fighter. There’s nothing you can do when I’m placing my punches in the right places.

“I’m planning to fight fire with fire if I have to. If he comes to box me I plan on doing everything perfectly.

“I was near-sighted but now I can see perfectly. I’ve been fighting without perfect vision all my life so now I feel like it’s going to play a big factor in the fight. Things that used to be fuzzy won’t be fuzzy anymore.

“I’m going to fight. I hope he is too. I see a guy who’s ready to give go in there and give it his all. I also see a guy who’s ready to run into the traps I have planned for him.

“I don’t think for one second that I’m not going to win this fight. There’s not one second of this fight where my foot won’t be on the gas. This guy is coming to take my belt and I have not forgotten about that.

“Saturday night, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, or who you are, I know what I came to do, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I want to thank Jermall for being a true champion and taking this fight. It’s going to be a tough fight. We had a rough training camp, but it was really good. I’m really excited about this fight.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to prove to people what I can do. I’ve been underrated and overlooked a lot, but Saturday night is my time to shine.

“I don’t plan on losing any rounds on Saturday night either. Let’s give these fans what they want to see.

“The only way it’s not going to be a tremendous fight is if he doesn’t show up. I expect a firefight. I think this will be a shootout.

“I don’t want to say too much about my strategy, but this is going to be an amazing fight from the start till whenever it finishes.

“I feel really good and focused on getting the job done. Training camp has been amazing. We had about seven or eight sparring partners and it’s definitely the most intense training camp we’ve had.

“There’s always a lot of determination in camp but this is definitely the most important fight of my life. Of course all of my fights before were the most important at that point, so it’s just been building on that to lead to this moment.

“Records don’t lie. My record doesn’t lie. I’ve faced all different kinds of opponents. Fighters from everywhere. I’ve faced them all.

“There’s no beef. He might want to create a beef, but this is boxing. This is a business. He has something I want, and I’m coming to get it.

“I’ve been good on weight. I don’t struggle. I’m eating what I want. I ate breakfast this morning.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I can’t wait to go out there on Saturday night and show why I’m one of the best 154-pounders out there. I know that Cabrera is going to come ready to fight like I am and I hope people enjoy the show.

“I’m very happy with where I am in my career. I’m here on a great card ready to fight someone who is going to push me higher in the rankings if I get past him. I feel like everything is playing out how I wanted to and I just want to keep pushing it forward.

“I plan on putting on a great performance and then 2017 is going to be a huge year. I’m going to go right back to the gym after this fight. I love staying active and busy. I just always want to get better and stronger in the gym.

“I expect my opponent to come ready to fight. I expect every boxer to do that. He only has one loss and I plan on coming out victorious.

“Next year I’m looking for a world title shot. WBC, IBF, any of them. I’m coming for them.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is one of the best cards that I can remember — two evenly matched fights at the top of the card and really a great night from top to bottom.

“When you look at these two fights, you really have two events that could be main events anywhere. These four guys are really made for each other. It’s going to be a very entertaining night.

“Galen Center is a beautiful facility. It’s the newest indoor venue in Los Angeles and it’s perfect for boxing. It’s great to be here on the campus of USC.

“When you think about punchers, you think about Argentina. Jesus Cuellar is a guy who more often than not ends a fight with a knockout. He’s always ready to take on any challenge and ready to make a name for himself. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.

“A few times a year you just know that a fight is going to be a ‘Fight of the Year.’ This main event is one of those fights. You can bet the house that Cuellar vs. Mares is going to be a good fight. You want to be there to see what happens.

“Abner Mares is easily one of the most accomplished and exciting fighters to come out of Mexico in recent history. Here he is trying to reach for the stars again. You’ve seen how exciting he is. You also know that he is a great young man outside of the ring. It’s always very special for me to introduce Abner in particular.

“I was fortunate enough to know Jermall and Julian since early in their career. They are extremely talented fighters and their records prove that.

“Jermall Charlo is the kind of champion who doesn’t shy away from fighting anyone. He’s always ready and prepared and looking for the best challenges. These are the fights that turn champions into legends.

“Jermall and his brother are truly two great young men. They always carried themselves very well and you could always feel their hunger to be world champions. It’s really just the first step. The question is then where you take it. Can you become a superstar? That is what both brothers have in them.

“Jermall already has two title defenses and has come out successful. He continues to take on anyone and that’s just the kind of warrior he is.

“Julian is another truly exciting and gifted fighter who has been waiting for his opportunity for the world title. We often hear fighters say they’re hungry, but Julian defines that. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who was so ready for this. This is really an amazing matchup.

