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Category Archives: ShoBox
TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS TO CHALLENGE WBC WORLD CHAMPION NIKKI ADLER IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, YIM HLI NTUJ 4
Adler & Shields to Unify Women’s Super Middleweight Division in “Battle of the Best” at MGM Grand Detroit Live on SHOWTIME® ntawm 10 p.m. THIAB/PT
DETROIT (Lub rau hli ntuj 28, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields will challenge for her first world title against WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler in the main event of ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam Friday, Aug. 4, nyob rau SHOWTIME ntawm 10 p.m. THIAB/PT from MGM Grand Detroit.
A native of Flint, Mich., Shields (3-0, 1 KO) is the most accomplished amateur boxer in U.S. history and the only American to capture back-to-back boxing gold medals at the Olympic Games. The 22-year-old will challenge for a world title in only her fourth professional fight against fellow undefeated Adler (16-0, 9 Kos), a German star who will make the third defense of her WBC 168-pound title. The bout will also be for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight Title.
Shields is headlining for the second time on national television, building on her history-making debut last March in what was the first women’s main event in premium television history. If Shields dethrones Adler on ShoBox, she’ll become the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.
“It’s a huge opportunity to fight in the U.S. on SHOWTIME against Claressa Shields,” Adler said. “I am the multiple-time world champion and Claressa is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist – why not fight in the biggest matchup possible? This is a great challenge and we both will show our true potential. I know I’ll give everything I have to be successful, as I have always done. I’ve fought throughout the world, but never in the U.S. It’s really a dream to fight in the biggest women’s boxing event in 2017.
Shields said, “It is a dream come true for me to be fighting for a major world title in just my fourth professional fight. I thank the champ, Nikki Adler, and her team for accepting the challenge and for coming to the U.S. for this championship. This fight is not only a milestone for me, it also is the biggest fight of the year in women’s boxing. I want to thank SHOWTIME for their commitment to me and for their support of women’s boxing. I promise to be in the best shape of my life and to give all my fans a performance to remember.”
Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions are on sale now and are priced at $350, $250, $125 thiab $60. They will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Gordon Hall, ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam Executive Producer and SVP of Production, SHOWTIME kev ua si, hais tias, "ShoBox is about challenging prospects and making step up fights, and that’s what Shields vs. Adler is all about. Claressa is returning to ShoBox in a unique opportunity to not only face her toughest opponent to date but to challenge a world champion and look to unify the division in only her fourth fight. The matchup and stakes speak for themselves. We are proud to continue to deliver the best prospects in competitive matchups.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita, hais tias, “I am thrilled to be promoting what I expect will be the biggest women’s boxing event of 2017. Claressa Shields is on a quest to make history and is seeking to become a world champion in only her fourth professional bout less than a year after winning her second Olympic Gold Medal. Shields vs. Adler is the kind of matchup we expect from great fighters. These two women, both skilled, both determined, are certain to give fans around the world, and those watching on ShoBox, an action-packed fight that is fought at the highest level. It will be a night to remember where the sports world may see the emergence of a new star.”
Shields’ co-manager, Mark Taffet, hais tias, “This second main event telecast on SHOWTIME represents yet another historic step forward in the journey of Claressa Shields. Claressa is committed, in return, to pursuing the biggest and best fights available as the profile of women’s boxing in the U.S. and around the world continues to grow. This world title fight against Nikki Adler, a monumental challenge for Claressa in only her fourth pro fight, shows how committed Claressa is to fulfilling her dreams and leading the sport to unprecedented levels.”
The 30-year-old Adler, a Croatian fighting out of Augsburg, Bayern, Lub teb chaws yelemees, will make her U.S. debut against Shields. A former German amateur champion, Adler will make her third defense of the WBC crown she won in 2013 via unanimous decision against Zane Brige in Russia.
Nyob rau hauv 2015, Adler defeated Szabados via unanimous decision in her first defense of the WBC belt, and knocked out Elene Sikmashvili in her second defense in 2016. In March of this year, she won the vacant WIBF and GBU World Super Middleweight Championships by unanimous decision over Mery Rancier.
Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 record and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012. She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.
Nyob rau hauv lub peb hlis ntuj 2017 at MGM Grand Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds to win the NABF Super Middleweight Championship, in the first women’s main event in premium television history. In her most recent bout on June 16, Shields defeated Sydney LeBlanc via a unanimous eight-round decision to capture the WBC Silver Super Middleweight title.
Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.
Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.
Hais txog ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam
Txij thaum nws inception nyob rau hauv Lub Xya hli ntuj 2001, lub critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: Tus Tshiab Tiam tau featured hluas txuj ci sib phim tawv. Lub ShoBox philosophy yog televise exciting, neeg coob coob-pleasing thiab sib tw ntais thaum npaj ib qhov tseeb hauv av rau kam zeem muag txiav txim sib ntaus rau ib lub ntiaj teb title. Ib co ntawm cov loj hlob daim ntawv teev cov 69 neeg tua hluav taws uas tau los tshwm sim rau ShoBox thiab paub mus garner ntiaj teb no lub npe muaj xws li: Errol Spence Jr., Lwm Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. thiab ntau yam ntxiv.
REGIS PROGRAIS SCORES CONVINCING KNOCKOUT OF JOEL DIAZ JR. IN MATCHUP OF PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN 140-POUNDERS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®
Steve Rolls Edges Demond Nicholson & Jon Fernandez KOs Juan Reyes At Turning Stone Resort Casino In Verona, N.Y..
An Encore Presentation Of Friday tus Tripleheader Will Air Monday Ntawm 10 p.m. THIAB/PT Nyob SHOWTIME huab®
Nyem NTAWM NO Rau cov duab; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Verona, N.Y.. (Lub rau hli ntuj 10, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Regis Prograis made an emphatic statement Friday rauShoBox: Tshiab Tiam, knocking down previously undefeated Joel Diaz Jr. four times in the second round as he stamped his arrival as a legitimate contender in the 140-pound division.
The southpaw Prograis (20-0, 17 Kos), who was making his fourth start on the prospect developmental series, called out the top names at 140 after the second round demolition (LEEJ TWG 2:55) at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y..
The special Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam featured four members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame: ShoBox mainstays Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood and special guests Al Bernstein and Jimmy Lennon Jr. Tompkins and Farhood will be inducted just down the road in Canastota on Sunday nyob rau hauv ib tug 2017 class headlined by boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapia.
The super lightweights, Prograis and Diaz, entered the main event with a combined record of 42-0, but it was clear they were in a different class after the first round. Prograis knocked down Diaz in the opening 30 seconds of the second in an exchange that appeared to be the result of a clash of feet. Tsis hais, Prograis smelled blood and pounced on Diaz, flooring him again with a straight left midway through the round.
The Houston resident, who relocated from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, knocked down Diaz again just 15 seconds later with a straight left. The fourth and final knockdown, courtesy of a left hook, sent Diaz (23-1, 19 Kos) tumbling back and was enough for referee Mark Nelson to halt the bout with just seconds left on the clock.
It was a convincing statement for Prograis, uas tsaws 62 percent of his power shots in the toughest test of his career.
"Hmo no I proved I graduated from ShoBox,” Prograis said. “I’m ready for the bigger stage. I’m ready for the big show. I want to fight best the best in the division. Kuv xav (Terrance) Crawford, (Victor) Postol, (Adrien) Broner. I want them all. None of these guys have fought anybody like me. The boogeyman is coming. They better get ready.
“He was tough, he was strong and hit hard, but I went through it. That’s another opponent I ran through. I run through everybody. I’m ready for my shot. I’m coming for everybody at 140.”
Diaz, who became the 164th fighter to suffer his first defeat on the series, was clearly disappointed with his game plan.
“I went out there too hyper, trying to kill him,” Diaz said. “I went out too aggressive. I should have toned it down a bit. I had 10 rounds but I just went out there trying to take him out. I should’ve calmed down.
“I should have used my jab a bit more to knock him down but I came out swinging.”
