NEW YORK, NY (Feb. 5, 2004) Showtime Networks announced today that it will broadcast all domestic SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight cards in high definition on SHOWTIME HD beginning with the Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, live telecast at 9 p.m. ET/PT. 

In the main event from Bally's Atlantic City, former World Boxing Association (WBA) champion and current International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1 contender, Sharmba Mitchell, will face IBF No. 9 contender Lovemore N'dou for the IBF 140-pound interim title.

The viewer's experience will be heightened further by the sound quality, as Dolby Digital 5.1 enhances virtually all high-resolution widescreen content on SHOWTIME HD.
 
"Watching a fight in HD provides an experience that in many ways is even superior to being at ringside," said Jay Larkin, Showtime Senior Vice President, Executive Producer Sports & Events Programming.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in high-definition debuted on SHOWTIME HD on Feb. 22, 2003, with the live broadcast of Mike Tyson vs. Clifford Etienne.  The network has steadily increased its HD programming since its launch of SHOWTIME HD in 2000. 

Showtime Networks was the first premium television network to launch a series fully produced in high definition in 2002.  The company was also the first network to launch Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound in conjunction with HD in 2000, and currently broadcasts this distinct audio enhancement on all of its 32 channels.