Arthur Abraham – Edison Miranda II Giovanni Lorenzo vs. Raul Marquez June 21, 2008 ● LIVE ON SHOWTIME ● Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.– With three well-timed power punches, “King” Arthur Abraham blasted his was to a definitive fourth-round TKO over nemesis Edison Miranda in a thrilling rematch Saturday on SHOWTIME. In a terrific co-feature, an IBF middleweight eliminator, veteran Raul Marquez won a close unanimous 12-round decision over Dominican upstart Giovanni Lorenzo. All three judges scored the bout 114-113.

The two-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast was presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event in association with The Seminole Tribe of Florida.




PHOTOS: TOM CASINO/ SHOWTIME

Slightly behind after three rounds, undefeated IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (white trunks) roared back to floor Edison Miranda three times before winning by convincing, impressive fourth-round TKO in their highly anticipated rematch Saturday on SHOWTIME.



In one of the most anticipated rematches since Marquez-Vazquez II, Abraham and Miranda had unfinished business. In their first fight, in September 2006 in Germany, Abraham won a controversial, and some say confusing, unanimous decision after suffering a broken jaw in the fifth round. Miranda had five points deducted in that fight (for a head butt and repeated low blows).

On Saturday, they met at a catchweight of 166 pounds with Abraham’s IBF middleweight title belt sitting safely in his dressing room. But Abraham left no doubt with a powerful display that Miranda could not withstand.

Despite winning two of the first three rounds on the scorecards, Miranda went down three times in the fourth round. The first came after a straight right hand landed squarely on Miranda’s chin. Abraham sent Miranda reeling just moments after he got up with a vicious left hook. A final, flush left hook sent Miranda down for the third time in the round and referee Tellis Assmenios waved it off at 1:13.

“Abraham showed us that he is a force to be reckoned with,” said SHOWTIME analyst AL Bernstein. “For one thing, he is very difficult to hit and hurt. More importantly, he has serious power.”

“Boom, Boom, Boom,” said Abraham as he watched the replay of his knockdown punches with SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray immediately after the fight. “In this fight, I was more cautious. The last time, I didn't pay as much attention to that. Tonight, I tired him out then knocked him down.”

The undefeated middleweight champion, Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs) is an Armenian native now living and training in Germany. After the fight, he told the SHOWTIME audience that he enjoyed fighting in America and for the enthusiastic crowd at Hard Rock Live. And that he wanted the opportunity to fight Oscar De La Hoya and Kelly Pavlik next.

Miranda, of Yonkers, NY, by way of Colombia, drops to 30-3, (26 KOs) and has said he plans to campaign at 168 regardless of the outcome of this fight.

“He came very well prepared,” said Miranda. “I have no quarrels tonight. He felt very strong. I don't know what happened. I was 100 percent coming into this fight. The last fight, I was 50 percent. I don't know. He was too strong today. He's a great champion.”


In a thrilling IBF middleweight elimination bout, veteran Raul Marquez (right) dealt previously unbeaten Giovanni Lorenzo his initial defeat with a close, unanimous 12-round decision in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature.



The Lorenzo-Marquez fight was a bruising, physical and entertaining affair. Marquez, at 36-years-old, clearly showed that he has the heart, will and skill to fight Abraham for the IBF title.

Despite a slow start, Marquez dominated Lorenzo in the middle rounds. He found a rhythm in the fourth round and fought a tough and intelligent fight. Marquez sustained two deep cuts over his right eye in the 10th as Lorenzo pressed him in the last three rounds. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the game and gritty veteran.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING’s Steve Albert and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Jim Gray serving as a roving reporter. The executive producer of the SHOWTIME telecast was David Dinkins Jr., the producer was Chuck McKean with Bob Dunphy directing.

REPLAYS

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on SHO Sports Presents on Tuesday, June 24, at 10 p.m. ET/PT (SHO2). SHO Sports Presents, a daily weekday series, replays heart-pounding boxing and EliteXC fight telecasts from SHOWTIME Sports’ arsenal every Monday through Friday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO2.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.

