Nonito Donaire defended the WBC Bantamweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Reymart Gaballo at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a competitive fight with Gaballo trying to land quick power shots. Donaire was countering well with some solid punches of his own. In round four, Donaire landed a perfect left hook to the body that put Gaballo on the canvas. Gaballo tried to get up but went right down again and was counted out at 2:59.

Donaire, 117.2 lbs of the Philippines is 42-6 with 28 knockouts. Gaballo, 117 lbs of General Santos City, PHl is 24-1

Cody Crowley scored a mild-upset when he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Abdukakhorov dropped Crowley with a straight left hand. In round five, Abdukakhorov was cut on his forehead from a punch.

Crowley, 145.4 lbs of Peiterborough, CAN won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 95-94 ands is now 20-0. Abdukakhorov, 146.2 lbs of Uzbekistan is 18-1.

Brandun Lee remained undefeated with a 7th round stoppage over Juan Herladez in a 10-round junior welterweight fight.

In round seven, Lee landed a perfect 1-2 that put Heraldez on the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Lee, 140 lbs of La Quinta, CA is 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Heraldez, 144 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 16-2-1.

Follow all the action as Nonito Donaire defends the WBC Bantamweight title against Reymart Gaballo

No Browser Refresh Needed; The Page will update Automatically

Round 1: Big right uppercut from Gaballo..Left to body from Donaire..Left..Sharp right…Left Hook..Counter right..

Round 2 Over hand right from Donaire..Counter from Gaballo…Double Jab from Gaballo..Jab from Donaire

Round 3 Gaballo lands a big right…Counter left from Donaire…Jab..Right…Nice Exchange…Sharp jab from Gaballo..Left hook…Right from Donaire..

Round 4 Right to body and head from Donaire…righ to body and left hook…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES GABALLO….HE DOES NOT GET UP AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

WBC Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Nonito Donaire – 117.2 lbs.

Reymart Gaballo – 117 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Dr, Lou Moret (Calif.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Kudratillo Abdukakhorov – 146.2 lbs.   

Cody Crowley – 145.4 lbs. 

Referee: Jerry Cantu; Judges: Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Pat Russell (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 140 lbs.

Juan Heraldez – 144 lbs.*

*Heraldez missed the contracted weight of 142 lbs. The fight will proceed as scheduled.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: Tiffany Clinton (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Zachary Young (Calif.)

#          #          #

ABOUT DONAIRE VS. GABALLO

Donaire vs. Gaballo will see WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire defend his title against undefeated interim WBC Bantamweight Titleholder and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. (December 9, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire and unbeaten Interim WBC Bantamweight Champion and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo went face to face at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the main event live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features unbeaten welterweight contenders Kudratillo Abdukakhorov and Cody Crowley squaring off in the 10-round co-main event, plus rising super lightweight Brandun Lee battling contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round bout. The telecast kicks off with a replay of last Saturday’s Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV® main event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

NONITO DONAIRE

“For me, after the Naoya Inoue fight, I saw that I still had a purpose in this sport. I came in strong against Nordine Oubaali in my last fight because I have that purpose. That purpose is to become undisputed champion of the world.

“I’m proud that there is another Filipino fighting at this level. I’m happy to be sharing the ring with Reymart. I know he’s very hungry and that he has a big dream, just like everyone in the Philippines. I know that he’s going to be at his best, so I made sure that I’m prepared and at my best as well.

“I’ve faced a lot of top guys with great power like Gaballo has. My experience allows me to have no fear of the power. We’re just focused on our strategy and how I can take advantage of his style.

“We’re 100% ready. We build up our mental fortitude so we can always push forward and be ready. We’re only as strong as our mind can be. My mental strength is through the moon.

“I’m here enjoying this moment and every moment I have left in my career. In the gym, I feel like I can do this for another 10 years. I just take it one fight at a time and I’m grateful for every moment of it.

“This is a gentleman’s sport. It gives credibility to a fighter if he can speak with sportsmanship. It’s not about talking down to other people. I believe the greater man can look into his opponent’s eyes, shake hands with him and then go for the kill when they’re in the ring.

