SHOWTIME Release: Charlo Twins perform impressively on SHOWTIME PPV

Nery Becomes Two-Division Champ Claiming Vacant WBC Super Bantamweight Title; Roman Defeats Payano In WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator; Figueroa Defends WBA Super Bantamweight Title with TKO; Casimero Defends WBO Bantamweight World Title With TKO

TWINS JERMELL AND JERMALL CHARLO TURN IN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES IN​ ​HISTORIC SHOWTIME PPV^® DOUBLEHEADER VICTORIES

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

(Photos Will be available shortly)

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – September 27, 2020 – Houston’s Charlo Twins made successful pay-per-view debuts on Saturday in a historic night of boxing as Jermell Charlo unified the WBC, WBA, and IBF 154-pound titles with a spectacular eighth-round knockout against Jeison Rosario in the second main event of a doubleheader on SHOWTIME PPV at the Mohegan Sun.

Jermell’s 30-year-old twin brother Jermall Charlo defended his WBC Middleweight world title for the third time and improved to 6-0 at 160 pounds with a skilled and disciplined unanimous decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in the first main event of an unprecedented night of boxing that included five world title bouts presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Jermell (34-1, 18 KOs) stole the show in the main event as he knocked out Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) instunning fashion just 21 seconds into the eighth round with a straight left jab to the body. Rosario struggled to get to his knees and appeared to have the wind knocked out of him as he was counted out by referee Harvey Dock.

“It’s Lions Only forever,” Jermell said. “We’ve been doing this for a long time. Dreams do come true. This is a part of my dream and a part of my destiny. I’m satisfied and I’m happy.”

Jermell became boxing’s ninth unified champion with his trainer Derrick James becoming the only current trainer with two unified titlists, including Jermell and Errol Spence Jr.

After seven completed round, Jermell held a narrow lead on all three judges’ scorecards: 66-65 and 67-64 twice.

Jermell recorded two knockdowns before his knockout. In the closing seconds of the sixth round, Rosario from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, went down for the second time as Charlo connected on a short left hook that stunned Rosario, who was saved by the bell. Rosario was also sent to the canvas early as Jermell scored a knockdown on a left hook to the top of Rosario’s head in the first minute of the fight. Rosario was taken to the hospital for observation following the fight.

“I knew that he was going to keep coming after the first knockdown,” Jermell said. “He kept pressing for four or five rounds until I floored him again. I’m growing and learning that the knockout just comes. I know that I have explosive power in both hands. I utilized my jab more than any other punch in this fight and that’s what got me these straps.”

In the first card main event, Jermall Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs) remained undefeated in an all-out war against top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko as all three judges were in agreement in scoring the unanimous decision. The scorecards read: 116-112, 117-111, 118-110. (Video Recap here: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1310030527303487496?s=20)

“We stood toe-to-toe and we didn’t back down from anything,” said Charlo, who had renowned trainer Ronnie Shields in his corner. “It was supposed to be one of the hardest fights of my career and we passed the test. He had a puncher’s chance, and of course the fight could have changed at any moment. I listened to my corner and executed the game plan and got the win.”

The 34-year-old Derevyanchenko (13-3, 10 KOs) fought more than half the fight with a swollen right eye he suffered in the fifth round, and later developed another cut above his left eye affecting his vision in the later rounds. He had his best rounds in the sixth and seventh as he connected on a several key left hooks that seemed to daze Charlo. The game and determined Derevyanchenko landed 180 and threw 681 more punches than any previous Charlo opponent.

“I wouldn’t say it was an easy fight, but we stuck to what we wanted to do and made it happen,” Jermall said. “I let my jab dictate and we got the victory. I wanted to knock him out, but you can’t knock everyone out. I’m a finisher, but you don’t want to run into anything even though you have him hurt. I landed the shots that I needed to in order to win.

“The whole world understands that I can fight in there with the best of them. He gave GGG [Gennadiy Golovkin] a harder test than he gave me so I think the levels showed. I’m the best middleweight in the world.”

Unbeaten Luis Nery (31-0, 24 KOs) became a two-division world champion as he handed Aaron Alameda (25-1, 13 KOs) his first loss as a professional by recording a unanimous decision victory to claim the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-main event of part two of the pay-per-view doubleheader. The scores were: 115-113, 116-112, 118-110. (Video recap here: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1310075371539361798?s=20).

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico’s Nery had his 11 straight knockout streak ended as he moved up in weight from 118 to 122 pounds. Alameda, from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, proved a tough opponent, as he matched his opponent punch for punch as Nery landed 180 total punches to 177 for Alameda.

“I got the victory because I landed more,” Nery said. “You always look for the knockout, but he used the jab a lot and that threw me off a little bit until I was able to connect more at the end of the fight.

“There are a lot of good fighters in this division. Brandon Figueroa’s name has come up, but we’ll check with the team and go from there. We’re ready to fight anyone at 122-pounds. We don’t fear anybody.”

After an intermission, former unified super bantamweight champion Danny Román overcame a slow start and survived 36-year-old former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator. All three judges saw it 116-112 in favor of Los Angeles’ Roman, who rallied in the later rounds to earn the unanimous decision. (Video recap here: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1310059423868620800?s=20)

“It’s always good to have your hand raised,” said Roman, who won the final four rounds on all three scorecards. “I can’t take anything away from Payano. He’s a veteran and he knows a lot of tricks. I had to adjust. It feels good to get a win again and I’m looking to keep that feeling going.”