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

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MIDDLEWEIGHT MELEE; Predictions

MIDDLEWEIGHT MELEE: The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL will serve as the site for a Showtime World Championship Boxing middleweight doubleheader. The 12 round non-title main event bout will feature a rematch between Edison Miranda (30-2, 26 KO’s) and undefeated IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KO’s). In the co-feature undefeated IBF #4 ranked contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) challenges IBF #13 ranked contender and former world champion Raul Marquez (40-3-1, 29 KO’s) in a 12 round IBF Mandatory Eliminator bout. IBF champion Abraham is mandated to fight the winner of Lorenzo-Marquez in his next bout. SHOWTIME’s June 21 broadcast will begin at 9pm ET / PT. Tickets, priced at $202, $152, $102, and $52 are now on sale and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com.

LOYALTY: Lorenzo’s cut man Sid Brumbach is getting married today. He has put off his honeymoon until after the Lorenzo fight so he can be in Lorenzo’s corner on Saturday night . . . No word on whether he has informed his bride of this yet . . .
PREDICTIONS: An e-mail was sent to the boxing media and to boxing insiders asking their predictions for Saturday’s Lorenzo-Marquez bout. Surprisingly, of the 33 people who responded, 29 selected Lorenzo. Below are the predictions.

Marquez

•Marquez KO8
Conventional wisdom tells you that whenever there's a crossroads bout between an aging mediocre former title holder and a young unproven prospect, the youngster usually wins. Bear in mind, the last time Marquez was used to test a young, upcoming prospect he was brutally taken apart by Taylor in nine rounds.

But Giovanni Lorenzo is no Jermaine Taylor. To say he is an overprotected fighter is an understatement. His record reads like the membership roster of the Underachieving Boxer's Union. Granted he, like Marquez and Taylor, is of Olympian pedigree but how hard is it to make the Olympic team in a country as small as the Dominican Republic. He has displayed good speed and power as a pro but just about any above-average fighter can look spectacular against the parade of palookas he's faced.

Conventional wisdom, in this instance, is dead wrong. Lorenzo will dominate the first few rounds with his speed but Marquez' experience will kick in at about the fourth-round mark. A few well-placed body shots saps Lorenzo of his strength and Marquez tests his chin in the eighth round with a well-timed counter right hook. Lorenzo fails the test miserably as he slumps to the canvas for the full count.
Peter Lim
The Houston Chronicle

•Marquez by decision
Lorenzo is young and hungry, but he hasn’t faced any real competition, and has never gone past 8 rounds. Marquez is a 16 year veteran that is in a do-or-die situation. Lorenzo feels he is being dodged by the best, but 36 y/o Marquez has been waiting in line for a long time. He has shown that he still has something after his 2004 loss to Taylor, so I’m going with Marquez for skill and ability and the fact that he is southpaw. Lorenzo has never faced one before, and that spells trouble! Don’t count out Giovanni Lorenzo, but I do not believe he is a full grown middleweight, yet. So it will be Marquez by decision, using his rugged durability, and veteran ring skills. That silver medal form 1992 still has some luster too it.
MICHAEL CASSELL
PHILADELPHIA BOXING REPORT

•Marquez by SD
I see a tough fight for both combatants. Lorenzo's youth will be a big advantage for him; Marquez will use his experience as a counter to this. Both are hungry for a bigger fight, but it will be the veteran that will have his hand raised in the end. Marquez has better opposition to draw from and even more so, he is fighting for and with pride. He, Raul, knows this is the end of the line if he loses. Lorenzo can/will bounce back should he not be victorious.
John Martinez, ironboxing.com and brickcityboxing.com

•Marquez TKO 8
Lorenzo is younger, quicker and comes from a tremendous amateur background. He has never tasted defeat. His resume doesn’t have the big names on it; however, we have been shown that doesn’t mean anything. He is setting down on his punches and does have some good power. General consensus is that Lorenzo is the favorite of the battle worn Marquez, who happens to cut easy.
But I know Marquez trains well as he actually sparred with one of our young tigers. Should Marquez decide to rough up Lorenzo, which is something Lorenzo has never seen, and rip his body I believe the more mature fighter wins this. Avoiding a headbutt and major cut to Marquez, he may win inside the distance.
Kerry Daigle
Keeppunching.com

