Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn Headlines The Boxing Weekend

Friday, June 30th

Robert Easter, Jr. vs. Denis Shafikov

Undefeated lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr. defends his IBF belt against top contender Denis Shafikov tonight as Premier Boxing Champions returns with more championship action. The About Billions Promotions standout and Toledo, Ohio native is the next in line for wider fame amid the backdrop of his larger than life boxing promotions boss, Adrien “The Problem” Broner. 

PBC Jabs: June 29, 2017

This week on PBC Jabs we recap our June 27th FS1 show, we check in with the IBF 135-pound champ Robert Easter Jr. and we preview our June 30th PBC on Bounce show. On June 27th, Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays delivered a 147-pound rematch between undefeated Miguel Cruz and once-beaten Alex Martin.

Easter won the then-vacant IBF title last September with a split decision victory over Richard Commey. He defended it for the first time in February with a unanimous decision victory over Luis Cruz. This is the same division currently dominated by Mikey Garcia, who will meet Broner at a catch-weight of 140lbs, the super lightweight limit, on July 29th.

“I understand that Shafikov is a really tough fighter,” said Easter at the final press conference. “They’ve always said the guy in front of me is tough. I’m not here to talk about all the close fights he’s almost won. I will be the first man to stop him.”

Denis Shafikov – Highlights / Knockouts

Highlights of the top Lightweight contender. Denis Shafikov – Is a professional boxer from Miass, Russia. He is the former European and WBA Inter-Continental champion. In 2014 he unsuccessfully challenged for the IBF championship of the world against Miguel Vasquez. He holds a record of 36-1-1 with 19 knockouts.

Shafikov is a tough as nails Russian fighter whose last loss was to Rances Barthelemy for the then-vacant lightweight IBF title via unanimous decision back in 2015. However, he first fought for that belt in 2014 and suffered a unanimous decision loss to Miguel Vazquez. The fight with Easter is a chance at redemption for the title that he has been seeking his whole career. 

“I’ve been able to bounce back after my last two title defeats and make myself a better fighter each time,” said Shafikov at the final press conference. “You will see that on Friday night and I will be victorious.”

Catch all the action live tonight, Friday, June 30th, on Bounce TV at 9 pm EST / 6 pm PST.

Saturday,  July 1st 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn

When Manny Pacquiao decided to come back after a brief retirement last year, it left many scratching their heads. What was the motivation? Financial issues? A case of not knowing when enough is enough? 

Pacquiao has never truly answered those questions. But one thing is for certain, he still has what it takes to be a champion.

EXPLOSIVE!! MANNY PACQUIAO SMASHES THE PADS WITH FREDDIE ROACH

Manny Pacquiao smashes the pads at today’s media workout in Brisbane ahead of the WBO Welterweight World Title clash at Suncorp Stadium this weekend

After winning the rubber match with Timothy Bradley, Jr. in April 2016, Pacquiao came back to face Jesse Vargas for the WBO welterweight title. He was successful in pitching a shutout unanimous decision win and adding to his legacy as boxing’s only eight-division world champion. 

Having been involved in the so-called “fight of the century” against Floyd “Money” Mayweather, still the most successful fight in history from a financial perspective, it would seem that there were no more challenges for Pacquiao. 

Enter Jeff “The Hornet” Horn, the Australian fighter who has held a slew of minor belts throughout his career. He has never faced a fighter the caliber of Pacquiao and will have his hands full with Filipino Congressman.

Jeff Horn – Top 5 Knockouts

Jeff Horn vs Manny Pacquiao on july 1

Pacquaio’ trademark is his speed coupled with a high punch volume. Horn will be tested in ways he has never truly seen. 

The key lies in his ability to defend the offensive onslaught and counter-punch effectively and often. Time will tell if Horn can adjust to Pacquiao’s style and land the shot that Juan Manuel Marquez did in 2012 that flattened Pac-Man for everyone’s meme enjoyment. With a sold out crowd of 55,000, he will have many more in his corner rooting for him.

Catch Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn live from Brisbane, Australia’s SunCorp Stadium on ESPN at 10pm EST / 7pm PST.

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