“Julian Williams hasn’t lost a round in his last 10 fights. I challenge you to find another guy in the sport who has performed like that. He’s been waiting for his opportunity and now it is here.

“This is the first time that I’m introducing Erickson Lubin and I hope it’s the first time of many. He has the flash and power in both hands, combined with the charisma to be a big star. Don’t miss his fight.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“In 2016 no other network has made a more significant contribution to the sport of boxing than SHOWTIME. Through Saturday we will have televised more than 22 world title fights. Overall, across our platforms we will have televised 68 total fights and we’re thrilled to be this committed to the sport.

“It’s not just quantity we’re delivering; we’re bringing the most significant matchups in the sport. This card is another example of it.

“This card starts an incredible run over the next five months. All of the fights we have coming up are top 10 versus top 10. These four guys here are top six in their division if you ask anybody. Some have them even higher. The fact that they’re willing to fight each other is great for this sport. This is a card we’re very proud of.

“The main event fighters have fought a combined 24 times on the SHOWTIME platforms. Jesus and Abner will be the fifth featherweight world title we’ve televised this year. This is an exciting time in the history of the featherweight division and we’re excited to bring it to you.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (December 7, 2016) – Four of the top trainers in the sport, Freddie Roach, Robert Garcia, Ronnie Shields and Stephen Edwards met with media in Los Angeles to discuss their fighters’ respective showdowns this Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center at USC and live on SHOWTIME®.

Saturday’s event is headlined by featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar defending against former three-division world champion Abner Mares in a long-awaited showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with junior middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top-rated challenger Julian Williams in a world championship battle of undefeated rising stars in their prime.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

Roach (Cuellar), Garcia (Mares), Shields (Charlo) and Edwards (Williams) spoke to media at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown about their fighters and the highly anticipated matchups taking place this weekend in Los Angeles.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

FREDDIE ROACH, Cuellar’s Trainer

How has your relationship with Cuellar developed?
“I’ve gotten to know Cuellar quite well and have spent a lot of time with him. I think he’s learned a lot and I think he’ll carry that into the fight with him. He’s prepared and he won’t go out there just trying to look for a knockout. He’s a good puncher and everybody thinks he’s looking for the KO, but I told him to just let it happen. If you force it, it will never happen.

“He’s going in there with a good opponent, an experienced fighter with a lot of good fights under his belt. He’s caught punches before and knows how to handle it. And if [Mares] moves, we’ll cut the ring off to make it smaller and set traps for him. If he tries to come forward, I want my guy to show his power either way and show him who the boss is.”

On Garcia having the upper hand by having trained Cuellar:
“I don’t really know how their relationship is and I don’t really know how long they’ve been together. I heard that during his training camps that he had gone to Florida for another trainer so I don’t know how great they’re really getting along but again, I don’t really worry about the other side so much. I know my guy is ready for a hard 12-round fight.

“He does know my fighter well and I’ve tried to improve my fighter a lot and he said he never learned anything over there, but every day he learns in my gym. I just don’t think he’s the same guy that Robert is used to seeing and I think he’s improved a lot in a lot of different areas and I think he’ll show it in the fight.”

What are you predicting for Cuellar?
“I’m predicting better angles, not so wide with the punches, not so big with them. He goes out there looking for knockouts so many times and I’ve told him to just let it happen. He needs to get behind his jab a little bit. He has a good jab but he just doesn’t throw it that much because he’s always looking for the home run. So, we’ve worked a lot on not only looking for the home run right away and going out there and breaking this guy down.”

What’s the game plan if Abner comes to box?
“I think he’s going to try to box us, yes, so we have to put pressure on him and we have to keep him close to the ropes. We have to set traps on the ropes and into the corners and we’re well prepared for that. We did prepare for [Mares] coming at us also, trying to maybe catch him early and I want Cuellar to show his power right away because I think if we can get him to box and move, he can’t win the fight by moving away.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“Cuellar is very strong and hits really hard. He has tremendous power. He’s very strong physically and mentally. He has that warrior mentality that just goes out there looking for the knockout.

“I don’t have the secret recipe. It’s just that I know Abner is in great shape and we’ve had a year to prepare for this fight. And I know Cuellar very well. I know how he thinks and that could be a plus. I think facing a guy I used to train can be an advantage for us.

“I know Jesus and how he is in locker room. And I can use that against him. Even though he’s with a great trainer in Freddie Roach, he has never walked out to the arena with him. I did it for five fights and for two years. But I don’t think I need those advantages.

“If Abner does everything that he needs to do, there’s no doubt he will walk out of there a world champion. But this is my first fight with him so I don’t know if during the fight he will forget all I told him, and do what he is used to doing. He’s picked up a lot of good things from me, so I think he’ll stick to the game plan.”

