Category Archives: ShoBox

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Badou Jack & Lucian Bute Media Workout Quotes & Photos Ahead Of World Title Showdown On Saturday, April 30 Live on SHOWTIME® From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

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Plus Undercard Fighters Sharif Bogere & Latondria Jones
Quotes From Las Vegas Workout
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Lucian Bute Photos From InterBox
 
LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack and former world champion Lucian Bute hosted media workouts at their respective training camps last week to discuss their Saturday, April 30 world title showdown live on SHOWTIME from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale defending his title against top contender Rogelio Medina.
Jack, who welcomed his first child, a daughter named Malaniyah, earlier in the day, held his workout at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas while Bute hosted media at the gym owned by the Grant brothers in the western part of Montreal. Joining Jack at the Las Vegas workout were lightweight contender Sharif Bogere and Washington, D.C. born Latondria Jones, who compete in undercard action on April 30.
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 participants had to say:
BADOU JACK
“I’m looking forward to another victory. This is going to be a tough fight, but I’m ready. I’ve been training really hard and I’m ready to get into the ring.
“I’m more focused and determined now than ever to secure what is mine. The fans will have an exciting show to look forward to on April 30. I can guarantee that!
“My daughter being born this morning is extra motivation for me and to continue working hard to provide for my family. I only slept for 2 hours, but I feel brand new.
“I still feel fresh! Training camp is good. Everything is right on schedule. I’m feeling really focused.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“The most important thing for me is to have fun when I train. My confidence level is back at 100 percent. There’s a great atmosphere here at the gym and I have great chemistry with my trainers. I’ve done quality sparring and starting next week we’ll be reducing the training volume so as to focus more on the level of intensity.
“The pressure won’t be on me because I’ll be on his turf, in Washington. He is the favorite because he’s the champion, but I’m confident and I’m able! We looked at some video of him with Howard (Grant). He’s a good boxer, but he’s not exceptional and he makes mistakes. I have experience. This will be my 13th world championship fight. My experience and my speed will make the difference.
“My confidence level wasn’t at 100 percent before I fought James DeGale, but now it’s all back after performing the way I did against him. All the better for me if Badou Jack is already looking ahead to his next fight, is taking me for granted and is underestimating me. I know for my part that I can beat him. He did well in his last bout against George Groves, where he was able to come up with a good right blow that sent him to the canvas. But I’m going there to deliver.
“I’ve now been training for a year with Howard Grant, who already knows me well and pushes me to go beyond my limits. We’ve developed a trusting relationship and I feel very comfortable working alongside him. It’s hard to put into words! It’s true, I’m 36 years old, but I still have some good years ahead of me in professional boxing. For Éric Lucas, who had this belt for several years, I will bring back the title to the province of Quebec.”
SHARIF BOGERE
“Training camp has been going tremendously well. I’m excited to get back in action on April 30. it’s going to be a good show. Two world titles on the line, that’s something big.
“I want people to know who The Lion is. People will know that The Lion is here to stay. I will put on a great show as I always do.
“I want to put on a good show so the fans will never forget about my presence in this division. Being born in Uganda, it’s important for me to make my homeland proud.”
LATONDRIA JONES
“Training camp has been going well, I am looking forward to going into the fight real strong, dominating and come out with a win. It’s important that I continue to stay mentally focused and physically ready.
“I don’t really look too much into to my opponents, until I’m getting ready for that belt. As far as I know, this is her pro debut. I’m going to show her what this is all about, and give her that pro life.
“I was born in D.C. so, I look forward to going back and fighting at the Armory to give my hometown fans what they want to see. They came to see a show, and I plan on delivering. I look forward to getting better and coming out on top. I’m working hard and taking it day-by-day. I thank God for being in this position that I’m in.”
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 at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS ANDREW TABITI, KEITH TAPIA TO DEFEND THEIR PERFECT RECORDS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE ON SHOWTIME FRIDAY, MAY 13 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

