NEW YORK – On Saturday, March 8, SHOWTIME will present an unprecidented night of unarmed combat action with back-to-back sports telecasts featuring boxing and mixed martial arts. The evening begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT with live world championship boxing followed by an explosive MMA event from global partner EliteXC. Both exciting events will take place in London and air back-to-back on SHOWTIME.
Widely recognized as the leader in premium sports television, SHOWTIME made history on Feb. 10, 2007, when it became the first premium network to televise mixed martial arts (MMA). Now, fans will witness the classic power of boxing followed by the fresh, raw excitement of mixed martial arts—two major events on one special night.
“I have always believed that boxing and MMA are the perfect complement to one another,” said Ken Hershman, the Showtime executive behind MMA’s move to premium television. “We have seen strong crossover appeal to the core demographic for both boxing and MMA. March 8 is the prefect way to build on that success.”
Talk about a one-two punch! At 9 p.m. ET/PT, live from the O2 Arena (delayed on the West Coast), SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present WBO cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli against fellow world champion David Haye (WBA and WBC) in a highly anticipated unification bout between the British compatriots. It’s an important night for the division and, with an expected live crowd of 20,000, a fight fan’s dream match-up of offensive-minded brawling Brits.
In the second-half of the televised twinbill, legendary Ken “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Shamrock returns to the cage to face Britain’s Robert “Buzz” Berry in the main event of EliteXC Presents: Cage Rage 25 at Wembley Arena. The EliteXC telecast will air on a same-day delay immediately following the boxing telecast.
Shamrock, one of the true MMA legends, is looking forward to displaying his skills on SHOWTIME.
“I’m totally committed to getting back into the cage injury free and anxious about fighting in England and on SHOWTIME for the first time,” Shamrock said. “Fight fans in England are a special breed and they are going to be treated to a very special show. Give me a fight or two and I will be ready to fight anybody.”
Shamrock, one of the most popular heavyweights on the planet, has defeated the likes of such MMA greats as Bas Rutten, Maurice Smith, Dan “The Beast” Severn and Kimo.
An exciting night of EliteXC fights will include a featherweight title clash between Jean Silva and Masakazu Imanari, UK heavyweight contender Gary Turner versus Mustapha Alturk and Pierre Guillet against Tom “Kong” Watson in a middleweight match.
In a non-televised fight March 8, Shamrock’s son, Ryan, will take on Giorgio Andrews.
“It is very exciting for both Ryan and me,” the older Shamrock said. “We will be making MMA history by being the first father and son to ever fight on the same card. This is a great opportunity we are getting with EliteXC and SHOWTIME.’’
For more information on this event, EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com
For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit our website http://www.SHO.com/Sports.
# # #
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM
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®.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Nate Campbell: ‘Juan Diaz Is Not a Demigod’, Nate Campbell's upcoming challenge of undefeated, unified lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz
Nate Campbell's upcoming challenge of undefeated, unified lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz, IBF No. 1-Ranked Lightweight Thinks Juan Diaz Can Be Defeated;
Says He Will Teach Diaz ‘Things He Doesn’t Want to Know’.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—International Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked lightweight and mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell is confident going into his match against undefeated unified lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on March 8 at Plaza de Torros in Cancun, Mexico.
“I don’t want to sound conceited or overconfident but Juan Diaz is not a demigod,” Campbell said. “A demigod is half mortal, half god and I just don’t see that. Unless my team and I have been in this sport too long—or not long enough—we are seeing a lot of hype.”
Campbell (31-5-1, 25 KOs), who is co-promoted by Don King Productions and One Punch Productions, made his comments about Diaz (33-0, 17 KOs) recently while visiting King’s South Florida headquarters.
“Take a good look at who this man has fought and ask yourself, ‘Who has he fought?’ There are lots of fighters out there who throw a lot of punches. I’m going to teach things to Juan that he doesn’t want to know. I can stop this man and I don’t believe he can beat me.”
Campbell thinks he has been underestimated throughout his career, and he looks forward to utilizing a six inch reach advantage over Diaz.