What has impressed you most about Abner this camp?
“For a full year training and having dates and then the dates being cancelled, postponed, changed. It’s been four dates. They were scheduled to fight in March, then June. Then we were supposed to fight in October and now December. He never showed any signs of frustration or being upset. He always thought like I think: Things happen for a reason and this just gives us more time to work together and to learn from each other. So, I think it was the best thing that happened.”

Did you always have aspirations of becoming a trainer?
“Never did. It’s funny how it happened. When I had my last fight at 26, my plans were to forget about boxing. I hated boxing. The last couple of fights I had I didn’t want to be in the ring. I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. But then I started to come around my Dad’s gym in Oxnard (Calif.). The thing that I loved the most was the travel — because I traveled around the world during the amateurs and the pros. My first three fights were in Japan. But we didn’t enjoy it. I was always trying to make weight. And I never got to enjoy it. But I never thought I’d be in this position to train nine world champions.

“I will have my 10th world champion, and I’m hoping it’s this Saturday. I’m very confident about it. One day I’ll have 15 or maybe 20, but that’s one thing I hate to do is predict it. But I do feel really good we can pull this one off.”

Who is your pick for Trainer of the Year?
“Manny Robles had two world champions and has two really good fighters. And Freddie Roach had a great year with Pacquiao. So, I think they would be good picks. I believe Manny Robles deserves it.”

Have you gotten the credit you are due?
“It’s mostly politics and who you know. Will I get it again? I really don’t care. My fighters are happy and my family is happy. I get the love from you reporters and the fans. And that’s all that’s important to me and my team.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer

“All I hear is Charlo is scared. Jermall isn’t scared to fight anyone. Why would a guy who is champion of the world be scared of fighting [Williams]?

“Jermall and Julian ran into each other a few times as amateurs, but not as professionals. I think they both realized they would meet in the ring and that it would happen.

“I’m not really surprised this fight happened this early in their careers, because both guys are great fighters. And they are both deserving to be at the top.”

On Charlo calling Williams an “undefeated nobody”:
“That’s just Jermall [laughing]. All fighters are confident in their ability, and he just feels like he’s the better guy. And I’m glad he feels that way, because I don’t have to do anything extra to motivate him. He’s highly motivated, and ready to go.”

How do you think this fight will end?
“I don’t look at the ends, I only look at the beginnings. If you go in looking to knock the guy out in the early rounds and don’t get it, what’s going to happen in the later rounds? I think I’ve got Jermall to the point where he can go 12 rounds with anyone. He doesn’t care who it is.”

What does Julian Williams do well?
“I think Julian does a lot of things well. You have to have the simple fundamentals in boxing, which I think carries a lot of fighters a long way. You have to have a good jab, combination of punches. And Jermall has the same thing. I think it will come down to who has the biggest will to win this fight. My guy has a huge will to win this fight.”

What is underrated about Jermall that fight fans might now know?
“I think that a lot of people don’t know how smart an individual he is. Outside of the ring, and inside of the ring. He’s so different than he appears in public. He’s a really quiet guy and does not really boast a lot.

“These days you see a lot of fighters using different guys, and not just the same guys [in terms of trainers]. I think a lot of fighters are trusting different people, and not just the same guy.

“I’ve known Jermall since he was eight-years-old and I know what type of guy he is, and what his will is. I just don’t see anybody beating him. He just has such a strong will to win, and he does everything right. And that’s hard to say about the other guy.”

“This could be Jermall’s last fight at 154 pounds. But he will make weight on Friday. If there was a chance he wasn’t going to make weight, I wouldn’t let him [fight at 154 pounds] because I realize it’s too dangerous, and I’m not going to take that chance with my guys.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ Trainer

“We were ready for this fight, maybe a year and a half ago but unfortunately it took a bit longer than we thought to come into fruition. But he’s had a great camp. I know Jermall is a formidable fighter, he has a great coach and I’m expecting a great fight. I think it’s really, really difficult to beat an undefeated fighter that does not know how to lose.

“We have a big task in front of us but he’ll be the third undefeated guy that Julian has fought. So, he’s used to being up under that kind of stress.”

On knowing Julian’s past life on the streets:
“I knew him but I wasn’t training him at the time. Ironically, I knew Julian in 2007 and I used to work at the shelter that he was at. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances I didn’t meet him until I was having a fight party for the Floyd Mayweather-Ricky Hatton fight and we became pretty good friends and then later I started training him in 2010. When he came to the party I knew who he was from attending some of his amateur fights and when he was ready to turn pro, he asked me for some help. We have a relationship outside of boxing and then I started working with him and here we are.”

