Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios - 26 June 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Gervonta Davis-Mario Barrios, Lubin-Rosario On Showtime PPV June 26; Site TBD

Gervonta Davis’ move up to the 140-pound division is official.

Premier Boxing Champions and Showtime announced Thursday that the undefeated Davis will meet Mario Barrios in a Showtime Pay-Per-View main event June 26 at a site to be determined. The four-fight show also will include an intriguing 12-round, 154-pound bout between former IBF/IBO/WBA champ Jeison Rosario and Erickson Lubin.

The 26-year-old Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) will jump up two weight classes in an attempt to become a three-division champion. The 25-year-old Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) holds the WBA’s secondary title in the 140-pound division.

Josh Taylor is widely viewed as the WBA’s legitimate champion in that weight class. Scotland’s Taylor (17-0, 13 KOs) is scheduled to face Jose Ramirez (26-0, 17 KOs) on May 22 in Las Vegas for Taylor’s IBF and WBA belts, as well as Ramirez’s WBC and WBO championships.

Nevertheless, the Barrios bout is a risky proposition for Davis. San Antonio’s Barrios stands 5-feet-10, five inches taller than Davis, and has competed in the 140-pound division for the past four years.

Davis, a powerful southpaw from Baltimore, will make his debut in Barrios’ weight class. He easily beat Cuba’s Yuriorkis Gamboa in his only noteworthy fight at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds – a 12-round, unanimous-decision win in December 2019 at State Farm Arena – but Davis mostly has competed at or near the junior lightweight maximum of 130 pounds in his eight years as a pro.

Davis viciously knocked out Leo Santa Cruz with a left uppercut in the sixth round of his most recent appearance, a 130-pound championship match October 31 at Alamodome in San Antonio. Davis won the WBA “super” 130-pound championship from Santa Cruz (37-2-1, 19 KOs) in that Showtime Pay-Per-View main event.

Barrios beat Houston’s Ryan Karl (18-3, 12 KOs) by sixth-round knockout on the Davis-Santa Cruz undercard.

In the co-feature before Davis-Barrios, Rosario and Lubin will engage in a high-stakes fight that’ll help keep the winner in position for another 154-pound title shot.

The Dominican Republic’s Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) lost the IBF and WBA titles to Jermell Charlo in his last fight. Houston’s Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs), also the WBC champion, knocked out Rosario with a body shot in the eighth round of that September 26 bout at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Lubin, a southpaw from Orlando, Florida, has won five straight bouts since Charlo knocked him out with one punch in their fight for Charlo’s WBC super welterweight title in October 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In his most recent action, Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) defeated Cleveland’s Terrell Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision in a 12-rounder September 19 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

[Ruthless-RKO]

PPV Press Release

Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will take on a career-defining challenge as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view undercard will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring for the first time in 18 months to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis moves up to 140-pounds for the first time in his career as he aims to add super lightweight champion to his stellar resume. Davis has already captured titles at 130 and 135-pounds. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history, including Henry Armstrong and Canelo Alvarez. Standing in his way is the undefeated 25-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign while holding a six-inch height advantage over Davis.

Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight-reel knockout in his last fight, producing another sensational and memorable performance that has made him a popular draw throughout the country. Davis stopped four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz with one powerful uppercut in that October 2020 fight and put Santa Cruz down and out for the first time in his illustrious career. Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Davis will make his second headline appearance on pay-per-view as he has asserted himself as a must-see headline attraction in his first pay-per-view

Davis first burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout victory over Jose Pedraza to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title in a star-making performance on SHOWTIME® in January 2017. At the time, he became the youngest world champion in boxing at age 22. The Baltimore-native also owns knockout performances in world title fights over Jesus Cuellar in 2018 and Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019. The 2019 triumph over Gamboa came at a sold out State Farm Arena, during a year that also saw him fill venues in his hometown of Baltimore and Southern California.

Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) captured his 140-pound championship in September 2019, scoring two knockdowns and fighting through a cut to win a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov. The San Antonio-native trains in Oakland, Calif., under the guidance of renowned coach Virgil Hunter. In his most recent outing, Barrios knocked out Ryan Karl in the sixth-round of their clash on the pay-per-view undercard of Davis vs. Santa Cruz.