Super middleweight prospect Steve Rolls managed to maintain his undefeated record with a closely contested eight-round slip decision victory over Demond Nicholson scored 77-75 Nicholson, 77-74 Yob, 77-74 Yob.
Rolls got off to a quick start, flooring Nicholson with a left hook in the closing seconds of the first to pocket a 10-8 puag ncig. He came out attacking to sweep the second, but the fight appeared to change course in the third when Nicholson hurt Rolls in the final minute with his first meaningful punch of the fight.
Nicholson (17-2-1, 16 Kos) carried the momentum to sweep the fourth, but the remaining four rounds featured back-and-forth action and were difficult to score. Yob (16-0, 9 Kos) was the slightly busier fighter, txuas rau 412 total punches compared to 390 tshaj yim rounds, but Nicholson edged his opponent 134-117 in total connects.
ShoBox announcers Tompkins, Farhood and Raul Marquez all had Nicholson winning the final six rounds and edging Rolls 77-74 on their unofficial scorecards.
“What made the difference for me hmo no was my jab, my patience, my overall boxing ability,” Rolls said. “I came in to this fight having no doubts. Nicholson was talking beforehand about my last fight, he was talking about my footwork, and I knew he was going to be in for a big surprise. I adapt for each fight.
“I knew I had him from the first round. My corner calmed me down and told me to take my time.”
Nicholson, who has mostly competed at 160 phaus, disagreed with the judges’ decision.
“I’m not going to make any excuses. He won the fight,” Nicholson said. “That’s what the judges saw, but I don’t agree. He hurt me in the first round. He hit me viciously in the head. I was dizzy but I recovered and I went on. I think I did a very good job but clearly not enough.
“I can’t fight at 160 – I’m a 168-pounder. Fighting at that weight drained me. I wasn’t at my best.”
Nyob rau hauv lub qhib sib ntau sib tw ntawm cov telecast, undefeated lightweight prospect Jon Fernandez scored a brutal knockout of Juan Reyes at2:36 ntawm lub thib ob puag ncig.
Fernandez stepped on the gas from the opening bell, utilizing superior activity and accuracy to pick apart the game yet outmatched Reyes. The pair combined to throw 240 punches in the opening stanza but Fernandez landed his right at will and was clearly the more effective fighter.
The Sergio Martinez protégé had a bloodied Reyes hurt in the opening minute of the second and closed the show in the final minute with a sharp right to the ear that sent Reyes (14-4-3, 2 Kos) falling back toward the canvas. The perfectly placed punch had Reyes seemingly out before he hit the floor.
The Spaniard Fernandez (13-0, 11 Kos) landed a staggering 55 percent of his power shots and 40 feem pua ntawm nws tag nrho punches.
“The one-two, one-two was the key to opening the door,” Fernandez said. “The straight right hand is one of my best punches and I caught Reyes in the perfect spot. I hope he is OK. I feel that I am ready for the next level. I’ll fight wherever there is an opportunity, but I believe the big fights are here in the U.S.”
Reyes was responsive but taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Friday tus tripleheader will replay rau hnub Monday ntawm 10 p.m. THIAB/PT rau Showtime huab thiab yuav muaj nyob rau ntawm Showtime xav tau® thiab SHOWTIME txhua lub sij hawm®.
The event was co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers.
# # #
Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox txiav txim los ntawm ringside nrog Steve Farhood thiab yav tas los lub ntiaj teb champion Raul Marquez pab raws li cov kws muaj txuj tshuaj ntsuam. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.sho.com/sports
REGIS PROGRAIS vs. JOEL DIAZ JR. FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION HALL OF FAME WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9 ntawm 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y..
Nyem NTAWM NO Rau Weigh-Nyob rau hauv cov duab; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Nyem NTAWM NO For Hall of Fame Opening Bell Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Verona, N.Y.. (Lub rau hli ntuj 8, 2017) – Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr. ua hnyav rau hnub Thursday just hours after the “Opening Bell” to kick off festivities for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.
The undefeated Prograis (19-0, 16 Kos) and fellow unbeaten Diaz (23-0, 19 Kos) will square off in the 10-round super lightweight main event of a Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9, nyob rau SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. THIAB/PT) los ntawm Txoj siav pob zeb Resort Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Verona, N.Y..
The ShoBox tripleheader will celebrate longtime analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood just two days before their induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Farhood and Tompkins were joined at the Opening Bell rau hnub Thursday by a handful of their fellow 2017 inductees: boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, and the wife of the late Johnny Tapia, Teresa Tapia.
In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 Kos) will take on the hard-hitting Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib yim-round bout. Nyob rau hauv lub qhib sib ntau sib tw ntawm cov telecast, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez’s protégé, Jon Fernandez, (12-0, 10 Kos) faces Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib yim-round sib matchup.
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, yog luv nqi ntawm $65 for ringside, $50, $40 thiab $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Qhov rooj yuav qhib thaum 7:00 p.m., nrog rau cov thawj sib ntau sib tw teem rau 7:30 p.m.
RAWS NTAUB NTAWV tes taw hnyav li
10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event:
Regis Prograis - 139 ½ phaus
Joel Diaz Jr. - 137 ¼ phaus
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Don Ackerman, Tom Schreck, John McKaie
Eight-Round Super Middleweight Co-Feature:
Steve Rolls – 161 phaus
Demond Nicholson – 162 ½ phaus
Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman, Don Trella, Wynn Kintz
Eight-Round Lightweight Telecast Opener:
Jon Fernandez – 132 ½ phaus
Juan Ramon Reyes – 131 ½ phaus
Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Don Ackerman, Glenn Feldman, John McKaie
FINAL QUOTES:
Regis Prograis
“The person that wins this fight goes up, hopefully, to a title fight. Kuv 19-0, nws yog 23-0. I feel like this is a real big fight.
“I take all my opponents seriously, but I’m taking this one even more seriously than others in the past. Nws yog 23-0, and there’s a reason he’s undefeated. He’s good, and he has the best record I’ve ever faced.
“I’m at a stage in my career where every fight can lead to the next big thing and I think this fight may be it for me. I’m patient, but I’m ready for more. I want a shot at a title.
“He’s a brawler fighter, but I have the better punching power, and the speed.
“If I feel like he [Diaz] can’t hurt me from the first round, I’ll probably just walk him down the whole night and punish him.
“Seeing what [Errol] Spence did motivates me, especially the way he did it in his opponent’s hometown. It got me thinking: that can be me one day. We went at it in the amateurs, so I know how good he is, but I’m good too. Just seeing him go over there and take the title away, I know my time is coming next.
“I grew up watching Macho Camacho, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, but I watched more Duran than anything. I really liked his style. I learned a lot watching the boxing greats on tape.
“Terence Crawford, Adrien Broner, Victor Postol. Those are the type of guys I want to fight.
“I started boxing in New Orleans, and if it wasn’t for Katrina, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now. When I moved to Houston, I got into the boxing scene and started taking it seriously. It was a horrible situation [nyob rau hauv New Orleans], but it changed my life.
“My family went back [to New Orleans], but not me. I stayed in Houston to box. I feel it’s not time for me to go back home just yet. I’ll come back when I become a superstar, like I’m supposed to be.”
Joel Diaz Jr.
“This is my chance, this is my opportunity. I’ve been told, ‘you only get one chance’, and this is it for me. I know Regis is good, but we’re going to put it on him. I’m going to be on him like flies on shit. This is one of the opportunities I can’t let pass.
“We’re going to break him down mentally, find our way in, and drop the bomb.
“He throws combos, and that’s what I have to take away from him. I have to be on him and be the first to attack. My power will take care of his speed.
“This means a lot to me, getting to show the world who the ‘secret’ is. People haven’t really seen what I have, but there will be no more secrets after tag kis.
“I’m going to show the world who the real Joel Diaz is. I’m now at the right weight for me and I’m 110 feem pua. I didn’t waste four weeks of training camp trying to lose weight. Kuv xav tias muaj zog.
“A world championship after this fight, that’s what I want. This is my opportunity to actually show who I am and I can’t let it go. If I let this go, I might as well go back to school. This is going to open all the doors for me.