Lorenzo
•Lorenzo TKO 7 (on cuts)
Keith Idec
Herald News

•Lorenzo W 12
Kevin Iole
Yahoo Sports

•LORENZO TKO 7
Johnny Bos
Long-time boxing insider, advisor, and manager

•Lorenzo W 12
The SOUTHPAW stance and EXPERIENCE of Marquez will play a huge role the "first few rounds" of the bout but Lorenzo's powerful punches and steady work to the body will slow the former IBF Jr. Middleweight Champ down. Don't get me wrong Marquez is "no push over, even at 36 years old." Look for Marquez to try and take Lorenzo to school during the fight but... youth will endure and Lorenzo will walk away with a tough 12 round decision securing his #1 World IBF ranking and a step closer to a fight with "THE CHAMP"... Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik.
Nelson Fernández
Boxing manager and trainer

•Lorenzo TKO 9
Raul Marquez is a step up in competition for Giovanni Lorenzo, but I believe the promising Dominican will handle it well. The early going may be fought on even terms but as the fight progresses, I expect Lorenzo’s heavier artillery to overwhelm Marquez and seize the day.
Darius Ortiz
Boxing editor, ESPN.com

•Lorenzo TKO (on cuts)
Lorenzo has flown under the radar a bit. The kid can box, he's super hungry, and he understands the opportunity at hand. Thing, Marquez, even at 36, even having been hiatus much of 2004 and 2005, is a step up for Lorenzo. But I'm going with Lorenzo here, with desire being one of the main elements separating the two. Lorenzo via TKO, cuts.
Michael Woods
ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, and editor of www.thesweetscience.com

•Lorenzo W 12
I like the youth of Lorenzo to take the fight late.
Steve Kim
Maxboxing.com


•Lorenzo W 12
This will be a decent fight ... Lorenzo will come on strong down the stretch. I would not be surprised if there is a knockdown for either man.
12 round majority decision for Lorenzo
Francisco Salazar
Fightnews.com

•Lorenzo KO 6
Lorenzo has come a long way since his days as a prospect (when he fought here in Reading a few times). He'll overpower Marquez easily.
Don Stewart
Reading Eagle

•Lorenzo TKO 10
Bernie Bahrmasel
Double B. Publicity Inc.

•Lorenzo W 12
I think Giovanni Lorenzo is finally ready to step up, and with a good mixture of boxing ability and pressure, I see him winning a unanimous decision. Raul Marquez will match Lorenzo's aggression, and the Dominican's defensive flaws may allow Marquez to land a few clean shots, but Lorenzo has already shown the ability to battle back from adversity. Lorenzo's speed will offset Marquez's offense and the Mexican's tender facial tissue could also play a factor.
Sean Sullivan
Editor in Chief, Boxing Digest

•Lorenzo by late TKO (cuts)
A long overdue step up for the Dominican who has the look of a future champ but the resume of a severely protected fighter. The only upset I see occurring is if Lorenzo can't take a punch, or if he falls apart should Marquez take his best early and keep firing back. Barring that, I think his precise punching will be too much for Marquez' skin to handle, forcing a cuts stoppage shortly before the bout enters the championship rounds.
Jake Donovan
Boxingscene.com

•Lorenzo W12
Lorenzo is largely unproven, and hasn't met anyone with Marquez' resume to date. Marquez, however, is in the definite twilight of a fine career, having struggled to a draw against a spent Bronko McKart in his last outing. We'll go with youth and aggression over guile and a portside stance in this one, as Lorenzo scores a hard-earned decision in his first real test as a pro.
Scott Yaniga
Bayonne Evening Star-Telegram

•Lorenzo to go 27-0
Joe Pietaro
Editor-in-Chief , New York Sportscene magazine

•Lorenzo W 12
As good a fighter as Marquez was in his heyday, this is Giovanni Lorenzo's time.
Jason Abelson
The Fight Network


•Lorenzo TKO 8 or 9 on cuts
Every time Marquez has stepped up in the past five or six years he has gotten cut and suffered a loss. He took some time off, which can't help him, and has come back to look okay against lower competition, including Bronco McKart who was coming off a KO loss. Lorenzo is young and hungry which will be the difference to the younger man from New York stopping the former world champion on cuts in eight or nine rounds.
Marc Abrams
www.15rounds.com