“Nobody thinks I can punch,” he said, “but there’s something about the way I punch that makes guys change their mind when they get in the ring with me. Juan Diaz will ask himself after the first punch I land that makes clean contact, ‘What part of the game is this?’
“Joel Casamayor has fought Jose Luis Castillo, Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and me. When a reporter asked him who hits the hardest, he said, ‘Nate Cambell.’ On top of that, I heard Casamayor predicted that I’m going to win against Diaz.”
Campbell’s fight is part of the History in Cancun event that will include the first world heavyweight championship ever decided in Mexico when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev faces WBC interim champion Sameul “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter. Both Diaz vs. Campell and Maskaev vs.
Peter will be televised live in America on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Duva Boxing, Pepe Gomez Promotions and One Punch Productions.
Tickets priced at $1,000, 500, $300, $150, $100, $70, $50 and $10 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster in Mexico at +5255 5325 9000.
Campbell said his preparation for the fight has been going well while splitting training time in West Palm Beach and Pembroke Pines in South Florida.
“I hate it when fighters say, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life,’” Campbell said. “I’m always in great shape. I will say though that this is the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to focus only on my training and no other outside stuff like relationships or family problems.
“I have stayed away from everything and everyone that could distract me from winning these titles. My promoters Don King and Terry Trekas have taken good care of me. My trainer John David Jackson and his assistant Noel Carbajal and all my gym mates have been great as usual.”
Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.
DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.
Dino Duva, the president of Duva Boxing, has promoted great fighters and great fights during four decades in boxing. Growing up in a renowned boxing family, the Duva name has become synonymous with excellence in the fight game as the “First Family in Boxing.” Working closely with his Hall of Fame father, Lou, and his late, great brother Dan, Duva has been involved in the promotion of over 100 world championship fights including such titlists as Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Arturo Gatti, and Mark Breland. Duva is presently the promoter of Samuel Peter, regarded by many as the top young heavyweight contender in boxing.
Alan Hopper, Don King Prouctions
EVENT PAGE LINK: http://www.kevincalero.com/donking/event%5F3808/
Says He Will Teach Diaz ‘Things He Doesn’t Want to Know’.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—International Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked lightweight and mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell is confident going into his match against undefeated unified lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on March 8 at Plaza de Torros in Cancun, Mexico.
“I don’t want to sound conceited or overconfident but Juan Diaz is not a demigod,” Campbell said. “A demigod is half mortal, half god and I just don’t see that. Unless my team and I have been in this sport too long—or not long enough—we are seeing a lot of hype.”
Campbell (31-5-1, 25 KOs), who is co-promoted by Don King Productions and One Punch Productions, made his comments about Diaz (33-0, 17 KOs) recently while visiting King’s South Florida headquarters.
“Take a good look at who this man has fought and ask yourself, ‘Who has he fought?’ There are lots of fighters out there who throw a lot of punches. I’m going to teach things to Juan that he doesn’t want to know. I can stop this man and I don’t believe he can beat me.”
Campbell thinks he has been underestimated throughout his career, and he looks forward to utilizing a six inch reach advantage over Diaz.
“Nobody thinks I can punch,” he said, “but there’s something about the way I punch that makes guys change their mind when they get in the ring with me. Juan Diaz will ask himself after the first punch I land that makes clean contact, ‘What part of the game is this?’
“Joel Casamayor has fought Jose Luis Castillo, Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and me. When a reporter asked him who hits the hardest, he said, ‘Nate Cambell.’ On top of that, I heard Casamayor predicted that I’m going to win against Diaz.”
Campbell’s fight is part of the History in Cancun event that will include the first world heavyweight championship ever decided in Mexico when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev faces WBC interim champion Sameul “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter. Both Diaz vs. Campell and Maskaev vs.
Peter will be televised live in America on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Duva Boxing, Pepe Gomez Promotions and One Punch Productions.