“I love the sport of boxing. It’s given me everything that I have and I’m going to represent the sport with honor and integrity.

“I’m going to leave it up to my team as to what we do next. Having said that, I’m going to go after all of the other bantamweight champions.

“Reymart is a really good fighter, but I’m very confident. I have bigger fish to go after following this fight. We’re both going to do our best but victory is the only thing I’m here for.”

REYMART GABALLO

“It’s an honor to fight my idol in the ring. I’m so excited to compete on Saturday night for the world championship.

“When I look at my last fight, I see that I have to improve my head movement and throw more punches. I believe that I’ve made the improvements that I needed to during training camp.

“Every time we train in the gym, everyone is throwing me the same punches that Nonito throws. We know that he’s not only going to throw that left hook, so we made sure I’ll be ready for everything.

“Age is just a number. I know that Donaire’s movement is still there, just like it’s always been. We’re not going to rely on my youth as the only thing I need in this fight.

“I’m very happy and it gives me great pleasure to have this chance to become world champion. I’ve been working my whole life to accomplish this goal.

“I’m going to do everything that we’ve worked on and prepared for in training so that I put on a great performance. I’m coming with everything I have to win this fight.

“I don’t like to talk too much, but I can say that I’m going to do my best in the ring on Saturday night.

“This is going to be a very good fight and I’m going to do everything that I can to make sure that my hand is raised after the final bell rings.”

KUDRATILLO ABDUKAKHOROV

“I will win this fight. After three years of being the mandatory challenger in the IBF, I deserve a shot to be a champion.

“I will knock him out on Saturday night and then I will knock out Errol Spence Jr. to become world champion.

“I have no sympathy for Crowley and I don’t want to hear any excuses from him after this fight. It doesn’t matter what he says today, I will knock him out anyway.

“I’ve prepared for this opportunity and I know that I have what it takes not only to win this fight, but to show everyone that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world.

“I’m going to win this fight and knock him out. He says he’s never lost a round before, but that’s because he’s never faced the kind of competition that I’ve faced or that I bring to the ring.”

CODY CROWLEY

“I got offered this fight back in April and I accepted this fight without questioning it. He backed out the first time, but now we’re finally here. I have a feeling he’s overlooking me.

“He doesn’t know what I’m capable of. I’ve been in the ring with world champions. Even by mentioning Errol Spence’s name, he’s overlooking me. On Saturday night, he’s going to find himself in waters that he can’t swim in.

“You’re going to see who’s standing in the center of the ring and who’s running once the bell rings. I’ve survived in waters that destroy most people.

“I feel fantastic. I’m a world-class athlete and this is the level I’m supposed to be on. There’s a reason that people can’t keep up with my activity in the ring. I’m a machine. He’s going to find out that he doesn’t have a human in front of him Saturday night.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. This is where I belong and this is where I thrive. I feel at home right now. A win on Saturday puts me where I already know I am. I’m a world champion in my head, the world just doesn’t know it yet.

“It’s taken a lot of sacrifice to get here. I’m from a super small town in Canada where boxing doesn’t really exist. I’ve had a burning desire since a young age to become something great and I’ve put myself in the best possible environment to be successful.

“Everything I’ve done comes from a crazy work ethic that I put in at the gym every single day. I wake up and go to sleep every day knowing that I’m going to become world champion. Now I’m here on SHOWTIME. It’s a message to everyone out there in the world, that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

BRANDUN LEE

“I am going in to win no matter how it goes down. I might knock him out, it may go the distance.

“It doesn’t matter if I go for the knockout or go for the win. Come Saturday night, I’ll be 24-0.

“I don’t get paid for overtime, so it doesn’t matter if the fight goes one round or 10 rounds. I’m going to take it moment by moment and display all of my skills for as long as this fight goes.

“Juan Heraldez is a good boxer; he has good speed and he is light on his feet. He is definitely my best opponent to date. It’s a challenge that I’m looking forward to.