•Lorenzo KO (middle rounds)
He's young, hungry and may be the future of the division and Marquez, at 36, is over a decade past his title days at 154. Good opportunity for Giovanni to add a name to his resume.
Michael Swann
www.15 Rounds.com

•LORENZO TKO 8
TIM PALESKY
HOST/PRODUCER, KNOCKOUT TV

•Lorenzo W 12
Frederick Dakarai
Milwaukee Courier


•Lorenzo by late KO or decision
Raul Marquez is a tough old vet, but Lorenzo will go back to the basics and box him. Marquez is susceptible to cuts which may become a factor. Marquez will come to fight and make it interesting, especially if Lorenzo chooses to stand and trade. Good fight, but in the end Lorenzo probably stops him late or takes a close but unanimous decision.
Danny Serratelli
Doghouseboxing/Brickcityboxing.com


•Lorenzo TKO 9
Lorenzo is a slick fighter who can mix it up. He sometimes keeps his hands a bit low, but that's because he's so confident of his abilities. This will go a few rounds because Lorenzo has been a bit inactive in 2008, otherwise he would end this fight sooner. Expect Marquez to have some success early before Lorenzo takes over and beats Marquez over 7-rounds before the referee or corner stops it.
Carlos Guzman
FightBeat.com


•Lorenzo W 12
I have learned the hard way in the past with these kinds of fights (veteran vs. up and comer.) My pick is Lorenzo.
Joe Cohen
Islander YouTube's Boxing Info

•Lorenzo W 12
This is a good test for Lorenzo, against Marquez, a dangerous veteran whose resume extends all the way back to the likes of Keith Mullings and Skip Kelp. This Showtime win for Lorenzo should pave the way for a title showdown with even bigger and better opposition in the middleweight division.
Amy Green
Boxing Writer/Publicist

•Lorenzo W 12
I stood next to Sechew Powell as I watched Giovanni Lorenzo struggle with Archak Ter-Meliksetian at Schuetzen Park, but since that night Lorenzo has been on a tear. The young middleweight is undefeated and ready to make his name known throughout the world. Lorenzo will carry his momentum into the biggest fight of his career against Raul Marquez and win by either a TKO or a wide decision. Although the fight is in Florida, Lorenzo will pick up a decisive road win and line himself up for a title shot.
Christopher Roche
www.brickcityboxing.com


•Lorenzo UD (10 rounds to 2 rounds)
Dante Amato
Freelance boxing writer


•Lorenzo W 12
Time to put up or shut up for undefeated Dominican prospect Giovanni Lorenzo, who steps up a notch or two when he faces former IBF jr. middleweight champion Raul 'El Diamante' Marquez.
In spite of the difference in the quality of their opposition, I think it's Lorenzo's time and I look for him to make a statement against veteran Marquez.
Elisa Harrison
Editor, Braggingrightscorner.com


•Lorenzo W12
Raul Marquez has embarked on a successful comeback thus far but this will be Giovanni's night. The 27-year old is on a 6-fight knockout streak and he'll look to make it 7 when he faces Marquez on June 21st. Raul has proved pretty durable throughout his career and he'll make it a competitive fight early on but the younger and stronger Lorenzo will win by a clear cut unanimous decision.
Ramon Aranda
Boxing Editor, AIM: Franchise2

• Lorenzo TKO 6
Lorenzo should win this one rather easily. Marquez has been beyond his better days for quite some time now and I believe that we will see him take a beating over six rounds before the referee saves him. Lorenzo is a very decent puncher and Marquez has become more of a stationary target as the years and wars in the ring have piled up. Lorenzo in six by a stoppage. It won't be a clean KO, but it will be enough to convince the referee that Marquez has had enough.
Geno McGahee
Managing Editor, ringsidereport.com

• Lorenzo KO11
The Lorenzo-Marquez fight is a step-up fight for Lorenzo. He takes on a veteran southpaw fighter who possesses some decent power. In Marquez's last fight, he and Bronco McKart wound up in a draw. Lorenzo has stopped his last eight opponents, all within 7 rounds. I see this fight going a bit longer. Lorenzo will be able to break down Marquez through the early rounds, but Marquez's experience will keep him in the fight. Lorenzo will finally wear out Marquez in the later rounds for a stoppage. Lorenzo stops Marquez in the 11th.
Bob Carroll
Fightin' Words Radio Show Co-host, www.fightinwordsonline.com


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FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES ARTHUR ABRAHAM & EDISON MIRANDA

In an eagerly anticipated rematch, undefeated middleweight champion Abraham (left) will face Miranda in Saturday's main event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at Hollywood, Fla. The 12-rounder will be fought at a catch weight of 166 pounds.