“We’ve been ready for this step for a while. I’d like to fight the winner of [Adrien] Broner- [Mikey] Garcia, tiam sis peb yuav pom. I know Broner doesn’t want to fight me. I tried to fight him and he turned it down. He knows I’ll give him trouble.
“I changed trainers. I used to be with Abel Ramos, now I’m with Chris Byrd. With Coach Chris, it’s more defense than offense. Working with Chris is amazing. He was a fighter, so he knows what it takes to step in that ring. Nws tau muaj, so he understands me from a fighter’s perspective and that’s very important for me. The bond we have inside and outside the ring is special.
“You’re going to see a more active Joel Diaz and a more defensive Joel Diaz. I’m going to show the world who Joel Diaz is at 140 and trust me, they will ask for more after they see it.”
Steve Yob
“My last fight on ShoBox [against Steed Woodall in December 2015] was a learning experience. I was knocked down in the third, but I rebounded. You never know how you are going to react in the face of adversity until you are put in that position. I’m glad that happened early on in my career. It taught me a lot.
“I’m know I’m 33, but I feel better than when I was younger. I take care of myself. I have a clean lifestyle. Age is not a thing for me.
“Nicholson has a good jab. I’ve seen him fight before. I’m not sure if he’s made adjustments or if he’s coming with a different game plan. Kuv npaj txhij txhua yam nws coj.
“From what I’ve seen, nws muaj peev xwm sib ntaus. He knows what he’s doing in there and it looks like he has some experience.”
Demond Nicholson
“This guy [Yob] is not as experienced as me. I’m a big step-up for him.
“My last fight [against Immanuwel Aleem] was a big step up, and I fought to a majority draw. It was a slow start, but I’m a fighter, and I soldiered through. That fight really opened my eyes up to better my career, my future.
“Look at what Aleem has done since we fought. He knocked out an undefeated guy [Ievgen Khytrov] that no one wanted to face.
“My experience is going to get us over the hump against this guy. He has a dangerous right hand, but I’m going to take that away from him.
“I’m a natural boxer, but people were calling me a brawler after my performance with Aleem and that’s not who I am. But I get it – I didn’t box at all in that fight. That’s why I had to go back to the drawing board.
“I learned a lot training at Head Bangers in Washington, D.C. with Barry Hunter, Lamont Peterson and all those guys. I’ve learned from Lamont, from Adrien Broner, from Austin Trout. They spar with top fighters and that’s why they perform at the highest level – because they’ve sparred with the best. So I’m doing the same.”
“I have one loss, and that taught me a lot. I had to lose 15 phaus in three days for that fight and that took a toll on me. There are no issues making weight for this fight.”
Jon Fernandez
“This is my second fight with my new trainer Tinin Rodriguez. I always try to get better and changing trainers seemed to be the best path for me. He’s helping me round up the fundamentals of boxing.
“I know I’m tall for my weight class, but I feel OK. Kuv xav hais tias 130 is my ideal weight, but I might go up in weight in the future. We’ll see. I’m still young and I have a long career ahead of me.
“I used to watch tape of Maravilla when I was growing up. He inspired me to be serious about boxing. He was so good. It’s such of honor to be working with him. I respect him a lot.”
Juan Reyes
“I haven’t fought anybody that tall, but I have a good game plan. I know he’s a volume puncher, but that’s just going to get me excited. It’ll get my adrenaline pumping.
“I’m excited that I’m fighting on TV and in such special weekend, it’s the Boxing Hall of Fame. Qhov no yog ib tug npau suav tuaj tseeb. If I beat this guy it could change my life.”
Sergio Martinez – Jon Fernandez Co-Promoter
“Jon is a thinker. He knows when to attack and when to defend himself. He’s truly gifted.
“Some may draw comparisons of him with Paul Williams, but I fought Williams twice and let me tell you they are not alike. Paul was the type of fighter that would get in the ring and go from first, to second, to third gear without thinking. JonFer will read you, will go to whatever gear he needs to be to defeat his opponent. He has a very high boxing IQ.”
Chris Byrd – Diaz’s Trainer
“Joel is an aggressive machine, so my main focus has been on developing his defense. He’s a talented boxer, but his aggressiveness sometimes opens holes in his defense. In this training camp, we worked on that. We have a good strategy going.
“He already knew how to fight, but you just have to push him a little bit on defense. He’s still aggressive as ever, but he needed to think about what’s coming back at him.
“My main thing is life after boxing. I have two brothers that are messed up from boxing. That’s why I focus on defense so much. He has an aggressive style, but he also has talent, good feet and eye coordination. He’ll go on to do great things.
“You’re going to see something special. Regis is good, I give him props, but you’re going to see something special from Joel. And a great fight.”
# # #
Barry Tompkins yuav hu rau ShoBox txiav txim los ntawm ringside nrog Steve Farhood thiab yav tas los lub ntiaj teb champion Raul Marquez pab raws li cov kws muaj txuj tshuaj ntsuam. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.sho.com/sports raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, @loudibella and @DiBellaEnt or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, thiab www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
REGIS PROGRAIS vs. JOEL DIAZ JR. FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION HALL OF FAME WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Tag kis/Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9 ntawm 10:30 p.m. THIAB/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y..
Nyem NTAWM NO Rau Weigh-Nyob rau hauv cov duab; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Nyem NTAWM NO For Hall of Fame Opening Bell Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Verona, N.Y.. (Lub rau hli ntuj 8, 2017) – Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr. ua hnyav rau hnub Thursday just hours after the “Opening Bell” to kick off festivities for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.
The undefeated Prograis (19-0, 16 Kos) and fellow unbeaten Diaz (23-0, 19 Kos) will square off in the 10-round super lightweight main event of a Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam tag kis/Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9, nyob rau SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. THIAB/PT) los ntawm Txoj siav pob zeb Resort Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Verona, N.Y..
The ShoBox tripleheader will celebrate longtime analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood just two days before their induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Farhood and Tompkins were joined at the Opening Bell rau hnub Thursday by a handful of their fellow 2017 inductees: boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, and the wife of the late Johnny Tapia, Teresa Tapia.
In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 Kos) will take on the hard-hitting Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib yim-round bout. Nyob rau hauv lub qhib sib ntau sib tw ntawm cov telecast, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez’s protégé, Jon Fernandez, (12-0, 10 Kos) faces Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib yim-round sib matchup.
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, yog luv nqi ntawm $65 for ringside, $50, $40 thiab $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Qhov rooj yuav qhib thaum 7:00 p.m., nrog rau cov thawj sib ntau sib tw teem rau 7:30 p.m.
RAWS NTAUB NTAWV tes taw hnyav li
10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event:
Regis Prograis - 139 ½ phaus
Joel Diaz Jr. - 137 ¼ phaus
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Don Ackerman, Tom Schreck, John McKaie
Eight-Round Super Middleweight Co-Feature:
Steve Rolls – 161 phaus
Demond Nicholson – 162 ½ phaus
Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman, Don Trella, Wynn Kintz
Eight-Round Lightweight Telecast Opener:
Jon Fernandez – 132 ½ phaus
Juan Ramon Reyes – 131 ½ phaus
Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Don Ackerman, Glenn Feldman, John McKaie
FINAL QUOTES:
Regis Prograis
“The person that wins this fight goes up, hopefully, to a title fight. Kuv 19-0, nws yog 23-0. I feel like this is a real big fight.
“I take all my opponents seriously, but I’m taking this one even more seriously than others in the past. Nws yog 23-0, and there’s a reason he’s undefeated. He’s good, and he has the best record I’ve ever faced.
“I’m at a stage in my career where every fight can lead to the next big thing and I think this fight may be it for me. I’m patient, but I’m ready for more. I want a shot at a title.
“He’s a brawler fighter, but I have the better punching power, and the speed.
“If I feel like he [Diaz] can’t hurt me from the first round, I’ll probably just walk him down the whole night and punish him.
“Seeing what [Errol] Spence did motivates me, especially the way he did it in his opponent’s hometown. It got me thinking: that can be me one day. We went at it in the amateurs, so I know how good he is, but I’m good too. Just seeing him go over there and take the title away, I know my time is coming next.