Did he open up to you about his story shortly after you knew him?
“I kind of already knew it so it wasn’t a revelation. It kind of happened organically, you know, as you get to know somebody and you’re around them, I kind of started to learn different things about him and we started talking more about it. Actually, a lot of things came up through boxing because I would ask him ‘How do you not win Nationals as good as you are?’ I thought he was the best amateur in the city. I would say: ‘How long do you run?’ and ‘What kind of diet do you do?’ and he would say ‘I just lose weight by taking laxatives.’ I thought he was killing himself and that’s when I wanted to take him on in training. I said man, if he was 77-10 as an amateur taking laxatives to lose weight, he is ruining the lining of his stomach and decreasing his energy level too. So, I said to myself ‘this kid has a big upside.’

“If I could just get him to buy into a diet, buy into doing things the right way, he could be a world champion. I think that I believed that he was going to be a world champion before he did. That’s how the stories started to unravel about his homelessness, that he didn’t have anything to eat, that he would work at McDonalds and other places and that would be his diet.

“This is a national level fighter, ranked No. 3 in the country on a McDonald’s diet. So I always just kept in the back of my mind that he had an unbelievable upside and regardless of what was going on or what people were saying, I trust my eyes more than I trust anybody else’s and that’s what I believe.”

How much do you think his past goes into the way he fights?
“I definitely think that he has a hint of anger. He’s a little introverted and I’m very similar in certain things that we don’t talk about. Getting him ready for the Hugo Centeno fight when his mom passed away, we never talked about it. It’s the weirdest thing in the world. I hugged him, I told him I would help him with the funeral arrangements because he’s a young guy and he didn’t know how to handle those things.”

What can you say about Jermall?
“He’s not better than Julian at anything. I’m not trying to concede anything. He doesn’t punch harder, he’s not faster and you all can quote me when I say he’s not better than him at nothing. And determination. If it comes down to a point of who’s really willing to lose his life in the ring, I already know who’s willing to lose his life in the ring. But he’s not better at him at anything. Nothing. Not just determination, Julian is just the more skilled fighter and he has more on the inside and he’s going to show everyone on Saturday night.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Born and raised in the boxing-rich city of Philadelphia, Williams has proven throughout his rise up the 154-pound ranks that he can beat you with his brains as much as his brawn. How else do you explain the 26-year-old’s current streak of nine straight fights without so much as losing a single round?

More than just a skilled boxer, Williams is also a true student of the sweet science, both in and out of the ring. In fact, “J Rock” has such deep respect for his sport’s history that one gets the sense he’s spent as much time researching the legends of the game as he has how to perfect a three-punch combination.

Speaking of history, Julian Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs) will be looking to make some of his own December 10 when he challenges 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo at the Galen Center on the campus of USC in Los Angeles (SHOWTIME, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

During a recent break from training for his first world title fight, Williams chatted with us about the man he believes is the greatest fighter in history, the importance of the jab, his mad culinary skills and the top item on his bucket list (hint: He’s on the verge of crossing it off).

Do you have a boxing hero?

I respect Muhammad Ali as a modern hero in history for the things he stood for-not just for what did in boxing. To me, Ali’s boxing [accomplishments] are relative and a smaller part of his legacy compared to what stood for outside of the ring.

Muhammad Ali’s true greatness was represented by what he did for the world and the stands he took more than his fights.

Of all the boxers in history, who do you wish you could’ve fought, and how would the fight have played out?

I don’t want to give you a result, but I would say Sugar Ray Robinson, because in my opinion, he is the best fighter who ever lived. And I would want to see how I would stand up against the best fighter ever to wear a pair of gloves.

Sugar Ray Robinson had everything-great punch selection, the skills, the jab, the speed. He was a tremendous fighter. I’ve never seen anybody as good before or since.

This was during a time when guys were fighting with six-ounce horsehair gloves two or three times a month. They were doing that against the best competition. I mean, he would fight Jake LaMotta and Kid Gavilan in 15-round fights. They just don’t build men like that no more. It doesn’t happen.

Sugar Ray Robinson would bring out the best in me and give me a great gauge about how good I actually am. I would never disrespect Sugar Ray Robinson by saying I would beat him. I respect the legends. I would just like to see how good I would do against those types of guys.

Finish this sentence: If not for boxing, I would be …

… probably just finishing up college, paying back student loans and being miserable. I would probably be a major in business administration.

What’s the public’s biggest misconception about boxers?

That we’re all stupid.

What’s the hardest you’ve ever been hit, and how you did you deal with it?