Miami’s Payano, originally from the Dominican Republic, landed a career-high 261 punches compared to 152 for Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs), who is ranked in the top five by all four sanctioning bodies. Payano (21-4, 9 KOs) suffered a cut above his left eye due to a head butt in the third round. 

“We’re at the level and ready to fight the Luis Nery vs. Aaron Alameda winner,” Roman said. “I still have unfinished business with Murodjon Akhmadaliev. I want that rematch. If not that, then I’m ready to fight Angelo Leo.”

In the co-feature of the first pay-per-view card, Brandon Figueroa made the third defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight World Title as he scored a 10th-round TKO (1:18) over 122-pound contender Damien Vazquez.

The 23-year-old Figueroa (21-0-1, 16 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas, controlled the entire fight and held off the game Vazquez of Las Vegas while landing 48 percent of his power punches to Vazquez’s 39 percent. Vazquez (15-2-1, 8 KOs), who had a solid seventh round but began bleeding from a cut over a swollen right eye, won just one round on two judges’ scorecards, and two rounds on the other card.

“He was a lot tougher than I expected,” Figueroa said. “I was punishing him to the body and head. I had to switch to lefty because of how he was coming in with his head. I didn’t want to risk a head butt so I boxed him differently. My dad told me to put more pressure on in the middle of the fight and that’s what I did. He was holding up and taking my punches. But I knew with just a little bit more damage I could end it.”

Figueroa seemed to get stronger as the fight progressed as he outlanded Vazquez 114-48 over the last three rounds. “I’m ready for anyone. I know I belong with the best fighters in the division,” Figueroa said. “I just want to give fans great fights.”

In the opening fight of the first card, WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero was successful in his first defense of his title as he delivered a dominating third-round TKO (54 seconds) over Ghana native Duke Micah. (Video Recap here: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1309999336374366208?s=20)

The three-division champion Philippines’ Casimero (30-4, 21 KOs), fighting in his United States televised debut, dropped Micah (24-1, 19 KOs) early in the second round with a left hook, and consistently used his right hand in devastating fashion to finish off the Brooklyn, N.Y.-trained Micah, a 2012 Ghanaian Olympian who suffered the first loss of his career.

It was a complete performance for Casimero, who said after the fight that he’s ready for all the top 118-pound fighters in the division. “I hurt him in the second round with an uppercut, but I knew I was facing a good fighter,” he said. “I didn’t expect to knock him out so fast. He’s strong, so I was prepared to go all 12 rounds.

“I’m the real monster. Naoya Inoue is scared of me. He’s next. I would have knocked out anyone today. If Inoue doesn’t fight me, then I’ll fight Guillermo Rigondeaux, Luis Nery, or any of the top fighters.”

The announce team for the SHOWTIME PPV telecast was led by the most experienced and decorated boxing team on television. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer served as host for the evening. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and four-time world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. In addition, former world champion Raúl Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

The executive producer of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast 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 and has produced the three highest-grossing pay-per-view events of all time (Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-McGregor, Mayweather-Canelo).

The event was presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match was co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

UFC 253: Adesanya, patient and dominant, FINISHES Costa

https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-253-adesanya-vs-costa-live-fight-island-results

Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya proved why he is universally recognized as The Stylebender.” Making the second defense of the UFC middleweight championship, Adesanya once again neutralized an opponent’s fighting style before dominating inside the Octagon for his 100^th professional overall victory in combat sports.

I’m smart, I understand this game,” Adesanya added. “This is my 100th win in combat sports all-around… I’m not a baby in this game. I’m 31, but I look like I’m 26. I’m still fresh!”

Adesanya (20-0) silenced the cries of violence and destruction of Brazil’s Paulo Costa (13-1), en route to a spectacular second-round finish. UFC 253: ADESANYA vs. COSTA was televised live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View live from the Flash Forum on Yas (Fight) Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emerties.

There was so much trash-talking heading into UFC 253 between Adesanya and Costa, many truly believed that this fight would be the 2020 “Fight of the Year.” Seriously considering Costa’s ruthless and relentless aggression during his unblemished 13-0 run that included victories against Yoel Romero, Uriah Hall, and Johny Hendricks, it appeared as through Costa’s desire to inflict pain would be enough to take the UFC championship away from Adesanya.

Again, Adesanya proved that fighting him would be a much different experience Costa ever had. Adesanya proved that he wasn’t afraid of Costa’s rage, along with his bulging muscles, and fancy kicks, and his powerful punches would not be enough to win.

“I told you guys in the prefight, ‘I’m not a human-punching bag,” Adesanya said. “He only fought human punching bags. Guys would just stand there and just cover up. They would just let him tee-off on him.”

Adesanya’s fighting style is reminiscent of two of the greatest of all-time: Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. Anderson and Jones were extremely talented, very smart, tough, and perseverant inside the Octagon. What stood out was their patience. Both Silva and Jones were patient when it came to picking their shots with great anticipation from inside the Octagon. They were dominant for many years and had capabilities that appeared natural. Many times their fights looked much easier than they actually were.