“I grew up watching Macho Camacho, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, but I watched more Duran than anything. I really liked his style. I learned a lot watching the boxing greats on tape.
“Terence Crawford, Adrien Broner, Victor Postol. Those are the type of guys I want to fight.
“I started boxing in New Orleans, and if it wasn’t for Katrina, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now. When I moved to Houston, I got into the boxing scene and started taking it seriously. It was a horrible situation [nyob rau hauv New Orleans], but it changed my life.
“My family went back [to New Orleans], but not me. I stayed in Houston to box. I feel it’s not time for me to go back home just yet. I’ll come back when I become a superstar, like I’m supposed to be.”
Joel Diaz Jr.
“This is my chance, this is my opportunity. I’ve been told, ‘you only get one chance’, and this is it for me. I know Regis is good, but we’re going to put it on him. I’m going to be on him like flies on shit. This is one of the opportunities I can’t let pass.
“We’re going to break him down mentally, find our way in, and drop the bomb.
“He throws combos, and that’s what I have to take away from him. I have to be on him and be the first to attack. My power will take care of his speed.
“This means a lot to me, getting to show the world who the ‘secret’ is. People haven’t really seen what I have, but there will be no more secrets after tag kis.
“I’m going to show the world who the real Joel Diaz is. I’m now at the right weight for me and I’m 110 feem pua. I didn’t waste four weeks of training camp trying to lose weight. Kuv xav tias muaj zog.
“A world championship after this fight, that’s what I want. This is my opportunity to actually show who I am and I can’t let it go. If I let this go, I might as well go back to school. This is going to open all the doors for me.
“We’ve been ready for this step for a while. I’d like to fight the winner of [Adrien] Broner- [Mikey] Garcia, tiam sis peb yuav pom. I know Broner doesn’t want to fight me. I tried to fight him and he turned it down. He knows I’ll give him trouble.
“I changed trainers. I used to be with Abel Ramos, now I’m with Chris Byrd. With Coach Chris, it’s more defense than offense. Working with Chris is amazing. He was a fighter, so he knows what it takes to step in that ring. Nws tau muaj, so he understands me from a fighter’s perspective and that’s very important for me. The bond we have inside and outside the ring is special.
“You’re going to see a more active Joel Diaz and a more defensive Joel Diaz. I’m going to show the world who Joel Diaz is at 140 and trust me, they will ask for more after they see it.”
Steve Yob
“My last fight on ShoBox [against Steed Woodall in December 2015] was a learning experience. I was knocked down in the third, but I rebounded. You never know how you are going to react in the face of adversity until you are put in that position. I’m glad that happened early on in my career. It taught me a lot.
“I’m know I’m 33, but I feel better than when I was younger. I take care of myself. I have a clean lifestyle. Age is not a thing for me.
“Nicholson has a good jab. I’ve seen him fight before. I’m not sure if he’s made adjustments or if he’s coming with a different game plan. Kuv npaj txhij txhua yam nws coj.
“From what I’ve seen, nws muaj peev xwm sib ntaus. He knows what he’s doing in there and it looks like he has some experience.”
Demond Nicholson
“This guy [Yob] is not as experienced as me. I’m a big step-up for him.
“My last fight [against Immanuwel Aleem] was a big step up, and I fought to a majority draw. It was a slow start, but I’m a fighter, and I soldiered through. That fight really opened my eyes up to better my career, my future.
“Look at what Aleem has done since we fought. He knocked out an undefeated guy [Ievgen Khytrov] that no one wanted to face.
“My experience is going to get us over the hump against this guy. He has a dangerous right hand, but I’m going to take that away from him.
“I’m a natural boxer, but people were calling me a brawler after my performance with Aleem and that’s not who I am. But I get it – I didn’t box at all in that fight. That’s why I had to go back to the drawing board.
“I learned a lot training at Head Bangers in Washington, D.C. with Barry Hunter, Lamont Peterson and all those guys. I’ve learned from Lamont, from Adrien Broner, from Austin Trout. They spar with top fighters and that’s why they perform at the highest level – because they’ve sparred with the best. So I’m doing the same.”
“I have one loss, and that taught me a lot. I had to lose 15 phaus in three days for that fight and that took a toll on me. There are no issues making weight for this fight.”
Jon Fernandez
“This is my second fight with my new trainer Tinin Rodriguez. I always try to get better and changing trainers seemed to be the best path for me. He’s helping me round up the fundamentals of boxing.
“I know I’m tall for my weight class, but I feel OK. Kuv xav hais tias 130 is my ideal weight, but I might go up in weight in the future. We’ll see. I’m still young and I have a long career ahead of me.
“I used to watch tape of Maravilla when I was growing up. He inspired me to be serious about boxing. He was so good. It’s such of honor to be working with him. I respect him a lot.”
Juan Reyes
“I haven’t fought anybody that tall, but I have a good game plan. I know he’s a volume puncher, but that’s just going to get me excited. It’ll get my adrenaline pumping.
“I’m excited that I’m fighting on TV and in such special weekend, it’s the Boxing Hall of Fame. Qhov no yog ib tug npau suav tuaj tseeb. If I beat this guy it could change my life.”
Sergio Martinez – Jon Fernandez Co-Promoter
“Jon is a thinker. He knows when to attack and when to defend himself. He’s truly gifted.
“Some may draw comparisons of him with Paul Williams, but I fought Williams twice and let me tell you they are not alike. Paul was the type of fighter that would get in the ring and go from first, to second, to third gear without thinking. JonFer will read you, will go to whatever gear he needs to be to defeat his opponent. He has a very high boxing IQ.”
Chris Byrd – Diaz’s Trainer
“Joel is an aggressive machine, so my main focus has been on developing his defense. He’s a talented boxer, but his aggressiveness sometimes opens holes in his defense. In this training camp, we worked on that. We have a good strategy going.
“He already knew how to fight, but you just have to push him a little bit on defense. He’s still aggressive as ever, but he needed to think about what’s coming back at him.
“My main thing is life after boxing. I have two brothers that are messed up from boxing. That’s why I focus on defense so much. He has an aggressive style, but he also has talent, good feet and eye coordination. He’ll go on to do great things.
“You’re going to see something special. Regis is good, I give him props, but you’re going to see something special from Joel. And a great fight.”
# # #
Barry Tompkins yuav hu rau ShoBox txiav txim los ntawm ringside nrog Steve Farhood thiab yav tas los lub ntiaj teb champion Raul Marquez pab raws li cov kws muaj txuj tshuaj ntsuam. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.sho.com/sports
Hais txog ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam
Txij thaum nws inception nyob rau hauv Lub Xya hli ntuj 2001, lub critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: Tus Tshiab Tiam tau featured hluas txuj ci sib phim tawv. Lub ShoBox philosophy yog televise exciting, neeg coob coob-pleasing thiab sib tw ntais thaum npaj ib qhov tseeb hauv av rau kam zeem muag txiav txim sib ntaus rau ib lub ntiaj teb title. Ib co ntawm cov loj hlob daim ntawv teev cov 69 neeg tua hluav taws uas tau tshwm sim rau ShoBox thiab advanced rau garner ntiaj teb no lub npe muaj xws li: Errol Spence Jr., Lwm Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. thiab ntau yam ntxiv.
EIGHT TALENTED PROSPECTS RETURN TO SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, LUB XYA HLI 14 QUADRUPLEHEADER
Undefeated Keenan Smith and Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk
Meet In Main Event
Nyob rau SHOWTIME ntawm 10 p.m. THIAB/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
TSHIAB YORK (Lub rau hli ntuj 8, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweights Keenan Smith and rising adopted local favorite, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk meet in an eight-round bout in the main event of a ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam quadrupleheader rau Friday, Lub Xya hli ntuj 14 nyob rau SHOWTIME (10 p.m. THIAB/PT, ncua nyob rau hauv lub sab hnub poob ntug dej hiav txwv) los ntawm Twm Khiav Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Miami, Okla.
Lub ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.
Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 Kos), ntawm Philadelphia, Pa. will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 Kos), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.
