Follow all the action from Staples Center in Los Angeles as Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter, Jr meet in a Lightweight unification bout.  The action kicks off at 10 PM ET with a Junior Lightweight bout between Mario Barrios and Jose Roman.  Next up will be a battle of former Heavyweight world title challengers Luis Ortiz and Razvan Cojanu

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1 Easter coming out jabbing..Sharp jab from Garcia..Body from Easter..left..Right from Garcia..

Round 2 Easter works the body..Sharp Jab..another

Round 3 Right from Garcia..Jab from Easter..Good hook from Garcia..good right AND LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES EASTER..

Round 4 Jab from Garcia..Cuffing right..Left hook..Sharp Jab..Left to body and left to head..Easter lands a counter left.

Round 5 Right from Easter..Right to body..Jab..Left uppercut/Right from Garcia..Right uppercut on inside..Sharp jab from Easter

Round 6 Jab to body from Easter..Lead right.Jab..Lead left hook from Garcia..Combination…Right..

Round 7 Garcia lands a right…Jab from Easter..Good Jab and right from Garcia..Uppercut from Easter..Left hook from Garcia..

Round 8  Double jab and right from Easter..Counter jab..Garcia lands a left hook..Double left hook

Round 9 Combination from Garcia..Sharp jab..Good exchange..1-2 from Garcia..Counter from Easter..2 hard 1-2’s from Garcia..Lead left hook to the body..right to the body..Hard 1-2 backs Easter up..Big combination in the corner

Round 10 Garcia lands a body shot..Sharp jab..Hard left hook on the ropes..Combination to the head.

Round 11 1-2 from Garcia…Stiff jab from Easter..1-2 from Garcia..Hard 1-2..Lead right from Easter

Round 12 Counter left hook from Easter…1-2 from Garcia..Left hook from Easter..Good left from Garcia

116-111; 117-110; 118-109 FOR MIKEY GARCIA

Round 1 2 right hooks from Ortiz..Right to bidy..straight left..Body shot from Cojanu..Body shot from Ortiz

Round 2  BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES COJANU AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Right to body by Barrios..Good exchange..Barrios cut around the left eye..Double jab and counter left from Barrios..Nice left hook..Cut from a punch

Round 2 Roman lands an over hand right..Left from Barrios..Right to body..left ..Counter left..2 Jabs from Roman..1-2..Body from Barrios..Left from Roman

Round 3 Left hook from Roman..2 left hooks from Barrios….Nice Jab from Roman

Round 4 Barrios lands a right..2 lefts from Roman..Right uppercut lead..Body from Barrios..Counter from Roman..Rights rocks Roman…CoMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ROMAN..Body shot from Barrios…Big left

Round 5 Combination from Barrios..Sharp counter right..Body..Right to head

Round 6 Barrios working on inside

Round 7 Combination from Barrios..1-2 down the middle..Body and hard left hook..right cross

Round 8 Lead right from Barrios..COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ROMAN>.Hard right..Barrage of body punches..Nice sweeping left…..FIGHT STOPPED AFTER ROUND 8…BARRIOS WINS VIA TKO

LOS ANGELES –The future hasn’t arrived for Mikey Garcia. Not just yet. After all, the pound-for-pound contender has already been looking at all of its possibilities for several years.

 But a way to the mythical scale’s top pedestal appears to be one step closer today after his thorough victory over Robert Easter Jr. Saturday night in front of a roaring crowd of more than 12,500 at Staples Center.

 Garcia scored a knockdown, scored most of the points and then scored an intriguing look at what his future might be.

 It looked a lot like Errol Spence Jr.

 “I’m here for the biggest challenge,’’ Garcia said after the 1117-111, 117-110, 118-1110 scorecards confirmed what everybody in the arena and Showtime saw.

 Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) overwhelmed Easter (21-1, 14 KOs), who was knocked down by a perfectly executed right-left combination in the third round and was never able to consistently employ his advantages in reach and height. But Garcia, a lightweight with two belts (WBC and IBF), did it against a 135-pound fighter. Spence is two divisions heavier at 147. He might have more power than anybody at welterweight.

 “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence,’’ Garcia said.  “I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen.

 “I think it can be made.  I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

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

 Garcia said all of that while standing in the middle of the ring and looking up at Spence, whose face filled a video screen

 Minutes later, Spence left his ringside side and came to ringside to talk to the media.

 “Let’s make it happen,’’ Spence said. “It’s an easy fight to make. Showtime wants it.’’

 Everybody wants it. The sooner, the better.

 “This year,’’ Spence said. “Let’s do it in November.’’

 Sounds like the future.

Luis Ortiz says he is 39. Put an asterisk next to that age. Late comedian Jack Benny used to say he was 39. Benny was joking, too. But there’s no joke about Ortiz’ power. It has a young man’s edge.

That enduring Ortiz’ power finished Razvan Cojanu ruthlessly in a fast finish to a heavyweight fight, the last bout before Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter Jr. at Staples Center.

A right, then left from Ortiz (29-1, 35 KOs) dropped Cojanu flat onto the canvas late in the second round. Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs) tried to get up. But he stumbled around, like a toddler trying crawl across a water bed, finished at 2:13 of the second

San Antonio welterweight Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) opened the Showtime telecast with a lightning-fast right hand, a dimension that journeyman Jose Roman of Garden Grove, Calif., could neither elude nor withstand.

Roman (24-3-1, 16 KOs), down in the fourth and on his knees in the eighth, was out of options, energy and chances after eight rounds. That’s when his corner waved the white towel, signaling a timely end.

“I’m ready now,’’ the 23-year-old Barrios said of one more victory toward contending for a major title. “I feel good. Strong.’’

Argentine super-lightweight Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), who has more classic boxing skill than Marcos Maidana, displayed some fight-stopping power, dropping Russian Audrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs) with a quick combo for a seventh-round stoppage.

Super-featherweight Karlos Baldera (6-0, 5 KOs), a former Olympian from Santa Maria, Calif., fulfilled his credentials as a prospect, overwhelming Mexican Giovanni Caro (27-24-4, 21 KOs) of Mexico City in a fourth-round stoppage.

Lightweight Jerry Perez (8-0, 6 KOs) was a whirlwind of punches and power, leaving Aaron Hollis exhausted and finished in a second-round stoppage.

Southern California junior-flyweight  Lina Licona (2-0, 1 KO) scored four-round decision over Judith Hachbold (4-5) of Hungary.

Bantamweight Jose Balderas (4-0) followed brother Karlos’ victory with one of his own, scoring a first-round knockdown en route to a unanimous decision over Alfredo Chanez (6-6, 3 KOs) of Tijuana.

Atlanta light heavyweight Brandon Ganton (7-2, 6 KOs) was the Gracia-Easter card’s second winner and the first to score a stoppage, finishing Daniel Najera (7-3-1, 3 KOs) with a succession of punches at 1:35 of the third round.

Luis Coria (7-1, 4 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained featherweight from Moreno Valley, Calif., did it all, landing punches and scoring a knockdown over six one-sided rounds for a unanimous decision over Guadalupe Arroyo, a Mexican who had a 13^th reason to retire added to his 3-13 record.

One big punch from Filipino lightweight Ray Perez (23-11, 7 KOs) landed like an exclamation point and woke up a gathering crowd from the slumber of having to sit through seven dull, slogging rounds. Perez landed it — a long looping hook — for a stoppage of Robert Marroquin (27-5-1, 20 KOs) of Dallas at 1:03 of the eighth.

Empty seats, more echoes than cheers and more fighters on a 13-bout card than fans were there for first bell Saturday at show that would end hours later in the Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter lightweight title fight.

Junior-welterweight Wesley Diana (6-0, 5 KOs), a Fernando Vargas-trained Puerto Rican living Forida, scored first and often, claiming the card’s first win – a unanimous decision over Envicil Dixon (7-21-1, 2 KOs) of Lancaster, PA.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LOS ANGELES – Add words to the advantages that a taller, longer Robert Easter Jr. has over Mikey Garcia.