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Plus! 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter,
Unbeaten Isiah Thomas Collide In Cruiserweight Action!
Tickets on Sale Today!
LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2016) – Unbeaten Mayweather Promotions star Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (12-0, 11 KOs) and undefeated power-puncher Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (16-0, 11 KOs) will go toe-to-toe and put their perfect records on the line in an 10 round cruiserweight bout on Friday, May 13 on ShoBox: The New Generation from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage live on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features another exciting matchup in the cruiserweight division as 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (11-0, 8 KOs) battles fellow unbeaten Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) in 10-round bout. Hunter, who is coming off of a knockout victory in February, looks to keep his unblemished record in tact when he takes on Thomas, who is best known for winning the first ever Junior World Boxing Championship for the United States.
“I’m focused and I’m ready,” said Tabiti. “I’ve been in training camp for 10 weeks. My game plan is to go in and destroy. I want to thank my fans for supporting me and I am going to go in and give my fans a show.”
“I feel blessed by this opportunity to be boxing on ShoBox on May 13,” said Tapia. “I’m training hard and will put on a great fight. I will show the fans that I’m one of the best cruiserweights in the world.”
“Camp is going well and I’m ready for May 13,” said Hunter. “No matter who gets put in front of me, I’m going to keep taking care of business, and there’s nothing else to talk about.”
“I’m feeling good about this fight. Michael Hunter is a quality fighter with a good amateur background. Dominating him will prove to the boxing world that I’m ready for a title fight,” said Isiah Thomas. “I don’t think Hunter can handle the speed and agility that I have for a cruiserweight, that’s my advantage in this division and I plan to put it on display May 13.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and go on sale today, April 18. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
“We‘re looking forward to going back to Sam’s Town Live for a second time after a successful sellout show on Feb. 16,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Mayweather Promotions aims to promote action-packed cards that get fans off their feet. I think the matchups on this card will do just that.”
The highly regarded 26-year-old Chicago native Tabiti, fighting out of Las Vegas, is making his 2016 debut. He’s won 11 of his 12 fights inside the distance, including a second-round TKO over Tomas Lodi on September 29, 2015. Tabiti, a solid amateur with a record of 32-6, turned pro in July 2013. His unique style incorporates fast, explosive hand-speed in tandem with rapid body movement and exceptional footwork.
Tapia, originally from the Bronx, has been victorious in four of his last five fights by knockout. He made his professional debut on Nov. 18, 2011 by stopping Andrew Kuilan in the opening round. Fighting out of Carolina, Puerto Rico, the determined, steadily improving 25-year-old Tapia is coming off of a 10-round unanimous decision over Garrett Wilson in December. Like Tabiti, Tapia also had an outstanding amateur career.
Hunter, son of former heavyweight contender Michael Hunter Sr., is a two-time national amateur champion who competed at the 2012 Olympics. Since making his pro debut in March 2013 by defeating Chad Davis, the up-and-coming 27-year-old hasn’t come close to losing. He’s won his last four fights by knockout, all inside four rounds. In his most recent outing, Hunter knocked out Phil Williams in the first round last February 27.
A top-notch amateur, Thomas turned pro in 2008 and won his initial three starts by first-round knockout. A natural southpaw, discovered after the Junior Olympics by the late, great Emanuel Steward, the promising Thomas registered a clear, unanimous 10-round decision over previously unbeaten Jordan Shimmell last July 25.
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.
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NIKOLAY POTAPOV & STEPHON YOUNG FIGHT TO A DRAW, MASON MENARD STEALS THE SHOW WITH HIGHLIGHT-REEL KO ONSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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VIDEO: Menard Knocks Out Previously Unbeaten Eudy Bernardo: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Catch The Replay Tuesday, April 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME®

 

VERONA, N.Y. (April 15, 2016) –  Undefeated bantamweight prospects Nikolay Potapov and Stephon Young fought to a majority draw in theShoBox: The New Generation main event Friday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The bout was scored 96-94 Potapov and 95-95 twice.

 

Potapov and Young were facing their toughest opponents in each other.  Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs) controlled the pace early with his jab and was the more active fighter, throwing nearly double the punches that Young threw.   Young picked up steam and gained confidence in the middle rounds and was at his best when he pressed the action and let his hands go.  But the Russian Potapov, who had gone at least 10 rounds in his last six fights, was clearly more comfortable as the fight progressed.

 

After slowing in the seventh and eighth, Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs) found another gear in an impressive ninth, winning the penultimate round on all the judges’ scorecards.  But, even after urgent instructions from his corner, Young couldn’t carry the momentum into the 10th and lost the final round on all three scorecards.

 

“I am very unhappy with the decision. For every time he hit me, I hit him twice,” said Potapov, who threw 315 jabs compared to just 113 for Young.  “I was the much busier fighter. I don’t know what fight the judges were watching.  At the very most I lost four rounds.

 

“I’ve never had a draw before. I feel cheated from a win. I was very happy to be fighting in America but I now feel cheated.”

 

After the fight, St. Louis native Young was disappointed but knew that he needed to throw more punches.