Nyob rau hauv lub co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 Kos) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 Kos) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap. Ntau, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 Kos) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, Kos) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 Kos) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib yim-round super bantamweight bout.
“I am excited to put on another terrific ShoBox card,” said Vito Mielnicki, founder of GH3 Promotions. “This is the type of card is what ShoBox yog tag nrho hais txog. Four evenly matched pairings that have the potential to be action packed fights. I think the fans who watch this show will come away thoroughly entertained.”
“I’m happy to have the Four State Franchise back on ShoBox,” said Tony Holden. “I am happy to have my fighter Ivan Baranchyk in a real step-up bout against an undefeated fighter southpaw like Keenan Smith. I think this will be a great fight.”
Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 thiab $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.
KEENAN SMITH vs. IVAN BARANCHYK – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout
Smith, lub 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National zus, debuted on ShoBox nyob rau hauv Kaum ib hlis 2016, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. Lub 5-taw-7, 26-xyoo-laus, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.
“This is a very big fight for me,” said the Smith, who turned pro in 2010. “Perhaps the biggest fight of my career. I’m stepping up in opposition and I’m ready for what’s to come. I am training three times a day and I’m in the best shape of my life.
“I know Baranchyk comes to fight, but I also know his weaknesses. I’m ready for his wild swings. I’m ready to be the main event in a nationally televised fight. Needless to say, a win will bring bigger and even better opportunities. I can’t wait.”
Raws li ib tug pib xyaum ua, Smith mus 72-4 with victories over Amir Iman and Abel Ramos, who fought Baranchyk in a back-and-forth brawl in his last outing.
Baranchyk is an offensive-minded amateur standout that packs power in both hands. He won nine consecutives fights by knockout before scoring a 10-round unanimous decisions over Wilberth Lopez and Zhimin Wang on ShoBox. In his last outing on Feb. 10, Baranchyk edged Abel Ramos in an entertaining slugfest that was closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated.
“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to come back to fight on ShoBox dua,” said the 5-foot-10 Baranchyk. “Smith is a tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.
“I’m not going to downplay him – he is a good opponent. I’ll be alert and I’ll pay attention to what he brings on, but I’m battle-tested. He hasn’t faced anybody like me. I’ll gladly hand him his first loss and move a step closer in my pursuit of a world title.”
The 24-year-old Baranchyk has scored two first-round knockouts on ShoBox in bouts that lasted a combines 2:49. Tag nrho cov 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. This is his sixth start at Buffalo Run Casino.
KENETH SIMS JR. vs. ROLANDO CHINEA – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout
Sims, ib tug 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his second ShoBox tsos.
The Chicago native has stayed active as a pro – he fought four times in 2016 and this will be his third start of 2017. Nyob rau hauv nws cov nag mus ua si, he stopped Israel Villela with a third-round TKO.
“I have seen [Rolando] Chinea fight twice. He is a pressure fighter,” said Sims. “He is nothing that I haven’t seen before. I’m ready for him. Another wins keeps me moving forward to my ultimate goal of being a world champion one day.
“I wasn’t satisfied with my last performance. Kuv tau txais lub yeej, but I was not at my best. A win over someone like Chinea will help me prove I’m better than what you last saw of me.”
The 23-year-old Sims was a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) thiab Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather). He is known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body.
Chinea, a 5-foot-8, 26-year-old from Lancaster, Pa., is returning to ShoBox after winning an eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster in July of 2016. Nws mus 10-0-1 before the only loss of his career, an eight-round decision to Ismail Muwendo in April 2015. He’s won four straight since, including two unanimous decisions over previously undefeated Ladarius Miller and Mel Crossty.
“I am honored to be back on ShoBox, where I made my first TV appearance,” said Chinea. “Sims was an accomplished amateur with a deep pedigree. He is tall with a good reach. Nws yog ib tug zoo heev boxer, but I’m better.
“It’s going to be a rough fight. I am prepared and in great shape. A win will get me one step closer to some type of title fight down the line. I am just looking at right now and getting this win. By the end of the year, I see myself moving into contention if all goes well.”
GLENN DEZURN vs. ADAM LOPEZ – Eight-Round Bantamweight Bout
The undefeated Dezurn was a three-sport star athlete in high school and an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter. The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut. Dezurn returns to ShoBoxafter a toe-to-toe matchup against Leroy Davila on Lub Xya hli ntuj 14 that could have gone either way. His former foe, Davila, is featured in the opening bout of the telecast.
The 5-foot-4, 29-year-old will face his toughest test to date against ShoBox alum Adam Lopez.
“I’m excited to come back to the ring and I’m extremely focused,” said the 29-year-old Dezurn. “My opponent is experienced and had a good amateur career but he doesn’t intimidate me.
“Any win takes my career to where I want to go—upwards. It doesn’t matter that Lopez is more experienced and a regular onShoBox. My motto is to keep working hard. I stay focused and I will get where I need to be. Every win is the same, it’s a step in the right direction.”
Lopez, ntawm San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., is a prototypical ShoBox prospect-turned-contender. Nws yog 3-1-1 on the series, having defeated three previous unbeaten boxers: Mario Muniz (11-0), Eliezer Aquino (17-0-1) and knocking out Pablo Cruz (11-0) nyob rau hauv lub thib ob puag ncig. Lopez boxed a 12-round draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) Lub Xya hli ntuj 22, 2016, and in his most recent outing he was stopped by Daniel Roman in the ninth in a WBA Bantamweight Title Eliminator bout.
The 26-year-old now comes back to the series in a must-win situation. He has left his longtime trainer Ronnie Shields and is now training with Shakur Stevenson’s trainer Willie “Wali” Moses.
“I am having a good camp, and I’m now training with Wali Moses,” Lopez said. “He is helping me sharpen my boxing skills and getting me to use my footwork. I’m happy to have another chance to be on ShoBox and I know I need to put on a good performance. They are giving me another chance to prove myself and I can’t let it slip away.
“I saw Dezurn’s win over Davila. He is a rough guy who has a lot of dog in him. He brings the fight to you and he is a tough. It’ll be a good fight. A win will propel me close to where I was. I was knocking on the door of a title shot; now I just want to get this win, redeem myself and move on.”
JOSHUA GREER vs. LEROY DAVILA – Eight-Round Super Bantamweight Bout
Greer is a 22-year-old former Chicago Golden Gloves Champion that has won 10 in a row since his lone loss, a majority decision against Stephen Fulton Jr. nyob rau hauv 2015. He has stopped Cristian Renteria in the fifth round and previously unbeaten Juan Gabriel Medina via unanimous decision. Nicknamed “Don’t Blink” after his speed and punching power, Greer returns toShoBox after delivering an impressive performance with KO candidate of the year victory over James Smith.
”I was not shocked about my last KO on ShoBox,” said Greer. “I brought a pillow with me to the ring because I knew I was going to put him to sleep.
“Davila is an average fighter, but I give him respect. I treat every opponent as a world title fight. A win would keep moving my career in the direction I want to go. It keeps me moving up in the rankings. It keeps me moving as a potential superstar on my way to a world title. Don’t Blink.”
The two-time national amateur champion and 2006 Olympic alternate Davila is looking to rebound from his loss to Dezurn onShoBox in April—a close fight that could have gone either way.
“I am focused on this fight. I got good feedback from my first ShoBox tsos, even though I didn’t get the win” said Davila. “Every fight is the same to me, just a different opponent. I put my work in and do my best.
“Greer is a tough fighter. He looks to throw his right hand, which is something to watch for. Other than that, I don’t know much about him. A win will make me feel better as a fighter. I just fight the fights and I let my team take care of the rest.”