At least, Easter had them all Friday at the formal weigh-in for the lightweight title unification fight against the favored Garcia Saturday in at Staples Center.

Easter (21-0, 14 KOs) was quick to step up to the microphone and even quicker with talk that suggested an upset was on the horizon after each fighter made weight in front of lively crowd at Staples.

Easter was at 134 pounds, one pound less than Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), who was right at the limit, 135, for the Showtime-televised bout (7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. EST). A single pound appeared to be the only thing Easter gave up. He was an inch-and-a-half taller, six inches longer in reach and decibels noisier.

Throughout the ritual nose-to-nose pose after they stepped off the scale, Easter looked at — and down – at Garcia, talking all the time.

“I just told him that the time has come to fight,’’ said Easter, a Toledo lightweight who holds the International Boxing Federation’s version of the title. “This is a fight to determine who is the best, the best for real.’’

Throughout the long and somewhat tense pose, an unblinking Garcia, a consensus top five pound-for-pound pick, looked up and into Easter’s flashing eyes.

By the time Easter was done talking, Garcia was off the stage and gone without uttering a single word. He let his fans do his talking.

“Mikey, Mikey,’’ they chanted, leaving echoes in what was sure to be heard throughout Staples Saturday night.

The non-televised portion of the card is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Including the Showtime telecast, the card is scheduled for 15 bouts

WBC & IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds

Mikey Garcia – 135 lbs.

Robert Easter Jr. – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (N.J.), Edward Hernandez Sr. (Calif.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

HEAVYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds

Luis Ortiz – 241 lbs.

Razvan Cujanu – 269 lbs.

Referee Jerry Cantu (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Mario Barrios – 141 ½ lbs.

Jose Roman – 142 lbs.

Referee Gerard White (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

FLASH QUOTES

Mikey Garcia

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

Robert Easter Jr.

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

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

Luis Ortiz

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

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

Razvan Cojanu

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

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

Mario Barrios

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

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

Jose Roman

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LOS ANGELES – Mikey Garcia has gone to school in law enforcement. He’s gone to school to learn how to drive race cars. He’s always a student of one pursuit

or another. The learning never ceases, not even in in the craft he has mastered with a fundamental proficiency few ever attention.

A pound-for-pound contender is the equivalent of a boxing PhD. Garcia, a consensus top five in the pound-for-pound debate, is a master of the brutal art, yet he’s still the student seeking to learn more. Do more.

In part, it’s that student in Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs) that helps explain his lightweight unification fight against Robert Easter Jr Saturday night in a Showtime-televised bout (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) at Staples Center. It’s the next lesson plan in a career — a life — full of them.

“I’m looking for answers,’’ said Garcia, the World Boxing Council champion who hopes to add Easter’s International Boxing Federation version of the title to his collection.

Another belt is like another degree for the decorated Garcia, a already a multi-division champion. Only an undisputed claim on the mythical pound-for-pound crown appears to be missing on Garcia’s resume. The question is how to get it. It’s about politics and punches, timing and tactics. It’s also about finding the right fit, the right weight and the right opponent in a three-way race to the top with Terence Crawford and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

In considering options that might pave Garcia’s way to the top of the pound-for-pound debate, Garcia has looked up and down the scale. Of late, his search has taken him to a challenge of emerging welterweight Errol Spence Jr That might be a pound or several too far for Garcia, who appears to be at his very best at junior-welterweight.

Still, it’s a question and a very good reason for Garcia to fight Easter, whose lanky dimensions are an unusual for his 135-pound weight class. He’s both taller and has a longer reach than Spence. Translation: This is a bout that should provide a few answers and challenges for Garcia.

There’s’ more to Easter than an unbeaten record (21-0, 14 KOs). There unusual height and reach. He’s a lightweight with a welterweight’s tale of the tape. Easter is 1 ½ inches taller than Spence. More important, Easter’s reach, 76 inches, is four inches longer than Spence’s.

“We’ve prepared for it,’’ Garcia said. “Easter’s reach is the key.’’

Key to a fight. And maybe a career.

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

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

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

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

MIKEY GARCIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROBERT EASTER JR.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother and Trainer

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

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

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

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Easter’s Co-Trainer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUIS ORTIZ

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

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

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

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

RAZVAN COJANU

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

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

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

MARIO BARRIOS

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

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

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

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

JOSE ROMAN

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

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

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

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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

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

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

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

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

ROBERT EASTER JR.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUIS ORTIZ

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

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

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

RAZVAN COJANU

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

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

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

MARIO BARRIOS

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

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

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

JOSE ROMAN

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

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

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

KARLOS BALDERAS

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

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

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW YORK (July 23, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports will provide live streaming of undercard fights and analysis on the network’s social platforms in advance of this Saturday’s Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. Lightweight World Championship Unification. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, the fifth digital presentation of live boxing in 2018, will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT preceding the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The social media offering will include a 10-round bout featuring undefeated super lightweight prospect Fabian Maidana, the brother of former champion Marcos Maidana, as well as special guests breaking down the highly anticipated unification fight from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. This is the third consecutive year that SHOWTIME has delivered free live streams of boxing, an industry-leading offering available to all consumers with internet access.

Former three-division champion Abner Mares will join boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix as they call the fights from ringside in Los Angeles and preview that evening’s three-fight telecast.

Maidana (15-0, 11 KOs), the younger brother of former two-division world champion Marcos Maidana, will face his toughest professional test in former world title challenger Andrey Klimov (20-4, 10 KOs). The 26-year-old Maidana, of Argentina, is looking to continue his rise from prospect to contender. Also on the live stream, 2016 U.S. Olympian and unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (5-0, 4 KOs) will appear in a six-round super featherweight bout against an opponent to be announced.

In addition to Garcia vs. Easter, the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast features the return of Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz against former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios taking on Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

YouTube Link: https://s.sho.com/2NAa5Rx

YouTube Embed Code:

NOTE: SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN will be geo-blocked for U.S. users only.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Richard Schaefer
Thank you very much and thank you to all the media members and the fighters for being available today on this call. I’m really happy to talk a little bit about this upcoming fight. Clearly this is the fight of the summer. Probably going to be a Fight of the Year candidate. It’s one of those can’t miss fights and whenever you have champion versus champion, undefeated versus undefeated, you know that the fight fans are in for a special treat.

Mikey Garcia versus Robert Easter Jr. for the Unified Lightweight Championship of the World, two fighters in their prime challenging themselves for greatness. Premier Boxing Champions presents this fight, a truly premier event from the premier venue in the United States, the STAPLES Center, Saturday July 28th. It seems whenever you have a fight at the STAPLES Center they always exceed – not only live up to, but exceed their expectations. The STAPLES Center is the kind of venue with the way it’s built and the way the crowds are embracing their fighters there in the center ring, it always brings out the best of the athletes performing at the STAPLES Center.

It’s a 15-fight card and yes you heard right: 15 fights are on the card. I don’t really remember ever having promoted a card with that many fights and the good news is it’s not just like a pileup of fights. It really is a great card top to bottom. As part of the tripleheader on SHOWTIME, we are going to have one of the best heavyweights, Luis “King Kong” Ortiz on the card and we have one of the most exciting young junior welterweights in Mario Barrios. He’s undefeated with 21 wins, 13 KOs from San Antonio. We will have him on the card as well.

Also Fabian Maidana, Marcos Maidana’s brother, who is quickly make a name for himself. He’s 15-0 now with 11 KOs so make sure you keep an eye on him as well. And then the most talked about elite prospect from the U.S. from the Olympics – Rio Olympics in 2016 Karlos Balderas will be returning to the STAPLES Center as well. He’s 5-0 now.

Tickets for this boxing extravaganza and that’s what it really is, are starting at $50. We do anticipate a huge crowd at STAPLES Center. We saw that with the last fight we did there with Mares and Santa Cruz. Huge lines formed the day of the fight, people buying tickets last minute. So if you do intend to go I would suggest that fans do go and buy their tickets now.

