TSS Wishes A Full Recovery For Nick Charles

NEW YORK (August 19, 2009) — Nick Charles, the respected television journalist and veteran ShoBox: The New Generation  play-by-play announcer, is taking a leave of absence from SHOWTIME, effective immediately, due to Stage IV urothelial carcinoma.

Charles has been an integral part of SHOWTIME Sports and the highly acclaimed ShoBox series since its debut in July 2001.  He has called hundreds of fights on SHOWTIME and other networks throughout his illustrious broadcasting career.

“All of us at Showtime are behind Nick and his family in this difficult fight,” said Ken Hershman, Senior VP and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “We look forward to his full recovery and return to ShoBox telecasts.”

“Having bladder cancer is clearly the greatest challenge of my life,'' said Charles.  “Now it's time for a face-first assault.

“Like a fighter, just give me one round at a time and I'll eventually win. I have a positive attitude, a strong Christian faith, and an amazing support system especially within the boxing family.”

Charles is being cared for at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.  M. D. Anderson ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The institution is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.  For six of the past eight years, including 2009, M. D. Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in “America's Best Hospitals,” a survey published annually in U.S. News & World Report.

“The love of and for my wife, Cory, our beautiful three-year-old daughter, Giovanna, and my three grown children and their families makes for all the motivation I need to make it.

“Thanks to SHOWTIME for being family and for the overwhelming and loving response of the boxing community.  We are an amazing group when it comes to adversity and inspiration.”

If you would like to contact Nick, please email nickboxing@gmail.com.