Tickets priced at $1,000, 500, $300, $150, $100, $70, $50 and $10 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster in Mexico at +5255 5325 9000.
Campbell said his preparation for the fight has been going well while splitting training time in West Palm Beach and Pembroke Pines in South Florida.
“I hate it when fighters say, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life,’” Campbell said. “I’m always in great shape. I will say though that this is the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to focus only on my training and no other outside stuff like relationships or family problems.
“I have stayed away from everything and everyone that could distract me from winning these titles. My promoters Don King and Terry Trekas have taken good care of me. My trainer John David Jackson and his assistant Noel Carbajal and all my gym mates have been great as usual.”
Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.
DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.
Dino Duva, the president of Duva Boxing, has promoted great fighters and great fights during four decades in boxing. Growing up in a renowned boxing family, the Duva name has become synonymous with excellence in the fight game as the “First Family in Boxing.” Working closely with his Hall of Fame father, Lou, and his late, great brother Dan, Duva has been involved in the promotion of over 100 world championship fights including such titlists as Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Arturo Gatti, and Mark Breland. Duva is presently the promoter of Samuel Peter, regarded by many as the top young heavyweight contender in boxing.
Alan Hopper, Don King Prouctions
EVENT PAGE LINK: http://www.kevincalero.com/donking/event%5F3808/
ROBERT GUERRERO RETAINS IBF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WITH SCINTILLATING EIGHTH-ROUND KO OVER JASON LITZAU, TRAVIS WALKER GETS REVENGE, STOPS T.J. WILSON
LEMOORE, Calif. Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero produced perhaps the finest performance of his career Friday when he successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title with an exciting eighth-round knockout over Jason “The American Boy’’ Litzau in a thrilling one-sided war in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Robert Guerrero lands a left uppercut en route to knocking out Jason Litzau in the eighth round and retaining his IBF featherweight title Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Photos: Daisy Rosas/For Showtime
Afterward, a triumphant Guerrero poses with his wife, Casey. This was his second fight since Casey, who is now in remission, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007.
In the co-feature, promising once-beaten Travis “Freight Train” Walker got back on track by registering a second-round knockout over the only boxer to defeat him, T.J. Wilson, in a non-stop action heavyweight fight.
In a thrilling heavyweight brawl for as long as it lasted, Travis Walker registered a second-round knockout over T.J. Wilson in a rematch of a fight Wilson won by controversial first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007 on ShoBox.
The crowd-pleasing doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, took place in front of a sellout crowd at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. It aired live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Fans anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez today/Saturday, March 1, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) got more than an appetizer. They got two marvelous main courses rolled into one.
So what else is new? After all, this is ShoBox and exhilarating, compelling matchups has been the norm since the popular pugilistic series debuted in July 2001.
Southpaw Guerrero (22-1-1, 1 ND, 15 KOs), of nearby Gilroy, Calif., fairly dominated Litzau (23-2, 19 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., before dropping him twice in the eighth round. After the second knockdown, the referee stopped the contest at 2:25.
Making the second defense in his second stint as IBF 126-pound kingpin, Guerrero floored the challenger the first time with two left hands approximately 40 seconds into the session. A three-punch combination ended the evening for Litzau.
“It went how I expected it to go,’’ Guerrero said. “A lot of fans came here and a whole lot more were watching on SHOWTIME to see me put on a good show and I think I did. The support I get is just incredible and I really appreciate the fans that come to see me fight or watch on television.
“I expended a lot of energy at the beginning throwing a lot of power punches. A lot landed, but some missed, too. Between rounds, my corner told me to just go out and relax and box more and let the knockout come and sure enough they were right and it did.
“I’ll fight anybody next. There are a lot of big fights out there. If the winner of Vazquez-Marquez wants to move up, I would fight either of them. I am ready to fight now.’’
Litzau started slowly and seemed reluctant to let his fists go. Once he picked up the pace, however, he landed some solid shots, but rarely in combination. Guerrero also made him miss, at one point avoiding six consecutive punches.