I want to thank the man who made it all possible, who’s passionate about the sport, passionate about the fighters he advises and manages and that is of course Al Haymon. I would like to thank the entire Haymon team. It’s always a pleasure to work with them. And then of course I like to thank our co-promoter, the President and of TGB Promotions Tom Brown.

Now for those who can’t make it to STAPLES Center of course the fight will be shown live on the number one boxing destination and that is SHOWTIME. SHOWTIME clearly is number one and no one out there comes even close. Their continued commitment to the sport, with the best fighting the best, champion versus champion and in this case here a unification fight, a stacked card and the man who makes that possible is a good friend of mine and he is first and foremost a boxing fan himself and he is of course President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc. Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much Richard. Appreciate that introduction. This fight which we are all very excited about, champion versus champion, will be the third world title unification fight on SHOWTIME just this year. We’ve spent the last two or three years trying to ramp up and position things so that 2018 and maybe ’19 will be periods in which we will see these kinds of unifications. So we’ve done all the work, the fighters have done the hardest part and I’d like to recognize both Mikey and Robert Easter Jr. for taking this fight and taking this fight with no delay.

There is a long history of exciting lightweight unification fights on SHOWTIME. In fact, the last lightweight unification fight on SHOWTIME was of course Corrales versus Castillo in 2005. So those are big shoes to fill but I think there’s a tremendous matchup with two very skilled fighters.

Both Garcia and Easter are coming off victories in world title fights on SHOWTIME, Mikey defeating Sergey Lipinets for the 140 title and Easter making the third defense of his title versus Javier Fortuna. Mikey Garcia since coming back from his layoff has quickly risen to a top five pound-for-pound consensus fighter. In four fights on SHOWTIME since returning he’s won world titles in two different divisions.

The one thing that speaks well about Mikey among many things is that he seeks out the biggest and toughest fights. We’ve seen that over and over again. In this particular case no one’s rushing to fight Robert Easter Jr. He’s a tall, athletic and skilled fighter and no one really is anxious to fight him other than Mikey, who didn’t hesitate at all. This is Mikey’s first fight in Southern California in seven years. Last time he fought here was 2011. I know, having discussed it with Mikey, that it was important to him and he’s going to put on a good show for the crowd.

Robert Easter Jr. is in fact the longest current reigning champion at135 pounds, who won his title in 2016. He has rare physical gifts, 5-foot-11, 76-inch reach. That gives him a big height and reach advantage over Mikey and part of what makes this an intriguing matchup. You add in Luis Ortiz and two really interesting young super lightweights in Mario Barrios and Jose Roman, and we’ve got a really exciting triple-header on SHOWTIME.

R. Schaefer
Thank you very much Stephen. It’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you Team Easter. Robert has been waiting for a moment like this, a world champion, undefeated, and a big-time fighter. A champion like Robert Easter Jr., they like to challenge themselves against the best. And when the fight was offered to him against Mikey Garcia, he didn’t hesitate a second. He said where do I sign? In fact, he’s been looking for this fight because he knows in order to become the best and the biggest you need to fight the best and the biggest.

He’s undefeated, a huge crowd attraction in Toledo, Ohio. With Kevin Cunningham he has a world class trainer in his corner. I’d like to acknowledge Kevin as well as Robert’s father, Mr. Robert Easter, Sr. Kevin certainly knows how to train and he knows how to get the best out of world champions. He is a very smart trainer and he knows how to come up with the right game plans to win fights.

And as it relates to Robert Easter Jr., when he lands next week here in Los Angeles let there be no doubt about it: he’s not coming here to deliver a belt. He’s coming here to pick up another one. And it’s a pleasure for me now to introduce to you the undefeated lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr.

Robert Easter Jr.
Camp has been really good. We had a long camp, nine-plus weeks and just staying focused and staying sharp and everybody in has been waiting for this fight and this moment for a long time. I believe this fight is what boxing deserves, champion versus champion. I’m no stranger to tough fights. This is going to define my career and make the best out of me, fighting another best great fighter.

This fight with Mikey Garcia is one of the big fights that I’ve been waiting on for so long and it’s finally here. July 28th and we’ll see one of the best you’ve ever seen. I’m going to bring in plenty of skills thanks to my coach Robert Easter, Sr. and Coach Kevin Cunningham. We’ve made adjustments and changes in my game and everything is coming out perfect. July 28th you will see me with two belts.

Q
Given your fights against Javier Fortuna and Richard Commey would you call this fight against Mikey by far the biggest of your career given the stakes?

R. Easter
Yes of course, I look at every fight like it’s big. Of course with this one being another champion it is even bigger. So we train hard for every fight and we look at every opponent the same. We don’t just favor just one opponent. I step in there I step in the ring with my life on the line.

Q
What advantages do you feel you have over Mikey that will enable you to beat him on July 28th?

R. Easter
My height and my speed and my power. My ability to box will keep him away and eventually I’ll be able to finish get off the power punches I want.

Q
Robert how do you feel that you fought in your fight against Javier Fortuna? What did you like about your performance and what did you dislike about it?

R. Easter
I believe I fought that fight wrong and made it tougher on myself. Instead of using my reach and my ability to box, I sort of smothered my punches. But when I fight I move on from it, we learned from it as well as every fight.

Q
Was that the fight that really convinced you to go with Kevin after what happened in that fight?

R. Easter
No. What convinced me to go to Kevin is, to just switch it up, make things less comfortable for me. I was too comfortable in Toledo having things my way, doing things my way and just around too many distractions.

Q
Kevin also can you assess how Robert fought against Javier Fortuna and what you thought about his performance in that fight?

Kevin Cunningham
Well I thought after watching the fight I thought the fight could’ve been a lot easier for Robert just if he had used his natural gifts in terms of the height and reach and control and range and distance. Like he explained, he knows the mistakes that he was making in the fight. He was not using his range properly, not controlling distance and then smothering his punches by fighting in a little too close and giving up his height and things of that nature.

Robert understands what he needs to do to, the adjustments that he needs to make. He’s got the ability and the skill to pick it up going back, pick it up. He’s really looking sharp and I just think that he’s really going to put on a show come July 28.

Q
I know you are friends with Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis and everything. So I was just wondering if perhaps on the night of April 21, when both of those fighters had their debut bouts with Kevin in their corner, was there anything specifically that you saw in those performances for both of those guys that convinced you that maybe Cunningham was the move for you for this type of fight?

R. Easter
I saw the focus and the shape those guys were in. Plus, every step of the way I was calling Adrien. I was on the phone with him throughout the camp. And I was seeing videos and he was telling me things they were doing.

I’m pretty familiar with Coach Cunningham anyway, growing up and I’d see him in the amateurs and of course in the pros. Plus he from the Midwest so it was like family. So he welcomed me in with open arms, and there you have it. I’m here at camp with him and we cooking up something for July 28.

Q
Did you watch the kind of exchanges that Broner and Cunningham had in the corner and is that something that you think could be beneficial on July 28?

R. Easter
Of course. That’s a big reason why I made this move to come down here and be in Coach Cunningham’s program. Like I said, being back at home, I had a lot of distractions and my mind was everywhere and I couldn’t focus just on boxing. So whenever I was in the ring, I was never sticking to a game plan.

So making that move with Coach Cunningham, he made me focus on our game plan and nothing but our game plan. That’s all I’ve been focused on, is boxing, period. Being away from home and all the distractions, all I can think about is boxing.

Q
Coach Cunningham, the influx of these world-class guys coming down to Florida to work with you, what has that meant to you professionally?

K. Cunningham
Well, I appreciate the fact that a lot of these guys appreciate me really giving them 110% if they make the decision to come to my camp. So, we kind of reciprocate the appreciation with each other. It’s all work and no play down here. It’s just a tremendous situation for these guys.

Any time you come and put the work in, like Robert for instance, his camp will be, weeks when it’s over and he left no stone unturned. He sacrificed everything. He did everything that was asked of him. And he’s a talented guy. He’s naturally talented. We have a tremendous game plan. He’s been a pleasure to work with.