Adesanya lands one of many kicks that steadily picked Costa apart

made his fight with Costa look so easy because, it simply was. From the opening round, Adesanya took Costa’s power and aggressiveness away using leg-kicks that weakened and perhaps damaged Costa’s left-knee. Adesanya easily prevented Costa from charging by simply landing hard-stiff jabs straight into his face. Adesanya’s feints were so sharp, Costa’s timing and balance was easily thrown off.

In round two, Costa was met with a counter right-hook and a sharp left that caught him inside. Adesanya finished Costa on the mat with an inside barrage of punches. It was quick!

“[Costa] closed-off his left side,” Adesanya said, “so he can give me his right side. He overly committed to the left-side. I had heaps of room to move to the right. What they wanted was for me to just stand there so he can punch me. I not stupid dummy! I told you he’s dumb!”

Adesanya has won fights in Boxing (5), Kickboxing (75), and MMA (20) to accumulate 100 professional victories in Combat Sports. Adesanya remains unbeaten in the UFC.

UFC President Dana White, who predicted Adesanya-Costa would be the fight of the year, was surprised in the manner Adesanya was so dominant.

“When you breakdown a fight and think about how it should go, that shouldn’t have been the fight the happened tonight,” White said. “It should have been a much tougher fight, but you cannot be disappointed when you have somebody that’s as talented as Adesanya is and comes out, and imposes his will, and literally dismantles as guy, as good, and as though as Costa.”

White added: “Costa is… Costa is that good, and is a savage normally, but Adesanya shut him down tonight!” Absolutely put on a clinic and destroyed him.”

UFC 253: ADESANYA vs. COSTA live from Yas (Fight) Island on Saturday!

Undefeated UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (19-0) challenge unbeaten, No. 2-ranked Paulo Costa (13-0) in the main event of UFC 253: ADESANYA vs. COSTA on Pay-Per-View live from UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates, beginning at 10 PM/ET. The Preliminaries begin at 7 PM/ET on ESPN2.

Adesanya vs. Costa is a fight between unbeaten UFC martial artists. Many are calling this the ‘2020 Fight of Year.’ It’s going to be an insane fight between two highly skilled fighters, who have both taunted one another whether face-to-face, social media live-chat, weigh-ins, and press conferences. The insults have made this fight so intense and highly anticipated.

 “When I put my hands on his head, his body – he’s going to feel it a lot,” Costa said. “I fear he can die in the Octagon, for sure. He cannot handle it from me,” Costa said. “When I close the distance, I can KO him.”

Adesanya-Costa promises to be an explosive, must-see event. Both artists have spent countless hours insulting once another at every bit.

“I got this overly inflated balloon animal,” Adesanya said of Costa. “This heavy-ass Ricky Martin wannabe. … Trust me, when I’m done with him, he’ll really look like Ricky Martin. Botched.”

Seriously, Adesanya is currently recognized as one of the best mixed martial artists in the world ‘Pound-for-Pound’ and for good reason. Widely regarded as ‘The Last ‘Stylebender,’ Adesanya’s great defense, anticipation, combination-striking, leg-kicks, ground-and-pound, and submissions defiantly separates him from other artists. Adesanya can control the pace of his fights and accelerate the tempo to his liking at will.

No one really seems to have figured out Adesanya’s fighting style. However, the way Adesanya controls his opposition is reminiscent of the way Jon Jones and Anderson Silva (two of the greatest of all-time), dominated their opponents for many years.

As a former kickboxing world champion at King in the Ring, Adesanya competed in more than 75 fights before competing in the UFC. After a successful debut at UFC 221 in February 2018, it wasn’t long before Adesanya challenged Kelvin Gastelum for the interim UFC middleweight championship at UFC 236. Adesanya walked out of Atlanta as the new UFC champion, via unanimous-decision. Adesanya, who also has a victory against the legendary Anderson Silva, KO’d Robert Whittaker to become undisputed UFC middleweight champion in October 2019.

“I think Robert Whittaker started the fight very well,” Costa said. “He closed the distance, because everybody knows when you close the distance against Israel Adesanya, he loses. His distance, his timing – he cannot fight with guys who pressure him. Everybody watched that fight against (Kelvin) Gastelum. If Gastelum has my power, I think Gastelum knocks him out.”

Adesanya snapped Robert Whittaker’s 9-fight win streak to win the UFC middleweight championship almost one year ago.

In his first title defense in March, Adesanya defeated former title challenger, Yoel Romero in Las Vegas.

Adesanya’s technical mastery will be greatly challenged by the explosive, resistant, hard-punching, fast-kicking, and abusive style of Paulo Costa.

Like Adesanya, Acosta has yet to taste defeat inside the Octagon.

Costa, following the death of his father due to cancer in 2008, resumed ju-jitsu martial arts training alongside his older brother Carlos. Costa was a former realtor and IT consultant in native Brazil before he began his professional career in February 2012. Costa won both a Face-to-Face and Jungle Fight middleweight title before competing in the UFC.

Since joining the UFC in March 2017, Costa has brutally punched, kicked, kneed, elbowed, and viciously abused his opponents. Acosta has pummeled Gareth McLellan, Oluwale Bamgbose, Johny Hendricks, Uriah Hall, and Yoel Romero.

Costa has proven himself to be a beast inside the Octagon, but can be break the “Stylebender?”

Costa believes that Adesanya will fall like everyone else.

