Boxing: Hurd-Molina Replaces Canceled Mares-Cuellar Duel on CBS

With the cancellation of the showdown between Abner Mares and Jesus Cuellar last week, Showtime and CBS have settled on a replacement bout for the telecast. Undefeated junior middleweight contenders Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina will open the CBS primetime broadcast from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The clash serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated welterweight championship showdown between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter.

Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs), who has never been taken off his feet in the pro ranks, will be facing his third consecutive unbeaten opponent. He last fought in November where he took out Frank Galarza in the sixth and is amped to get back in the ring to pick up where he left off.

“The dictionary definition of ‘Swift’ is to happen quickly or promptly,” Hurd stated. “So just like my ring name, that's exactly what you'll see on Saturday night. I'm so grateful that this fight was made and that the whole world will be able to see my boxing skills on this highly anticipated card.”

Molina (13-0, 10 KOs), a 2012 Mexican Olympian, has looked sensational thus far, though he is coming off a hard-fought draw with Dominique Dolton last September. He said he’s watched film on Hurd and is ready for what his counterpart will bring to the ring on Saturday.

“I’m excited for this fight and I’m grateful that it’s even bigger now that it’s on CBS,” said Molina. “I’ve seen Hurd fight. I know what he does well and what his weaknesses are and I’ll be looking to capitalize on them. It’s important for me to defeat the top guys and this is someone I have to beat to become a world champion one day. I’m excited about fighting in Brooklyn on the big stage, but my focus will be on my trainer’s game plan and coming out victorious.”

Showtime Championship Boxing on CBS goes live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.