Hall Of Fame Boxing announcer Al Bernstein calls the June 25 Keith Thurman-Shawn Porter welterweight title match “a fight for the fans.” Al continued, “I call it that because it has all the elements of a match that resonates with boxing fans. It checks all the boxes, both men are in their prime, the contrasting styles in the ring should make it fascinating and both men are highly motivated because they feel this is the most important fight of their careers.”
This SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presentation will be the first prime time boxing show on CBS since 1987. The co-feature will be a featherweight title match between champion Jesus Cuellar and former 3-time champ Abner Mares. “It’s great to be a part of the CBS broadcast history of boxing and walk in the shoes of great broadcasters like Tim Ryan and my mentor Gil Clancy,” Bernstein said. He added, “Boxing has been heating up in the last few months and this window to the world on CBS and a huge crowd at a great venue like the Barclays Center will keep that momentum going.”
Al said shining the spotlight on both Thurman and Porter reflects well on the sport. “These two young men approach their craft with enthusiasm and respect. They are professional athletes who comport themselves in the way that will draw fans to the sport. They have shown respect for each other while still making it clear they have the will and desire to win. This is a 50-50 fight in every way.”
IN OTHER NEWS:
Al’s pre-fight analysis of the fight can be seen on his Quick Hits video at www.youtube.com/AlsBoxingHangouts
Al will host a special pre-fight party presented by Corona Extra at 6:00 pm ET Friday, June, 24th at Rocco’s Tacos, 339 Adams Street in Brooklyn, NY. This event is open to all boxing fans and has limited space available. The first 50 fans that attend will be given a free autographed copy of his book 30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Boxing, Sports and TV. Al will have a question and answer session with the fans, give away other prizes with boxing trivia , and will be available for a photo opportunity with all the fans after the event.
Also on June 25 Al Bernstein will be inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall Of Fame during ceremonies in Tampa, Fla. Al said: “When FBHOF President Butch Flansburg informed me of this honor I intended to be there to share in a weekend of great activities with the fans and my fellow inductees. My duties for this SHOWTIME/CBS telecast prevented that, but it does not diminish how honored I am to be recognized by he Florida Boxing Hall Of Fame. I am very appreciative of this recognition and thank the FBHOF for it.”