“I can’t predict the future, but the one thing I can predict is me winning. I’m going to be 24-0 after Saturday night.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“I learned in the Regis Prograis fight that I have to prepare better. I can’t just rely on my skills and talent. I have to physically be at a higher level.

“I changed coaches back to my amateur coach because I know he’s going to have a game plan and that he’s going to get the best out of me.

“I’m not worried about being an underdog. I’ve been an underdog against an undefeated fighter before and we’ve seen what I can do in those kinds of fights.

“I’m going to show off where I’m headed in this sport. My speed, talent and my jab are going to all come together. I think this is going to be the best performance of my career. I’m prepared physically and mentally.

“We’re going to find out Saturday what advantages I have over Lee. I haven’t watched much of him, but his record is what it is. We’re going to find out what he’s made of on Saturday.

“I’m predicting a win. Everyone else might be surprised, but we won’t be.”

#

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CARSON, CALIF. (November 2, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire will defend his title against undefeated Interim WBC Bantamweight Champion and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Tennis Stadium in Carson, Calif.

Tickets for the live event go on sale today, Tuesday, November 2 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com.

#

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Bantamweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Emmanuel Rodriguez – 117 ½ lbs. 

Reymart Gaballo – 117 ½ lbs. 

Referee: Arthur Mercante (New York); Judges: Don Trella (Connecticut) David Sutherland (Oklahoma), John McKaie (New York)

Welterweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Jaron Ennis – 146 ¾ lbs.

Chris van Heerden – 146 ¾ lbs. 

Referee: Johnny Callas (Connecticut); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), John McKaie (New York), Waleska Roldan (New York)

Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Gary Antonio Russell – 119 lbs.

Juan Carlos Payano – 119 lbs. 

*Contracted weight is 120 lbs.

Referee: David Fields (New Jersey); Judges: Tom Carusone (Connecticut), Tom Schreck (New York), David Sutherland (Oklahoma)

NOTE: Non-televised undercard action featuring highly-regarded prospect Brandun Lee (20-0, 18 KOs) and undefeated super welterweight prospect Zsolt Daranyi (15-0, 14 KOs) fighting in separate bouts will stream live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT. Lee will look to extend his knockout streak to 12 against Dakota Linger (12-4-2, 8 KOs) while Daranyi aims to continue the perfect start to his pro career against Benjamin Whitaker (14-4, 3 KOs). Ray Flores will call the action. Click HERE to view a recent SHOWTIME Sports digital feature capturing the 21-year-old Lee’s family-first mentality, emphasis on the importance of education and hunger for success inside the ring.

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 143 lbs.

Dakota Linger – 142 ½ lbs.

*Contracted weight is 143 lbs.

Referee: Danny Schiavone (Connecticut); Judges: Peter Hary (Connecticut), Don Trella (Connecticut), Tom Carusone (Connecticut)

Super Welterweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Zsolt Daranyi – 150 ¼ lbs.

Benjamin Whitaker – 150 lbs.

*Contracted weight is 150 lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas (Connecticut); Judges: Peter Hary (Connecticut), John McKaie (New York), Glenn Feldman (Connecticut)

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and takes place from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

# # #

ABOUT RODRIGUEZ VS. GABALLO

Rodriguez vs. Gaballo will see former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez take on unbeaten former interim WBA bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION^® Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action-packed tripleheader will feature unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on his toughest opponent to date in veteran contender Chris van Heerden in a 12-round co-main event. Plus, unbeaten bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell will face former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK – December 17, 2020 – Former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez and unbeaten rising contender Reymart Gaballo shared thoughts on their showdown for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship Thursday before they meet in the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION this Saturday, December 19 in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Also previewing their respective matchups taking place on the telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis and veteran contender Chris van Heerden, who meetin the 12-round co-main event, plus unbeaten bantamweight Antonio Russell and former world champion Juan Carlos Payano, who kick off the telecastin a 10-round duel.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and takes place from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

“I feel great right now. I’m physically and mentally in great shape and ready for whatever comes Saturday night.