You know what, I’m not trying to sound cocky or anything, but I don’t remember. I’ve had some tough fights, but I don’t really recall an opponent who has really hurt me like that.

It’s never been where I was like, “Oh my God, he punches so hard,” or “He hit me so hard, I couldn’t get myself together.” I’ve never experienced that. I’m not saying that it can’t happen; I’m just saying that it hasn’t happened.

Excluding yourself, who’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today?

It’s close, because I don’t think anyone has taken the lead for now. I would probably say Andre Ward, but at the same time he’s had so much time off.

You’ve got guys like Sergey Kovalev out there who have been dismantling everybody, and then you’ve got guys like Guillermo Rigondeaux who is probably the best fighter in the world, but he’s never gotten the opportunity to prove it on the big stage.

Then you’ve got Floyd Mayweather Jr., who I think is the clear-cut best fighter in the world when he’s active. But he’s retired.

It’s just hard to pick one. I couldn’t pick one. I would be able to pick one at the beginning of the next year.

What kind of food is the toughest to give up while training for a fight?

I like pasta and red meat. I don’t eat too much red meat when I’m training, because it’s too hard to cut. I like steak and lamb and pasta. I just like all pasta in general.

Speaking of training, what’s your favorite exercise?

I don’t really have any. I hate them all. I just do them because I have to do them.

What about a favorite punch to throw?

It depends on who I’m fighting, but I would definitely have to say the jab, because the jab sets everything up. That’s usually my range finder, and I can usually control the fight with the jab. I pretty much use it in every fight to good effect.

Do you have a favorite boxing movie?

Raging Bull. I liked Rocky, also. I mostly liked all of the Rocky movies.

Who is the one artist on your playlist that would surprise fight fans?

Teddy Pendergrass. I grew up with my mother and father liking his music.

Would you rather run over a linebacker or juke him out of his shoes?

That depends on who it is. If it’s [retired Baltimore Ravens legend] Ray Lewis, I would have to juke him. Because I don’t want to be hit by him.

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know that …

… I’m an amazing cook. I can cook a lot of things-pretty much anything.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Race relations. The world would be a better place if everybody didn’t see so much color.

What’s on your life’s bucket list?

I want to be a world champion, which I can accomplish in my next fight by beating Jermall Charlo. This is what I’ve been working so hard for my entire life.

I don’t have a bucket-list wish to go skydiving before it’s all over or go to Japan or anything. It’s simple: I’ve been working half of my life to become a world champion, and that’s the most important thing on my bucket list.

“12 Rounds With …” is published Wednesdays at PremierBoxingChampions.com
Next week: 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo.

LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2016) – Hard-hitting featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) is set to take on former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in a world title showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event on Saturday, December 10. The exciting doubleheader will be live on SHOWTIME from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGÒ event begins with super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) meeting top-ranked contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs) in a highly anticipated matchup of undefeated stars.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, October 28 at 3 p.m. PT and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

“This is the most important fight of my career as Mares is one of the best in this loaded featherweight division,” Cuellar said. “We had to wait very long for this fight to happen, but everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful that the time is almost here. I know that this fight will be a war. I’ve been working hard with Freddie Roach and I’m excited to show what I’ve learned and get my frustration of waiting off my chest. I am more motivated than ever to keep my title and prove who is the best in the division.”

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and win my fourth world title,” said Mares. “I’m 100 percent healthy and ready to go. I’m looking forward to showing that to my fans and the entire audience on December 10. Los Angeles is my town. This is a fight that I’ve wanted and I’m glad to be giving the fans a great show at the end of the year. Come watch me on December 10 and see what a warrior looks like.”

“Camp for me started a month after I defeated Austin Trout,” said Charlo. “From that point on, I’ve been in the gym working and I got my vision corrected, so I’m feeling great. I’m looking forward to putting my clearer vision to the test and I’m so prepared and ready for this fight. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s the best fighting the best. Julian brings an undefeated record to the table and I know he’s watched a lot of my past fights because we always knew we would fight one day. So who’s the best? We’ll find out, but I know I’m ready to rumble.”

“I’m excited to get my first title shot, but more than anything I’m just focused on winning,” said Williams. “Jermall Charlo is strong and fast, but I will be better than him on December 10. I’ve been waiting for this fight for the longest time and I know this will be a great night for the fans. I plan on giving them an exciting, explosive fight and most importantly a win.”

The action-packed doubleheader features two evenly matched showdowns as all four men, firmly in the top 10 in their division, will enter the ring believing that they will be the one leaving with a belt around their waist. Cuellar and Mares look for supremacy in a crowded featherweight division brimming with contenders while Charlo and Williams each look for a career-defining performance to boost their burgeoning profiles.

“I am elated to be promoting this great night of action for boxing fans around the world,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Both of these fights are 50-50 match ups with a lot on the line. These are fights that the fans want to see and pose challenges that these fighters are eager to face. They will have a great stage at the Galen Center at USC and on SHOWTIME to prove that they are amongst the best in the world. I couldn’t be coming back to the sport with a better fight card and I know that the real winner on December 10 will be the fans.”

“We’re very excited to present this highly anticipated featherweight world title fight between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “I’m thrilled to work with Richard Schaefer on the debut promotion of Ringstar Sports and look forward to many more world-class collaborative events. I also want to thank Stephen Espinoza and the SHOWTIME team along with the Galen Center staff for their help in making what will undoubtedly be an outstanding night of boxing.”

“These two world title fights exemplify what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has and will continue to deliver – true ‘pick-em’ fights between top-rated fighters in the prime of their career,,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Cuellar vs. Mares is arguably the toughest to predict of the five featherweight world championships we’ve presented this year. And in Charlo vs. Williams, our latest in a series of significant bouts at 154-pounds, we have a prime example of how great this sport can be. These are major fights between the top players in two of boxing’s deepest divisions.”

A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar isworking toward his 12th consecutive victory when he gets in the ring to defend his 126-pound title against Mares. His power in both hands has helped him deliver seven knockouts in his last 10 victories, including an eighth-round knockout of former world champion Vic Darchinyan in June 2015. The 29-year-old won his world title with a unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero in his U.S. debut in August 2013. He went on to defend his title against Rico Ramos, Juan Manuel Lopez and Ruben Tamayo.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif., Mares won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to capture the bantamweight crown. He continued to rise in the pound-for-pound list with victories over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight. The 30-year-old won three straight fights leading to a massive showdown with Leo Santa Cruz last August. Mares showed the same explosiveness that made him a multiple-division world champion in a thrilling “Fight of the Year” candidate which he lost by majority decision. The always-exciting Mares will enter the ring for the first time under the tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Garcia and strength coach Luis Garcia as he seeks to capture another world title.

Twin brother of fellow 154-pound world champion Jermell, Jermall Charlowill be making the third defense of the super welterweight crown he won last September with a dominant stoppage over Cornelius Bundrage. The 26-year-old is coming off of a career-best, hard-fought decision over crafty former world champion Austin Trout in May in Las Vegas. Training with Ronnie Shields in Houston, Charlo will look to silence Williams and stake his claim as the best in the division.

One of the most highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams, of Philadelphia, will be getting his first world title opportunity. The 26-year-old has dismantled opponents on his way to accumulating an unbeaten record. Williams solidified his status as a fast-rising star by defeating veterans Luciano Cuello and Arman Ovsepyan in addition to a shutout victory over contender Joey Hernandez in 2015. He earned his No. 1 ranking and title fight by stopping Italy’s Marcello Matano in the seventh round in March.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Promoter Richard Schafer will make his return to promoting as he will co-promote this December 10 championship doubleheader that will feature junior middleweight tittlist Jermall Charlo taking on Julian Williams, while featherweight Jesus Cuellar defends against Abner Mares at the Galen Center on the USC Campus, according to to Dan Rafael of espn.com

These are two 50-50 fights and they not only are stylistically great fights, but you can’t imagine either being a boring fight,” Schaefer said on Sunday night. “Both of them are important in their respective weight classes.”

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Schaefer said. “I’m happy to come back with an event like this. I’m excited to be putting [together] great events again. I like to create events, big cards, big events, stacked pay-per-views. Fight fans and fight freaks can look forward to more to come.

“I’m excited to have this kind of card for Ringstar and looking forward to co-promoting it with Tom Brown (of TGB Promotions). It’s my first time working with him on a card.”

“I wanted to make sure Abner is OK, and I sat down with him and his wife and wanted to hear directly from him that he was fit to fight,” Schaefer said. “I wanted to hear from his own mouth there is no issues with his eyes. But I think if you ask a fighter if they’re OK, more often than not they’ll tell you they are, so I also wanted to talk to his doctor.”

“I talked to him and he made it clear to me Abner is clear to fight,” Schaefer said. “I talked to fighter and the doctor and the commission and Abner is clear to fight, and not only clear to fight but safe to fight, so we made the fight. I’m very excited to see the fight because they are both entertainers, and I know they’ll give us a great show.”

Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs), 26, of Houston, whose twin brother Jermell also holds a 154-pound world title, will be making his third defense since winning it in September 2015.

Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs), 26, of Philadelphia, became the mandatory challenger by virtue of a seventh-round knockout of Italy’s Marcello Matano in a title eliminator in March.