Standing nearly six-feet tall, Barrios debuted as a pro at super bantamweight in 2013 and had success moving up the rankings in the super featherweight division. His first 140-pound bout came in 2017 and saw him increase his power from his previous performances. At super lightweight, Barrios has scored knockouts in every fight except the title-winning performance against Akhmedov, where his power was still on display with a pair of knockdowns.

The 25-year-old Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) has put together an impressive five-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017. In his most recent outing, he defeated U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision in September of last year. Prior to the victory over Gausha, he became the first person to stop former champion Ishe Smith, in addition to a dominating victory over Nathaniel Gallimore in October 2019. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin is trained by acclaimed coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest toward another title opportunity. After a stellar amateur career, Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013, eventually being named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) will look to climb back into world title contention after losing his 154-pound belts to Jermell Charlo in their September 2020 clash. The 26-year-old captured the WBA and IBF belts by stopping Julian Williams in one of 2020’s biggest upsets. Born in the Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rosario rode an eight-fight unbeaten streak into the showdown with Williams, including victories over 154-pound contenders Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach, Jorge Cota and Marcos Hernandez. Coming into the Charlo matchup, Rosario had established his power by earning a stoppage victory or scoring a knockdown in seven of his previous nine contests.

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 31-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020. Williams had been riding a five-fight winning streak going into the Rosario matchup, in which he added victories over former champion Ishe Smith and hard-hitting contender Nathaniel Gallimore to his ledger.

Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) earned a career best-victory in his last outing, beating veteran contender Thomas LaManna by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 27-year-old has fought professionally since 2014, with his only defeat coming by a narrow split-decision in November 2019 against Larry Gomez. Mendoza was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he won two New Mexico Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur, and currently fights out of Las Vegas.

Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic games. The 30-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. His lone blemish came in an action-packed title fight against Mario Barrios in September 2019, where he was able to survive two knockdowns to make it a close fight, before eventually losing by decision. Most recently, Akhmedov blasted out Ray Perez in the first round of their September 2020 clash.

A former super featherweight champion, Mendez (25-6-3, 12 KOs) has a reputation for providing stiff challenges to the sport’s best and has proven to be a durable contender at 140-pounds, including his most recent outing that saw him drop a split-decision to Richardson Hitchins last December. In 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders Anthony Peterson and Juan Heraldez. Born in San Juan de La Maguana, Dominican Republic, Mendez now fights out of Yonkers, N.Y. and owns victories over Eddie Ramirez, Ivan Redkach and former titlist Miguel Vazquez. He has also gone toe-to-toe with former champions Rances Barthelemy and Robert Easter Jr.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Carlos Adames vs. Alexis Salazar Added to Showtime PPV

Super welterweight contender Carlos Adames will take on Mexico’s Alexis Salazar in a 10-round showdown on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard this Saturday, June 26 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Adames vs. Salazar replaces the previously scheduled Julian Williams vs. Brian Mendoza fight, after Williams was forced to withdraw because of an elbow injury.

The event is headlined by four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis as he seeks a title in a third weight class against unbeaten WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com.

A native of Comendador, Dominican Republic, Adames (19-1, 15 KOs) fights out of New York City as he seeks to earn a second shot at a world championship. The 27-year-old defeated a slew of contenders on his way to a 2019 title shot that he lost by narrow decision to Patrick Teixeira. Adames defeated former champion Carlos Molina, and contenders Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley and Alejandro Barrera to earn that opportunity at a title.

The 25-year-old Salazar (23-3, 9 KOs) rides a 15-fight winning streak into this matchup. Most recently, Salazar earned a unanimous decision over Ruben Barajas in their December 2020 clash. Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and now fighting out of Norwalk, Calif., Salazar will fight in the U.S. for the sixth time Saturday night. His previous stateside outing saw him dominate Abraham Cordero to earn a unanimous decision in May 2019.