“When I put my hands on his head, his body – he’s going to feel it a lot,” Costa said. “I fear he can die in the Octagon, for sure. He cannot handle it from me,” Costa said. “When I close the distance, I can KO him.”

SHOWTIME Release: ‘First-Of-Its-Kind’ Doubleheader featuring Charlo title defenses, live on PPV this Saturday!

Jermall Charlo                                     Jermell Charlo

vs.                                                            vs.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko                     Jeison Rosario

First-Of-Its-Kind Doubleheader Live on SHOWTIME PPV^® This Saturday, September 26 Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for the CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER PPV Trailer

UNCASVILLE, CT. – September 23, 2020 – WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo previewed the CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER at final press conferences Wednesday, as they went face to face with the opponents presenting the toughest tests of their careers.

Jermall will face top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko headlining part one of the doubleheader, while Jermell takes on WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in the main event of part two of the twin bill taking place this Saturday, September 26 live on SHOWTIME PPV (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT), in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conferences included all 12 fighters participating on the stacked pay-per-view event featuring six competitive fights in all, five of which are world title fights.

The three-fight Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko card will see WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa defending his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-main event, plus WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero battling unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

Following a 30-minute intermission at the conclusion of Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko, the three-fight Charlo vs. Rosario card will begin. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery takes on undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-main event, while former unified champion Danny Román duels former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator kicking off the second portion of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut:

JERMALL CHARLO

“This is just the beginning for me. There’s been 30 fighters who’ve tried to beat me, and all 30 failed. We’ll get a chance to get in there and do what we do best on Saturday. Talk is cheap. We’ll see where that green belt goes on Saturday.

“I’m focused and locked in. I’m ready to fight. Sergiy can say what he wants to say about me, it’s going to be a fight on Saturday.

“This is like the Super Bowl for us. At the end of the day, we’re always ready to fight. This is what we do and this is what we prepare ourselves for. We’re true warriors.

“Derevyanchenko is looking past me. His trainer and his whole camp, they’re all looking past me. They’re going to find out what they’re in for on Saturday.

“I’m the best in the world. On Saturday night, everyone will get a chance to see it live on SHOWTIME PPV.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“Saturday night is going to be my history-making performance. This is something that I’ve always wanted and that I’ve always trained for. I’ve put in the hard work for every fight I’ve ever had, and this is what it’s all been for.

“People will say that they can’t wait to see us fight again after Saturday. We come to fight. We prepared all our life for this. Now is our time. The big dogs are here to stay. We’re veterans in this game and we love this sport. To make it to this stage, there’s nothing bigger for us. This is our Super Bowl. This is our national championship. It’s time for us to go get our belts.

“This is about my legacy and my career. I want everyone to see what I’m made of. [Jeison] Rosario is a tough fighter with a lot of good attributes. He’s coming to fight. Styles make fights and we’re going to see that in the ring.

“We’re going to put on a show. Knowing my brother is also fighting gives me more energy. Fight night is when you see all our excitement and all our hard work pouring out. This is huge for us. We’re both doing our thing and feeding off each other’s energy.

“Just being on this stage makes you buckle in and focus a lot better. I’m 30 years old and I want to push myself and keep testing my limits. That’s what’s gotten me to this stage right now.

“I have confidence in my skills and I’m going to bring some new tricks out of my hat.”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

“The green color of the WBC belt suits me. I want that green belt. I’ve fought twice for the title, and I’m more ready than ever for the third time.

“I was happy to have the break after the Gennadiy Golovkin fight. I got good rest. I’m relaxed, and when I came back to the United States, I was ready to train and now I’m ready to fight. It all helped me.

“Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs were tough fights, they were both close fights and I think those experiences definitely helped me. I’ll show it in the ring on Saturday.

“I’m going to put pressure on him from the beginning. I’m going to use my legs, my jab and combinations to get the win.

“We always train hard and we have great sparring partners to prepare us. They’ve shown me what he’s going to bring to the ring. Now we just have to take our strategy and use it in the ring on Saturday.

“This is a big fight. When I win, even more opportunities will open up. I’ll be able to unify and take my career to the next level.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“People are going to see on Saturday that it was no fluke that I beat Julian Williams the way that I did.

“This is going to be a war. I’m a warrior, and I’m going to find a way to win. That’s the only thing on my mind.

“I don’t feel any pressure, it’s an obligation – not only to my family, but to all of Latin America – to win these titles. There’s no room in my mind for the possibility of not winning. That’s going to be clear on Saturday night.

“I’m prepared for the fight to go the distance, but I also have the stamina to finish it early and take advantage of my opportunity.

“I don’t have to understand what Jermell is saying on stage to know that he thinks he’s going to win, just like I think I’m going to win. That’s what makes this a great fight, but nothing is going to change my mindset.

“Training camp was great despite the pandemic. I feel strong, healthy and confident. Jermell is a great fighter with a lot of power, but I’m the better overall fighter and the world will see that on Saturday.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’m excited to be back to doing what I do best and that’s getting in the ring and giving the fans a great show.

“It’s been a very unique circumstance training for this fight during the pandemic, but we made the most of it. I’m very fortunate that I have access to a private gym, so I was able to stay consistent with my training. Sparring was a little difficult, but I was able to venture out after a while and get some good sessions in. Even though this is the longest I’ve gone without a fight, I never took much time off.