 

“I feel like it was a good fight, but I should have got the decision,” Young said.  “I hurt him every time I hit him.  I let him be busier than me, but as far as the contact, I feel like I landed the more effective punches.  That was my strategy.

 

“I should have come on a bit sooner. That was my plan, but I got a little relaxed in the fight.  I came on in the ninth round when my coach told me to get him out of there.

 

“I most definitely want a rematch. I would like to do that again.”

 

Once-beaten Louisiana lightweight Mason Menard knocked out previously undefeated Eudy Bernardo with a vicious one-punch KO at2:11 of the third round.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Facing his toughest opponent to date, Menard floored (31-1, 23 KOs) Bernardo for the first time in his career with a series of rights near the end of the second round.  The Dominican Bernardo beat the count and finished the round, but he had no answer for Menard’s power.  Less than one minute into third, Menard connected with a huge right, knocking Bernardo (21-1, 15 KOs) out before he even hit the canvas.

 

“I made a statement tonight.  Not many people knew who I was going into this, but they know me now,” said Menard, who landed nearly 50 percent of his power shots.  “My speed, power and footwork were the difference.

 

“I said a prayer for him in the middle of the ring that he goes back to his family healthy.”

 

Bernardo, who was removed from the ring on a stretcher as a precautionary measure, was taken to nearby Oneida Healthcare where he was awake and responsive.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated cruiserweightConstantin Bejenaru handed Alexey Zubov the first loss of his career in a convincing eight-round unanimous decision scored 77-74, 78-73 twice.

 

Save for a flash seventh round knockdown, Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs) controlled the fight from the outset.  The Moldova native overcame a four-inch height disadvantage, attacking from different angles and controlling the exchanges on the inside and outside.  Zubov (10-1, 6 KOs) never got into rhythm and failed to capitalize on his reach advantage against the active and athletic southpaw.

 

“He was a good classical boxer, but he’s too straight up and he couldn’t adjust,” Bejenaru said.  “It wasn’t as easy as it looked to beat him. I adjusted my style to do that because I knew it would make him hesitate. I knew if I just constantly attacked him he wouldn’t know what to do.”

 

Zubov and Bernardo are now the 146th and 147th boxers to suffer their first pro loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will re-air Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning April 16

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

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RUSSIA’S ZUBOV LIVING OUT HIS DREAMS FIGHTING FOR DETROIT’S KRONK GYM WHILE PREPARING FOR HIS SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION DEBUT THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 15

