NEW YORK (Nov. 1, 2007) – SHO Sports Presents, a nightly series featuring the best of SHOWTIME boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) programming, will premiere tonight, Thursday, Nov. 1, and air every weeknight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME® 2, it was announced today by Ken Hershman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks..
SHOWTIME® 2, the network’s primary multiplex channel, is available in 95 percent of all SHOWTIME homes.
SHO Sports Presents will air replays of live SHOWTIME Sports series including the flagship SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING franchise and the newest sports television phenomenon EliteXC mixed martial arts. In addition, classic telecasts from the acclaimed series ShoBox: The New Generation, and the new MMA platform ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series will air regularly on SHO Sports Presents.
“Thrilling boxing events and explosive mixed martial arts telecasts from SHOWTIME Sports have been a consistent ratings generator for the network,” said Hershman. “We have been dedicated to televising the hardest hitting and most compelling match ups in both boxing and MMA on a regular basis. SHO Sports Presents is further proof of our commitment to deliver a steady diet of great programming to fight fans.”
In addition to opening the doors of the vast boxing library that dates back to the premiere of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in 1986, SHO Sports Presents will keep the loyal fan base up to date with promotions, documentaries and updates on upcoming live events.
“Our subscribers have demonstrated a demand for our sports franchises and this daily platform is an ideal way to keep them in tune with our greatest hits of yesterday and with upcoming live events,” Hershman added.
The first installment of SHO Sports Presents will be a replay of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Rocky Juarez vs. Jason Pires from Feb. 1, 2003. (Juarez is set to face one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters in Juan Manuel Marquez, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.)
About SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
In March 1986, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was born when “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler defeated John “The Beast” Mugabi in a spectacular and unforgettable 11th-round knockout in Las Vegas. Since that time, the network has aired some of the most historic and significant events in the sport including both Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson bouts.