R. Schaefer
Excellent. Thank you very much. I want to thank Robert and Kevin, Team Easter for being on the call and making themselves available. I know we are in the final days of training and I know you’re going to be traveling out here soon to Los Angeles. Looking forward to seeing you all and welcoming you to STAPLES Center for this big unification bout. So good luck and I’ll see you guys next week.

So let’s move right along. It’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you Team Garcia now. We have pound-for-pound trainer Robert Garcia on the line and we have the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Mikey Garcia on the line. Both will be available to answer questions.

Mikey’s an athlete who keeps challenging himself to fight the best. He seeks out the most challenging and biggest challenges. And in this fight here, I mean biggest as well, literally. With Robert Easter, Mikey will face a fighter who possesses skills and power and is obviously naturally gifted with his height and reach advantage.

But Mikey is a four-division world champion. He’s moving up and down these weight classes as if they don’t exist, always finding a way to solve the most difficult and most challenging puzzles. In fact, he’s only the third fighter in modern history to be a champion, a world champion, at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds. And I have that sneaky feeling that he’s not done yet.

He’s a man who is driven to make history. This is Mikey’s first unification bout. It’s Mikey’s first fight in Los Angeles for I believe seven years. And he knows where he is going to perform on Saturday night and it is a building which is reserved for the biggest stars in sports and in music, and that’s the STAPLES Center. I know that Mikey will be ready for this challenge, for any challenge.

It’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you the undefeated superstar, the undefeated world champion and the undefeated pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the world, Miguel Angel “Mikey” Garcia.

Mikey Garcia
Well, you know, camp is winding down now but camp went very well. We had a nine-week camp and great sparring, greater number of rounds. I’m excited for the fight. I’m very happy that we happened to land a unification match. It’s big fight for me in my career.

I’m happy it could land it here in L.A. It’s even more wonderful. I get to experience this fight with my local supporters. And so I couldn’t ask for anything else. I think everything is going very well and I’m just very happy.

Q
From what you’ve seen of Robert Easter Jr., what does he bring to the table? And what are you going to have to be most watchful for?

M. Garcia
Well, I’ve seen him on several occasions and he’s a fighter. He’s had some tough fights and I think he’s had those tough fights because he allows it to get tough for himself. Because he’s a fighter, he likes to fight. He likes to exchange punches and gives up the height and reach advantage at times. But he’s always in the fight. He’s always punching. He’s dangerous. He has power.

I think he might actually use his height and reach early on. So that’s something I have to be aware of. I have to be prepared. And that’s what we did in the gym. We worked on a lot of things to overcome those height and reach advantages. But I’ll make those adjustments. I have experience fighting a lot of different opponents, different styles, different heights. I’d say I’ll be prepared to do whatever it takes to win on the night of the 28th.

Q
Hey, Richard, just really quick. How are the ticket sales going for this event?

R. Schaefer
Tickets are going excellent. Actually, some of the price categories, we’re sold out and we’re having a meeting this afternoon with the STAPLES people to see if we can open up some more. So I do anticipate a very big crowd, a fantastic crowd. The fight fans are here in L.A. They love a great fight. They love a big fight and they’re going to show up.

With Mikey Garcia, they have somebody who’s a local guy, who they can cheer on and who they can support. With Mikey Garcia, they have a pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world and he’s coming from right here, from Los Angeles. So fans will show up.

Q
Mikey it’s your first time back at 135 for the last couple of fights, how’s your body reacting to it? Are you feeling comfortable getting back at the weight?

M. Garcia
Yes, I’m comfortable. We had, like I said, a long camp with nine weeks. And the right eating, the right diet allows me to be able to fluctuate in weight and come back down to 135. I feel strong. I feel fast. I feel very healthy.

Q
You’ve fought at lightweight and super lightweight. Which division do you feel more comfortable in? Or does it matter to you at this point?

M. Garcia
Well, I feel comfortable at both divisions. I feel fast and strong in either division. But I do feel that I’m at a disadvantage when I’m fighting at super lightweight, 140 pounds. Those guys are naturally bigger and carry more weight. But I feel the same as far as my abilities go. And that’s why I’m able to fight in both divisions because I feel fast and strong in either one.

Fighting at lightweight, I think it’s more of an even category, weight class. Even though my opponent this time around is a lot taller and has a lot of reach, we weigh the same. I don’t feel that that’s going to be any factor, when it comes to fight night. But I feel comfortable really. I honestly do feel comfortable in both divisions.

Q
Looking at Robert’s length and his reach, Javier Fortuna found a lot of interesting ways to get inside of him. I’m wondering, did you study that fight? And did you pick anything up that Javier Fortuna did that you could capitalize on?

M. Garcia
Well, I’ve seen the fight. And believe it or not, Javier Fortuna has a weird, awkward style that makes everybody have problems. He’ll give problems to anybody no matter height or reach. Javier Fortuna is tricky, experienced, a former champion. Robert Easter Jr., sometimes gives up those height and reach advantages on his own because he’s a fighter, because he likes to fight and exchange punches and looks for a knockout. And that’s part of the reason why Fortuna had some success in a really difficult fight. But overall, I still felt that Robert won and did enough to win that fight.

Q
Given the stakes of his fight, does the fact that you’re fighting in Los Angeles make the fight even more special than your previous ones?

M. Garcia
Well, it’s a big fight for me. I’ll be unifying titles at lightweight so that’s a big accomplishment and it does make it more special because it’s here in LA, in Southern California, my home. I get a chance to give my local fans and people a chance to support me and an opportunity to see me live for the first time in seven years. I’ve been fighting in Texas and New York and out of other states.

So, it’s very special for me to be here. I know I have a lot of family, a lot of support, a lot of fans out here in France who sometimes can make the trips out and this time they’re definitely going to be here so that makes it a little more special.

Q
I know there’s been some chatter about you potentially moving up in weight again or looking at other big fights, does it become tough at times to not look ahead of your current fight or is it you just not pay mind to that kind of talk and chatter?

M. Garcia
Well, I will discuss anything — any options available, any name that’s being mentioned, I have no problem with. It doesn’t distract me from my opponent in front of me. Robert Easter Jr. is a tough fighter who I have to take very seriously and I do and that’s why we did a nine-week training camp and got the great sparring, got the right training, the right diet–everything.

But speaking about other opponents, other fighters in the possible future doesn’t affect me at all, , I’m willing to speak and discuss anything with anybody.

Q
Richard, are you expecting attendance number around the last fight at STAPLES Center? A lot higher? Lower?

R. Schaefer
No, I expect an attendance number around that ballpark, maybe even more. When I started working with Mikey, one of our goals was to really start making the STAPLES Center at least once a year, the home for Mikey Garcia.

Before that, before that fight we did with Mares and Santa Cruz, it has been quite a while before STAPLES Center had a fight card. But to be able to make STAPLES Center your home was one of the goals and Mikey’s a very ambitious guy and he set many other goals which, I’m sure, at due course he will discuss with you guys. But, you know, to fight in STAPLES Center is a big thing and Mikey’s the right guy and he will be the king – the king of LA and the king of boxing and to pound-for-pound king and all of those kings, you watch and see.

Q
Do you consider this a chance to really to make your statement that you are, indeed, not only the king of the lightweight division but also pound-for-pound?

M. Garcia
So, I always have believed I’m the best and that’s why I’m taking on these fights to prove to everybody that there’s no one else better than me, there’s no one else equal to me and these are the fights that excite me the most and will cement my name.

Q
How important is it to fight an undefeated fighter like Easter?

M. Garcia
I’m looking for the most attractive fights, most important fights for me in my career and I want fights just like this, undefeated champions. I’m fighting champion after champion, those are the fights that will excite me the most and motivate me the most.

I could easily be defending my title against top contenders in the top ten, but if they haven’t been champions or their record’s not perfect, it doesn’t really excite me, it doesn’t motivate me. But that’s why I’m facing guys like Dejan Zlaticanin, Sergey Lipinets — undefeated champions. These are fights that really motivate me and excite me because in the end, I want to leave my name cemented in the history books of boxing.