“It’s a fight which has been asked for by fight fans,” Schaefer said. “It’s one of the best fights you can make in the division. I expect fireworks. Sometimes with mandatories you are stuck with a fight nobody wants to see, but in this case, it’s a fight everyone wants to see.”

“I wanted to do my first event as a meaningful event where it’s a great card to be proud of, and I really wanted it to be in Los Angeles,” he said. “When this card was shaping up, I threw my hat in the ring and talked to Al (Haymon, adviser to all four featured fighters). I said this is an event I’d like to be involved with, and that’s how it happened. I’m especially excited to be doing the card on the USC campus because that’s where two of my (three) boys go to college.”

PHILADELPHIA (MAY 31, 2016)–On May 21, three of the four world championships in the hot junior middleweight division were contested as Erislandy Lara defended his WBA title with a unanimous decision over Vanes Martirosyan; Jermall Charlo defended his IBF title with a unanimous decision over former champion Austin Trout and Jermell Charlo scored a come-from-behind stoppage over John Jackson to capture the WBC belt.

Sitting ringside was IBF number-one ranked contender, undefeated Julian “J Rock”Williams. Williams was a very interested observer and was interviewed on the SHOWTIME ® broadcast with his thoughts on the happenings of the evening.

“Jermell did his thing. I thought he was losing but Jermell has a clutch gene. He comes through in close fights. He knows what it’s like to be in tough. He’s doing well under Derrick James. He looked better on TV than he did live at the fight. He was losing but he was walking Jackson down. The sand was running out of the hour glass for Jackson. Jermell can punch better than his record indicates. And that style would be better for him because people always called him boring but it was nothing boring about the KO,” said Williams.

“Lara did what he always does. He boxed and moved and he won.”

” I honestly didn’t think Trout would last with Jermall. I was surprised at how competitive that fight was. Jermall has every advantage over Trout on paper but fights aren’t won on paper. Trout proved something. I was actually going to congratulate him but I heard him say to Jermall “smack J Rock for me”. I don’t know what’s up with these guys. He had a chance to fight me for a whole year and he asked another man to smack me. But that’s old news Trout is out of the picture.”

With that being, said the undefeated fighter from Philadelphia is focused in bring back the hardware back to the “City of Brotherly Love.”

“My focus is on Jermall Charlo. It’s going to be a great fight. I think he’s a heck of a fighter. This is legacy defining. This is a real number-one contender against a real champion. This is a real mandatory. This is like Bernard Hopkins having to defend against Jermain Taylor. Or Jermain Taylor having to defend against Kelly Pavlik. Or Felix Trinidad having to fight Oba Carr. This is a real fight and I’m excited. I’m excited to test my skills against one of the best young fighters in the game.

Even though, Williams was ringside, he just wanted to observe and take mental notes of the perspective future opponents.

“I didn’t get in the ring like Charles Hatley did because that’s not my style. Hatley is a talented fighter. I remember him from the amateurs but to each his own. Jermall and Jermell deserve respect and most importantly I know the difference between the two brothers. Hatley got in the ring with Jermall who has to fight me, instead of Jermell who has to fight him. That was Jermall’s moment to shine he had just won a tough fight. Everybody knows he has to fight me. There would be no need for me to get in the ring.”

Even though Williams has been avoided, the powers that be in boxing can not keep Williams from realizing his dreams, and that opportunity will be coming sooner rather than later.

“From my understanding we have to come to an agreement in June. I believe in the IBF. They seem to enforce their mandatory bouts. The IBF did not rank me number-one, not to have me fight for their belt. Jermall said making weight wasn’t that bad. He hired a chef. I know he’s prideful. He’s a champion. He feels he’s better than me, I feel I’m better than him. There is only one way to prove it. Let’s fight.”

I can’t get into details but I believe the fight will be in September as the co- main to a BIG card. I’m super excited to finally get this opportunity.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 6, 2016) – Julian Williams secured the IBF’s No. 1 position at 154 pounds and called out Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo after an impressive seventh-round TKO of Italian Marcello Matano Saturday on SHOWTIME from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa. VIDEO OF WILLIAMS CALLING OUT CHARLO: http://s.sho.com/1UJo5bp

The undefeated Philadelphia native put on a clinic, breaking down his opponent from the opening bell until referee Gary Rosato stepped in to protect a defenseless Matano (16-2, 5 KOs) at 2:24 of the seventh. Williams (23-0-1, 14 KOs) utilized a steady diet of combos, jabs and body shots in the middle rounds to weaken Matano and set up the big shots to close the show in the seventh. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1QzbBBb

Williams landed 59 percent of his power shots, including a staggering 76 percent in the deciding seventh.