“My training camp and my preparations for the fight really haven’t been impacted much with the change in opponents. They are similar fighters. The only difference is that Gaballo is younger and Nonito is more experienced. But it’s still a tough opponent in front of me that I’ll be ready for.

“I don’t believe that there’s much difference between Nonito and Gaballo. Gaballo tends to open up a little bit more than Nonito does, so it’s easier to connect on him. He is probably a little more aggressive than Nonito and his defense isn’t as good. I think Nonito would have been a tougher fight than Gaballo but I am not taking this fight lightly.

“We’re prepared for whatever comes. If it goes 12 rounds, I’m ready for all 12. He’s going to have his game plan and we’re going to have ours, and I’m confident that I’m going to come away with the win.”

REYMART GABALLO

“I’m so focused on this fight. It’s been a year and a week since my last fight so I’ve just been in the gym, even when I didn’t have a fight in place. I’m always in shape and training at all times.

“When they said I could be the replacement for Nonito Donaire, I did not hesitate to say yes. I was supposed to fight Juan Carlos Payano on August 1, but that fight was cancelled. Then it was Jose Velasquez before they asked me to fight Rodriguez.

“Rodriguez is a good fighter and this is a good fight for us. My team has been like a family to me and it makes me look forward to staying in the gym and working hard for them.

“There are some really good bantamweights, and I want to be considered one of the best. You have Naoya Inoue, Nonito Donaire and John Riel Casimero. Those are the guys I envision fighting in the future. I know them and have sparred with them so I’m excited to be included in that group of names.”

JARON ENNIS

“I’ve always had this power ever since I was in the amateurs. I don’t look for the knockouts, I just go in there and have fun and be the best version of me. I listen to what my Dad says and follow the game plan and the game plan nine times out of ten results in a knockout.

“I’m quiet outside of the ring, but inside the ring, I’m a whole different person. When I step in there, something inside of me changes. I don’t know what it is. You have to have the flair, the flashiness, the speed, the power. You have to have the whole package so you can build a great fanbase and I think I have the whole package.

“I feel like Thomas Dulorme had the bigger name. More people know him because he fought more top guys. But Chris van Heerden has a better record so I think it’s even, all things considered. I know he’s fought Spence but I’m not worried about comparing my performance to how Spence did. I’ll let the media and the fans do that. I’m going to go in there, have my fun, and I’m confident that I will get the win and get the knockout.

“After I put on another show Saturday, I feel like some guys are probably going to shy away from me. But at the same time, some guys may want to have a fight with me because they see I’m starting to become a big attraction and a big draw. I’m up there in the rankings so that’s why I respect van Heerden for taking this fight. After Dulorme dropped out, he was the only one who wanted to take the fight.

“Without looking past van Heerden this Saturday, I feel like I’ve been ready for the top fights since I’ve been about 18-0. We’ve been trying to get them but now I feel like I’m getting closer and closer. After I make a big statement on Saturday, I believe I’ll be able to get those big name fights. I’m at the door and in 2021 I’m knocking down the door.”

CHRIS VAN HEERDEN

“Jaron Ennis is clearly a ‘hot’ name right now, but he’s been very untested. I’m smart enough to know what works and what doesn’t in the ring and I won’t make the mistakes that he’s been able to capitalize on with other opponents.

“It only seems like I took this fight at the last minute but I’ve been training very hard for the last few months in Los Angeles because my manager Peter Kahn had a couple options brewing for me. I moved my camp to South Florida the last couple of weeks where I got excellent sparring with young lions Xander Zayas and DeMichael Harris.”

“I’m very thankful to SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions for providing me with this opportunity. Come Saturday night, I’ll be well prepared for victory and am very much looking forward to being in the ring with Jaron Ennis.”

ANTONIO RUSSELL

“Payano has more experience than me. I haven’t been 12 rounds before but I have been 10 rounds and up to 14 rounds in the gym. But 12 rounds on a Saturday night is different. With no offense to him, I am more talented. He is the shorter guy and he will come after me to make it rough, so we are prepared for that.

“I took this fight on short notice but we stay in the gym. I was actually preparing to fight Emmanuel Rodriguez, who is fighting in the main event, so when I was sparring, I was preparing for a right-handed fighter. Then when it came down that Payano was my opponent, I had to find some southpaws to spar. Luckily my younger and older brother are both southpaws so I sparred with them a lot over the last three weeks.

“On Saturday night, my dad, my older brother Alan and the WBC Champion, Gary Jr., will be in my corner. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I feel good with any top opponent after this: Emmanuel Rodriguez, Nonito Donaire, Naoya Inoue, Guillermo Rigondeaux. As long as I have the time to prepare, I will get in there with anyone. That’s why I am in the sport of boxing, to fight the best.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I believe that I’m a top-five fighter in this division. I always give my best and my best is still at a very high level. I feel that I belong in the best fights, regardless of the fact that I haven’t been a champion for a while, because I’ve been a champion before.

“Everybody knows what I bring to the table as a competitor. It’s up to Russell to prove that he belongs at this level and that it’s not just his family name.

“The Danny Roman fight was not that long ago and that type of conditioning doesn’t go away overnight. I didn’t take more than two weeks off after that fight. I am very excited to be fighting again on SHOWTIME which is becoming my second home.

“Russell is very talented but so am I. I have two Olympic tours, 480 amateur fights and I’ve fought the best in the division. You don’t do that without skills. Maybe today Russell’s skill is better now, but I have more experience. I will use my experience, skills and ring IQ, and hopefully we don’t get bad judging like we did against Danny Roman.

“I’ve almost fought Reymart Gaballo a few times. When I fought Mike Plania, it was actually supposed to be Gaballo. And then a couple other times I’ve been supposed to fight him. So I’ll be looking forward to watching his fight. I expect good things from him, and I’d love for him to win the title so that I can fight him for a meaningful outcome.”

#

ABOUT RODRIGUEZ VS. GABALLO
Rodriguez vs. Gaballo will see former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez take on unbeaten former interim WBA bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION
® Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action-packed tripleheader will feature unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on his toughest opponent to date in veteran contender Chris van Heerden in a 12-round co-main event. Plus, unbeaten bantamweight Antonio Russell will face former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK – December 11, 2020 – Former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez will take on unbeaten former interim WBA bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action-packed tripleheader will feature unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on his toughest opponent to date in veteran contender Chris Van Heerden in a 12-round co-main event for the vacant IBO welterweight title. Plus, unbeaten bantamweight Antonio Russell will face former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

Non-televised undercard action will see rising prospect Brandun Lee battling Dakota Linger in a 10-round super lightweight attraction.

Nordine Oubaali and Nonito Donaire were originally set to meet for Oubaali’s WBC title, before the fighters tested positive for COVID-19, at which point the Rodríguez vs. Gaballo fight was made for the vacant interim title.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

“Emmanuel Rodríguez will seek to grab a second bantamweight title on December 19, but will have a hungry and dangerous fighter in the unbeaten Reymart Gaballo standing in his way,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With the vacant interim WBC title on the line, expect both fighters to leave it all in the ring in order to claim this belt. Adding in the always exciting Jaron Ennis against Chris Van Heerden, and an intriguing clash between Antonio Russell and Juan Carlos Payano, and December 19 shapes up to be a stacked night from start to finish live on SHOWTIME.”

The 28-year-old Rodríguez (19-1, 12 KOs) will look to capture a second bantamweight title with a victory on December 19. Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez was most recently stopped by unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.

“This is a dream come true to have another chance to fight for the title,” said Rodríguez. “Even with the opponent change, I know it will be a tough challenge, but I’ve worked too hard and put in too much time in the gym to allow myself to lose this fight on December 19.”

Fighting out of General Santos City, Philippines, Gaballo (23-0, 20 KOs) enters this battle on a four-fight knockout streak and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 24-year-old’s most impressive victory came in March 2018, when he dropped then-undefeated Stephon Young on his way to a unanimous decision victory for the interim WBA bantamweight title. The number one bantamweight in the WBA rankings, who also is ranked 12th by the WBO, Gaballo will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on December 19, with his most recent stateside triumph coming by third-round stoppage over Yeison Vargas in August 2019.

“I’m very excited for this fight,” said Gaballo. “I can’t wait to step into the ring again. I’ve been training in Miami since March and I’m planning to take advantage of this opportunity. I have a very tough opponent, but I’m going to show everyone what I can do and make sure I’m victorious.”

A native of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Pa., the supremely talented Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) returns to the ring after stopping Juan Carlos Abreu in September on SHOWTIME. Ennis, 23, scored two emphatic knockout victories on ShoBox: The New Generation in 2018 before adding two more KO wins to his ledger in 2019. As his level of opposition has steadily increased since turning professional in 2016, the switch-hitter has scored 16 consecutive knockouts in addition to notching 16 knockdowns in his last six bouts.

“I can’t wait to get in there to make a big statement,” said Ennis. “I am ready to show out and put on a crushing performance. This is one step closer to the bigger names and my world title shot.”

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Van Heerden (28-2-1,12 KOs) now lives and trains out of Santa Monica, Calif. The 33-year-old has won five-straight bouts leading into December 19, including 2019 wins over Aslanbek Kozaev and Mahonri Montes. Since his first professional defeat in 2010, Van Heerden has won 14 of his 15 fights, with his only blemish coming in 2015 against unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“Sometimes it can take years for that one moment to come around and change your life,” said Van Heerden. “I have waited seven years for this opportunity to do my part and inspire my country of South Africa. Even with three weeks’ notice and coming in as the underdog, I am taking advantage of the opportunity that has been placed in front of me in these challenging times. I’m the veteran and will use my experience to win this fight. Fighters fight. We need to be prepared to step in when the opportunity presents itself and seize the moment. I’ll be ready on December 19.”

The middle brother between WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne, Antonio Russell (17-0, 12 KOs) will return to action looking to cement his contender status in the bantamweight division. The 27-year-old from Capitol Heights, Md. turned pro in 2015 after an impressive amateur career. After four wins in 2019, Russell kicked off 2020 defeating Jesus Martinez in February.

“I’m ready for this fight,” said Russell. “We have been in the gym training hard despite the pandemic. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. We know our opponent is coming to fight, and so are we. I’m prepared for whatever he brings.”

Born in the Dominican Republic but now living and fighting out of Miami, Fla. Payano (21-4, 9 KOs) will move back down to bantamweight, where he was previously champion, after his most recent outing saw him drop a competitive decision against former champion Danny Roman in September. Payano captured his title in 2014 by defeating Anselmo Moreno, before splitting a pair of memorable fights against Rau’shee Warren. Payano has come up short in recent years against top fighters Luis Nery and Naoya Inoue, while delivering Damien Vazquez his first career loss.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring before the end of the year,” said Payano. “I’m excited for the opportunity on SHOWTIME against an undefeated bantamweight. He’s never faced anyone like me, and I plan on testing him from the opening bell and giving the fans a great show. Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun is a first class city and venue. Thank you to PBC for giving me this opportunity.”

The 21-year-old Lee (20-0, 18 KOs) steps into the ring for the fourth time in 2020, having already delivered three knockout victories this year. Fighting out of La Quinta, Calif., Lee most recently dropped Jimmy Williams three times on his way to a first round knockout in October. Lee enters this fight having stopped his last 11 opponents inside of the distance.

Representing his native Buckhannon, W. Va., Linger (12-4-2, 8 KOs) has proved to be a durable challenge in his pro career that dates back to 2015. The 26-year-old was 2-2 from January 2019 to January 2020, with his losses coming by narrow majority decisions against Maurice Lee and Nelson Hampton. Most recently Linger lost an eight-round decision to unbeaten prospect Omar Juarez in September.

The telecast announce team is comprised of the most experienced and decorated boxing team on television. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer is the host. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The pair has been guiding SHOWTIME Sports’ flagship series SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING since its inception in 1986.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.