|
||
|
Category Archives: ShoBox
UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL “BIG BABY” MILLER, UNDEFEATED HARD-HITTING WELTERWEIGHT BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM NEW YORK
Boxers Featured on ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader
Friday, Aug. 19, Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.
“I’m different to all the heavyweights out there. I’m not chasing a pay day. I’m chasing a legacy.” – Jarrell Miller
For Photos Click HERE (Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME)
TV Outlets: For RAW Workout Highlights & Soundbites Click HERE (Credit SHOWTIME)
NEW YORK (July 19, 2016) – Promising, unbeaten, power-punching heavyweight Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller and undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov participated in an Open Media Workout Tuesday at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan, N.Y.
Miller and Eyubov, who both fight out of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be featured in two of the three fights of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday,Aug. 19, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m.. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the outdoor soccer venue at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.
The confident, fast-talking Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs), a consensus top 15 heavyweight, will take on the experienced Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), of New Orleans, La. in the 10-round main event. Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs), a native of Kazakhstan, will be opposed by veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, Calif. in a 10-rounder that will open the telecast. Undefeated bantamweight prospects, world-ranked Nikolay Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs), of Potolsk, Russia, and Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio square off in the 10-round co-feature.
Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions are on sale and available at www.rhinossoccer.com/ and http://www.etix.com.
This is what the Miller, Eyubov and promoter Dmitriy Salita said Tuesday:
JARRELL “BIG BABY” MILLER
On Training Camp…
“Training camp is going real well. I put on a lot of muscle for this camp, I’m going to put on a lot of solid mass, I am going to go in there and manhandle it. Like a chew toy in a dog’s mouth, I want to mangle it.
“I’m really committed to this training camp. I’ve made some changes: less cheeseburgers. I cut down from three cheeseburgers to one cheeseburger a day. Same thing, in the gym every day, not doing anything different. My main thing is my strength and my speed and we are going to see, come Aug. 19.”
On His Opponent, Fred Kassi…
“Supposedly Fred Kassi is the most durable guy I have fought in my whole entire boxing career. This is what they are saying and I tip my hat off to the guy; he’s been in some fights where I thought he won and he ended up on the wrong side of the decision. When he fought other fighters, he had three weeks training camp, two weeks’ notice. He had two months to get ready for this. I’m not a last-minute opponent. He’s going to come in ready and I’m not about to underestimate him.
“I’m a boxer-puncher and he’s more one-dimensional. He switches back and forth, he’s not pretty at what he does, but no worries, you can look at me, because I am nice at what I do.
I predict a fifth-sixth round knockout. Kassi is definitely a doable guy, but I feel once he sees my size and my pressure and the speed that I bring with my footwork – it’s going to be game over for him. I know for a fact I’m going to knock out Fred Kassi, fifth or sixth round. That’s what I do, I take your heart, I take your soul, I take your ribs.”
On Deontay Wilder…
“Wilder is a wild man when he gets in that ring, but at the same time if you watch how he performs, he performs at a mediocre level against mediocre fighters. If you stick him to a world professional athlete, like myself or top guys, you’ll see him bring even more. Not saying he hasn’t been in the ring with A+ fighters yet, but you can see all his loopholes in his fighting style. It’s just a matter of time before he gets really exposed and I hope it is with me because I want that behind.
“Shorter fighters do what they do, taller fighters do what they do. Deontay is tall but he doesn’t do what his body is designed to do; he’s trying to do something that smaller guys do, so that is going to be his downfall. Like I said, it is just a matter of time and I am going to break him in half, him and his toothpick legs.
“I was watching the livestream of the Wilder-Arreola fight and it was horrible. It was horrible because he is the heavyweight champion of the world. He doesn’t understand that he is doing more damage to himself than he thinks he is. He’s getting hurt. He’s getting hit. He’s taking some punishment.
“I want to fight Wilder. If he sees my style, if he sees my footwork, he’ll realize I’m no Artur Szpilka or Chris Arreola. And when I get in there, well, most of my fights end up in knockouts. I’m 100 percent power. Once I touch them, they are getting hurt.”
On Anthony Joshua…
“Joshua is overrated, overhyped. I am going to break that jaw of his. Definitely one of the weakest of the heavyweight champs.
“It comes down to the basics. You have a lot of guys that have a lot of punching power and basic skills and that’s not enough. Joshua is a basic heavyweight, a one-two fighter. I could cut that half way across the ring.
“I’d fight Joshua when the timing is right. I personally don’t want to go and fight Joshua just because I’m his ‘next.’ I think that when the time is right, it’ll be me and him at the MGM Grand on pay-per-view. One of those super sweepstakes fights, you know.”
On Tyson Fury…
“I like Tyson Fury, I still want to break his fingers in half but he is good for the sport of boxing and I feel like me and him for a main event will sell any arena out. He talks a lot of smack and he does back it up, but he is still a jokester and I am real. I will smash him if he tries to step on me in the press conference. I will knock him out, same way I will for everyone else.