“Maybe people will think they saw a chink in the armor tonight,” Williams said. “Maybe guys will come out from under the rock and get some of this West Philly work.

“Jermall has been watching my performances. Him and his brother know exactly who I am. He needs to fight or vacate now. He needs to step up, but he’s already laying his groundwork and making excuses.

“Step up and fight me. It’s two of the best junior middleweights in the world. It’s about greatness. I want to be great. All of you turkeys at 154 pounds, let’s fight.”

After the fight, Matano took issue with the stoppage.

“He was pretty fast with his jab, but I felt like I was just getting into the fight,” Matano said. “I felt the punch, but I felt like I could have kept going. I have a warrior heart and I never want to quit.

“I’m going to go back to Italy and take a little rest, then I’ll be right back in the gym. It was a wonderful experience coming here to America. I got to fight a top-echelon fighter and I feel like I belong.”

Avtandil Khurtsidze, a human brick wall barreling forward, upset previously unbeaten middleweight contender Antoine Douglas with a thoroughly dominating 10th-round TKO. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/21er63g

The 35-year-old “mini-Mike Tyson” plowed forward from the opening bell until the TKO at 0:33 of the 10th. The 6-foot Douglas had no answer for his 5-foot-4 opponent, a Brooklyn-based native of Georgia who is looking to become the first world champion from the former Soviet nation.

Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) hurt Douglas (19-1-1, 13 KOs) with a big left in the opening seconds of the third round, sending the 23-year-old face forward through the ropes. Somehow, Douglas recovered from the first knockdown of his career and fought himself back into the fight. The Washington, D.C., native rallied to win the fourth and the fifth rounds, and the all-action sixth could have gone either way.

Khurtsidze opened the seventh with a monstrous one-punch left to floor Douglas, who again somehow survived the round on failing legs as Khurtsidze threw over 100 total punches. Khurtsidze, who showed unbelievable stamina to push the pressure throughout, started the 10th with a relentless attack, forcing referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 0:33 of the with Douglas defenseless against the ropes.

“I knew he was going to get tired,” said Khurtsidze, who took the fight on less than three weeks notice. “I felt like I was going to catch him. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not strong.

“I knew he was going to be hungry. But I also knew that I was going to beat him. It was short notice but I did everything I could in the time we had. I stayed in the gym and stayed sharp.

“Whoever they put in front me, I’m ready for them. I love fighting. I’ll fight anybody.”

Douglas had entered the fight as a fast-rising 160-pounder on the cusp of a title shot.

“I feel OK,” Douglas told SHOWTME Sports analyst Steve Farhood after the fight. “He definitely dictated. He definitely had a better day today. It’s not discouraging, we just weren’t able to execute. Naturally, I’m crushed. It’s back to the drawing board.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, middleweight contender Tony Harrison looked impressive in a sixth round TKO over former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero.

Harrison (23-1, 19 KOs) was the aggressor from the outset, jabbing at range to set up his favorite weapon – a powerful right. The Detroit native floored Guerrero with a big right with 15 seconds to go in the second round. The southpaw got up, but looked hurt and was saved by the bell.

Guerrero (28-4, 20 KOs) had his moments in the fourth and fifth rounds after some heedful advice from his corner, but he couldn’t get inside to escape Harrison’s powerful right. It was a clean left hook midway through the sixth that ultimately finished Guerrero. After Harrison dropped Guerrero with the left, the Dominican Republic native beat the count but had no legs and went back to the canvas after four more consecutive shots from Harrison, forcing referee Gary Rosato to stop the bout at 1:56 of the sixth.

“I threw punches back and I finished the rounds stronger than him,” said Harrison, who landed 57 percent of his power shots. “I dominated the fight. My dad kept telling me to put the hook behind the right hand and if I had listened to him better I could have gotten the knockout much quicker.

“I was backing him up. My game plan was to take advantage of the fact that southpaws don’t fight well going backwards. I tried to just keep putting him back and discouraging him. I told everyone I was taking the fight to him. What’s not to like about me? I’m exciting.

“I want big fights, I want to go back to Detroit and I want the Willie Nelson rematch.”

Said Guerrero: “I wasn’t on today. He wasn’t faster than me, stronger than me or more skilled. I just locked up. I wasn’t listening to my corner, I didn’t do anything tonight.

“It just happens. Sometimes you have a bad day. Today was as bad as I could ever imagine.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board. I didn’t do what I was supposed to do. We trained so hard. He wasn’t as fast or strong as we thought he’d be. Today was a bad day for me to have a bad day.”

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