“Vazquez is a good, tough opponent but I really don’t think he’ll be able to handle the pressure that I’m going to bring. I’m an action fighter but I can do it all. I can bang, but I can also box – and my dad wants me to box even more and tag him on the outside. I don’t think he’ll be able to handle my body shots.

“I feel like this fight won’t last too long, because I had such a good training camp. I keep getting better and stronger and I’m ready to showcase that Saturday night.”

DAMIEN VAZQUEZ

“If he says it won’t go past six rounds, then he’s going to have to work hard. I’m going to make sure it’ an all-out war. He’s going to have to earn everything.

“I’m ready to go. To be honest, this is the most excited I’ve ever been about a fight. He has two hands and his heart beats like mine. There’s nothing to be scared about in facing my opponent.

“No disrespect to the Charlos, but I want to be fight of the night and steal the show. May the best man win. I’m confident that will be me. Plain and simple.”

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“This is my first time on SHOWTIME so I want to give everyone watching an impressive performance. I’ll go for the knockout.

“This is a big opportunity show the world who I am. I promise I will do my best this fight. I am extremely ready to give it my all.

“My opponent is a mature boxer with good experience. But I’m going to be too strong for him. I believe I’m the best at 118-pounds.”

DUKE MICAH

“I’m so grateful for this moment. This is a massive night for me. It all comes down to this and we are coming to win.

“I have to stick to my game plan. I expect my opponent to box and move. I’ve prepared for a couple attacks that I think he will use. I’ve never been more ready for a fight than I am for this one.

“Casimero is a good boxer, but I’m a different fighter than I’ve been in the past. I’ve improved my game so much working with Andre Rozier. The fans will see it on Saturday night, and they will become instant fans of my electrifying style.”

LUIS NERY

“Everyone knows about my strength and knockout power, but my technique and preparation will play a part to help me win this fight.

“I’m excited for the challenge of moving up in weight. I want to dominate across multiple weight classes. That’s going to start Saturday night with a big statement against [Aaron] Alameda.

“This is really one of the best training camps I’ve ever had. I’ve been working with Eddy Reynoso, he’s focused on a lot of different aspects of my game that I can show in the ring on Saturday.

“The level of the fighter that Alameda has fought is not too impressive. On Saturday he’s going to face someone who’s on a whole new level from anything he’s ever faced.”

AARON ALAMEDA

“Everyone knows I’m the underdog, but after Saturday, everyone is going to know who Aaron Alameda is. I prepared hard like I always do, and you will see that from me in this fight.

“This fight was supposed to take place back in March, but I’ve been able to take the last six months to prepare even better and make sure I’m 100 percent the best version of myself.

“There’s so much on the line that I don’t think not having fans will have any effect. It’s pay-per-view and that means a lot of eyeballs will be on me. This fight means everything for me and my career.”

DANNY ROMAN

“I am coming off of losing the titles and that has made me hungrier than before. I am going again against a quality fighter like [Juan Carlos] Payano, and I don’t believe this is going the distance.

“I always make weight. I am still eating right now, and I think I will be eating before the weigh-in. I don’t struggle with the weight and I even think with a good diet I might be able to make 118 pounds.

“My style is to go in there and give the best of me and try to make my fight, the fight of the night. There are a lot of great fighters up here, but I’m trying to steal the show. We’re going to do whatever is possible to get this win.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I’ve faced better fighters than [Danny] Roman and I’m not going to back down against anyone. I’m ready for him to bring it. I’ve been on this stage before. I train to win every fight no matter what.

“I was already in training camp before the shutdown and I haven’t stopped working since. It’s been a long training camp, but we’re here now and I’m prepared.

“I didn’t come to talk too much. People will see the results on Saturday. I’m ready to show everyone that my power will be there in this fight.”

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

“I’d like to acknowledge the fighters and all of their camps for cooperating with us, complying with the protocols, and for meeting this challenge.

“The fans have spoken, and we listened. Fans wanted the best fighting the best. Well, we’ve got that. Without question, this is not just the biggest pay-per-view card of the year, but there is also the most value for your money on this card. I’ve never been involved with a card that has this level of quality and this level of star power”.

“We are proud that the Charlo’s are returning home to SHOWTIME after they came of age on this network. This is the fight fans’ fight card, with top to bottom can’t-miss action guaranteed on Saturday night.”

# # #

ABOUT CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER

The CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER takes place Saturday, September 26 on SHOWTIME PPV with an unprecedented event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The pay-per-view begins at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. The SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins with the Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko three-fight card followed by a 30-minute intermission and then the Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario three-fight card.

Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV is headlined by WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

The second three-fight card is headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery will battle undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Danny Román faces off against former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

SHOWTIME Release: Charlo twins join “All The Smoke with Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson

CHARLO TWINS JOIN ALL THE SMOKE WITH MATT BARNES AND STEPHEN JACKSON FOR A SPECIAL EPISODE AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER BOXING PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT

New Episode of ALL THE SMOKE WITH MATT BARNES AND STEPHEN JACKSON Available Now On The SHOWTIME^® Basketball YouTube Channel

Houston’s world champion Charlo twins, Jermall and Jermell, join hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for a special episode of ALL THE SMOKE to preview the Charlo’s upcoming matchups headlining the first-ever SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader this Saturday, September 26. In Saturday’s unprecedented twin bill that begins live at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall will face top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in the main event of the first card, while WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell takes on WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in a world championship unification fight in the main event of the second card of the pay-per-view.

