03.03.05 – Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME: A pair of potentially explosive match-ups will be shown during SHOWTIME’s Free Preview Weekend when WBC Lightweight Champion Jose Luis Castillo (51-6-1, 45 KOs) takes on former IBF 135-pound titleholder Julio “The Kidd’’ Diaz (30-2, 22 KOs) and undefeated Jeff Lacy (18-0, 14 KOs) risks his IBF super middleweight crown against Rubin “Mr. Hollywood’’ Williams (26-1, 15 KOs) on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, March 5. The world championship doubleheader, which will be co-promoted by Top-Rank, Inc., and Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, will take place at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and start at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)..
Immediately preceding the scheduled 12-round world title fights on March 5 will be ONE NIGHT ONE STAR USHER LIVE. The multi-award-winning recording artist and superstar, Usher will burn up the stage with the concert event of the year from San Juan’s Coliseo de Puerto Rico. From Friday, March 4, through Monday, March 7, SHOWTIME will offer a free preview weekend for viewers nationwide.
JOSE LUIS CASTILLO
“I am not looking past Julio Diaz, but I am ready to fight the big fights. I am well prepared. I hope there is a great crowd and a lot of people watching on SHOWTIME because this is going to be a great fight.
“I had trouble making 135 and everyone knows it is only a matter of time before I move up in weight. But before I think about that, I have to defeat Diaz. On Saturday, I will show I am the best.’’
JULIO DIAZ
“I want to thank all of my team, SHOWTIME and everyone involved for making this fight happen. I have had a great camp. This is a big opportunity and a big risk. I had to give up something that I worked very hard for, my IBF title belt, to get this shot, but I have always wanted a big fight, and this is definitely one.
“All titles are great, but to beat Castillo, who is the best lightweight champion in the world, would make people have to pay attention to me. I am ready to give my best performance. I cannot wait for Saturday.’’
JEFF LACY
“It feels great to be on SHOWTIME again. I am not going to make any prediction except that I am going to win. I am in great shape. This is going to be a great fight on Saturday night.’’
RUBIN WILLIAMS
“I believe they have made a big mistake. Just because I did not have the exposure or the backing of some boxers and fought in the Midwest does not mean that I cannot fight. I am excited and anxious, all rolled into one. But I am not nervous at all. I look forward to showcasing my skills on SHOWTIME and taking advantage of this great opportunity. I know what I have to do, and that is box, box, box.’’