The non-televised undercard will feature Cuban contender Leduan Barthelemy (16-1-1, 8 KOs) meeting unbeaten Viktor Slavinsky (12-0-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight, former title challenger Andres Gutierrez (38-2-1, 25 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight attraction, unbeaten prospect Dalton Brodie (1-0, 1 KO) competing in a four-round super middleweight duel against fellow-unbeaten Trever Bradshaw (1-0) and undefeated Washington, D.C. born prospect Stacey Selby (2-0, 2 KOs) entering the ring in a four-round super lightweight bout.

[Ruthless-RKO]

FITE have picked this up in the UK..

Starts at 2:00 AM - $9.99

Description
On June 26th PBC presents Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs Mario "El Azteca" Barrios. Davis is a World Champion in two devisions. If he wins this title, he will become a world champion in three divisions, but to do so Gervonta "Tank" Davis needs to defeat the undefeated Super Lightweight World Champion Mario Barrios. Who will come out on top?

The co-mainevent is a WBC Junior Middleweight World Title Eliminator where Erickson Lubin takes on the former unified 154-pound world champion Jeison Rosario.

One more unified champion is getting into the ring Saturday night when the former unified super welterweight champion Julian "J-Rock" Williams takes on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round featured showdown.

The opening match is a WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator where the hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis.

Expect a thrilling event, full of excitement and action!Tune in, order today and watch on FITE!

*fight card subject to change

[DrDuke]

The SLW has its champion and he's undisputed. Davis and Barrios fight for the paper belt.

[maverick23]

FITE have picked this up in the UK..

Starts at 2:00 AM - $9.99

Description
On June 26th PBC presents Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs Mario "El Azteca" Barrios. Davis is a World Champion in two devisions. If he wins this title, he will become a world champion in three divisions, but to do so Gervonta "Tank" Davis needs to defeat the undefeated Super Lightweight World Champion Mario Barrios. Who will come out on top?

The co-mainevent is a WBC Junior Middleweight World Title Eliminator where Erickson Lubin takes on the former unified 154-pound world champion Jeison Rosario.

One more unified champion is getting into the ring Saturday night when the former unified super welterweight champion Julian "J-Rock" Williams takes on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round featured showdown.

The opening match is a WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator where the hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis.

Expect a thrilling event, full of excitement and action!Tune in, order today and watch on FITE!

*fight card subject to change

I genuinely wonder how many people will buy this in the U.K. I’d be surprised if it’s more than a few thousand people.

Surely it’d be better to give to ch5 (like they did with LSC fight) or BT to give Tank more exposure so when he’s in a genuinely big fight there’ll be more demand.

[Ruthless-RKO]

FITE have picked this up in the UK..

Starts at 2:00 AM - $9.99

Description
On June 26th PBC presents Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs Mario "El Azteca" Barrios. Davis is a World Champion in two devisions. If he wins this title, he will become a world champion in three divisions, but to do so Gervonta "Tank" Davis needs to defeat the undefeated Super Lightweight World Champion Mario Barrios. Who will come out on top?

The co-mainevent is a WBC Junior Middleweight World Title Eliminator where Erickson Lubin takes on the former unified 154-pound world champion Jeison Rosario.

One more unified champion is getting into the ring Saturday night when the former unified super welterweight champion Julian "J-Rock" Williams takes on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round featured showdown.

The opening match is a WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator where the hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis.

Expect a thrilling event, full of excitement and action!Tune in, order today and watch on FITE!

*fight card subject to change

I genuinely wonder how many people will buy this in the U.K. I’d be surprised if it’s more than a few thousand people.

Surely it’d be better to give to ch5 (like they did with LSC fight) or BT to give Tank more exposure so when he’s in a genuinely big fight there’ll be more demand.

PBC can't force CH5 or BT to take the card.. They probably want a certain amount for TV Rights.

Boxing fans in the UK will likely tune into Sky Sports and watch Loma.

It may not be the better fight, but it's easier access for many.

[Ruthless-RKO]

There was a time where UK boxing fans coudl just watch US boxing cards on Sky Sports or Nox-Bation..

So much simpler times.

Now most PBC cards are on FITE in the UK.

[maverick23]

FITE have picked this up in the UK..