Q
I saw that you were at the ESPY’s yesterday, and you were there, it’s across the street from STAPLES Center, did you have any thoughts about your fight when you were leaving and taking a look at the arena? Did you think about your fight? Or did you tell people anything about it?

M. Garcia
Well, I was just excited to be there and I’m looking forward to next week when I come back and fight in front of all my local fans. It’s exciting to be there at the red carpet, meeting all these athletes and just being around that atmosphere is great at the ESPY’s. But my task next week is most important and that’s what I’m looking forward to.

Q
When you were an amateur boxer and you were fighting in the Golden Gloves, like right there in the Lincoln Park, did you ever have dreams of fighting at STAPLES Center?

M. Garcia
Well, I remember going to STAPLES Center to watch some of the fights there and it’s always just nice to be in that arena and I’ve seen some of the fights there and I also would, obviously, have the dream to one day be there. I remember going to some concerts there and I’ve seen Jay-Z there and to go to the arena and I’m like, wow, one day I’m going to be there and I’m going to be fighting here and now I get to do that and experience it this week, so I’m very excited for it.

It’s been a goal ever since I started, fighting title fights and were never allowed and never had the opportunity to fight at STAPLES. It’s what I wanted to do and now I get to do it, so that’s what’s making this that much more special.

Q
Robert, do you think that Mikey’s gotten the credit for what he’s done? Do you think he’s gotten the proper recognition so far?

R. Garcia
I think so, as of now, I think he does. Particularly people who know the talents and the skills that he has and he does get a lot of credit for what he’s accomplished.

Q
Robert, what do you think of the challenge that Easter presents for Mikey next week?

R. Garcia
Easter is a typical fighter. He does have a five-inch height advantage and eight-inch reach advantage, so that’s a big difference so I’m sure he’s training and getting ready to use that advantage. So we’re doing the opposite, we’re training to beat him to that and it’s just going to make a great fight and all the fans are going to enjoy a great fight, the boxing world and people watching on SHOWTIME are going to enjoy a hell of a fight.

Q
How do you look at Easter having Kevin Cunningham as his new trainer for this fight?

R. Garcia
Kevin is a great trainer, he’s one of the best in the business right now and I’m sure he’s doing a great job in training camp and I can’t wait to see what kind of game plan they move with because I know he’s really good at that and he always brings the best out of the fighters. So I am excited to be part of it and I’m excited for the challenge.

Q
How has it been for you working with a guy in your first fight with them?

R. Garcia
Well, look, sometimes depends on who the fighter is, you know? A lot of times, I don’t know if that’s the case with Cunningham and Robert but some fighters, sometimes they just need a new voice, they just need somebody to call the shots like we say. They get too comfortable with the trainers, they start calling the shots, they start saying when they want to train, who they want to train with and where they want to train. I think it’s definitely going to benefit Robert Easter Jr and if that’s the case with him, I know Cunningham is very strict with his work and does a great job.

Q
Mikey, how much of a difference do you expect to see in Easter now that he’s working with Kevin Cunningham in this fight?

M. Garcia
Sometimes it just takes another person, another voice, to get the fighter to use what he needs to do. I think he’s going to try to use his reach and height advantage. I think they’re going to try to use that most of the night but that’s part of the fight, that’s part of the game and I have to make those adjustments to overcome that and find other ways to get to him. I think he’s going to be very motivated and probably in the best shape ever; he knows what’s at stake, he knows it’s a huge fight. It’s the biggest fight of his career as well so I’m expecting the best Robert Easter Jr. ever.

Q
Mikey, how much do you expect him to be able to resist what you’ve mentioned earlier, that he gives away his height and his reach but because he’s so willing to get in there and fight, do you expect him to revert back to that or you expect him to be able to use his height and reach a little bit better then in this fight?

M. Garcia
I think he’s going to use this height and reach a little bit more. I think that somewhere down in the middle of fight, maybe, midway in the fight, if things start getting heated, he might start to exchange with me on occasions but I think that’s where the trainer will come in. Cunningham will come in and remind him to stay away and use the reach and height again. It’s just part of being a good trainer, a good coach and reminding your fighter to stay in your game plan but I think there’s going to be moments where we are going to get in exchanges because that’s just who he is as a fighter.

R. Schaefer
Excellent, thank you. Well we heard from Robert Easter Jr, we heard from Mikey Garcia, I think what’s very clear, even more so today after this call, that both are ready, both are motivated and both wants that other belt.

On Saturday, July 28, right here at STAPLES Center, we will see the biggest fight of the summer, one of the biggest fight of the year, the unification between Mikey Garcia versus Robert Easter so hope to see you all there. We’re going to have some exciting things planned for next week, as well.

On Wednesday we’re going to have some media workouts here in Los Angeles. On Thursday, it’s going to be the final press conference at the Congo Room in L.A. Live and then on Friday, of course, the weigh-in, at STAPLES Center and open to the public. Then on Saturday, at 3:00, the STAPLES Center doors will open for this fantastic 15 card fight-night in Los Angeles so make sure you tell all your writers this is truly the biggest card I can remember, maybe the biggest Los Angeles has ever seen with 15 fights and I’m so excited, can’t wait and see you all. Thank you.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Terence Crawford’s pound-for-pound campaign got a strong endorsement Wednesday night in downtown Los Angeles with an ESPY for best fighter.

Mikey Garcia was there for the annual awards dinner across the street from Staples Center where he will continue his own campaign on July 28 against Robert Easter Jr.

Garcia had to wonder how he could get off the red carpet and on to the main stage. He’s where Crawford was a couple of years ago. He’s a consensus pound-for-pound contender. From list to mythical list, he’s in the top five. He’s third on this one, behind Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko at No. 2 and ahead of Gennady Golovkin at No. 4.

Garcia’s resume puts him there. He’s unbeaten at 38-0. Thirty stoppages keep him there. He’s won titles in four weight classes. He’s got everything except the victory or two that could put where Crawford was Wednesday night.

Getting there, in large part, is as political as it is pugilistic. There’s a sense that Garcia would already be No. 1 if had fought the right guy. For a while, internet imaginations were inflamed by the possibility of Garcia versus Lomachenko, No. 1 in many pound-for-pound debates and also a lightweight champion currently in rehab for shoulder surgery.

It made sense then. Still does. But Garcia’s divorce from Top Rank a few years ago makes it problematic at best. Lomachenko is a Top Rank fighter. So, too, is Crawford, who once was mentioned as a Garcia possibility when Crawford, a newly-minted welterweight champion was still at 140.

The best way, the only way perhaps, to eventually force a Lomachenko-Garcia is to turn Garcia into a star. That means big numbers at the box office and on television. For now, that brings Garcia to an arena just a few blocks of red carpet from that ESPY dinner the other night.

Garcia is back at home, fighting in Southern California for the first time in more than seven years. Garcia had fought in New York, Texas and Las Vegas.

Along the way, however, his identity as a Los Angeles fighter had been lost. Restoring it is one path toward reawakening and regaining his fan base in southern California.

“He will be the king of LA, then the king of boxing, all of those things,’’ said Richard Schaefer, who is promoting the July 28 Showtime card, which is scheduled for 15 fights. “You will see.’’

Lomachenko has repeatedly said he wants to fight Garcia. But numbers, personality and lingering tensions between Garcia and Top Rank could always get in the way.

Then what? Former welterweight great Manny Pacquiao, back in the headlines after his stoppage last week of Lucas Matthysse in his first KO since 2009, might be a possibility, especially at 140.

Garcia, also a 140-pound champion, says he is mostly comfortable at 135 these days.

“I’m comfortable in both divisions,’’ Garcia, 30, said during a conference call Thursday after Schaefer introduced him as the pound—for-pound best. “There is a little disadvantage at 140 against bigger guys. But I feel good at either.’’

Seemingly, that would eliminate 147. Then again, that might eliminate an option in the quest for the big prize at the end of that red carpet. Garcia hasn’t mentioned Crawford, perhaps because of his issues with Top Rank and/or simply because Crawford’s dramatic emergence is beginning to scare the hell out of just about everybody in the business.