“I have nothing but respect for Guerrero. He is a great champion,’’ said Litzau, who’s three fight-winning streak ended. “He came in and did his job. He got a little dirty at times and got me with some good headbutts, but you will not hear any excuses from me.
“I worked my butt off in the gym and trained hard. I was as ready as I could be, but this was his night. I know I did my part to make this a very entertaining fight, but I’m just 24 and I will be back.’’
In the telecast’s opening bout, Walker (27-1-1, 21 KOs) of Houston, Tex., exacted sweet revenge on Wilson (12-2, eight KOs) of Miami, Fla. Walker won by knockout at 1:50 of the second round.
This was a rematch of a fight Wilson won on a controversial 15-second, first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox.
Both boxers came out aggressively and connected with solid shots in a fast-paced opening round. The second frame picked up where the first left off until Wilson ran into a Walker right uppercut. Walker continued to connect with unanswered right and left hands and had Wilson out on his feet when the referee stepped in and waved off the proceedings.
“I have never been motivated for any fight before and this is total vindication and exactly the kind of fight I wanted,’’ Walker said. “I did what I was supposed to do in our first fight. I knew he wasn’t in my league and I couldn’t wait to show the world that.
“He hit me with the same kind of punches this time as he did in our first fight, but this time the referee let it go on. The guy lost a lot of weight and came in shape (at 264, Wilson weighed 18 pounds lighter than he did four months ago), but it didn’t matter.
“Maybe the loss was a good thing. It made me smarter. I do know the real Travis Walker got to show what he was about tonight. I would love to fight any of the top heavyweights.’’
If Wilson has his way, he and Wilson will have a third encounter.
“There’s a rematch clause in my contract, so, yes, we will fight again,’’ Wilson said. “I have no idea why the referee stopped the fight. I could have gone on. I wanted to go on. Walker got his rematch with me. Now he has to give me a rematch with him.’’
Nick Charles called the action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.
Friday’s stirring bouts will re-air this week as follows:
DAY CHANNEL
Saturday, March 1, at 3 a.m. ET/PT SHOTOO
Monday, March 3, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Tuesday, March 4, at Midnight ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Thursday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHOTOO
Four world-class boxers with a combined record of 93-0 will headline a “Special Edition” of ShoBox on Saturday, March 29, (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) in England. In the main event, the World Boxing Council’s (WBC’s) No. 1 and No. 2 super middleweight contenders, respectively, Carl Froch (22-0) and Dennis Inkin (32-0), collide in a 168-pound elimination bout. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger to WBC titleholder Joe Calzaghe. In the co-feature, John Murray (23-0) faces John “Fireball” Fewkes (16-0) in a junior welterweight bout.
The ShoBox telecast will follow an excellent EliteXC Mixed Martial Arts event on SHOWTIME (9 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) that features the legendary Frank Shamrock against Cung Le.
For more information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi and Paul Williams.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Robert Guerrero lands a left uppercut en route to knocking out Jason Litzau in the eighth round and retaining his IBF featherweight title Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Photos: Daisy Rosas/For Showtime
Afterward, a triumphant Guerrero poses with his wife, Casey. This was his second fight since Casey, who is now in remission, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007.
In the co-feature, promising once-beaten Travis “Freight Train” Walker got back on track by registering a second-round knockout over the only boxer to defeat him, T.J. Wilson, in a non-stop action heavyweight fight.
In a thrilling heavyweight brawl for as long as it lasted, Travis Walker registered a second-round knockout over T.J. Wilson in a rematch of a fight Wilson won by controversial first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007 on ShoBox.
The crowd-pleasing doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, took place in front of a sellout crowd at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. It aired live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Fans anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez today/Saturday, March 1, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) got more than an appetizer. They got two marvelous main courses rolled into one.
So what else is new? After all, this is ShoBox and exhilarating, compelling matchups has been the norm since the popular pugilistic series debuted in July 2001.
Southpaw Guerrero (22-1-1, 1 ND, 15 KOs), of nearby Gilroy, Calif., fairly dominated Litzau (23-2, 19 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., before dropping him twice in the eighth round. After the second knockdown, the referee stopped the contest at 2:25.