Starts at 2:00 AM - $9.99

Description
On June 26th PBC presents Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs Mario "El Azteca" Barrios. Davis is a World Champion in two devisions. If he wins this title, he will become a world champion in three divisions, but to do so Gervonta "Tank" Davis needs to defeat the undefeated Super Lightweight World Champion Mario Barrios. Who will come out on top?

The co-mainevent is a WBC Junior Middleweight World Title Eliminator where Erickson Lubin takes on the former unified 154-pound world champion Jeison Rosario.

One more unified champion is getting into the ring Saturday night when the former unified super welterweight champion Julian "J-Rock" Williams takes on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round featured showdown.

The opening match is a WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator where the hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis.

Expect a thrilling event, full of excitement and action!Tune in, order today and watch on FITE!

*fight card subject to change

I genuinely wonder how many people will buy this in the U.K. I’d be surprised if it’s more than a few thousand people.

Surely it’d be better to give to ch5 (like they did with LSC fight) or BT to give Tank more exposure so when he’s in a genuinely big fight there’ll be more demand.

PBC can't force CH5 or BT to take the card.. They probably want a certain amount for TV Rights.

Boxing fans in the UK will likely tune into Sky Sports and watch Loma.

It may not be the better fight, but it's easier access for many.

I know they can’t but if it does something like a couple of thousand buys over here than once you strip out tax/Fite TV’s cut then it doesn’t leave much to add back to the pot. Surely it will be better to offer it for £5k to Ch5 or even free so that when Gervonta has a big fight (Taylor/Lopez) and it’s probably ppv over here the chances are more people will buy it as they would have seen Gervonta more.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I genuinely wonder how many people will buy this in the U.K. I’d be surprised if it’s more than a few thousand people.

Surely it’d be better to give to ch5 (like they did with LSC fight) or BT to give Tank more exposure so when he’s in a genuinely big fight there’ll be more demand.

PBC can't force CH5 or BT to take the card.. They probably want a certain amount for TV Rights.

Boxing fans in the UK will likely tune into Sky Sports and watch Loma.

It may not be the better fight, but it's easier access for many.

I know they can’t but if it does something like a couple of thousand buys over here than once you strip out tax/Fite TV’s cut then it doesn’t leave much to add back to the pot. Surely it will be better to offer it for £5k to Ch5 or even free so that when Gervonta has a big fight (Taylor/Lopez) and it’s probably ppv over here the chances are more people will buy it as they would have seen Gervonta more.

Yeh you’re right.

There’s no such thing as free exposure now days.. they just shove it on PPV.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[NoScoutingReports]

Part 2 is up now too:

[Dioufy]

Why has Tank jumped so quickly to light welter? He’s fought a lot at super feather so can anyone enlighten me why the jump past lightweight? Unless he sees Barrios as an easy fight before dropping down for Teo/Loma/Hainey or Garcia?

[gilgamesh]

Why has Tank jumped so quickly to light welter? He’s fought a lot at super feather so can anyone enlighten me why the jump past lightweight? Unless he sees Barrios as an easy fight before dropping down for Teo/Loma/Hainey or Garcia?

Because he doesn't want the best at Lightweight because they'd beat him. His team knows that. I'm sure Tank believes he could beat them, but his people obviously don't.

He's content with trying to build up being a multi-weight Champion while going for secondary belts every single time apparently.

[Dioufy]

Why has Tank jumped so quickly to light welter? He’s fought a lot at super feather so can anyone enlighten me why the jump past lightweight? Unless he sees Barrios as an easy fight before dropping down for Teo/Loma/Hainey or Garcia?

Because he doesn't want the best at Lightweight because they'd beat him. His team knows that. I'm sure Tank believes he could beat them, but his people obviously don't.

He's content with trying to build up being a multi-weight Champion while going for secondary belts every single time apparently.

Be interesting to see where he goes after Barrios then. One thing for sure, Hainey or Garcia aren’t murderers.

[gilgamesh]

Why has Tank jumped so quickly to light welter? He’s fought a lot at super feather so can anyone enlighten me why the jump past lightweight? Unless he sees Barrios as an easy fight before dropping down for Teo/Loma/Hainey or Garcia?

