PRESS RELEASE: Highlights from the most compelling and unforgettable fights of a spectacular year of televising world-class prizefights will be shown when SHOWTIME proudly presents “SHOWTIME BOXING: Best Of 2005” on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, at 2:15 p.m. ET/PT. The informative, fast-paced, entertaining 30-minute telecast is hosted by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING’S blow-by-blow commentator, Steve Albert, and features Al Bernstein and Steve Farhood, the ringside analysts for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and “Shobox: The New Generation,” respectively. Joining the SHOWTIME talent are top boxing journalists Tim Smith of the New York Daily News, Kevin Iole of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, and Eric Raskin of RING magazine/MaxBoxing.com.

 

            The “Best Of 2005” focuses on the exciting events that transpired during the 10 live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts and 15 fight cards on “Shobox.” Classic, crowd-pleasing confrontations that will be highlighted include the Fight of the Year, Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I,  a leading candidate for Upset of the Year, Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu, and Zab Judah vs. Cory Spinks, Jean-Marc Mormeck vs. Wayne Braithwaite and Jeff Lacy’s three title defenses (against Scott Pemberton, Robin Reid, and Rubin Williams). Kevin McBride’s shocking stoppage of Mike Tyson also will be featured.

 

            Besides the thrilling highlights, the announcers will recap memorable moments of a year in which America’s No. 1 Boxing Network presented 11 world title fights (not including the one on “ShoBox”) as well as discuss a myriad of subjects including the top fighters and prospects of 2006.

 

            Entering its 20th year, SHOWTIME has consistently provided viewers with quality, competitive fights, whose surprising outcomes have unveiled new champions, affected entire careers and gained SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING the distinction of not only offering the most important matchups, but the most unexpected results. Since March 15, 1986, there have been 227 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts encompassing 472 fights. There have been 305 world title bouts and a new champion crowned on 100 occasions.

 

            There have been 69 “ShoBox” telecasts since the popular, well-received series debuted in July 2001. “ShoBox” features up-and-coming prospects determined to make a mark and eventually fight for a chance at a world title. It is pure, basic boxing, reminiscent of the golden days of the sport.

 

            The Senior Creative Director of “SHOWTIME BOXING: The Best Of 2005’ is Earl Fash. It was written by Steve Farhood. After its initial airing, “Best Of 2005” will be repeated several times.

 

           For information on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and “ShoBox: The New Generation” telecasts, including fighter bios and records, related stories and more, please go to the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.

 

ABOUT SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING celebrates 20 years of hard-hitting, explosive programming in 2006.  On March 10, 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 Holyfield-Tyson bouts. Always at the forefront of boxing, SHOWTIME has set itself apart by telecasting “great fights, no rights” on the first Saturday of every month.  SHOWTIME is the first network to regularly deliver live boxing in High Definition.  In addition, SHOWTIME continues to be a pioneer in sports television with a number of interactive features across multiple platforms making SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts the most enjoyable, immersive viewing experience for the boxing audience