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BROOKLYN, NY (April 12, 2016) – As a kid growing up in Magnitogorsk, Russia,cruiserweight Alexey Zubov heard stories about the fabled Kronk Gym and the late legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, but never thought he’d have a chance to join the team. But then one day, the former amateur champion was asked to come to Detroit to spar with Kronk’s Johnathon Banks … and the rest is history.
This Friday, April 15, the undefeated Zubov (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Mandilesti, Moldova’s Constantin Bejenaru (10-0, 4 KOs, WSB: 0-1-1) in the eight-round opener of an internationally televised ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Presented by Salita Promotions in association with AASHA Record Breakers,the mainevent will featureIBF No. 10-ranked bantamweight Nikolay Potapov (14-0, 6 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, taking on Stephon Young (14-0-2, 6 KOs), of St. Louis, Missouri in a 10-round bout. In the co-main event, Eudy Bernardo (21-0, 15 KOs) of the Dominican Republic faces Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard (30-1-0, 22 KOs), of Rayne, Louisiana, in an eight-round battle.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. They are priced at $60 for ringside seats, $35 and $25.
“I’ve been in Detroit for the last two months and I am so happy; I want to stay here, train here and live here,” said Zubov. “Every Russian fighter knows about Kronk Gym and Emanuel Steward.”
Zubov is currently winding down camp with his trainer and Steward’s nephew Javan “Sugar” Hill at the resurgent Kronk Gym. “I like Javan’s style,” said Zubov, “and I’ve learned so much about hand speed and footwork and about using intelligence in the ring – how you need to think when you’re in a fight.”
“Alexey is able to learn a lot and absorb boxing knowledge easily,” said Hill. “He barely speaks English and yet he soaks it in. It’s amazing. I brought him in to spar with Banks and when we were training, Alexey just sat on the side and watched. Later, he was sparring with Johnathon and I told him to stop. I said ‘listen here. I’m training Jonathon Banks and you’re doing everything I told him to do. What’s wrong with you?’ Then I laughed and said ‘I like that. Keep watching. I’ll teach you everything you want to know.’ “
Hill says this camp with Zubov was a transition for the fighter. “We are moving into the championship level where you train for a specific fighter. A lot of it is strategy and planning. The only thing I worry about is him being too excited. He’s very high-strung and wants to prove things. I have to control him and keep him from getting over-excited. That’s what we’ve been working on. He gets antsy when he’s excited.”
“Training was prefect. I am 100 percent ready,” said Zubov. “I know Bejenaru is a southpaw and he is a short guy with a good record. It’s my first time on SHOWTIME and I am so happy to be showing the world what I can do.”
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BERNARDO AND MENARD READY FOR THEIR CROSSROADS BATTLE ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 5, 2016) – Dominican lightweight Eudy “AK47” Bernardo and his opponent, Louisiana’s Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard are nearing the peak of their training for their Friday, April 15, showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation.
The eight-round Bernardo vs. Menard fight will serve as the co-main event on a quadrupleheader on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
In the April 15, 10-round main event, IBF No. 10-ranked bantamweight Nikolay Potapov (14-0, 6 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, will take on Stephon Young (14-0-2, 6 KOs), of St. Louis, Mo.. In the other televised bouts, Russian cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Constantin Bejenaru (10-0, 4 KOs, WSB: 0-1-1) of Mandilesti, Moldova, over eight rounds; and in the eight-round junior welterweight telecast opener, Kazakhstan’s Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, takes on also undefeated Courtney Jackson (8-0, 6 KOs) of Homestead, Fla.
Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions in association with AASHA Record Breakers are currently on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. They are priced at $60 for ringside seats, $35 and $25.
The 29-year-old Bernardo (21-0, 15 KOs) of Santo Domingo, is hard at work at Hank’s Gym in Houston, with his trainer, former IBF World Middleweight Champion Frank Tate.
“I’m in great shape. I feel strong,” said Bernardo via translator. “I’ve learned so much from Frank Tate and I’m proud to be working with him. He’s a great trainer. I’m learning to throw better combinations and I’ve improved my defense, my jab, and my foot movement since we teamed up.”
Bernardo says he still doesn’t know much about opponent Menard, but isn’t worried about it. “I watched a few of his fights on YouTube, but I’m training for anything that comes my way. Everything is going to go great for me that night. It’s my ring that night and I will have my way. I will win.”
This is opportunity is a long-time coming for the 29-year-old and he says he plans on making the most of it. “I’m very excited about fighting on ShoBox and I look forward to putting on a show.  I’ve been waiting for long time for this opportunity and want to thank Dmitriy Salita for making it happen.”
The 27-year-old Menard (30-1-0, 22 KOs), from Rayne, La., is rated No. 15 by the WBA at 135 pounds.  He’s training at Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club in Lafayette with trainer and former fighter “Bad” Chad Broussard.
“I’ve learned how to be a better person in and out of the ring from Chad,” said Menard. “I’ve been with him for nine years. I’ve learned how to put punches together better and sit on my shots more. I’ve learned how to cut angles. I’ve learned so much from Chad.”
Menard says despite the usual aches and pain experienced in camp he is 100 percent and training is going well. The only adjustments he’s made is to bring in taller sparring partners.
“This is huge for me,” he continued. “This is the ‘get up or lay down’ type of fight. If I get up, then the sky is the limit. If I fall, then maybe it’s time to look for a job. I’m going to get in there and do what I have to do. Hopefully I get the KO, but if it goes to the scorecards, I just want the win. No matter which way it goes.”
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer isGordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
# # #
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series,ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBoxphilosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre 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 and more.
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
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Friday’s Knockout-Filled ShoBox: The New Generation To Re-Air TONIGHT At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

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Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE To Download Photos

 

Friday’s knockout-filled ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will re-airtonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Tune-in to watch Paul Williams pupil Justin DeLoach stop previously undefeated Dillon Cook in a KO of the Year contender (VIDEO:http://s.sho.com/22LV0i0), Ivan Golub shine in his ShoBox debut, can’t-miss prospect Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk finish Nick Givhan in just 21 seconds (VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1TakSkM), and emerging star Regis “Rougarou” Prograis make quick work of veteran Aaron Herrera. 