Because he doesn't want the best at Lightweight because they'd beat him. His team knows that. I'm sure Tank believes he could beat them, but his people obviously don't.

He's content with trying to build up being a multi-weight Champion while going for secondary belts every single time apparently.

Be interesting to see where he goes after Barrios then. One thing for sure, Hainey or Garcia aren’t murderers.

Nope, and it's highly possible he's about to lose to Barrios.

[margaret thatcher]

ya it's a cherry pick with the whole hyped up 'title in 3 classes at same time' henry armstrong thingy

its not a bum fight by any means, but there are better fights out there for sure

[gilgamesh]

ya it's a cherry pick with the whole hyped up 'title in 3 classes at same time' henry armstrong thingy

its not a bum fight by any means, but there are better fights out there for sure

[Wee Tommy]

Why has Tank jumped so quickly to light welter? He’s fought a lot at super feather so can anyone enlighten me why the jump past lightweight? Unless he sees Barrios as an easy fight before dropping down for Teo/Loma/Hainey or Garcia?

Because he doesn't want the best at Lightweight because they'd beat him. His team knows that. I'm sure Tank believes he could beat them, but his people obviously don't.

He's content with trying to build up being a multi-weight Champion while going for secondary belts every single time apparently.

I was going to post the same, I’m glad I read the thread first

[Bigdogsnose]

Great card. Lublin v Rosario is some fight, Lubin has showed some balls since being sparked but Rosario is a tough out for anyone. I think Lubin by points but Rosario working him down the stretch.

J-rock as well. 154 is stacked, welterweight is the glamour division but Spence and Crawford would both have hard fights moving up.

[maverick23]

Great card. Lublin v Rosario is some fight, Lubin has showed some balls since being sparked but Rosario is a tough out for anyone. I think Lubin by points but Rosario working him down the stretch.

J-rock as well. 154 is stacked, welterweight is the glamour division but Spence and Crawford would both have hard fights moving up.

I don’t think J-Rock’s fighting now.

[Counter-puncher]

Why has Tank jumped so quickly to light welter? He’s fought a lot at super feather so can anyone enlighten me why the jump past lightweight? Unless he sees Barrios as an easy fight before dropping down for Teo/Loma/Hainey or Garcia?

Because he doesn't want the best at Lightweight because they'd beat him. His team knows that. I'm sure Tank believes he could beat them, but his people obviously don't.

He's content with trying to build up being a multi-weight Champion while going for secondary belts every single time apparently.

I was going to post the same, I’m glad I read the thread first

it kills me mate. typical boxing shite. imagine Lopez and Davis and that cokehead kid who beat Capmbell, all of them being forced into a tournament or whatever. Davis vs Lopez would be a great fkin fight. fkin boxing, man.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Great card. Lublin v Rosario is some fight, Lubin has showed some balls since being sparked but Rosario is a tough out for anyone. I think Lubin by points but Rosario working him down the stretch.

J-rock as well. 154 is stacked, welterweight is the glamour division but Spence and Crawford would both have hard fights moving up.

I don’t think J-Rock’s fighting now.

Can't catch a break..

A new fight was added to the card though..

[Ruthless-RKO]

FITE TV Live Stream

Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios preview their SHOWTIME PPV main event taking place Saturday, June 26, at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Fight fans outside the US can watch the Davis vs Barrios fight card LIVE on FITE TV:

https://www.fite.tv/embed/v1/2p9m9/?cou ... 4-13949132

[Wee Tommy]

Because he doesn't want the best at Lightweight because they'd beat him. His team knows that. I'm sure Tank believes he could beat them, but his people obviously don't.

He's content with trying to build up being a multi-weight Champion while going for secondary belts every single time apparently.

I was going to post the same, I’m glad I read the thread first

it kills me mate. typical boxing shite. imagine Lopez and Davis and that cokehead kid who beat Capmbell, all of them being forced into a tournament or whatever. Davis vs Lopez would be a great fkin fight. fkin boxing, man.

I would bet my house Davis would never fight Taylor. Could be wrong of course but his whole career has been avoiding the top men. I watch far more UFC as you just get the fights you want week after week.

Not saying the sport is better but the set up is