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME

In one of the most eagerly awaited rematches in years – and the most anticipated since Vazquez-Marquez II -- undefeated middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KOs) and explosive, hard-hitting Edison Miranda (30-2, 26 KOs) will clash in the main event live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, June 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Abraham, an Armenian based in Germany, outlasted Miranda, a Colombian who lives in Puerto Rico, in their amazing first fight, winning a hotly disputed decision on September 23, 2006, in a slugfest in Germany that was rife with drama, incredible two-way exchanges, a broken jaw, multiple head butts, low blows and controversy. Saturday’s 12-rounder will be contested at a catch weight of 166 pounds.

SHOWTIME will re-air Abraham-Miranda I tonight/Thursday, June 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO2 and this Saturday, June 21, at 6 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

In the SHOWTIME co-feature, undefeated middleweight Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KOs) of New York, by way of Dominican Republic, will face Raul Marquez (41-3, 29 KOs) of Houston, Texas, by way of Mexico, in an IBF world title elimination bout.

The doubleheader will originate from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event in association with The Seminole Tribe of Florida.

The four talented, world-class fighters who will compete this Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) pose after Thursday's press conference at Hollywood, Fla. Left to-right: Arthur Abraham, Giovanni Lorenzo, Raul Marquez and Edison Miranda.


ARTHUR ABRAHAM

Abraham poses with his IBF 160-pound belt.


“I’m very happy to be in America and to fight in America. I’m only in the beginning of my American career. I want to develop myself in America and fight here more.

“We (my team) don’t have a big mouth. but we have strong fists and I will show him Saturday. I am absolutely convinced I will win. I’m sure I will win. I never fight without my confidence and I am absolutely convinced I will win this fight.

(When asked what he would say to Miranda if they were face to face) “My eyes say more than his words. I wouldn’t need to say anything. I’m not interested in talking to him or hearing what he has to say.

“This will be a very interesting fight for the fans. People will see me, the man who beats Miranda and will beat Kelly Pavlik down the road. I will beat Oscar De La Hoya. I want to fight him. I don’t want to do it for money. I will do it for free. His name means more to me then the money. His name is bigger than the money.’’

EDISON MIRANDA

Miranda takes his turn at the dais while Abraham and his promoter, Wilfred Sauerland (left), look on.

“I want to ask Abraham a question: Do you remember me? (looking at Abraham) Do you want me to do the same?

“I know it was a controversial fight. They took it from me and disrespected me in Germany. (But) Not just me, but the sport of boxing.

“To have Abraham here in America; well, God is helping me. Taking this fight is the most important thing for my career. I know Abraham will come to fight. (looking at him) Are you (Abraham) going to come to fight? I hope you come to fight.

“The only stupid king I know is King Arthur. Are you ready king? I am ready.

Referring to Abraham when he said he had nothing to say to Miranda) “Of course he doesn’t have anything to say. I destroyed his mouth.

“I feel in perfect condition. No problems in my camp. What has surprised me about him is that he is an idiot. Didn’t you see how nervous he (Abraham) was up there? He was talking like a little girl. He knows I destroyed him. His trainers lied to him. His trainers don’t care about him otherwise they wouldn’t have brought him here. I care more about him then his trainers do.’’

RAUL MARQUEZ

“This is an important fight; a do or die fight for me. He (Lorenzo) is young and undefeated but I’m older, wiser than him. I’m hungry for this. I know if I don’t win here my career is over. My father and I have been working hard for this. It will be a great fight. We’re both warriors.''

Lorenzo (left) and Marquez square off in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature.