# # #
Barry Tompkins yuav hu rau ShoBox txiav txim los ntawm ringside nrog Steve Farhood thiab yav tas los lub ntiaj teb champion Raul Marquez pab raws li cov kws muaj txuj tshuaj ntsuam. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.sho.com/sports raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
Hais txog ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam
Txij thaum nws inception nyob rau hauv Lub Xya hli ntuj 2001, lub critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: Tus Tshiab Tiam tau featured hluas txuj ci sib phim tawv. Lub ShoBox philosophy yog televise exciting, neeg coob coob-pleasing thiab sib tw ntais thaum npaj ib qhov tseeb hauv av rau kam zeem muag txiav txim sib ntaus rau ib lub ntiaj teb title. Ib co ntawm cov loj hlob daim ntawv teev cov 69 neeg tua hluav taws uas tau tshwm sim rau ShoBox thiab advanced rau garner ntiaj teb no lub npe muaj xws li: Errol Spence Jr., Lwm Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. thiab ntau yam ntxiv.
PROSPECT JON FERNANDEZ AND HIS CO-PROMOTER, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGIO MARTINEZ, DISCUSS FERNANDEZ’S FIGHT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® THIS FRIDAY
ShoBox: The New Generation To celebrate 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend with a Special Tripleheader this Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9 nyob rau SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. THIAB/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino
Photo courtesy: Maravillabox Promotions
Verona, N.Y.. (Lub rau hli ntuj 7, 2017) – Former unified world champion and current boxing promoter and mentor Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, along with his protégé Jon “JonFer” Fernandez, an undefeated prospect at 130 phaus, discuss future plans ahead of Fernandez’s second appearance on ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam no Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9, nyob rau SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. THIAB/PT, delayed on West Coast) los ntawm Txoj siav pob zeb Resort Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Verona, N.Y..
Martinez, known for his extensive career and impact inside the ring and now at the helm of Maravillabox Promotions, has worked with Fernandez since his pro debut at only 19 xyoo. Fernandez (12-0, 10 Kos), who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and MaravillaBox Promotions, has remained undefeated and undeterred, climbing up the prospect ranks with five fights in 2015, another five in 2016 and now getting ready for his third fight this year.
In addition to Lub rau hli ntuj 9'S ShoBox being Fernandez’s third fight this year, it will also be his third time fighting on American soil as he opens the SHOWTIME telecast facing tough opposition in Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 Kos) for what could be an important fight in his development as he tries to turn from prospect to contender.
The card, which takes place during the 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend where longtime ShoBox analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, features undefeated super lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 Kos) and Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 Kos) nyob rau hauv lub 10-round ntsiab kev tshwm sim. The co-feature will pit Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 Kos) against Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 Kos) in an eight-round super middleweight bout.
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, yog luv nqi ntawm $65 for ringside, $50, $40 thiab $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Qhov rooj yuav qhib thaum 7:00 p.m., nrog rau cov thawj sib ntau sib tw teem rau 7:30 p.m.
This week Martinez and his protégé, “JonFer,” spoke to SHOWTIME Sports about what the future might hold for the 130-pound prospect.
SERGIO “MARAVILLA” MARTINEZ:
How would you describe Jon Fernandez’s style?
“I believe that JonFer is a very well-rounded, complete fighter. He can take advantage of his great wingspan and reach but has no problem fighting in close distance. Tsis tas li ntawd, he’s hitting really hard. I believe we’ll see him fighting with big names in the division soon.
“JonFer has a classic boxing style—a classic, orthodox style. He’s effective when he’s attacking as well as defending. He poses a vision and a combat insight that is truly amazing. Not only does he have speed and precision, but he also has potential in his fists. Tab sis, the best characteristic that JonFer possesses is his great professionalism in the sport and in his personal life.”
What would you say is different in Jon compared to other boxers in the division?
“His head, he is very mature for his age. In that sense, he reminds me of myself. He is very serious when he’s working and always looking to improve.
“He has a stupendous perception of the errors his rivals make. He knows how to read the battle and knows when and how to define a fight. I believe that the more fights and time go by, JonFer will establish himself at the top level alongside the top boxers in the world.”
As Jon develops, what plans do you have for him?
“To continue with the hard work like we have to this date. I respect every step in his career. I’d like for JonFer to continue training and preparing himself for what can be a bright and stupendous future.”
Who do you want him to fight – Jesus Cuellar, Orlando Salido, Gervonta Davis, Jose Pedraza, Carl Frampton?
“All of the names mentioned are already great champions. They are all owed their due respect and it would be an honor, not only for Jonfer but for Maravilabox to have the possibility of making fight with any of them.
“Jose Pedraza would be a great test. We’d really like to make that fight happen. JonFer has sparred with Frampton before his rematch with Santa Cruz and we know he was up to the challenge. Thiab ntawm chav kawm, we would love to go for the world title against Gervonta Davis and think it would be a great fight. A clash of styles.”
What belts do you want him to go for first?
“First, we’d like him to set a good base. The best for us is to continue building his career step by step and for him to continue learning and adapting himself bit by bit to the top level. As we continue making fights happen, there will be more opportunities for international and world titles. The goal is to get JonFer to become a WBC champion, the most important entity.
“We would be really excited to be able to win the European championship, but we’re ready to fight anyone. All of the belts are important and provide experience.”
What would you see as the ideal next step for JonFer in the next few years?
“Ideally we want to keep him at a weight in which he feels the most comfortable. As fights and time go by, if he needs to go up in weight, he’d do so without a problem. It’s possible for him to end up fighting in superior divisions, but for now we are focused on 130 and I think he can still battle at this weight for several years.”
Can you name who you think are the top five active boxers today?
“I really like Errol Spence Jr., he has a great style that I feel is like mine was. Canelo [Alvarez] thiab [Gennady] Golovkin are two of my favorites as well, they’ll put on a great fight. Lwm Ward, Jorge Linares… There is a lot of talent in the sport at the moment.
What memories of Steve Farhood and Barry Tompkins stand out to you?
“Yes, ntawm chav kawm, I have some great moments of my years in the United States and I remember Steve always in front of the SHOWTIME cameras. He is a great professional.
“He is one of the highest-regarded boxing writers in the world. He is a man with a young mentality who knows how to appreciate good boxing.
“Barry Tompkins is a prestigious commentator and what I remember the most about him is seeing him commentate on fights in the era of Tyson and J.C. Chavez. To be a commentator of that stature then, he had to be an excellent professional.”
What would you say is the best (and worst) part about being a promoter?
“To be a promoter is thrilling. I believe that taking the career of the boxers in your hands must be treated like it’s your own life. It’s a true adventure. I can’t find a negative thing to say about being a promoter.”
Do you miss being a boxer?
“To this day I can say that I do not have any desire to return to the ring. My last fights were torturous and I still have problems with my knee to the date as I try to go about my daily life. I continue to train an hour each day and continue to love boxing, but now I prefer watching the youngsters like Jon and help them with my experience.”
JON “JONFER” FERNANDEZ:
Can you tell us what it is like for you to work with someone like Sergio Martinez?
“It’s great, Sergio is always very attentive and a mirror to watch yourself in. Like an athlete, he was one of the greats, but as a person he is even better. Maravillabox Promotions is composed of thorough professionals and the way they treat me is excellent.”
How is your training going? Is your camp any different for this fight?
“I haven’t had too much time since my last fight, just about five weeks. It has been tough, but we were coming off of a much more difficult preparation in fighting for Spain’s world title. I think this will make for a great fight and the fans will have a lot of fun.”
What are your plans for the future? In your career, life, boxing, in the next five years…
“I just got married in April and it was a great experience, the happiest day of my life. I would love to have kids soon. As far as boxing goes, of course I’d like to be a world champion. But first I’d like to go for the European title. I’d like to fight against the best prospects in the division and continuing to make great fights. I will be a world champion one day, I know I can get there.”
Who would you say is your all-time favorite boxer?
“I can’t just say one, I have several. Sergio Martinez, obviously. I also really like Terrance Crawford and Juan Manuel Marquez. Out of the boxing legends, I’ll stick to Alexis Arguello.”
# # #
Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.sho.com/sports raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, @loudibella and @DiBellaEnt or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, thiab www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CELEBRATES 2017 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND WITH SPECIAL DOUBLEHEADER FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, N.Y..
Unbeatens Regis Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr., Collide In Main Event On Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9 Nyob Ntawm Showtime® ntawm 10:30 p.m. ET / PT
2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood To Be Joined By Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein & Jimmy Lennon Jr.
TSHIAB YORK (Tej zaum 23, 2017) - ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam will celebrate the 2017 Hall of Fame weekend with a special doubleheader on Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9 nyob rau SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. THIAB/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino, just minutes from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y..
Longtime ShoBox analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will call the actionon Friday before their induction in the “Observer” category on Sunday as part of a 2017 class headlined by boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapia.
Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein and Jimmy Lennon Jr. will join Farhood and Tompkins on-air during the special Hall of Fame edition of the prospect oriented series. Lennon Jr. returns to Canasota for the posthumous induction of his father, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Sr.
Nyob rau hauv lub 10-round ntsiab kev tshwm sim, undefeated super lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 Kos) and Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 Kos) will meet in a quintessential ShoBox matchup that could thrust the winner from prospect to legitimate title contender. Viewers have seen both fighters develop on the series – this will be Prograis’ fourth start and Diaz’ third on ShoBox.
Nyob rau hauv lub co-feature, unbeaten Canadian super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 Kos) makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib yim-round match.
“I think I can speak on behalf of all of us here at SHOWTIME about how happy and proud we are to see both Steve and Barry’s careers validated with their induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME kev ua si. “And when you add four fighters with only one loss between them in a quintessentialShoBox card, it just doesn’t get much better than that.”
Tompkins and Farhood are the one-two punch behind ShoBox: The NewGeneration. Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow and Farhood offers his wealth of boxing knowledge and expert analysis. The series announce team also includes former world champion Raul Marquez, who also serves as expert analyst.
This will be the fifth ShoBox visit to Turning Stone Resort Casino, which hosted its first ShoBox telecast during the 2013 Hall of Fame weekend.
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, yog luv nqi ntawm $65 for ringside, $50, $40 thiab $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Qhov rooj yuav qhib thaum 6:30 p.m., nrog rau cov thawj sib ntau sib tw teem rau 7:30 p.m.
REGIS PROGRAIS VS. JOEL DIAZ JR. – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT – 10 Ib ncig
Ranked No. 4 los ntawm lub Qhov, the 28-year-old Prograis has scored knockouts in 12 ntawm nws lub xeem 13 fights. Originally from New Orleans but currently fighting out of Main Street Gym in Houston, the 5-foot-9 Prograis is an aggressive-minded southpaw with stunning accuracy on his power shots.
Prograis has beaten two previously undefeated fighters on ShoBox – an eight round stoppage of Abel Ramos and an eight-round decision over Amos Cowart – in addition to his most recent performance, a first round KO of veteran Aaron Herrera. The former amateur standout is coming off a first round knockout of Wilfrido Buelvas on Feb. 11.
“It’s ‘Rougarou Time’,"Hais tias Prograis, whose nickname originates in Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. “This is a crossroads fight for me. I am ranked No. 4 by the WBC and fifth by Lub nplhaib ntawm 140 phaus. I have worked hard to get here, and I am on a hunt for the title belts.
“Diaz is standing in the way of my ultimate objective and I know that I must defeat him to get where I want to be. He needs to get past me to move onto the next level himself, so I am sure he is equally motivated. That is what makes for great fights.”
Joel Diaz Jr., of Palmdale, California., will return to ShoBox for the third time. He debuted on the SHOWTIME series in just his sixth pro bout, stopping unbeaten prospect Guy Robb in seven rounds in 2012. Diaz Jr. returned to headline aShoBox event on May 16, 2014, dominating Canadian Tyler Asselstine over 10 rounds en route to a unanimous decision.
The 25-year-old won all of his starts by stoppage in 2016.
“I am honored to be back on SHOWTIME and am thankful to my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions for the opportunity,” said Diaz Jr. "Nyob rauLub rau hli ntuj 9, I will be more than ready to hand Regis Prograis his first defeat. ShoBoxfans are in for a treat as this will be a thriller while it lasts. Thaum cov pa luam yeeb clears, I know that I will be the one left standing.”
STEVE ROLLS VS. DEMOND NICHOLSON – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT – 8 Ib ncig
Steve Yob, of Toronto, Canada, earned his biggest victory in his ShoBox debut in December 2015, stopping then undefeated prospect and amateur standout Steed Woodall inside four rounds. He has since earned two impressive knockout wins in 2016.
Rolls had a successful amateur career, competing on both the 2009 thiab 2010 Canadian National boxing teams and finishing with an 83-14 record overall. Nyob rau hauv 2009, he went to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Txiv neej lub Boxing Championship nyob rau hauv Milan, Ltalis, where he lost in the Round of 16 rau 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh.
“It feels great to be back on ShoBox and I’m looking forward to putting on another spectacular performance,” Rolls said. “I know that Nicholson can fight and I expect him to come prepared. Training camp has been going very well and on Lub rau hli ntuj 9, I will be more than ready.”
Demond “D’Bestatit” Nicholson is a super middleweight from Laurel, Md. with devastating power, scoring all but one of his wins by knockout, kuj muaj 10 nyob rau hauv thawj puag ncig. The 24-year-old has won seven fights with one draw since his only defeat in 2014.
Nicholson, who owns an impressive victory over former world title challenger Milton Nunez, is coming off of a questionable draw against Immanuwel Aleem –who recently stopped Ievgen Khytrov in a back-and-forth brawl that aired on SHOWTIME. Raws li ib tug pib xyaum ua, Nicholson accumulated a record of 110-15, before turning pro in July 2013.
“My time is now,” said Nicholson. “Any time that I am able to showcase my talent in front of a national audience means a lot. I am very humbled and thankful to be a part of this card. I’ve had great sparring, making adjustments every session. I saw Rolls’ fight against Steed Woodall – I think he has a lot to learn, and I will teach him a lesson. I look forward to victory and continuing to move up the world rankings.”
# # #
Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.sho.com/sports raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, @loudibella and @DiBellaEnt or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, thiabwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
Hais txog ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam
Txij thaum nws inception nyob rau hauv Lub Xya hli ntuj 2001, lub critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series,ShoBox: Tus Tshiab Tiam tau featured hluas txuj ci sib phim tawv. LubShoBox philosophy yog televise exciting, neeg coob coob-pleasing thiab sib tw ntais thaum npaj ib qhov tseeb hauv av rau kam zeem muag txiav txim sib ntaus rau ib lub ntiaj teb title. Ib co ntawm cov loj hlob daim ntawv teev cov 67 neeg tua hluav taws uas tau tshwm sim rau ShoBox thiab advanced rau garner ntiaj teb no lub npe muaj xws li: Lwm Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams thiab ntau yam ntxiv.
Four-Division World Champion Amanda Serrano Seeks Record Fifth World Title Against Former World Champion Dahiana Santana in Vacant Bantamweight World Title Matchup Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22
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SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS FULL SPRING BOXING SCHEDULE, HEADLINED BY LIVE TELECAST OF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT: JOSHUA vs. KLITSCHKO
SHOWTIME® To Present Seven World Championship Fights Across Seven Live Telecasts In Eight Weeks
Video/Graphic Credit: SHOWTIME
Watch Joshua-Klitschko launch spot: http://s.sho.com/2ouhMgN
TSHIAB YORK (Plaub Hlis Ntuj 17, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports has unveiled the network’s complete spring 2017 boxing schedule following today’s earlier announcement that the heavyweight boxing event of the year will be televised nyob rau SHOWTIME. The stacked lineup includes seven world championship fights across eight live boxing telecasts over an eight-week span.
Rau Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 29, Anthony Joshua yuav fim Wladimir Klitschko in the most significant heavyweight world championship fight in more than a decade. The event will air live on SHOWTIME ntawm 4:15 p.m. THIAB/1:15 p.m. PT from a sold-out Wembley Stadium, where a record crowd of more than 90,000 spectators is expected.
Also announced today, SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions will present the rematch between WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis Stevenson thiab Andrzej Fonfara rau Saturday, Lub rau hli ntuj 3. This bout is an encore of a 2014 action-packed fight in which Stevenson edged Fonfara to defend his 175-pound crown.
The SHOWTIME boxing lineup also includes two significant welterweight bouts with world title implications: Lwm yam Berto vs. Shawn Porter (Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22) thiab Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr. (Tej zaum 27). Both events are presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions. Lub Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22 Berto vs. Porter event will feature an anticipated 154-pound world title fight between Jermell Charlo thiab Charles Hatley as well asworld champion Amanda Serrano attempting to become the first woman—and first fighter of Puerto Rican decent—to win a world title in five different weight classes.
Rau Saturday, Tej zaum 20, SHOWTIME will present a unique twin-bill of world championship fights. Thawj, boxing’s hottest young star, newly minted world champion Gervonta Davis, will make his first world title defense against Liam Walsh los ntawm London. Tom qab ntawd yav tsaus ntuj, featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. thiab yav tas los lub ntiaj teb champion Andre Dirrell will be featured in separate bouts. Start times for both live telecasts are to be determined.
Nyob rau hauv tag nrho, SHOWTIME Sports will present one live SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast, one live ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam telecast, and five SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, all free to network subscribers. Ntau, SHOWTIME is in the early stages of planning for the return of four-division world champion Adrien Broner and undefeated star Mikey Garcia in separate events this summer.
The spring lineup complements the network’s robust 2017 boxing schedule. In the first 10 weeks of the year, SHOWTIME Sports presented eight world championship fights, including two world title unification bouts (Jack vs. DeGale and Thurman vs. Garcia, SHOWTIME Boxing on CBS), two world title rematches (Frampton vs. Santa Cruz II and Linares vs. Crolla II), the live-stream of the first-ever boxing event on Twitter (Broner vs. Granados), the resurgence of women’s boxing (Serrano vs. Rivas) and the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history (Shields vs. Szabados).
“SHOWTIME continues its unrivaled commitment to the sport. There simply is no other network in boxing delivering world-class events on a consistent basis,"Hais tias Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice Thawj Tswj Hwm & General Manager, SHOWTIME kev ua si.
“Our 2017 schedule already includes some 17 live boxing telecasts, 15 world championship fights, with the top-rated fighters squaring off in boxing’s deepest weight divisions. We continue to break the glass ceiling on women’s boxing, deliver the biggest bouts from overseas and see champions take on champions to unify divisions. We are proud to be re-shaping the boxing landscape both in and out of the ring.”
See below for the SHOWTIME boxing spring calendar. This is the network’s third major boxing schedule announcement of the past 13 lub hlis.
Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Main tshwm sim: Lwm yam Berto (31-4, 24 Kos) vs. Shawn Porter (26-2, 16 Kos) – WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator
Co-Feature: Jermell Charlo (28-0, 13 Kos) vs. Charles Hatley (26-1-1, 18 Kos) – WBC Super Welterweight World Championship
SHOX: Amanda Serrano (31-1-1, 23 Kos) vs. Dahiana Santana (35-8, 14 KO lub) – 10-Rd. WBO Bantamweight World Championship
Start Time: 9:30 p.m. THIAB / 6:30 p.m. PT (SHO Boxing on SHO EXTREME, 7:30p ET/PT)
Chaw: Brooklyn’s Barclays Center
Notes: · The winner of Berto-Porter becomes the WBC mandatory challenger to Unified World Champion Keith Thurman.
- Berto-Porter is the fourth welterweight world title/title eliminator fight televised on SHOWTIME/CBS in the last 10 lub hlis.
- Charlo-Hatley is the eighth world title/title eliminator in the 154-pound division on SHOWTIME/CBS in the last 13 lub hlis
- Serrano attempts to become the first woman to win world titles in five different weight classes
Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 29 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main tshwm sim: Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 Kos) vs. Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 Kos) – IBF and vacant (Super) WBA Heavyweight World Championship
Start Time: 4:15 p.m. THIAB/1:15 p.m. PT, nyob rau SHOWTIME
Chaw: Wembley Stadium, London
Notes: · Most significant heavyweight world title fight nyob rau hauv 15 xyoo—since Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson in June, 2002
- Officially sold out more than 90,000 daim pib; set to smash the attendance record at Wembley and join the ranks of the biggest events in boxing history
Saturday, Tej zaum 20 – SHOWTIME BOXING thoob ntiaj teb
Main tshwm sim: Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 Kos) vs. Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 Kos) – IBF Super Featherweight World Championship
Start Time: TBD, live from London
Chaw: Copper Box Arena in London, Hais
Notes: · Matchup of undefeated fighters. Champion vs. Ua Tsis. 1-ranked contender
- Davis is the youngest reigning American titlist and second youngest in the world (Kosei Tanaka)
Saturday, Tej zaum 20 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main tshwm sim: Gary Russell Jr. (21-1, 16 Kos) vs. Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 Kos) – WBC Featherweight World Championship
Co-Features: Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 Kos) vs. José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 Kos) – IBF Super Middleweight Interim World Championship
Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 Kos) vs. Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 Kos) – WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator
Start Time: TBD
Chaw: MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area
Notes: · Sixth featherweight title fight on SHOWTIME since Feb. 2016, and second this year.
- The winner of Dirrell-Uzcátegui becomes the mandatory for IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale
- The winner of Barthelemy-Relikh becomes the mandatory challenger to WBA Super Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns
Saturday, Tej zaum 27 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main tshwm sim: Kell Brook (36-1, 25 Kos) vs. Errol Spence Jr. (21-0, 19 Kos) – IBF Welterweight World Championship
Start Time: TBD, live from England
Chaw: Bramall Lane Football Ground in Sheffield, Hais
Notes: · World Champion vs. IBF Tsis. 1-ranked contender
- Ua Tsis. 3-ranked vs. Ua Tsis. 5-ranked welterweights (via Transnational Boxing Rankings)
- Six of the consensus top-10 welterweights in the world featured on SHOWTIME/CBS events in the first half of 2017
Saturday, Lub rau hli ntuj 3 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Main tshwm sim: Adonis Stevenson (28-1, 23 Kos) vs. Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 Kos) II – WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship
Co-Main: Eleider Alvarez (22-0, 11 Kos) vs. Jean Pascal (31-4-1, 18 Kos) – WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Title
Start Time: TBD
Notes: · Stevenson-Fonfara II is a rematch of 2014 all-action championship bout in which both fighters scored knock downs
Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 9 - ShoBox: Tshiab Tiam (Hall of Fame Induction Weekend)
Main tshwm sim: Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 Kos) vs. Anpee Ramos (17-2-2, 12 Kos) - 10 Round Super Hnav Bout
Start Time: 10 p.m. THIAB/PT
Chaw: Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, N.Y..
Notes: · International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
- The lead announce team for ShoBox, legendary sportscaster Barry Tompkins and boxing historian Steve Farhood, to be inducted to the Hall in nearby Canastota, NY.
Expected This Summer
Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia in separate events live on SHOWTIME.
Hais txog Showtime tes hauj lwm Inc.
Showtime tes hauj lwm Inc. (SNI), ib tug tawg ntho-uas subsidiary ntawm CBS Corporation, yus tus kheej thiab koomtxoos hauv qhov premium TV tes hauj lwm SHOWTIME®, LUB MOVIE CHANNEL ™ thiab FLIX®, thiab kuj muaj Showtime xav tau®, LUB MOVIE CHANNEL ™ xav tau thiab FLIX xav tau®, thiab lub network lub authentication kev pab SHOWTIME txhua lub sij hawm®. Showtime Cov Inc., ib tug tawg ntho-uas subsidiary ntawm SNI, koomtxoos rau hauv lub stand-alone streaming kev pab cuam Showtime®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Xyoo®, Amazon, Google and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, pov TV, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI kuj tswj Smithsonian tes hauj lwm™, ib tug sib koom tes mus tom ntej nruab nrab ntawm SNI thiab cov Smithsonian Institution, uas muaj Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI ciaj thiab muab kev ua si thiab kev lom zem txheej xwm rau exhibition rau subscribers nyob rau hauv ib tug them nyiaj-ib-saib lub hauv paus los ntawm SHOWTIME PPV®. Yog xav paub ntxiv, mus rau www.SHO.com