In the 40-minute interview, both Jermell and Jermall loosen up in the midst of otherwise intense training camps at their respective gyms. The hard-hitting, identical twin brothers look back on the toughest fights and favorite knockouts of their careers, and preview their first fights as pay-per-view main event attractions. The highly competitive brothers, who were born one minute apart, also go back-and-forth with each other, engaging in some light-hearted verbal sparring.

Following are excerpts from the episode:

On his fight against Matvey Korobov the night his brother Jermell was handed his first defeat…

Jermall – “To the world, they still thought that was a close fight because the guy landed some punches early on in the fight. But I had to shake my head and get my head cleared, just seeing my brother lose for the first time ever in my life, that sh*t kind of messed with me mentally. But I shook it off and then I went on to destroy (Korobov).”

On his toughest fight…

Jermell – “My toughest fight was the [first] Tony Harrison fight because he came in with a different game plan. He moved. In 2018, I wasn’t developed mentally like I am developed now. It’s crazy that I say that and it’s only 2020, but two years made a big difference. I just feel like the movement, the height, so many different things that I had to adapt to in the midst of 36 minutes. It wasn’t something that we got prepared for and I still feel like I won that fight, no matter what. I pushed myself way more than he did in the fight and that’s why I feel like I won.”

On what he wants the Charlo’s legacy to be…

Jermell – “I say as big as the Klitschko’s, or bigger. We want to be champions together in the same weight division again, if that’s possible. We just want to be legends where people follow our platform and they recognize every time they see us, they’re like, ‘… They dogs. And they looked out for people. They were good people.’ We don’t want people to just think we’re some crazy warriors that just walk around banging their bats against the poles and stuff. We want people to understand that we’re really serious about the sport of boxing. That we’re passionate and we love the game, but we love life as well, and family.”

Saturday’s pay-per-view features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. The SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins with the Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko three-fight card live at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT followed by a 30-minute intermission and then the Charlo vs. Rosario three-fight card.

Cyborg returns to face Blencowe, as Bellator MMA moves to CBS

Cris Cyborg gives first interview since Bellator 249 fight is announced, Talks Arlene Blencowe, Fighting on a Thursday Night, and CBS Sports Network and more

Grand slam champion Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino is one of the ‘Greatest Martial Artists of All-Time.’ As the only artist to have won the Strikeforce, Invicta, UFC, and Bellator world championships, Cyborg has proven to be a pioneer and trailblazer for women in MMA.

Since capturing the Bellator women’s featherweight championship from Julia Budd in January, Cyborg, like many other individuals in various professions world-wide, was sidelined due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

MMA’s Grand Slam Champion Cris Cyborg shows off her Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and more recently required Bellator MMA women’s featherweight title belts

Until now!

Bellator MMA and CBS Sports Network recently announced a partnership that feature MMA events broadcast live on CBS Sports in the fall.

On Thursday, October 15, live from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, Cyborg (22-2, 1 NC) is set to make her first defense of the Bellator MMA women’s featherweight championship against Arlene Blencowe (13-7) in the main event of Bellator 249.

Before anyone talks about Blencowe’s record, having lost 7 out of 20 fights, the 37-year-old Australian has amassed 11 victories out of her previous 14 fights.

Cyborg, arguably the best ever, has been doing this for 15 years. After losing her professional MMA debut in May 2005, Cyborg almost single-handedly elevated Women’s MMA to greater heights; winning her highly anticipated grudge match with previously unbeaten Gina Carano for the inaugural Strikeforce Women’s featherweight championship. Cyborg also defeated longtime professional boxing champion Holly Holm, and a whole host of other challengers; having lost just once, a stunning stoppage against simultaneous UFC two-division champ Amanda Nunes last year.

Cyborg was always a proud champion and a trailblazer for women in MMA

Cyborg’s new beginning led to an undisclosed multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA. She wasn’t matched easily, as Cyborg was opposed last January by Julia Budd, who reigned for almost three years. Cyborg was dominant, as she stopped Budd in round four.

Bellator MMA executives are extremely excited to showcase Cyborg, as well as their other artists in the upcoming weeks, on the biggest platform possible.

In 2020, Cyborg found a new home with Bellator MMA and became their women’s featherweight champion in her debut.

“I am thrilled that Bellator live events will be coming to CBS Sports Network beginning on Oct. 1, as well as the unique opportunities the partnership creates across all CBS Sports platforms,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “CBS Sports is synonymous with iconic sports broadcasting and it is incredible to now have Bellator MMA included in that family. I would like to thank Paramount Network, formerly Spike TV, for the years of support that helped build Bellator into the organization that it is today, and this news marks yet another exciting relationship between two ViacomCBS properties. I look forward to bringing the biggest fights, featuring the top athletes in the world, live to CBS Sports Network and introducing Bellator to an entirely new audience this fall.”

“We’re excited to have CBS Sports Network serve as the new home of live Bellator MMA events. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the best events and biggest names in the sport,” said CBS Sports Executive Vice President of Programming Dan Weinberg. “Adding Bellator MMA to the CBS Sports portfolio will allow for greater promotion, engagement and exposure across all our platforms and assets including CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports HQ as well as our various social accounts.”