GIOVANNI LORENZO

“It is my turn now. I will show you Saturday what I can do. My dream was to fight Raul Marquez. I’ve got him and Saturday I will show you what I can do.’’



PROMOTER WILFRED SAUERLAND
“Arthur always wanted his rematch with Miranda. He wanted to go to America. He has defended his title several times and competition is getting thin. He wanted to come fight Miranda. I could have talked him out of it but I wanted to see a rematch. As a true boxing fan I want to see this.’’

ULLI WAGNER (Abraham’s trainer)
“This is a big success for boxing. We will see a great fight on Saturday.

JOSE BONILLA (Miranda’s Trainer)
“I just know one king. The only king I know is God.’’

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

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Giovanni Lorenzo ready to break out Saturday night; Top rated Middleweight contender fights ex-champ Marquez on Showtime

Photo; Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

NEW YORK CITY– Unbeaten Dominican middleweight sensation Giovanni “Chico Malo” Lorenzo has planned a breakout party Saturday night when he fights former world champion Raul “El Diamente” Marquez in the 12-round co-feature on Showtime Championship Boxing, live from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The show is headlined by a super middleweight bout between IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda, while Lorenzo-Marquez is an IBF eliminator. “Giovanni’s fight with Marquez is a voluntary IBF eliminator that we took because ‘Gio’ has been criticized for having fought light opposition,” Lorenzo’s co-manager Rich Ryan explained, “so we thought it was a good move to take the Marquez fight and have Giovanni showcased on Showtime. ‘Gio’ is Abraham’s mandatory and if they both win, they’ll build excitement together Saturday night in separate fights, on the same card, for their proposed title bout.”

Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KOs), who represented his native Dominican Republic in the 2000 Olympics, after posting a 247-16 amateur record with 15 gold medals in International competition, now lives in the Washington Heights section of New York City. He is rated No. 1 by the WBC, No. 4 by the IBF (1 and 2 are unrated), No. 8 and No. 9 by the WBO and WBA, respectively, and No. 10 by The Ring.

“I've trained very hard for this fight and I'm looking forward to fighting such a worthy opponent like Marquez,” Lorenzo said. “He is a former world champion who will bring out the best in me. People will see that I am a future champion. I’m not thinking ahead to Abraham at all. My sole focus is Marquez; once I knock off Marquez then we can talk about Abraham. I know it will be a tough fight but I grew up as a kid dreaming that one day I would get a chance to fight Marquez. Now that dream is going to become reality and for a kid from Jerringa Dominican Republic it doesn't get better than that.'

Unquestionably a step-up in competition for the 27-year-old Lorenzo, the still dangerous southpaw Marquez (40-3-1, 29 KOs), 1992 U.S. Olympian, hopes to derail his

Dominican opponent’s plans. Marquez captured the IBF light middleweight title in 1997and he twice successfully defended his belt. His only career losses have been to world champions Jermain Taylor, Fernando Vargas, and “Yori Boy” Campas. Marquez retired in 2004 for two years, when he became a commentator for HBO Latino, but he returned to the ring and has won five of six bouts with a draw.

Lorenzo, whose most notable win to date was a seventh-round TKO of Archak TerMeliksetian (15-2) in 2006, is arguably one of the underrated fighters in the world today. Saturday night the world will learn about this prize-fighting secret from the Dominican Republic.

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SHOWTIME Will Re-air Their Memorable First Fight For The First Time On U.S., Television June 16, 19 on SHO2 and June 21 on SHOWTIME

NEW YORK– Their first fight played out like a Hollywood script: rife with drama, incredible two-way exchanges, a broken jaw, multiple head butts, low blows and controversy.

On Saturday, June 21, undefeated middleweight champion Arthur Abraham, and the explosive, hard-hitting Edison Miranda will co-star in the emotionally charged sequel, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Abraham won the first fight on a hotly disputed unanimous decision in a scintillating affair on September 23, 2006. The 12-round rematch will be contested at a catch weight of 166 pounds.