But Garcia has mentioned Errol Spence Jr, another emerging welterweight who appears to be on a collision course with Crawford sometime during the next couple of years.

It’s hard to judge how Garcia, who is as fundamentally as sound as anybody in the current game, would fare against the bigger Spence.

But maybe an early indication of that will be there against Easter (21-0, 14 KOs), also a lightweight champion, yet with a couple of physical dimensions bigger than even Spence. Easter has huge advantages in height and reach over Garcia. The unbeaten Toledo welterweight is 5-foot-11, five inches taller than the 5-6 Garcia. More significant, Easter has a listed reach of 76 inches, eight more than Garcia’s 68.

Compare that to Spence. At 5-9 ½, he’s an inch-and-a-half shorter than Easter. Spence’s reach is listed as 72 inches, four less than Easter.

If – just if – Garcia can find a way over, under and through Easter’s key advantages, then maybe he can deal with Spence, who is ranked among the second five in most pound-for-pound debates.

“I’m willing to talk about fighting anybody,’’ said Garcia, who knows the issues and understands he needs the options.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (July 19, 2018) – IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. has made the most of his inaugural training camp with Kevin Cunningham and will look to bring that same level of focus to the ring when he challenges WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I decided to go to Florida for a different environment than I usually trained in,” said Easter, a Toledo-native who had trained in his hometown for much of his pro career. “I needed to be taken out of my comfort zone. At home, I was focused on too many other things. Coming to West Palm Beach has allowed me to focus on nothing but myself and boxing.”

Easter saw what Cunningham had done for his close friends Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis, who both trained with Cunningham leading into April 21 fights on SHOWTIME that saw Broner battle to an entertaining draw against Jessie Vargas and Davis capture a second world title with a spectacular knockout of Jesus Cuellar.

“I was with Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis every step of the way during training camp with Kevin Cunningham earlier this year,” said Easter. “I saw for myself that it was something I needed to do. I talked with my dad about getting away from the distractions and we agreed this was the right move.”

Easter burst onto the scene in 2016 with a dominant knockout of former champion Argenis Mendez before beating Richard Commey later that year in an entertaining battle to capture the lightweight belt. Easter’s last two defenses however have seen him narrowly escape with decision victories, something the unbeaten champion believes won’t be a factor on July 28.

“People are paying attention to my last couple of fights when I wasn’t using my height and reach,” said Easter. “I can improve on that by taking it back to what I had been doing before. I was knocking people out fight after fight.

“If you’re looking at just my last two fights, you aren’t giving me credit for everything I bring to the table. I faced two tough southpaws recently but on July 28 I’m going to show everyone what they’ve been sleeping on and why I’m a world champion.”

The 27-year-old Easter will now step up to take on one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best in four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. For Easter, this is a fight that he’s had on his mind and one that can put him into the top echelon of the sport.

“I’ve always wanted to fight the best in my weight class and now I have my chance to unify,” said Easter. “I know that Mikey is going to fight his fight and look to counter. He wants to wait for you to make a mistake so he can take advantage.

“What I have to do is go in there and impose my attributes on him. My height and reach are my advantages, but also my speed and power. I just have to combine all that and focus on my footwork.”

Although Easter will be fighting in Garcia’s hometown of Los Angeles, he has no plans to let the partisan crowd effect his focus as he looks for his biggest pro win in the same building where he made his professional debut.

“It doesn’t matter to me where we fight,” said Easter. “None of the fans can help him fight. It’s only about me and him in that ring together.

“My first pro fight was at STAPLES Center and even though it was early on an undercard, I still felt like there were 10,000 fans watching me. I just fought my fight. It’s all about staying focused. There will be no excuses on July 28.”

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

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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

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

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

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

MIKEY GARCIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

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

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

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

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

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

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

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

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES, (June 11, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. will square-off in a 135-pound unification showdown between unbeaten stars Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will see Garcia look to become a unified champion for the first time in a career that has seen him win titles in four weight classes. Easter, who enters with a 5-inch height and 8-inch reach advantage, looks to stamp his name amongst boxing’s elite by unifying titles at 27 years old, less than two years after capturing his first belt.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale today at 12 p.m. PT. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

“SHOWTIME Sports continues to lead the industry with the biggest events, the most important matchups, week after week, month after month,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc. “Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. is the third world championship unification match on SHOWTIME this year. A consensus top-10 pound-for-pound champion facing an undefeated young champion while both are in the prime of their careers. July 28 has all the makings of an instant classic.”

“Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter is an outstanding lightweight matchup that is sure to deliver drama for fight fans at STAPLES Center and on SHOWTIME,” Said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Garcia will look to unify in his hometown and further solidify his credentials as boxing’s pound-for-pound best. He’ll have perhaps the toughest test of his career in the unbeaten Easter, who has a lethal combination of size, speed and power that he brings to the ring. With both fighters defending their titles and undefeated records, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss night of boxing in downtown Los Angeles.”

“This is the kind of matchup that boxing fans love and a fight that I believe will certainly live up to expectations,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “With two undefeated world champions, and two of the top guys at 135 pounds, this fight is guaranteed drama. Mikey Garcia will look to become a unified world champion and add another accolade to a career that is already shaping up to be historic. Robert Easter Jr, a proud champion in his own right, is coming to STAPLES Center on July 28 to upset Mikey Garcia in his hometown. This is the quality of matchup that fans watching on SHOWTIME have come to expect and I suspect they will be fulfilled once again when these two warriors meet in the ring.”

“We are really looking forward to this incredible fight at STAPLES Center,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “These two fighters will undoubtedly headline an amazing night of fights for boxing fans in Los Angeles and we are looking forward to welcoming back Premier Boxing Champions and SHOWTIME for the second time in just two months.”

One of Southern California’s most popular fighters, Garcia returns to STAPLES Center for his first fight since becoming a world champion, and his first in California in seven years. Easter returns to the site of his professional debut, having started his career at STAPLES Center in 2012 after serving as an alternate in the London Olympic Games.

Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., became only the third fighter in modern history to become champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, when he defeated Sergey Lipinets for the IBF 140-pound title in March. The 30-year-old relinquished that title so that he can unify the WBC Lightweight World Championship that he won in January 2017 with a highlight reel knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin (Click HERE to watch Garcia-Zlaticanin KO video)

These wins, combined with a summer 2017 victory over Adrien Broner, have seen Garcia return to the top of pound-for-pound lists after a layoff of two and a half years. Garcia accrued wins over a list of notable names while winning his first two titles at 126 and 130-pounds, including Orlando Salido, Roman Martinez and Juan Manuel Lopez.

“This is the toughest fight of my career to date,” said the four-division champion Garcia. “Robert Easter Jr. is an undefeated world champion who presents serious challenges that I’m going to have to work hard to overcome. Unifying titles is something I’ve dreamed of doing for many years, and to do it at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles will make it even more special. This is the kind of fight that will help my legacy. To be the best you have to beat the best, and Easter is certainly one of the best out there. I’m very thankful to have this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it on July 28.”

Representing his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Easter (21-0, 14 KOs) has made three successful defenses since winning his world title in an exciting contest over Richard Commey in 2016. The 27-year-old delivered a fifth-round destruction of former champion Argenis Mendez to earn the title shot, and since winning the title has held off challenges from Javier Fortuna, Denis Shafikov and Luis Cruz to retain his 135-pound belt.

Easter will be making the move to work with Kevin Cunningham for the first time for this fight and conducting training camp in West Palm Beach with him. Cunningham, the longtime trainer of former world champions such as Devon Alexander and Cory Spinks, spurred Adrien Broner to a strong performance in a draw against Jessie Vargas and Gervonta Davis to a dominant knockout of Jesus Cuellar in their first fights together in April.

