Thurman vs. Collazo Headlines Debut Of PBC On ESPN

ByBoxing Press

Undefeated superstar Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) returns to the ring in his home state to face former world champion Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs) on Saturday, July 11, in the main event of the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN show live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, FL.

The co-main event of the evening features an exciting matchup between undefeated top prospect Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) and quick fisted Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs) in an event that will kick off live coverage of PBC on ESPN. Doors open in the arena at 6 p.m. ET with the first fight starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Thurman has consistently shown his tremendous power by knocking out 18 of his first 19 opponents and since winning a world title in 2013, he has ascended to the very top of the sport’s elite class. The 26-year-old Clearwater, Florida native made three successful title defenses with wins over Jesus Soto Karass, Julio Diaz and Leonard Bundu.

In his next bout he debuted the Premier Boxing Champions series by defeating Robert Guerrero in a spectacular battle on March 7. Next up on July 11, Thurman will return to the ring in his home state of Florida for the first time since 2009.

One of Brooklyn’s most respected fighters, Collazo has earned another shot at the top of the welterweight division on July 11. In April of this year, Collazo made a statement with a second round TKO of Christopher Degollado at Barclays Center.

A world champion in 2005, Collazo has faced top fighters his whole career. Most notably in recent years, he delivered an electrifying second round knockout over Victor Ortiz in Dec. 2014. Collazo will look to use his experience and guile to upset Thurman on the road on July 11.

At just 24-years-old, Harrison has made big noise recently as he brings a 10 knockout win streak to his fight on July 11. The Detroit-native has gotten off to a blazing start in 2015, already knocking out Antwone Smith and Pablo Munguia in impressive fashion. The supremely talented fighter now steps up in competition and hopes to keep his undefeated record intact when he faces Nelson.

A professional since 2006, Nelson has the tools and experience to give Harrison more than just a tough test. The 28-year-old owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters John Jackson and Yudel Johnson plus experienced veterans Luciano Cuello, Michael Medina. The fighter out of Cleveland is coming off of a narrow defeat against top contender Vanes Martirosyan in Oct. 2014.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $150, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and go on sale Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. ET. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Sun Dome box office.