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader is also available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

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REGIS PROGRAIS SCORES FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OVER AARON HERRERA IN THE MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

Ivan Baranchyk Knocks Out Nick Givhan in 21 Seconds – VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1TakSkM

Ivan Golub Finishes Marlon Aguas in the Sixth,
Paul Williams-Trained Justin DeLoach Stops Dillon Cook in Fourth – VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/22LV0i0

 

Catch The Replay Monday, March 28, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®

 

MIAMI, Okla. (March 26, 2016) – On a night of knockouts, unbeaten super lightweight Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs), of Houston, scored his third consecutive dominant victory on ShoBox: The New Generation, knocking out Mexico’s Aaron Herrera (21-5-1, 12 KOs) at 2:17 of the first round Friday in the main event onSHOWTIME from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

In scheduled eight-round bouts that all ended early, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (10-0, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., registered a 21-second, first-round knockout over Nick Givhan (16-1-1, 10 KOs), of Kalamazoo, Mich., in a super lightweight scrap, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (16-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 in World Series of Boxing), of Brooklyn, N.Y., scored a sixth-round TKO over Marlon Aguas (9-1, 6 KOs), of Quito, Ecuador, and Justin DeLoach (14-1, 8 KOs), of Augusta, Ga., who is trained by former world champion Paul Williams, registered a fourth-round knockout over undefeated super welterweight and local favorite Dillon “White Lightning” Cook (16-1, 6 KOs).

 

All but Prograis and Baranchyk were making their ShoBox debuts. Cook, Aguas and Givhan became the 143rd, 144th  and 145th  boxers to suffer their first pro loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

“I can’t remember in 15 years of working ShoBox a show with such emphatic knockouts – and two of them being spectacular knockout of the year candidates,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood.

 

Prograis, a 5-foot-9, 27-year-old originally from New Orleans, was fighting in his second consecutive ShoBox main event and second scheduled 10-rounder. The aggressive-minded southpaw pounded Herrera’s body from the opening bell; five of his six power punches were targeted to the Mexican’s midsection.  A left hook to the body downed Herrera, who crumpled to the canvas and wasn’t able to beat the count.

“I was prepared to go 10 full rounds, the last thing I was expecting was a first-round knockout,’’ said Prograis, who was making his 2016 debut. “I’m making hard fights look easy but they’re really not. It’s all the daily work in the gym all day every day that is paying off for me. Tonight was fun. I’m very satisfied.

“I want all the fighters in my division to know one thing: I’m coming after all of you.’’

“He just got me with a great shot, it was simple as that,’’ said Herrera, who making his second start in the United States. “There’s really not that much that I can say.’’

 

The highly regarded Baranchyk – making his second eight-round start and second in a row on ShoBox – knocked out Givhan with a huge left hand with the first power punch of the fight. He required only two punches to finish the 17-fight veteran. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the quickest professional KO for the Belarus native. Baranchyk owns a three-second KO over Angel Figueroa from 2015.

 

“I’m very happy,’’ Baranchyk said. “I was expecting a much longer fight.  I was focused on a full fight. But knockouts are good. I know fans like knockouts.

 

“I’ll take a week off and then go back to the drawing board. I’m looking ahead to fighting again soon and on ShoBox again.’’

 

Givhan was shocked with the result.

 

“I’m good but I am very, very disappointed,” Givhan said. “This is the lowlight of my life. For me to get knocked out by someone I know I can beat is just the worst feeling. And there’s nothing worse than for it to happen on national television.

 

“No one expects 20-second fights. I just got caught, that’s all.”

Golub, a former standout amateur from Ukraine, had to rally from the first knockdown of his career. “This was a little tougher than I expected,’’ he said. “But it’s all about learning. I had to go through some adversity to win. You don’t know adversity until it hits you in the face.”

Golub was the more active fighter against the awkward Aguas, who was at his best when matters turned ugly.  In a bizarre second round, southpaw Golub scored a questionable knockdown as Aguas hit the canvas while clinching and off-balance. Aguas bounced back seconds later to knock down Golub with a short right, sending the Ukrainian to the canvas for the first time in his career.

“I was surprised that I got knocked down, but he caught me off-balance,’’ Golub said. “Overall, I am very happy with my performance.”

Golub resumed control after the second and a series of combinations in the sixth sent a gassed Aguas falling back through the ropes in the closing seconds of the round.  Aguas somehow rose to his feet to beat the count, but his trainer quickly waved off the bout when the Ecuadorian returned to the corner.

Aguas said an injury, not fatigue, was the reason his corner stopped the fight at the end of the sixth. “I hurt my right bicep in the fifth round,’’ he said. “That’s the reason we stopped it. I wasn’t that tired.”

In the opening fight of the telecast, DeLoach made Williams a winner in his training debut.  With Williams looking on from his wheelchair in the corner, DeLoach, a winner of four in a row, dropped Cook with a devastating, counter-overhand right at 2:47 of the fourth that sent Cook awkwardly to the canvas in a knockout of the year candidate.

 

“I’m happy with my performance,’’ said DeLoach, who was the more active fighter, throwing nearly 100 more punches over the four rounds. “This was a great experience fighting a guy like this in his backyard. I enjoyed the crowd and their enthusiasm. It motivated me. I got a little lazy in parts of the second and third rounds, but I listened to my corner and picked it up on offense and got my punch count up and going again.

 

“Dillon was a good fighter who moved a lot. I know I have to do better cutting off the ring. He landed with a left a second before I landed that big right. This was a great win for all of us. I’m ready to do this again.’’

 

“Look at me, look at my shirt. It feels like I was sweating worse than when I fought,’’ said Williams, who’s pro career came to a sudden and tragic end when he was paralyzed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident in May 2012. “I am very relieved to get this one out of the way. I’m very happy for Justin and Mr. Pete (Paul’s longtime manager and trainer and DeLoach’s assistant trainer, George Williams)

 

“I’m OK, all things considered,’’ said Cook. “He was a tough guy. I’ve never been knocked out before so I don’t exactly know how to act. I felt I was in the fight until I was caught.  It’s disappointing, but this was a great learning experience for me. It can only help me in the long run.’’

 

A taped interview with Williams and ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood aired prior to the bout.  In the discussion, Farhood asked the former two-time champ why he chose to return as a trainer for the first time since the 2012 motorcycle accident left him paralyzed.   Full Interview:http://s.sho.com/1WPrJ28

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will re-air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, March 26.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre 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 and more.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

PAUL WILLIAMS INTERVIEW TO AIR TONIGHT ON SHOWTIME® AT 10:30 P.M. ET/PT

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“I never thought 2012 would be my last time stepping in and out of the ring…And now I have an opportunity to help somebody else.” – Paul Williams

 

ShoBox Analyst Steve Farhood & The Former Champ
Discuss His Return To Train Prospect Justin DeLoach; VIDEO CLIP

 

 

Click HERE For Photos Of The Interview; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Images Of Williams & DeLoach; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Paul Williams returns to the ring tonight in his first stint as a trainer since a motorcycle accident ended his fighting career in 2012.  The former two-time world champion will train prospect Justin DeLoach in the opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.  Tune-intonight to see the full interview between ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood and Williams. Click HERE for a preview of the interview.

 

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ALL EIGHT FIGHTERS HIT THEIR MARKS FORSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER  TOMORROW, FRIDAY, MARCH 25, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

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Undefeated Super Lightweight Prospect Regis Prograis Takes On Veteran Aaron Herrera in Main Event; Telecast Begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

Click HERE For Weigh-In Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Images Of DeLoach & Trainer Paul Williams; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

MIAMI, Okla. (March 24, 2016) – All eight fighters, including the six undefeated ones, made weight Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader tomorrow/Friday March 25, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino.

 

In the main event, unbeaten emerging star, Regis “Rougarou”Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs), of Houston by way of New Orleans, will meet Mexico’s Aaron “The Jewel” Herrera (29-4-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout.

 

Four unbeaten boxers will collide in two of the three eight-round bouts: Hard-hitting Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces upset-minded Nick “King Beamen” Givhan (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Kalamazoo, Mich., in a super lightweight scrap and Ukrainian Ivan “The Volk” Golub (10-0, 8 KOs, 5-0 in World Series of Boxing), of Brooklyn, N.Y., takes on Marlon Aguas (9-0, 6 KOs), of Quito, Ecuador, in a welterweight match.

 

In the eight-round telecast opener, undefeated super welterweight and local favorite Dillon Cook (16-0, 6 KOs), of Seneca, Mo., will meet once-beaten Justin DeLoach (13-1, 7 KOs), of Augusta, Ga. DeLoach is trained by former ShoBox fighter and two-time world champion, Paul Williams, who is making his training debut.

 

Tickets for an event presented by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $45, $55 and $75 and are available for purchase at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com. The first live fight is at 8 o’clock.

 

The Weights:

Prograis: 141 pounds

Herrera: 142 pounds

 

Baranchyk: 139 ½ pounds

Givhan: 140 ¼ pounds

 

Golub: 146 ½ pounds

Aguas: 147 pounds

 

Cook: 154 pounds

DeLoach: 153 ¼ pounds

 

Here’s what the fighters said Thursday:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS

 

“This is my biggest fight. We’ve been in the gym for two months getting ready. We’re sparring with every style, anything it takes to get me ready.

“I had a whole lot fun in my last fight because (Abel) Ramos just kept coming. I’m fighting a veteran, a different kind of guy tomorrow.  He’s tough with the Mexican style so I expect him to be smart and know all the tricks.

 

“Herrera is coming with nothing to lose, but I love fighting the Mexican style. I’ve been training in Houston, so he won’t bring anything I haven’t seen before.

 

“I can be a slick southpaw or I can brawl. I just love to fight, which is why I started in boxing. My mindset is to bang and fight, when it comes down to it. Sometimes if I don’t hit I get bored so I mix it up a little more so I will get hit and then I can come back. I can adjust to any style.

 

“This is my third fight on ShoBox and second main event. I welcome the pressure but at the same time I know I have to ignore it and just enjoy and have fun in there.

 

“Mentally, I feel I am ready for a major fight against any of the top contenders, but I know those kinds of fights are still a little down the line for me. I still have a lot of work to do; I need to keep pounding it until I get it all right.

 

“I’m looking forward to a good fight tomorrow.’’

 

AARON HERRERA

 

“This is an interesting fight because we’re both coming up in the sport. I’ve seen a few of his fights and know what I’m up against. It looks like Prograis likes to come forward and comes to fight, and I will do the same, although I am probably more of a boxer than a slugger.

 

“This is about taking care of business. I’ve been 12 rounds before.  I’ve fought some good fighters with good records. This is only my second fight in America but I learned a lot from the first one and that will definitely help me. I have more confidence. This won’t be a new experience for me.

 

“I’ve fought with left-handers before so after a couple of rounds, I’m sure I’ll feel comfortable. I’m definitely coming to win. I can’t wait to hear the opening bell ring.’’

 

IVAN BARANCHYK

“This is 100 percent the best guy we’ve faced. Nick is a great fighter and we can’t underestimate him. We know that anything can happen in boxing. I put the work in the gym and now I need to do my job in the ring.

 

“I’m a puncher, I like to bring it and I’m coming for the knockout.

 

“I’m only 23 but I work very hard and feel I’m coming along. I’m in the gym all the time. One of the main things we work on the most is composure inside the ring. I feel like I’m settling down more and working the jab, but it is still something we work on.

 

“You just can’t go in and knock everybody out. It’s not that easy. You need to set up your punches sometimes. I am never going to change from being a natural puncher, my team is not trying to take away the fire in me, they just want me to settle down.’’

 

NICK GIVHAN

 

“This is a big opportunity and I feel blessed to be getting it, but it’s something I’ve been working towards for years. I feel this is where I’m supposed to be at this stage of my career. I just need to get in the ring to make sure I handle my business in the ring

 

“He’s definitely one of the toughest opponents I’ve faced. He’s big, powerful and hits hard the whole fight. But I’m the toughest he’s faced.

“This shapes up as a boxer versus puncher fight that favors me. He may come out jabbing at first, but once he’s touched he can be frustrated. That’s what I will take advantage of, his over-aggressiveness.

 

“I’m looking forward to seizing the moment tomorrow night.’’

 

IVAN GOLUB

 

“I’m very excited to be on this card and looking forward to fighting on my first ShoBox card. This is a big step up and it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“When I got the chance to fight on ShoBox, I didn’t even ask who I was fighting. I spar with some of the best out there (Ievgen Khytrov,Sergey Derevanchenko, etc.). But I’m more of a boxer-puncher than some of my teammates.

 

“I work very hard. I study boxing a lot. I know my time is coming. As long as I show good boxing skills, the knockout will come.”

 

MARLON AQUAS

 

“You have to be careful with hungry fighters you don’t know anything about, but I’m going to give 100 percent in there. I’m here to show that I have what it takes to become a world champion.

 

“I am very motivated. This is my first fight in the U.S. and on SHOWTIME so I’m looking to make a statement. I know that after this fight a lot of doors will open. People may not know me now, but they will know me after tomorrow night.

 

“I have a lot of movement but can also stand there toe to toe and brawl. They are making a mistake taking a step up and fighting me. They don’t know what they’re getting into.

 

“I’ve been off because of an injury to my left hand but it is totally healed and I am ready. I’ve had lots of sparring.

 

“I’m more of a stylist, a boxer. I like to move around a lot. But if I have to go at it and brawl I will. I really want to show the fans that I am worthy of watching again.’’

 

DILLON COOK

“This will be my toughest fight but I’m feeling great.  I’m excited but not all that nervous. There is some pressure fighting on TV the first time, but it hasn’t been nerve-racking.

 

“This is such a big fight; I’m ready for anything he brings. I’m not trying to over-think anything. I just want to do what I do.

 

“This is a home game for me. I live about 25 minutes away. So it helps that I’m used to the atmosphere and don’t have to travel.

 

“I’ve seen a little of him. I feel the things he does all the time will work against him. His come-forward style is a good one for me. I’ve had plenty of time to prepare (five weeks) so there will not be any surprises.

 

“I believe I have the skills to go a lot father, so I want to leave a good impression.

 

“Speed and footwork are my biggest weapons.  I’ve been dazed before, but not knocked down.’’

 

JUSTIN DELOACH

 

“Everything to this point has been a blessing for me. This is definitely a big fight and I’m looking forward to doing what I do and putting on a great show. I haven’t seen a lot of Dillon but he is undefeated and is coming to win. I’m ready for whatever he brings.

 

“I feel I have a lot of raw talent that has yet to be seen. My main thing is to take control of the fight from the start.

 

“This is so exciting. My biggest and most important fight yet.  If I do what I’m supposed to I’ll be OK. This is my first eight-rounder but I’m not worried about that at all.

 

“We’re part of a great ShoBox show. I can’t wait.’’

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raúl Márquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre 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 and more.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Dillon Cook Counting Down Days for ShoBox Debut!

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D Cook.jpg

Seneca, MO (March 18, 2016) – On March 25, junior middleweight prospect Dillon “White Lightning” Cook will find himself in a familiar place but with a new challenge when he battles Justin DeLoach in an eight round bout on ShoBox: The New Generation at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions are $45, $55 and $75 and can be purchased by logging onto Buffalorun.com or Stubwire.com.

 

Unbeaten in 16 professional bouts with six wins by knockout, Cook’s fought five of his last seven matches at the Buffalo Run, winning handily each time. A member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise”, the popular Cook is from nearby Seneca, MO and fought in front of sellout crowds on multiple occasions. While these are definite advantages for Cook, DeLoach comes into the ring with an impressive background.

 

Against DeLoach, 13-1 (7 KO’s), Cook is taking a significant step up in competition and will do so before a national audience. Hailing from Augusta, GA and based in Houston, TX, DeLoach trained alongside top fighters including IBF junior middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, undefeated Jermell Charlo, Bryan Vera and Edwin Rodriguez amongst others. Recently, Team DeLoach announced that his new chief second is former two division champion Paul Williams and highly respected George Peterson will work as an assistant.

 

To prepare for DeLoach, Cook’s been training out of the Heartland Boxing Gym and travels to various gyms for sparring as he anxiously waits for the opening bell on March 25.

 

“I’m excited for the fight but trying not to let the pressure of fighting on TV get to me,” said Cook, a former National Junior Golden Gloves titlist and six time Kansas City Golden Gloves winner. “(To specifically prepare for DeLoach) we’re working on (technique to counter) his style. DeLoach is a good fighter I’ve seen him fight a few times he’s fast and a busy fighter but I’m pretty fast myself. I expect to match his speed, if not beat it.”

 

Cook also acknowledges his advantages and never second guessed taking the step up in competition.

 

“I’m a smart fighter and can adapt well (plus the) hometown crowd is definitely a benefit. I knew we’d step (up the competition in the near future) and this is a great time for it. I’ve had 16 professional fights and am ready to show the world that I’m capable of going to the next level.”

 

Cook’s promoter, Tony Holden, is confident in his fighter and believes the locals will come out droves to support him.

 

“I’m proud to see him get a shot on a national stage. He’s a key part of the “Four State Franchise” and is a big crowd draw. He’s worked very hard and I expect him to put forth a tremendous performance. I’d like to personally thank Showtime as well for this incredible opportunity.”

 

The Cook-DeLoach bout opens up a quadrupleheader live on Showtime (10:30 PM ET). The card also features highly regarded junior welterweight Regis Prograis (16-0) against Aaron Herrera (29-4-1), two showdowns where somebody’s 0 must go between unbeaten welterweights Ivan Golub (10-0) and Marlon Aguas (9-0) and junior welterweights Ivan Baranchyk (9-0) vs Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1).