Making the second defense in his second stint as IBF 126-pound kingpin, Guerrero floored the challenger the first time with two left hands approximately 40 seconds into the session. A three-punch combination ended the evening for Litzau.
“It went how I expected it to go,’’ Guerrero said. “A lot of fans came here and a whole lot more were watching on SHOWTIME to see me put on a good show and I think I did. The support I get is just incredible and I really appreciate the fans that come to see me fight or watch on television.
“I expended a lot of energy at the beginning throwing a lot of power punches. A lot landed, but some missed, too. Between rounds, my corner told me to just go out and relax and box more and let the knockout come and sure enough they were right and it did.
“I’ll fight anybody next. There are a lot of big fights out there. If the winner of Vazquez-Marquez wants to move up, I would fight either of them. I am ready to fight now.’’
Litzau started slowly and seemed reluctant to let his fists go. Once he picked up the pace, however, he landed some solid shots, but rarely in combination. Guerrero also made him miss, at one point avoiding six consecutive punches.
“I have nothing but respect for Guerrero. He is a great champion,’’ said Litzau, who’s three fight-winning streak ended. “He came in and did his job. He got a little dirty at times and got me with some good headbutts, but you will not hear any excuses from me.
“I worked my butt off in the gym and trained hard. I was as ready as I could be, but this was his night. I know I did my part to make this a very entertaining fight, but I’m just 24 and I will be back.’’
In the telecast’s opening bout, Walker (27-1-1, 21 KOs) of Houston, Tex., exacted sweet revenge on Wilson (12-2, eight KOs) of Miami, Fla. Walker won by knockout at 1:50 of the second round.
This was a rematch of a fight Wilson won on a controversial 15-second, first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox.
Both boxers came out aggressively and connected with solid shots in a fast-paced opening round. The second frame picked up where the first left off until Wilson ran into a Walker right uppercut. Walker continued to connect with unanswered right and left hands and had Wilson out on his feet when the referee stepped in and waved off the proceedings.
“I have never been motivated for any fight before and this is total vindication and exactly the kind of fight I wanted,’’ Walker said. “I did what I was supposed to do in our first fight. I knew he wasn’t in my league and I couldn’t wait to show the world that.
“He hit me with the same kind of punches this time as he did in our first fight, but this time the referee let it go on. The guy lost a lot of weight and came in shape (at 264, Wilson weighed 18 pounds lighter than he did four months ago), but it didn’t matter.
“Maybe the loss was a good thing. It made me smarter. I do know the real Travis Walker got to show what he was about tonight. I would love to fight any of the top heavyweights.’’
If Wilson has his way, he and Wilson will have a third encounter.
“There’s a rematch clause in my contract, so, yes, we will fight again,’’ Wilson said. “I have no idea why the referee stopped the fight. I could have gone on. I wanted to go on. Walker got his rematch with me. Now he has to give me a rematch with him.’’
Nick Charles called the action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.
Friday’s stirring bouts will re-air this week as follows:
DAY CHANNEL
Saturday, March 1, at 3 a.m. ET/PT SHOTOO
Monday, March 3, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Tuesday, March 4, at Midnight ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Thursday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHOTOO
Four world-class boxers with a combined record of 93-0 will headline a “Special Edition” of ShoBox on Saturday, March 29, (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) in England. In the main event, the World Boxing Council’s (WBC’s) No. 1 and No. 2 super middleweight contenders, respectively, Carl Froch (22-0) and Dennis Inkin (32-0), collide in a 168-pound elimination bout. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger to WBC titleholder Joe Calzaghe. In the co-feature, John Murray (23-0) faces John “Fireball” Fewkes (16-0) in a junior welterweight bout.
The ShoBox telecast will follow an excellent EliteXC Mixed Martial Arts event on SHOWTIME (9 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) that features the legendary Frank Shamrock against Cung Le.
For more information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi and Paul Williams.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
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