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More boxing coming to network TV as CBS to host Saturday afternoon cards

More boxing coming to network TV as CBS to host Saturday afternoon cards

The head of Showtime's boxing programming expressed little concern last month when powerful manager Al Haymon announced that the series Premier Boxing Champions would soon appear in primetime on NBC and feature fighters who had fought extensively on Showtime.

Now, we know a little better why.

CBS Sports and Showtime Sports have announced a deal with Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions for a series of eight shows on CBS to be held on Saturday afternoons. The first show will be on April 4 and will feature WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson defending his title against Sakio Bika.

Except for the April 4 debut on CBS, which will begin at 3 p.m. ET, all of the shows on CBS will be broadcast live at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoons.

There will also be shoulder programming that will air on CBS, Showtime and the CBS Sports Network to promote the live fight cards.

Stephen Espinoza, senior vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Stephen Espinoza, senior vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

"The Premier Boxing Champions series on CBS will help usher in a new era in the storied history of boxing,” Stephen Espinoza, the executive vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports, said in a statement.  “With the support of our parent company, we are uniquely positioned for a three-tiered approach that includes live boxing broadcasts on America’s No. 1 network, the cable reach of CBS Sports Network and, of course, the premium television leader in boxing, Showtime.  The benefit of elevating the sport across these platforms for all involved, including Showtime, is immeasurable."

Showtime will air a March 28 card featuring WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Gary Russell Jr., and a non-title bout between Jermell Charlo and Vanes Martirosyan.

And on April 18, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will make his Showtime debut when he faces Andrzej Fonfara.

A second CBS date is scheduled on May 9, with Omar Figueroa meeting Ricky Burns in a 140-pound bout.