“This is a fight I’ve been waiting for and I’m really excited that the time is now,” said Easter. “This is the best fighting the best. These are the fights that boxing is all about. I made the move to train with Kevin Cunningham down in Florida and I think it’s going to help me reach another level. It’s just eat, sleep and train down there. We’re going to be ready on July 28 to put on a show and deliver fireworks.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Please see below for quotes from Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. from tonight’s interview on the SHOWTIME telecast ahead of their Saturday, July 28 matchup live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

MIKEY GARCIA

“We were fighting at 140 but I always had my mind set on coming back to lightweight. The only fight that made sense was a unification and the only fighter available was Robert Easter. He’s a champion and the man to beat.

“It’s great to be back to finally give my fans here in Southern California a fight. Now that we are I get to give them a unification match and the biggest fight of my career to date.

“I got my fight on July 28, but there’s been a lot of talk about Lomachenko and me over the past year. If I get through Robert Easter Jr. I’d be unified champ and the only other fight that makes sense is Lomachenko.”

ROBERT EASTER JR.

“Lomachenko and Mikey are two skillful guys in the lightweight division and two guys I want to fight. Me and Mikey will do the talking in the ring.

“My height and my reach will give anyone problems as long as I use it skillfully. It will give anyone problems.

On changing trainers to Kevin Cunningham:

“There were some adjustments we needed to make. I was getting too comfortable. I had to do something to take me out of my comfort zone. Coach Cunningham was the guy to pull me in and get on my tail.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, lightweight champion Mike Garcia is talking to Dana White of the UFC to become a part of a potential Zuffa Boxing Promotion.

“A month ago maybe, before Mikey’s last fight, [White] saw Mikey train a full workout,” Mikey’s trainer/brother Robert Garcia said. “When he left the gym, he said, ‘I want to invite you guys to [Las] Vegas.’ I never went to Vegas, but I think Mikey went, and they had a meeting. He was there, and he said after the fight, ‘I want to invite you guys to Vegas,’ that he wanted to fly us in.”

pects him back in the gym Monday to begin training for his next fight, which is supposed to be a Showtime-televised lightweight title unification bout with Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 KOs) on July 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, though the fight has not been formally announced.

“That’s what it looks like, but Mikey hasn’t confirmed the fight yet, but I know he’s training on Monday,” Robert Garcia said. “But I don’t know if Mikey wants to get into a promotional contract. If he does sign with Dana, it’s got to be something that makes a lot of sense for Mikey. What we’ve seen Dana do with UFC, if he’s able to bring something like that to boxing, then it will be huge. I think Mikey would do something [with White] if it was well worth it for him.”

Unexpectedly, Mikey Garcia vacated his junior welterweight belt and will keep his WBC Lightweight championship, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The IBF, whose junior welterweight title he won from Lipinets, gave Garcia 10 days to make a decision. He notified the sanctioning organization in a letter in late March that he planned to keep the junior welterweight belt.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told ESPN that Garcia had notified him that he would defend his lightweight title next, which is why the WBC had not yet stripped him of the belt.

And then Garcia notified the IBF of his change of plans.

“The IBF received an email from Mikey Garcia on Sunday indicating that he was relinquishing the IBF junior welterweight title,” IBF president Daryl Peoples told ESPN on Tuesday. “We were a little surprised as well.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, newy minted IBF 140 lb. champion Mikey Garcia will elect to keep that title and vacate his WBC Lightweight title.

Garcia is now mandated to face Ivan Baranchyk.

We are going to sit down and see what can be done,” Ringstar Promotions Richard Schaefer said. “I talked to Lou. We talked about the fight and said we should wait until Mikey is back from Belize and then connect next week. So when Mike is back, Lou and I will talk. But Mikey’s intentions are to defend the title.”

Lou DiBella said he hoped that Garcia would go through with the fight with Baranchyk.

“I don’t know, but it appears they’re going to do the fight with Baranchyk,” DiBella said. “Ivan is not going to give up the opportunity he has earned to fight for the title. I did call Richard after I got the letter from the IBF, and we agreed we would talk in a week or so. We’re sitting back and waiting. We are in a good situation. Either Baranchyk will fight Mikey for the title, or he will fight for the vacant title.”

By Jimmy Tobin-

Saturday night, at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas, moonlighting junior welterweight Mikey Garcia ran his undefeated record to 38-0, turning back a spirited challenge from Sergey Lipinets over twelve tactical rounds. It was typical Garcia: in a fight of some risk, precision and poise ensured victory and little else. There is something resembling mastery in what Garcia does; even when pressed (and Garcia’s face today reveals just how mischievous Lipinets was) the rounds that do not go his way feel like rounds he lost, not rounds his opponent won. So tangible is his control of the action.

Some 1400 miles away, under an appropriately bruised sky at StubHub Center in Carson, California, featherweights Oscar Valdez and Scott Quigg engaged in twelve rounds of ritualized violence whose residuals could figure well after the marks of battle have faded. Valdez rightly had his hand raised in the end, and among his spoils the victor should find a longer than usual hiatus from the ring, one that will diminish not at all the memory of his performance nor the anticipation that will meet his return. Attrition need not be Valdez’ game, but he obliges any such invitation.

While it seems natural to contrast Garcia and Valdez there are problems with such an approach, not least of all the fact that this mode feels reductionist, if only because to establish clearly the demarcation is to pigeonhole both fighters, to misrepresent the breadth of their talents. Still, risks aside, there is a mirroring with Garcia and Valdez of some interest.

Garcia is a fighter who covets control; when it is his, he moves confidently. When that sense of control waivers though, so too does Garcia, and rather strikingly, unbecomingly, of a fighter with his reputation. It is in these moments that one wonders whether this once aspiring police officer who retired long enough to extricate himself from the control of Terence Crawford’s promoter is simply doing the job he is best suited for. And that he knows it. Because Garcia is as calculating beyond the ropes as he is between them—which is why his toughest fight to date was the one that kept him out of the ring.

There was another tremor of Garcia’s resolve on Saturday when Lipinets speared his nose; the product not only of a punch but of a rhythm and pressure that put Garcia on edge. Garcia responded as he always does, not with fire, but with the strategies of control: jabs and a return to space (along with a handful of hard combinations designed to preserve it). And the left hook that dumped Lipinets in the seventh round? An act meant to steady the action more than end it, with Garcia flashing an evil so that he might risk no more in asserting it.

Faced with challenges of his own, Valdez did not react this way, and it is fair to wonder if he would even want to.

No one would have faulted Valdez for pulling out of Saturday’s fight. Yet against an opponent who even given multiple opportunities passed on making weight, and whose disregard for the scale was a sign of how intent he was on winning, Valdez never waivered. Instead, he took the opportunity to punish Quigg for daring attempt to skirt the rules. And punish him he did.

Quigg hardly shied from his fate, fracturing Valdez’ jaw along the way, but every time he hurt the Mexican fighter Valdez responded like one. There is a chance—albeit slim, given the version of Quigg that showed up—that Valdez could have employed a more controlled and controlling strategy, could have mitigated the damage he incurred. But a fighter who tattoos his name on his chest is unlikely to suffer insults well or hush the bloody expectations of his devotees. No, it was always going to be the disassembly line for Quigg.

Whether Garcia recognizes similar expectations isn’t clear. As he has been through nearly forty fights, against Lipinets Garcia was simply too good to be denied control, and that trend should continue provided his talk of moving to welterweight remains only that. Garcia has teased the idea of fighting Errol Spence, but no one who cares about him is likely to encourage such delusion (and no one else is going to credit it). No, better to return to lightweight for a series of hypothetical wins over Vasyl Lomachenko, some fantastic historical comparisons, a few more laps around the track.

The pride of the Garcia clan is going to be remembered primarily for his dominance, greatness having fallen victim to finances, a stubborn hiatus, an eye for preservation—in short, to control. And should that offend Garcia’s supporters, expect them to hurl blame anywhere but at their idol (oh how Mayweather’s shadow still looms). Valdez, by contrast, is not going to achieve the longevity or dominance of Garcia because his style and temperament will not allow it, because the outlay of his success is simply too great, and because his need to succeed is too personal. Garcia is better than him, and shrewder too: where an eye to the future is concerned, he makes better choices. But he is the type of fighter, Valdez, who is remembered for what he does in the ring; there is already no need to consider Valdez outside the context of his fights, as someone isolated from his opponents.

