Thurman-Garcia, Frampton-Santa Cruz 2 Top Showtime Boxing 2017 Lineup

A pair of massive fights were officially unveiled on Tuesday that will bolster Showtime Boxing’s schedule into the early stages of 2017. The cable giant announced five terrific cards between December and March, but two of the matchups are what has the boxing world abuzz.

On Jan. 28, the rematch of one of 2016’s best fights will commence as Carl Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs) will meet Leo Santa Cruz in a battle that could very easily be the best fight of next year. The two featherweights engaged in a memorable back-and-forth war in July, with the U.K.-bases Frampton coming out on top via decision. Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs) will look to exact revenge against the only man to beat him.

If that wasn’t enough, Showtime finally announced that Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) will lock horns with Danny Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) in a bout that will help unify the welterweight championship on March 4. With both unbeaten and having already scored huge wins over top-level opposition already, the unification bout could be one for the ages.

“This is a slate of high-level, evenly-matched, 50/50 fights – the best fighting the best – which has become the calling card of Showtime Championship Boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President of Showtime Sports.  “Every fight we are announcing today features a top 10-ranked champion taking on a top 10-ranked challenger; in many cases, it’s top-five vs. top-five.”

Showtime Championship Boxing Schedule:
Dec. 10:  Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs), Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) vs. Julian Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs)

Jan. 14:  Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) vs. James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs)

Jan. 28: Carl Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs) vs. Leo Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs), Dejan Zlaticanin (18-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mikey Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs)

Feb. 11: Adrien Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) vs. Adrian Granados (18-4-2, 12 KOs)

March 4:  Danny Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) vs. Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs)