Broadcast network CBS on Dec. 15 will televise its first live boxing match in 15 years as it teams with Showtime to offer seven live fights throughout the day.
Showtime Boxing on CBS will air an afternoon fight between undefeated International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz and fellow unbeaten challenger Alberto “Metro” Guevara, according to network officials. The telecast – the first live boxing event for CBS since a 1997 Bernard Hopkins-Glen Johnson middleweight championship fight –will also feature the pro debut of 2012 United States Olympian Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz Jr.
Later that evening, Showtime will televise live the Amir Khan/Carlos Molina welterweight fight, while Showtime Extreme will air several as yet determined preliminary fights, according to network officials.
“We are proud to deliver one of today’s most exciting fighters in Leo Santa Cruz, taking on an undefeated challenger in Alberto Guevara, to a broadcast television audience,” said Showtime Sports executive vice president and general manager Stephen Espinoza said in a statement. “Coupled with the pro debut of Olympian Jo-Jo Diaz on CBS and the evening’s Showtime Championship Boxing event makes December 15 a very special day for boxing.”