Garcia delivers a verdict; a body is brought before him, he interrogates it and determines its fate. Valdez delivers a product; a body is brought before him, he subjects it to his volition and creates something of value. The appeal of the latter is so much easier to understand.

By Bart Barry-

NOT SAN ANTONIO – Saturday in Freeman Coliseum junior welterweight Mikey Garcia decisioned Sergey Lipinets unanimously to attain a title in Garcia’s fourth weight-class, which we were assiduously assured by Showtime is an historic happening.

Well.

About five years ago I drove four hours each way to cover Garcia’s match with Juanma Lopez in Dallas; I saw him unbundle Cornelius Lock in Laredo, 2010, and knew there was nothing counterfeit about Mikey; however hinky Garcia’s eightround decisioning of Orlando Salido (by which Garcia acquired a featherweight title he never defended) I believed Garcia might be a generational talent and wished not miss a thing he did.

Then Mikey missed weight widely in his first title defense, in Dallas (a then-unheralded Nebraskan named Terence Crawford stole the show). Then Mikey was unremarkable against Roman Martinez, winning a super featherweight title he would defend once, in Corpus Christi (and an unknown Jamaican named Nicholas Walters stole the show). One fight and a couple months later Garcia went on extended sabbatical. A year ago Mikey won his lightweight title by smashing someone named – just a sec, BoxRec is refreshing – Dejan Zlaticanin, a title Mikey hasn’t defended, then did an exhibition thingy with “About Billions” Broner.

Saturday Garcia fought 10 miles from my home, and I chose instead to keep easily reschedulable plans 30 miles west of Freeman Coliseum. I watched the Showtime broadcast of Garcia-Lipinets, though, and felt exactly no regrets being elsewhere, even before seeing Richard Schaefer and Sam Watson jockeydancing behind Jim Gray.

The telecast featured a bunch of happy talk about Garcia’s place in history alongside Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, for his having won titles at featherweight and super featherweight and lightweight and junior welterweight, which inadvertently shone some insight on PBC’s enduring inauthenticity. Garcia is a proper cherrypicker now suing posterity for considerations he doesn’t deserve.

At featherweight Pacquiao blitzed Marco Antonio Barrera and drew with Marquez, who made four defenses of his featherweight title before decisioning Barrera to win a super featherweight title he lost to Pacquiao, who’d gone 7-1 (4 KOs) at 130 pounds. To attain his lightweight titles Marquez iced Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz, and to become a junior welterweight champion Pacquiao poleaxed Ricky Hatton.

And to become a lightweight titlist Pacquiao assaulted David Diaz, and to become a junior welterweight titlist Marquez beat someone named Serhii Fedchenko. Pacquiao’s win over Diaz and Marquez’s win over Fedchenko were cherrypicker delights, disappeared by what remarkable matches the two men made with one another and other hall-of-famers. Nobody remembers Marquez or Pacquiao for those wins, however “historic” they be.

The telecast’s other contextual reference for Garcia’s achievement Saturday, Alexis Arguello’s failed attempt at the same four-weightclass-title feat, managed to mention Aaron Pryor without supplying to younger viewers some helpful context on Pryor like “who was somewhere between 11 and 27 times the fighter Sergey Lipinets is.”

Garcia, whose branding now includes postfight celebrations of his charitable acts, considers himself poised for the celebrity turn of his career, going the GGG route and threatening men in three divisions at once. His trainer and brother says Mikey’s best weight is 135, and maybe he’s right – the rest of us have only seen Mikey weigh that once, and he did look spectacular. But before we meander any deeper in Familia Garcia fantasyleague we need put a bold black line or two through the words “welterweight champion” – as even PBC’s alternative universe has at least two titlists Mikey wants no beef with.

Then there’s Bud Crawford, isn’t there? “Now all of the sudden 140 is this stacked division when I leave,” tweeted Crawford, derisively, about Mikey’s fight. Crawford is now promoter Top Rank’s very best prizefighter, which is exactly what Mikey was supposed to be.

As Saturday’s match happened in San Antonio, here’s an associative anecdote of sorts from the city’s historic San Fernando gym:

For years the gymwalls’ sole decoration comprised fight posters belonging to the late Joe Souza. One was telling. Jan. 18, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya made the first defense of his 140-pound title at Thomas & Mack Center. In the comain Kostya Tszyu made the fifth defense of his 140-pound title. But the promotional poster shows one man fighting a “light welterweight” match, while the other fights for a “super lightweight” title.

The subterfuge worked: I made passing glances at that poster for a year before realizing it was a riddle – th’t there was about as much promotional interest in putting a 24-year-old De La Hoya in a ring with Tszyu back then as there has been in putting Mikey Garcia in a ring with Crawford since about 2013.

Mikey looked duly more hittable Saturday than he’s looked generally. Because fighters gain weight on their chins more than their fists at 140 Garcia’s power is stunning, not stopping; to have the same effect he must now throw more and harder and avail himself of counters accordingly. He clipped Lipinets with a lightsaber left in round 7, but Lipinets found it dissuading more than devastating. Even within the bounds of PBC’s measured-gladiator spectacles there’s something perilous about scaling weightclasses, which is why most of history’s nonheavyweights are known precisely by their abilities to do so.

Even still Mikey’s white gloves Saturday looked bigger than they did a few years ago; even discounting white’s outsized reflective properties Mikey’s fists appeared overpadded, softer, a touch fluffy.

Things rarely feel grimey or dangerous during a PBC fight, which must be by design, and may be a very good idea – supposing our beloved sport can become more attractive to casual fans by being less violent.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 10, 2018) – Last night at the Mi Mercado Event Center in San Antonio, TX, TMB & PRB Entertainment, sponsored by Mikey Garcia Promotions, presented “Friday Night Fights”. Special guests Mikey Garcia, Abner Mares and Bones Adams were all in attendance.

In the main event, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, defeated Jose “El Cuate” Casiano (0-2) by way of first round knockout. A right hook to the head put Casiano down for the count at the 1:33 mark of round one.

In the co-main event, Angel Alejandro (2-0, 1KO) went the distance with Jose Elizondo (2-6-1), winning a unanimous decision. Scorecards read 40-35 and 39-36 twice, all in favor of Alejandro. Alejandro dropped Elizando in round one before cruising to victory.

Undercard Results

(4-round super-middleweight bout)
Patrick Clarke(1-0, 1 KO) defeated Taylor Saucedo (0-4). A left hook to the head ended the bout at the 2:59 mark of round one.

(4-round Middleweight bout)
Steven Ramos (2-0, 2 KOs) defeated Jacob Landin (0-2). Aright hook by Ramos dropped Landin in the early part of round two, then a straight left followed, ending the bout.

(4-round jr bantamweight bout)
Aaron Morales (1-0, 1 KO)defeated Jorge De Leon (0-2)by way of first round knockout. A left hook to the body put De Leon down, ending the bout at the 1:42 mark.

(4-round heavyweight bout)
Brandon Glanton defeated Tyrrel Herndon. Herndon was disqualified for holding and quit. The bout was stopped at the 1:02 mark of round three.

(4-round Featherweight bout)
Vincente Loredo (1-0, 1 KO) defeated Ben Guerrero (0-2). A flurry of punches by Loredo ended the bout at the 1:23 mark of round three, giving Loredo the TKO victory.

IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship

Mikey Garcia – 139 ½ pounds

Sergey Lipinets – 139 ¾ pounds

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Mark Calo-Oy (Texas), Julie Lederman (N.Y.), Nelson Vazquez (P.R.)

Vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship

Rances Barthelemy – 139 ½ pounds

Kiryl Relikh – 140 pounds

Referee: Luis Pabon; Judges: Alfredo Polanco (MEX), Cesar Ramos (Texas), Rafael Ramos (Texas)

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.