“A fight between us two will be like Comedy Central on steroids, it would be bananas. It would sell out kind of like a Mayweather-Pacquiao … I feel like we can capture the heavyweight division and put it back on the map, just because of the way he talks. As an American heavyweight I feel like we have to take over American soil first. I’ll fight anywhere and anytime, but on the business side, I have to take over my country first.”
On the Heavyweight Division…
“They better get motivated now because I’m coming. I’m hungry and I’m motivated. SHOWTIME is having me on the main event on national television. I’m telling you I’m coming, and I’m coming to stay. They better get ready.
“I’m different to all the heavyweights out there. I’m not chasing a pay day. I’m chasing a legacy. I’m trying to change the layout. I’m trying to change the game. I’m trying to change my future and make history at the same time.”
BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV
“I have had hard training camps before, but this is up there. It’s one of the most intense camps I’ve ever had. I know that people expect me to deliver another knockout, but I’m training to go the distance. I’m scheduled to go 10 rounds and I am preparing myself as best as I can.
“My opponent is an experienced and tough fighter. Perhaps my toughest test to date. I’m confident in my skills. He can run, but he can’t hide. There are only four corners, I’ll find him and I’ll do what I came here to do: win.”
DMITRIY SALITA
“It is a great honor to be able to promote a show on SHOWTIME and both of these fighters. Miller and Eyubov are both willing to show that they are some of the best in their respective divisions.
“It is going to be a great event, happening at a special venue in Rochester at the soccer stadium, outside in the summer time. The show has all the ingredients to be a key event of the summer.”
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FACTS & FIGURES FOR MILESTONE 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Prospect Developmental Series Celebrates 15 Years With A Four-Fight Telecast This Friday, July 22, Live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT)
Take A Look At The History Behind ShoBox:
NEW YORK (July 19, 2016) – Acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports®prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generationcelebrates its 15th anniversary this Friday, July 22 with a quintessential four-fight telecast, live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Since its inception in 2001, ShoBox: The New Generation has been dedicated to promoting competitive fights pitting promising boxers in the toughest fights of their career. ShoBox has carved out its identity by matching top talent against each other.
“This is certainly an accomplishment for the series, but we wouldn’t be here for 15 years without the fighters,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation. “The credit should go to the young men who are willing to step up and take risks early in their career.
“As we’ve seen over the last 15 years, matching fighters tough at a young age escalates their career development, and we’re thrilled to provide the platform to introduce viewers to these talented fighters. I’d also like to thank the promoters, managers and trainers who are willing to test their fighters at an early stage. Working together with a diverse roster of promotional companies is vital for the advancement of the sport as we aim to find tomorrow’s stars today.”
After 15 years and 67 future world champions, below are some remarkable ShoBox facts and figures:
- 67 fighters who fought on the series have gone on to become world champions (click HERE for full list)
- July 22 is the 219th ShoBox telecast. That means that, on average, fans have seen a future world champion on nearly one out of every three shows
- An additional 75 fighters who appeared on ShoBox have fought for a world title
- 150 fighters have suffered their first loss on the developmental series
- There have been 96 matchups of undefeated fighters
- There have been a total of 484 bouts aired on the series. The percentage of decisions and stoppages is about 50/50.
- The list of graduates who have won world titles includes: Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Tyson Fury, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Badou Jack, Gary Russell Jr., Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, Andre Ward, 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 and more.
- Eight fighters won a world title in the fight immediately following an appearance on ShoBox: Joan Guzman, Robert Guerrero, Chad Dawson, Devon Alexander, Andre Ward, Rico Ramos, Jhonatan Romero and Demetrius Andrade.
- There have been 11 fighters who lost on ShoBox and went on to become world titlists: Luis Collazo, Robert Guerrero, Eric Aiken, David Diaz, Isaac Hlatshwayo, Cornelius Bundrage, Rodrigo Guerrero, Ishe Smith, Gamaliel Diaz, Mickey Bey, and Badou Jack.
- 22 U.S. Olympians have fought on ShoBox
- There have been ShoBox shows in 71 different cities, 26 different states, and eight different countries. The leading site for has been Santa Ynez, Calif., with 33 shows. Second is Las Vegas with 19.
- Gary Russell Jr. was the first fighter to turn pro on ShoBox
- The first ShoBox show came at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2001, at Bally’s in Atlantic City. The first fight was John Molnar (18-1-1) scoring an eight-round technical decision over Victor Rosado (17-2-1). In the main event, lightweight Leo Dorin (17-0) stopped Martin O’Malley (17-0) in the ninth round. Six months later, Dorin won the WBA lightweight crown, becoming the first ShoBoxfighter to win a world title
- Steve Farhood’s Best Fighters (in no order): Timothy Bradley, Robert Guerrero, Lucian Bute, Joan Guzman, Diego Corrales, Ricky Hatton, Chad Dawson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Paul Williams
- Farhood has worked all 219 ShoBox telecasts
Undefeated top 10-ranked super bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. In an eight-round co-feature, Jerry Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) faces Julius Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs) in a matchup of super middleweights. Two eight-rounders will round out the four-fight telecast: O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs) in a lightweight scrap and undefeated Khiary Gray-Pitts (13-0, 10 KOs), of Worcester, Mass., will be opposed by once-beaten Ian Green (9-1, 7 KOs) in the super welterweight opener.
Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event from Foxwoods Resort Casino are priced at $45, $75 and $150 and can be purchased by phone from the Foxwoods Resort Casino at 800.200.2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Five members of GH3 Promotions stable to be on display this Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation at Foxwoods
|
|
|
JERRY ODOM TO FACE JULIUS JACKSON IN MATCHUP OF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 22 ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
Odom Replaces The Injured Ronald Ellis In Co-Featured Bout Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT From Foxwoods Resort Casino In Mashantucket, Conn.
NEW YORK (July 15, 2016) – Prospect Jerry Odom steps up to face Julius Jackson in a matchup of super middleweights next Friday, July 22 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
The hard-hitting Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) replaces Ronald Ellis, who pulled out of the bout on Thursday with a right hand injury.
Odom was deep in training and looking to bounce back from a controversial draw with Ellis in February on ShoBox when he received the opportunity to face Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs). Jackson is the older brother of John and son of former two-division world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson.
“I have been training for a few fights that fell through. I’m in shape and ready to go,” Odom said. “When my team got the call we decided it was the right decision to take this opportunity.
“My power will be a big factor. Jackson has faced punchers before, but he hasn’t faced one like me. This is a great opportunity, and I will put on a show next Friday.”
Undefeated top 10-ranked super bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. In an eight round lightweight bout, O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs).
The July 22 ShoBox telecast marks the 15-year anniversary of the celebrated prospect developmental series.
UNDEFEATED AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL MILLER TO FACE TOUGH VETERAN FRED KASSI ON FRIDAY, AUG. 19 IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
Tripleheader from Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y. Airs Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®
Click HERE For Archive Images; Credit SHOWTIME
NEW YORK (June 30, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell Miller claims he’s America’s top heavyweight prospect. “Big Baby” will get a chance to back up his boast when he faces his toughest test to date in veteran Fred Kassi in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Aug. 19.
The confident and hard-hitting Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs) and the durable and vastly experienced Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs) will headline a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from the outdoor soccer venue Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.
Two undefeated young bantamweight prospects will square off in theShoBox co-feature as world-ranked Nikolay Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs) and Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs) meet in a 10-round bantamweight bout.
In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) will face battle-tested veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round match.
Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions go on sale this Friday at Noon ET and are available at http://www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com
“This is an amazing opportunity. I’m in the main event going against a tough opponent, and he’s definitely game to fight,” Miller said. “I’m ready to put his lights out like I do everybody else. I know he’s durable and a little older than me. He’s a tough guy and he can take a beating. So far, he’s only been stopped once. I’ll be the second.
“I’m going back to basics in this camp. I’m an advanced fighter, but there are a couple of things I’ve wanted to work on. It’s easy for heavyweights to rely on power and forget about technique. You see what happened to Dominic Breazeale against Anthony Joshua? His power didn’t mean jack because there was no technique behind it. I want to be the kind of fighter who puts his technique first and power last.”
“I approach Jarrell like all young fighters,” Kassi said. “I’m a seasoned pro that has fought top-tier opponents. Jarrell will have to bring his ‘A game’ against me. He’s got size and power, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen. I’m tired of getting robbed by judges like in El Paso (against Chris Arreola), and in Alabama (against Dominic Breazeale). That should have been me fighting Anthony Joshua in The O2. Against (Hughie) Fury, the cut saved him. Another round or two and he would have been done. Then we heard what we always hear, ‘oh, Fury had a bad night, so did Breazeale, so did Arreola.’ They all seem to have ‘bad’ nights when I’m in the other corner. I’m hoping to actually get some credit when Miller has a ‘bad’ night too. I’m a heavyweight boxer, that’s boxer underlined. I move my feet, I use angles, I hit and don’t get hit. That’s boxing and it’s my art. Boxing fans are going to have a great time watching me dismantle a giant.”
“I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME fighting the best opponent of my career,” Eyubov said. “I know this will be my hardest fight to date and that’s what motivates me. I am grateful that I am getting an opportunity to prove myself and I want to show that I am ready for the best fighters in the world. I am ready for the boxing world to know my name. August 19, Karim Mayfield, here I come.”
“This will be a special event at Rochester Rhinos soccer stadium. We have America’s brightest heavyweight contender in Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller and a knockout sensation out of Brooklyn by way of Kazakhstan in Bakhtiyar ‘Bakha’ Eyubov,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said. “This show has all the ingredients to be one of the most talked about boxing events of the summer, and we think Miller has all the skills and charisma to break through in the heavyweight division. I am grateful to SHOWTIME and Rhinos Stadium that boxing fans will witness talented fighters in their toughest fights to date. I look forward to an explosive night of boxing.”
“Wendy and I are so excited to be hosting both SHOWTIME and the fighting debut of Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Rhinos Stadium,” said Wendy and David Dworkin, owners of the Rochester Rhinos soccer stadium. “August 19 will be a great opportunity to showcase our stadium and the City of Rochester to a nationwide audience.”
The menacing Miller, a 6-foot-4 Brooklyn, N.Y. native, is a consensus top 15 heavyweight – he’s ranked No. 8 in the WBO, No. 9 in the WBA and No. 14 in the IBF. The 27-year-old former professional kickboxer has knocked out six consecutive opponents as he’s risen through the rankings as one of America’s top heavyweight hopes. Prior to Miller’s knockout of Nick Guivas on May 27, his previous two fights were onShoBox – a third round destruction of Akhror Muralimov last October and a knockout of Donovan Dennis in January in which he was pushed to the seventh round for the first time.
Kassi has been in with some of the most recognizable names in the heavyweight division, including Amir Mansour, Dominic Breazeale and Hughie Fury. The 36-year-old fought to a disputed majority draw with three-time world title challenger Chris Arreola last July on PBC on CBS in which most ringside observers, including ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood, had Kassi winning by a wide margin. The New Orleans resident has been stopped just once – in 2014 by Mansour – and stands as an excellent barometer for Miller’s progression as a legitimate contender.
The fast-rising Potapov, of Potolsk, Russia, is ranked in the top 15 in three of the four sanctioning bodies (No. 7 WBO, No. 13 IBF, No. 14 WBA) after just 15 professional fights. A former amateur standout with over 200 fights, the 25-year-old Potapov has already gone at least 10 rounds seven times since turning professional in 2010. The only blemish on his record is a draw with undefeated prospect Stephon Young in his last fight on April 15 on ShoBox.
Coincidently, the only blemish on Antonio Nieves’ record is a 2015 draw with Stephon Young. The 29-year-old is coming off his first 10-round performance, a unanimous decision over then once-beaten Oscar Mojica on June 18. The Cleveland, Ohio native will face his toughest opponent to date in fellow unbeaten Potapov in the matchup of unbeaten bantamweights.
The Brooklyn-based Eyubov has passed every test he’s faced, and knocked out all of his opponents in the process. The 29-year-old native of Kazakhstan is coming off an impressive third-round stoppage of veteran Jared Robinson last January on ShoBox. Eyubov will step up his level of opposition when he faces Karim Mayfield, a 35-year-old veteran who owns wins over Mauricio Herrera and Steve Forbes and has never been stopped in 23 fights.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONCELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FOUR-FIGHT TELECAST ON FRIDAY, JULY 22, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
World-Ranked Adam Lopez Risks Perfect Record Against
Roman Reynoso In Main Event Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Tickets on Sale At Foxwoods Resort Casino
NEW YORK (June 29, 2016) – The popular, prospect-orientated boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation celebrates its 15th anniversary with a quadrupleheader on Friday, July 22, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
In the 10-round main event, undefeated top 10-ranked Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) of Phoenix faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) of Argentina in a bantamweight bout. Super middleweights Ronald Ellis (12-0-1, 10 KOs) of Lynn., Mass., and Julius Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs) of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, will collide in the eight-round co-feature.
Two eight-rounders will round out the four-fight telecast. O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs), of Orange, Texas, meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs), of Lancaster, Penn., in a featherweight scrap and undefeatedKhiary Gray-Pitts (13-0, 10 KOs), of Worcester, Mass., will be opposed by fellow unbeaten Ismael Garcia (10-0, 4 KOs), of Vineland, N.J., by way of Pahokee, Fla., in the super welterweight opener.
Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $45, $75 and $150 and can be purchased by phone from the Foxwoods Resort Casino at800.200.2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com.
Since its premiere on July 21, 2001, 67 boxers who’ve appeared onShoBox went on to become world champions; the most recent,Rau’Shee Warren. An additional 75 fighters who appeared on ShoBoxhave fought for a world title.
Testament to the ShoBox mission statement and to the competitiveness of the fights – prospects are matched against their toughest opposition to date – 150 fighters have suffered their first loss on the developmental series.
Lopez, Ellis and Foster fought on GH3’s Feb. 19 ShoBox at Atlantic City. Lopez and Foster triumphed; Ellis boxed a draw.
Adam Lopez vs. Roman Ruben Reynoso: 10-round bantamweight bout
The steadily improving Lopez, now trained by Houston-based Ronnie Shields, will be making his fourth ShoBox start since March 2015. In his first three, he defeated previously unbeaten prospects (combined record: 44-0-2) on each occasion.
Last Feb. 19, the 5-foot-7, 25-year-old Lopez captured a career-best, highly competitive 10-round decision over Mario Muñoz (16-0-1) of Mexico. Lopez survived a nasty cut over his right eye to win by the scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. In his other fights on ShoBox, Lopez won a (then personal-best) 10-round majority decision over DominicanEliecer Aquino (17-0-1) on July 17, 2015, and by second-round knockout over Pablo Cruz (11-0) on March 13, 2015.
Regarding his upcoming fight against Reynoso, Lopez said, “Everything is good. I’m starting to turn up my sparring. I have switched trainers to Ronnie Shields in Houston. I see a lot of improvement since my last fight.
“Reynoso is a good fighter from Argentina. He is in Canada now, so I am sure he is getting good sparring there. He is kind of wild, but guys like that are hard to fight because you don’t know where the punches are coming from, but we will be prepared for anything.”
Born in Phoenix and raised in Los Angeles, Lopez moved to San Antonio at 15. He went 125-23 in the amateurs and won six national championships before turning pro at 21 in February 2012.
The 25-year-old Reynoso brings a 10-fight winning streak into his United States and ShoBox debut. A five-year pro, the South American lightweight champion fought his initial 18 fights in Buenos Aires before winning his last fight and lone start this year on a decision over Cristian Arrazola last May 20 in Canada. Reynoso’s lone defeat came in his fourth fight.
“Everything is going well in training camp,’’ Reynoso said. “We know that Lopez is tall for 122 pounds and he has good hand speed. He has a good name and we will try to learn more in the next few weeks.
“This is a big opportunity for us and we will do our best. This is a big fight and we know we have to win. With a win, we would hope to get a world title opportunity.’’
Ronald Ellis vs. Julius Jackson: Eight-round middleweight bout
Ellis gets an immediate opportunity to regain his winning ways after taking a sizeable jump up in class and boxing an eight-round draw with hard-hitting Jerry Odom in his Feb. 19 ShoBox debut. A spirited, close contest throughout was scored 78-74 for Ellis and 76-76 apiece. The draw snapped a four-fight-knockout streak for Ellis, who’s won all 10 of his knockouts inside two rounds (eight in the first) since turning pro in 2011.
“This is going to be another coming out party for me,’’ the 5-foot-11, 25-year-old Ellis said. “The last fight was a draw. I had some problems with my hand, but I’m back and this is a step for me. Hopefully he comes to fight. I hope he brings it 100 percent because I am bringing 200 percent.
“I am glad to be on ShoBox again. I showed the fans a little bit in my last fight. They can expect the same thing but a little bit more on July 22.’’
Jackson is making his second ShoBox start. In his debut – and initial go in the U.S. – the older brother of John and son of former two-division world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson registered two knockdowns en-route to a ninth-round TKO over Jonathan Nelson (19-2, 10 KOs) on Dec. 20, 2014.
Much like Ellis, Jackson is also getting a quick-fix chance to redeem himself and get back on the winning track. But, unlike Ellis, Jackson losthis most recent fight. His perfect record and 19-fight winning streak ended when he lost by second-round TKO to now top-rated super middleweight contender Jose Uzcategui last Oct. 6.
“I’m looking to redeem myself and come out with a win,’’ said the 6-foot-2 Jackson, who turns 29 on Aug. 1. “This is my second ShoBox fight and I’m excited to get back to let the world see my talent. I’m getting better, my training has been good. I expect to be in with another really good fighter. It should be a great fight.’’
A 2008 Olympian for the Virgin Islands and a pro since January 2009, Jackson is fighting for the third time in a row in the U.S.
O’Shaquie Foster vs. Rolando Chinea: Eight-round featherweight bout
O’Shaquie (pronounced “oh-SHACK-ee”) Foster is making his third appearance on ShoBox. Last Feb. 19, he began to live up to expectations when he rebounded from a sub-standard performance in his ShoBox debut (an eight-round decision loss to Samuel Teah in November 2015) to register a seventh-round TKO over previously undefeated Lavisas Williams (8-0-1).
Foster, 22, dropped southpaw Williams four times – in the second, third, fourth and seventh rounds. Three of the knockdowns appeared to result from a push, but Williams’ gloves touched the canvas each time so they went into the books as knockdowns. After the final knockdown in the seventh, the fight was stopped at 52 seconds into the round.
“Everything is going good,’’ Foster said. “I’ve been doing a lot of conditioning. I am in the best shape of my life. Chinea has a good jab and I know he will be in a good shape.
“Ever since I moved to Virginia to train, my conditioning, mentality and confidence has gone way up and that was the difference from my first fight to my last fight on ShoBox. On July 22, I will be even that much better.’’
A highly decorated amateur standout, the 5-foot-8½ inch Foster advanced to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials where he lost to unbeaten pro prospect, Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz. Before that, Foster was a 2010 PAL National Champion, a five-time Ringside National Champion and two-time National Junior Golden Gloves Champion.
Chinea, a 5-foot-8, 25-year-old, is making his ShoBox debut. After going pro in November 2011, he went 10-0-1 before losing an eight-round decision to Ismail Muwendo in April 2015. He’s won two straight since, including a six-round decision over previously undefeatedLadarius Miller (then 9-0) in his last fight on Feb. 16.
“I treat every opponent the same,’’ Chinea. “I give everything I got and I leave it all in the ring. I know Foster was a good amateur. I know he can box and I know he has some pop.
“This is the moment I’ve dreamed about since I started boxing at 14. My main goal is to tune out the crowd and win. I want to be a main event fighter on SHOWTIME and this is the first step.’’
Khiary Gray-Pitts vs. Ismael Garcia: Eight-round super welterweight bout
Gray-Pitts, 23, will be boxing on ShoBox for the first time. Ambidextrous with quick hands and feet, Gray-Pitts turned pro in June 2014. He fought three times that year, eight times in 2015 (8-0, 8 KOs, seven in the first, one in the second) and this will be his third fight in 2016.
“I’m very excited,’’ Gray-Pitts said. “Now I get to showcase my skillset to the whole world. It’s something I’ve been waiting for. There’s still more that people haven’t seen yet when it comes to me. Now I get to see what I have the ability to do. I’m able to block [the crowd] out.
“The more pressure there is, the more relaxed I am. I don’t know a lot about my opponent, but it doesn’t matter as long as I go in there and get done what I need to get done.”
The 5-foot-9 Gray-Pitts is coming off a second-round knockout overQuinton Willis last May 13. In his outing before last, the previous Feb. 19, won a 10-round decision over Eduardo Flores.
Garcia, 29, has fought sporadically since turning pro in March 2010, although he’s been more active in the last 14 months. He fought in May and October in 2015 and won his one start this year on a six-round split decision over Carlos Garcia last March 18. Garcia’s initial seven fights took place in Atlantic City, the last three in Philadelphia.
“It is my television debut, and everything we have been working on in my first 10 fights we will put together for this fight,’’ Garcia said. “This is SHOWTIME. Being on ShoBox is a long time coming for me. It’s what I’ve dreamed about since I started boxing. It’s his TV debut as well so I know he will be on top of his game. We will be preparing 100 percent for that and then some.
“I have seen a little of Gray-Pitts on tape. This will be my toughest test, as I will be his toughest test. When you have 13-0 fighting 10-0, it will be a good fight.’’
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Fighting Professionally in his Hometown for the First Time this Friday, Nick Casal to Make First Ring Appearance in Nearly Five Years
 |
|
FOUR UNBEATEN, U.S.-BORN CRUISERWEIGHTS LOOKING TO MAKE NAME FOR THEMSELVES, ADD LIFE TO DIVISION
CRUISIN’ FOR A BRUISIN: CAMP NOTES
FRIDAY, MAY 13 ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE
ON SHOWTIME® FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS
Quadrupleheader Highlighted By 10-Round Fights Between
Andrew Tabiti vs. Keith Tapia, Michael Hunter vs. Isiah Thomas
Tickets on Sale!
LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2016) – Four young, undefeated cruiserweights from the United States will look to make a name for themselves when they meet in the featured bouts on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, May 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live.
The cruiserweight division has traditionally been dominated by Europeans boxers. Friday’s U.S.-born ShoBox fighters will be seeking to change that perception.
In the main event, talented Mayweather star Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (12-0, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, takes on power-puncher Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (17-0, 11 KOs), of Bronx. N.Y. 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael Hunter (11-0, 8 KOs), of Las Vegas, faces Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs), of Detroit, in the co-feature.
Other televised fights of a quadrupleheader: TMT’s Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (15-1, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, will meet hard-punching Colombian Juan Camilo “La Boa” Novoa (26-6-1, 24 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout and his TMT stablemate Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (4-0, 3 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Uzbekistan, will be opposed by Alfonso Olvera (7-2, 3 KOs), of Tucson, Ariz., is a six-round welterweight bout that will open the telecast. All but Gavril will be making their ShoBox debuts.
Tickets for the event promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale. Tickets can be purchased online atwww.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Here’s what the fighters said about their fights Friday, training camp, their respective opponents and more:
ANDREW TABITI
“It’s great that four undefeated cruiserweights are fighting each other. I want us to get the ball back into U.S. territory, since it is a historically European-dominated division. I definitely think the emergence of young cruiserweights like myself is changing that.
“I don’t compare myself to other cruiserweights in the division, I know I’m the best. I’m always looking to win impressively, and I look to put on a great performance for the fansFriday night.
“Everything has been perfect. Training camp has been going great. I started camp in February so I feel strong and comfortable. What’s interesting is that I’m not nervous at all despite this being my first headlining debut. I see it as any other fight where I know what I am coming in to do. I think that lets me know that I am maturing as a fighter and feel a lot more confident in my skills and abilities.
“I’ve been waiting for the right date and this is it. I believe my career moving is great, what I dreamed of. Now it’s time to take the next step.
“Personally I’ve never seen Tapia fight, but I’ve watched videos. He is unbeaten, a solid opponent. Styles make fights and this is a good one for me. I’m looking forward to continuing to step up and give everybody a good performance and get close to a title fight.
“I can’t wait. I’m going in confident. The key is to get the victory, it’s the main thing. Winning is everything.
“I feel blessed to be training out of Floyd’s gym and be able to fight under Mayweather Promotions. He’s someone I look up to so being where I am is a dream coming to reality. I love training at Mayweather Boxing Club. It keeps me focused and hungry.”
KEITH TAPIA
“Fighting Tabiti is a great, real challenge. I like the way he fights. I respect him, but I’m going to be bad weather for him. I’m going to take control right away; it will be a Tapia fight, not a Tabiti fight. That’s a fact.
“Tabiti is a talented boxer. His style is a Mayweather style. I love Floyd Mayweather as a fan, but Tabiti’s not Floyd Mayweather. Me? I come to fight, hands up, moving forward as I go. I want to run over you.
“I’m definitely going to change the perception about me in this fight and the division because I’m a machine. I’m really confident and can’t wait to fight.
“For me, this is the right time. I am here and definitely ready to fight. I feel I’m the best in my weight class except no one has seen me yet. Tabiti may have the fame, but I’m not just going to talk the talk, I’m going to walk the walk.
“I think this is a big step up for me when I beat him. Once the bell rings, that’s when we know what is going to really happen.
“I’m going to become the cruiserweight champion, defend it a couple of times and then move up. I already feel like a champion both mentally and spiritually.
“All of my fights are equally important. I’m really satisfied with the way my career is going. If it wasn’t for boxing I wouldn’t be here right now. God and boxing saved me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive.”
MICHAEL HUNTER
“This is a step up as far as competition compared to the past, with him being an undefeated cruiserweight. He’s a good, long-ranging southpaw. We are actually around the same age; we were in the amateurs at the same time, but never fought each other.Friday, I aim to win impressively. I don’t want to say I’m going for the knockout, if it happens it happens, but hopefully we can get it.
“Although I’ve fought on TV quite a few times before, this is going to be a good show with Mayweather Promotions. I’m thankful to be fighting on the undercard of my good friend Andrew Tabiti. That’s an honor, to be honest. It’s going to be great that my family and friends outside of Las Vegas will be able to tune in to watch me, so that’s a blessing.
“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with the way my career is going. I can’t complain because I have no losses, I just wish it would go at a little faster pace. I’m a two-time Olympian and in the amateurs we’re used to fighting 4-5 times out of the week, so adjusting to fighting once every few months or so feels a little stagnant to me. I really try not to think too far into the future, I try to live in the moment, but I hope to get a title shot relatively soon.
“I went into training camp right after my last fight, so it’s been about eight weeks. There’s always ups and downs in training, but as long as you keep a positive spirit, everything will end up going perfectly well. So it’s been going good I can’t complain. I usually train out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, but there’s been some construction going on so we have moved it to Fight Capitol and a few other places.
“I have been changing my training just to better myself, not necessarily for my opponent or for this fight.
“You have to be a little more focused in the Mayweather Gym. There’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t really happen in a normal gym simply because he is Floyd so it will bring it out of you or it won’t. Only the strongest survive.”
ISIAH THOMAS
“Friday is a good thing for up-and-coming, American cruiserweights. There are a lot of us in the division looking to make our mark. Not just myself. This is our chance to show that America has good fighters in the cruiserweight division. It’s the perfect showcase.
“I’m very excited about being part of Friday’s card. I am just taking it all in and looking to perform to the top of my ability and showcase my talents.
“Hunter is young and hungry just like me, but I haven’t really seen or watched him. I’ve heard about him and I’m sure he’s going to bring his “A” game.
“I know what I can do, there’s no need for a lot of strategizing. I’m not just showing up.
“I feel my career is going good to this point. I keep rising. I’m on television. I like the pace I’m going but there is only way to really go, and that’s to the top. I don’t consider myself the best cruiserweight, just one of the top comers. Eventually, and in due time, though.
“Friday, I’m just going to do what I do best. Of course, you want to win impressively but the most important thing is to win. I’ve got to get that W.
“I live in Detroit but train in Miami, which is like a second home to me. Training camp has been going for about two months and it has been great. I get great sparring in Miami.”
RONALD GAVRIL
“I’m looking forward to having this big opportunity. Many people don’t know who I am so fighting on SHOWTIME will start giving me the exposure and recognition I need.
“Training camp has been going great, I feel strong and prepared. I’m happy and have no complaints. I feel blessed to be a part of this great card full of fighters with tremendous talent. It’s exciting to be able to share this with my stablemates here in our town.
“I’m looking forward to what this will bring not only for my future but for all of ours.”
JUAN NOVOA
“Training camp has been going great, I have been training for seven weeks now. I’m currently training in Miami, Fla.
“I have seen videos of his fights and can tell he is a strong fighter who is not afraid to mix it up. Considering that I have more professional fights and over 180 amateur fights, it is tough to say whether Gavril is a step up for me, until I step into the ring this Friday.
“I would be more satisfied with my career if I had already won a world title, but unfortunately the circumstances from my last world championship challenge didn’t turn out in my favor. I know that by winning this fight I would immediately launch myself into world title contention and potentially another world title opportunity. I see myself either challenging for, or defending a world title a year from now.”
SANJARBEK RAKHMANOV
“I’ve watched Olvera enough to feel I know him. He’s a taller, Mexican guy. I’m looking forward to fighting him.
“I train at Mayweather Boxing Club with Dewey Cooper; he’s been my coach since I turned pro. I had about 150 amateur fights and I got a lot of international experience.
“I consider myself a puncher. Once the bell rings, I come to fight.
“I’m happy with the way things are going. I train hard every day. I’m coming to take all the titles. This is my weight, around 143 pounds. I don’t plan to go up much or down
“In this fight I want to win and look good and then come right back. I think after about a year I will be ready to take on all the top guys.’’
ALFONSO OLVERA
“Training camp has been great; we’ve been in training for about a month. Road work is good, the sparring is good with different boxers. The weight is not an issue. I train at Scrapyard Boxing Gym in Tucson, Ariz.
“Our opponent is formidable and to be taken serious. We know he is aggressive and expects to win so we have to bring our “A” game to the ring. We also expect to win.
“At this point in my career I am very happy with my progress. This card is definitely for the world to see, and is also a big step forward for us.
“We are welcoming the opportunity and grateful for it. We hope this fight elevates us to more opportunities and gets us closer to someday challenging for a world title.”
For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @FloydMayweather, @MayweatherPromo @SHOSports, @andrewtabiti89, @machine_gun_tapia_, follow on Instagram at: @floydmayweather, @Mayweatherpromotions, @shosports, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale & Rogelio Medina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGâ Doubleheader
This Saturday, April 30 From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 28, 2016) – Four of the top super middleweights in the world shared a stage Thursday afternoon as Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale and Rogelio Medina participated in the final press conference for their fights this Saturday, April 30 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the DC Armory in Wash28ington, D.C.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIMEâ and features the WBC champion Jack battling the former champion Bute, while the IBF titleholder DeGale takes on the top rated contender Medina. The winners of these fights have agreed to meet in a world title unification later this year.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in
association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
BADOU JACK
“Both of us can punch, both of us can box. Anything can happen inside of that ring. I’m always ready to go 12 rounds. Everyone knows that I’m always in shape.
“Anything can happen, but I want to fight James DeGale. First I have to take care of business with Lucian Bute. Both of us are in our primes. We’re young and confident and it would be a great fight.
“I have to take care of this former champion. He’s a really good fighter. Some people say it’s a 50-50 fight so I have to take this very seriously.
“I’m still training and preparing for this fight like I’m the challenger. That’s how I prepare for every fight and this is no different.
“A lot of people wrote me off and I came back stronger. I love when people doubt me. I come back stronger and show people I’m a world class fighter.
“I’ve always believed in myself. I’m mentally strong and I work hard. I had a setback but it just made me hungrier and it made me a better fighter.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“I’m thankful for this big opportunity to fight for the WBC title. My training camp was very good. I feel stronger. It’s two days until the big stage.
“I worked very hard for this opportunity. To be a two-time champion is a dream. On Saturdaynight you will see a new champion.
“I feel great. The pressure is not on my shoulders now. I’m not the champion, I’m the outsider. Badou is the champion and I think the pressure is on him. I came to Washington D.C. to perform, give the fans a good show Saturday night and the chance to become a champion for the second time
“I put on a good show against DeGale and that’s what led to this shot. I’m very blessed to be in this fight for a world title.
“Badou is a good fighter. He has a good background in amateur boxing, he’s a world champion, but he has nothing special. He does everything good but not exceptionally. I have more experience, more speed and I’m a southpaw. I think the advantage is on my side.
“I never considered retiring but there were three years where I had some physical and psychological obstacles. Now I’m back to being in big fights and I’m looking forward to taking Badou Jack’s belt.
“This is going to be a spectacular fight. I want to look good in there and leave no doubt. I’m more aggressive than I ever have been and that will make it a great fight. I’m here to stop Badou Jack.”
JAMES DEGALE
“Fight time is here. I’m feeling good and feeling fresh.
“Porky Medina is a good fighter. But there are levels to pro boxing and I am levels above him.
“Saturday night I’m going to show you a real performance. My last two fights have gone the distance, but this time it won’t.
“I’m the best 168-pounder out there. I’m here to prove that. There is no one out there that can test me. There are big fights out there and good guys, but I believe I’m the best.
“I like this tournament style. It’s the best boxing the best. It should always be like this.
“I’m starting to build a massive fan base back home and I haven’t even boxed at home as a world champion. Me and Badou Jack would be a massive fight in the UK with two titles on the line.
“I’ve got everything covered with my game plan, trust me. I’ve gone extremely hard in the gym. We’ve watched tapes of him and I’m feeling good.
“This fight I need to make a statement. On my last two fights, I’ve gone the distance and they’ve been against top quality elite fighters. This time – no disrespect to Porky Medina – a good fighter in his own right but he shouldn’t last the distance with me so I look forward to a good performance.
“Good luck to both men, but I’m coming for the winner of Jack vs. Bute. I want to unify the division.”
ROGELIO MEDINA
“I’m the youngest fighter on this stage. I’m also the hungriest fighter. This is the biggest opportunity of my career.
“I’m here to give it my all and take the most of this opportunity on Saturday night. My dream is to be a world champion and it is right in front of me.
“I feel very excited. I’m ready to go because of the long layoff. It has been a while but I have been in the gym. I’ve been training for many months and even though I haven’t had a fight, I have been training.
“I think that DeGale has a lot of good qualities as a fighter and I think that the fight is going to be very intense because I’ve been training hard for it. I’ve been training to put pressure on him and to make it an intense fight and try and knock him out.
“I’ve noticed that he’s a quick fighter, he’s fast. He’s got good technique but I also see that he sometimes likes to stand and trade and I hope that he decides to stand and trade with me so we can give the fans a good fight.
“A win would be the biggest moment of my career. It would have a lot of significance. Historically in Mexico I would become only the second super middleweight champion, which would be very important to boxing and myself.”
# # #
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.