In the SHOWTIME co-feature, undefeated middleweight Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KOs) of New York, by way of Dominican Republic, will face Raul Marquez (41-3, 29 KOs) of Houston, Texas, by way of Mexico, in an IBF World Championship eliminator. The two-fight telecast will originate from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event in association with The Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Setting the stage for the most anticipated rematch since Marquez-Vazquez II, SHOWTIME will re-air Abraham-Miranda I for the first time on U.S. television this Monday, June 16, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME 2™, again on Thursday, June 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO2 and on Saturday, June 21, at 6 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

Miranda (30-2, 26 KOs), long known as one of the most feared punchers in boxing, delivered considerable punishment in the first fight. Miranda broke Abraham’s jaw with vicious shots to the head early in the bout and blood flowed steadily from Abraham’s mouth until the final bell.

Miranda, fighting on Abraham’s home turf in Germany, lost five points for low blows and head-butts. Abraham, (26-0, 21 KOs) the current IBF middleweight champion, survived the brutal injury to win a decision by five, six and seven points respectively on the judges scorecards to retain his title.

“In all my life as a boxing fan, and as a producer for more than 20 years, I have never seen anything like it,” said David Dinkins Jr., executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, of Abraham’s broken jaw. “For a guy to fight through that kind of injury—and win—is truly remarkable. There’s some unfinished business here. I am really looking forward to seeing them go at it again.”

Fans should look for the same kind of thrilling action on June 21.

“Miranda doesn’t have to fear me in the ring, but he sure better respect my skills,” Abraham said. “I’m going to fight my fight and if he wishes to stand in the ring with me, he better respect my talents.”

“I’m training twice a day,” continued Abraham. “My sparring partners have been excellent. This is the right rematch at the right time.”

Miranda has since moved up to super middleweight where he is much more comfortable and looked dominant in his last two fights.

“The adjustment from middleweight to super middleweight hasn’t been tough at all,” Miranda said. “I feel great at this weight. My punching power didn’t decrease as many thought it would. I fight with a lot more energy at this weight.”

The undefeated Abraham has dominated the middleweight division since he won the vacant IBF belt with a fifth round knockout over Kingsley Ikeke on Dec. 10, 2005. He has made seven successful defenses, four coming by way of knockout.

Nicknamed “King Arthur,” Abraham has brutal power having knocked out more than 80 percent of his opponents.

One of boxing’s most devastating punchers, Miranda is no stranger to world title belts and eliminators. Miranda’s only other loss came against current WBC and WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in a WBC eliminator on May 18, 2007.

After the loss to Pavlik, Mirada moved up to super middleweight. On Oct. 30, 2007, he defeated Henry Porras with a fifth-round TKO and in his last fight he demolished David Banks on Jan. 11, 2008 with a brutal third-round knockout.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Steve Albert and Al Bernstein will call the action from ringside with Jim Gray reporting from ringside. The telecast will be produced by Chuck McKean with Bob Dunphy directing. Dinkins is the executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

LORENZO-MARQUEZ TO BATTLE IN IBF VOLUNTARY ELIMINATOR ON JUNE 21; Showdown to serve as co-feature bout to Abraham-Miranda rematch

TOTOWA, NJ– Undefeated IBF #4 ranked middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has accepted an offer to challenge former world champion and current IBF #12 ranked contender Raul Marquez in a 12 round IBF Voluntary Eliminator on June 21, 2008, it was announced by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The bout will serve as the co-feature to the rematch between IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda. Both bouts will be broadcast live on Showtime beginning at 9pm ET / PT.

Giovanni Lorenzo


The winner of the Lorenzo-Marquez bout will be the mandatory contender for the IBF Middleweight Title and will fight for the title in his next bout.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to showcase my skills on Showtime,” said Lorenzo. “The exposure that both Abraham and I will get from June 21 will make our upcoming championship showdown that much more appealing to fight fans worldwide. It is an honor to fight Raul Marquez. He is a skilled and durable fighter who has had a great career. However, I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I intend to capitalize on it.”

Contenders star, Jerson Ravelo and Giovanni Lorenzo


Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) has stopped his last eight opponents. The 27-year-old Washington Heights, NY resident by way of Jerringa San Cristobal, Dominican Republic has knocked out 15 opponents within the first three rounds. In his last bout on Dec 17, 2007, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Lorenzo blasted Ulises Duarte in one round (KO 1).

The site will be announced shortly.

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved