Showtime Sports, a prominent figure in the world of boxing for the past 37 years, has announced its departure from the arena. The network, renowned for its riveting sports programming, will dissolve its sports operation by the end of this year, passing the baton to CBS Sports. As sports chief Stephen Espinoza and his team bid farewell, Showtime Boxing’s illustrious four-decade journey is commemorated in “End of an Era,” a 38-minute special directed by Emmy award-winner Sam Shouvlin and Emmy-nominated All Access director Nick Manning.
“End of an Era” encapsulates the mesmerizing tales of legendary boxing matches that have captivated audiences over the years. Celebrated moments of triumph and defeat come to life in the documentary, featuring unforgettable encounters including “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler’s victory over John “The Beast” Mugabi, Mike Tyson’s epic battles against Razor Ruddock, and Evander Holyfield’s unforgettable bouts with Buster Douglas and Michael Morrer. Also, included are the iconic duels between Tyson-Holyfield I and II, Pernell Whitaker’s clash with Julio César Chávez, Diego Corrales’ triumph over José Luis Castillo, and the unforgettable showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley. Additionally, the special gives a platform to more recent encounters such as the 2018 clash between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, Jake Paul’s forays into the boxing world, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s fights against Canelo Álvarez, Marcos Maidana, Manny Pacquiao, Conor McGregor, and Logan Paul.
“End of an Era” grants viewers an exclusive backstage pass to some of the most monumental boxing battles to date. Relive the infamous “Bite Fight” between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, the exhilarating clash between Diego Corrales and José Luis Castillo often hailed as the greatest fight in history, and the adrenaline-pumping trilogy between Rafael Márquez and Israel Vázquez. Against the backdrop of the final Showtime pay-per-view event, Benavídez vs. Andrade in November, this documentary provides an intimate look at the meticulous work of Showtime Sports’ world-renowned boxing production teams.
Showtime Championship Boxing made its debut in March 1986, becoming a live monthly broadcast on the first Saturday of every month. Its sister program, ShoBox: The New Generation, occasionally featured fights between boxing prospects on Friday nights. After almost 2,000 bouts, Showtime Sports bids farewell to the sport, mirroring longtime rival HBO’s exit in 2018. The chronicles of Showtime Boxing are unveiled through the experiences and contributions of its notable broadcasters. These include play-by-play maestro Al Bernstein and reporter Jim Gray, as well as the iconic ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The documentary also features the insights of Showtime Boxing host Brian Custer, play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo, three-division world champion Abner Mares, and Spanish language commentators Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Márquez.
Showtime Sports has left an indelible mark on boxing history with its enthralling coverage and iconic matches. As the final bell tolls for Showtime Boxing, “End of an Era” stands as a poignant tribute to the incomparable moments that have unfolded within the squared circle. Through the legacy of Showtime Sports, the spirit of boxing continues to resonate with fans around the world, and its impact will forever be etched in the annals of the sport.