Covington finishes Woodley, ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone future in question

Former interim UFC welterweight champion #2. Colby Covington (16-2) scored the biggest victory of his career with a dominant and bloody finish of former champion #5. Tyron Woodley (19-6-1) in round-five on Saturday. “UFC FIGHT NIGHT: COVINGTON vs. WOODLY” was streamed live on ESPN+ from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

Woodley entered into this fight having potentially lost his last 10-rounds, having been outworked for 50 minutes; losing the UFC welterweight title to Kamaru Usman, and punished by Gilbert Burns. Woodley entered the Covington fight with something to prove and needed to be at his absolute best to avoid a third-consecutive loss. The stage was set for Woodley, who was once again put into the main event slot against a dangerous and passionate martial artist in Covington.

This fight was supposed to have been explosive. It was supposed to have been a passionate and spirited battle between two artists that simply didn’t like one another. There was explosiveness. There was passion and skill on display. Instead, Covington rose to the occasion on perhaps the biggest night of his career. Covington was the only one that brought the rage and intensity inside the Octagon. It was Covington’s night, as Woodley fizzled on what appeared to be his worst night as a professional fighter.

Seconds into the fight, Covington charged and easily dropped Woodley to the mat. Woodley worked his way back to his feet to engage Covington into a stand-up. Covington closed the distance behind hard kicks and a huge right that trapped Woodley against the ropes. Covington landed several knees against Woodley’s thigh, as Covington pressured his opponent against the cage.

As the fight continued, Woodley was reduced from being former world champion to Covington’s human punching bag. Woodley found himself either eating kicks and punches during the stand-up, or bullied against the cage. Woodley got eye-poked in the third-round and didn’t appear eager to confront Covington. Woodley didn’t have the killer instinct that made him a UFC star. Woodley absorbed punishment from a guy that was intent on hurting him.   

There was a plenty of passion and determination on display from Colby Covington.

At age 38, has Woodley’s time in the UFC passed?

UFC President Dana White openly said afterwards that Woodley may want to consider retiring after another dismal performance inside the Octagon.

“I think he should start thinking of hanging ‘em up,” said UFC President Dana White. “He’s had a great career, he’s had a great run. He’s made money.”

In round four, Covington caused a massive bleeding, as his relentless elbows and solid punches caused cuts across Woodley’s eyes and his atop his head.

At the end of the fight, Woodley appeared to have Covington in a guillotine front-face lock, but relinquished the hold after Covington landed a series of hard body-shots from a defensive position.  

After having lost three consecutive fights to Usman, Burns, and Covington in more than 70-minutes of action, has Tyron Woodley reached his end at age 38?

“Usman vs. Covington was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen,” White added. “This fight had that type of potential, if that Woodley showed up. He didn’t. Something happened with his ribs, it’s a rib injury.”

As for Covington’s immediate future, to the victor goes the spoils that included a live post-fight phone call from President Donald Trump, White may book Convington to face Jorge Masvidal next.

“Right now, Gilbert Burns has the next shot at Usman,” White said. “Colby is there and the first fight (against Usman) was so incredible. I loved that fight. I don’t know, maybe he gets another fight. Maybe [Covington] fights Masvidal.”

Future UFC Hall of Famer ‘Cowboy’ Donald Cerrone (36-15-1) battled Nicko Price (14-4-1) to a split-draw after three exciting rounds. The judges had the fight scored: 29-28 (Cerrone) and 28-28 (twice), however, Cerrone didn’t feel as though he won.

Is ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone’s time in the Octagon nearing its end?

“That is a loss, that’s five in a row,” Cerrone said. “Had I not gained a point, I would have lost that fight. 2020 is not my year I don’t think.”

In three appearances this year, Cerrone, recognized for his non-stop, all-action performances, lost all three. In January, he was KO’d in 40 seconds by a returning Connor McGregor. In May, he dropped a decision to Anthony Pettis. Winless in his last five fights, it was clear that Cerrone’s body language, at age 37 and after a brutal 42-MMA fight career, was competitive against Price. It was a closely-contested slugfest between two all-action artists inside the Octagon. But it was clear that Cowboy is slowing down physically as an athlete.  

“There was one time when I almost dropped to a knee,” Cerrone admitted. “I was like, ‘you fucking pussy, let’s go.’ I was having a conversation [with myself]. Meanwhile, he’s just unloading on me.”

Speaking of conversation, UFC President Dana White feels the urge to ‘have a conversation’ with Cowboy Cerrone.    

“He was on his way out in the first 30 seconds of the first-round,” White said. “He’s durable. I love ‘Cowboy,’ but I know this is going to crush him and break his heart, but it’s time to have a conversation with him. I need to talk to him. He and I need to have a conversation. I know what he’s going to say, ‘I don’t want to stop.’”

The pressure is on Woodley to defeat Covington on Saturday!

Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley will have his back against the wall, as No. 2-ranked Coby Covington (15-2) aims to hand No. 5 Woodley (19-5-1) a third consecutive defeat. UFC FIGHT NIGHT: COVINGTON vs. WOODLEY will headline a 14–fight card this Saturday, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas beginning at 5 PM/ET.

ESPN+ will televise the event beginning at 5 PM/ET.

This fight is a crossroads fight for both fighters; specifically Woodley. The Missouri native soared through solid UFC opposition en route to knocking out Robbie Lawler to win the welterweight championship (July 2016). In two separate title defenses, Woodley battled ‘Wonder Boy’ Stephen Thompson to both a draw (Nov. 2016) and a majority-decision in the rematch (Mar. 2017). After title defenses against Damien Maia and Darren Hill, Woodley appeared to be at the top of his game and was universally recognized as the No. 1 guy at 170 lbs.

Tyron Woodley had a lot of confidence and swag as UFC welterweight champion. What happened? Can Woodley defy the odds this Saturday; ending his two-fight skid?

That was until Woodley fought the freakish Kamaru Usman (Mar. 2019). In that fight, Woodley slowly and painfully saw his championship slip away as Usman consistently attacked, grounded, pounded, and suffocated Woodley through five rounds. The fight was so lopsided, the judges scored the bout (50-44, 50-44, and 50-45).

Woodley returned to the Octagon in May to fight another monster in Gilbert Burns live from the APEX. Burns literally burned through Woodley through five rounds.

Just like that, Woodley, once the decorated UFC welterweight champion, is staring at three consecutive defeats should he fail to defeat Covington, an aggressive pressure fighter with good wrestling capability. Covington’s only two defeats in the UFC were against Usman for the championship previously in December ’19 and Warlley Alves, then an undefeated prospect, five years ago.

Covington brings extreme confidence and pressure with him into each fight.

Covington is set to have his first fight of 2020 following a nine-month layoff. Covington, although he fought Usman for the title previously, is still ranked No. 2 in the welterweight class; trailing only Jorge Masvidal in the divisional rankings. Covington is coming to fight a former titlist looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Woodley vs. Covington is going to be a very dramatic and intense fight between two artists who will be desperate to win at all costs.

Matchroom Release – Eddie Hearn: Devin Haney aiming to fight either Gary Russell Jr., & Yuriorkis Gamboa

Eddie Hearn says Gary Russell Jr and Yuriorkis Gamboa are both targets for the return of WBC World Lightweight champion Devin Haney in November, live on DAZN.   Haney (24-0 15 KOs) is raring to return to the ring and defend his crown for the second time after he was forced into surgery when injuring his shoulder in his first defense against Alfredo Santiago in Los Angeles in November.   The 21 year old has fully recovered and November 7 is the date promoter Hearn has earmarked for ‘The Dream’ to display his talents for the first time in 2020, with Russell Jnr and Gamboa the two men vying to take on the Las Vegas star.    Haney and long reigning WBC World Featherweight champion Russell Jnr (31-1 18 KOs) have become embroiled in a war of words on social media over the potential clash, while Gamboa (30-3 18 KOs) is aiming for a third shot at becoming a two-weight World champion – and Hearn expects to name Haney’s foe next week.   “Devin has been doing a great job in keeping his profile active during lockdown but now it’s almost time for get busy in the ring,” said Hearn. “November 7 is the targeted date for his return and the two main targets are Gary Russell Jr and Yuriorkis Gamboa. Both are great fights for Devin as he approaches a key stretch in his career to become standout star.   “Devin is ready to defend his WBC titles against all comers and I can’t wait to see him back in the ring in November.”

Bellator MMA Release: Bellator 245 & 246 Results

Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. Mix Main Card Results: 

Juan Archuleta defeated Patchy Mix to claim the vacant Bellator Bantamweight World Championship

Juan Archuleta (25-2) defeated Patchy Mix (13-1) via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

Neiman Gracie (10-1) defeated Jon Fitch (32-8-2, 1 NC) via submission (heel hook) at 4:47 of round two

Liz Carmouche (14-7) defeated DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:17 of round three

Keoni Diggs (9-0) defeated Derek Campos (20-11) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round three

Preliminary Card: 

Daniel Madrid (18-6) defeated Pat Casey (6-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Ty Gwerder (5-1) defeated Tuco Tokkos (4-2) via TKO at 1:05 of round three

Davion Franklin (2-0) defeated Ras Hylton (6-5) via technical decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2 Main Card: Results 

Phil Davis lands a leg-kick against Lyoto Machida during their three-round bout.

Phil Davis (22-5, 1 NC) defeated Lyoto Machida (26-10) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Cat Zingano (11-4) defeated Gabby Holloway (6-6) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Taylor Johnson (6-1) defeated Ed Ruth (8-3) via submission (heel hook) at :59 of round one

Raymond Daniels (2-1, 1 NC) and Peter Stanonik (5-4, 1 NC)endedin a no content (accidental low blow)

Preliminary Card:  

Alex Polizzi (7-0) defeated Rafael Carvalho (16-5) unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Leslie Smith (12-8-1) defeated Amanda Bell (7-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28. 29-28)

Tyrell Fortune (8-1, 1 NC) and Jack May (11-6, 1 NC) ended in a no content (accidental low blow)

Keith Lee (7-3) defeated Vinicius Zani (11-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About Bellator:

Bellator is a leading global MMA and kickboxing promotion featuring many of the best athletes in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities around the world and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator events can be seen on both Paramount Network and DAZN, the world’s first truly dedicated LIVE sports streaming service, while Bellator MMA Recharged airs on the CBS Sports Network. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live events, fighter development and relations, sponsorship, international licensing, marketing, advertising and public relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.