Category Archives: ShoBox

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION KICKS OFF 2016 WITH QUADRUPLEHEADER FROM CASINO DEL SOL IN TUCSON, ARIZ.

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Undefeated Middleweight Rob Brant Faces Decarlo Perez in Main Event; Harmonito Dela Torre, Jarrell Miller & Bakhtiyar Eyubov
Risk Their Unblemished Records In Other Televised Fights

 

Friday, Jan. 22 At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT

Live On SHOWTIME®

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 28, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation begins its 15th year on SHOWTIME® with an explosive quadrupleheader on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 live from Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. (10:35 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

In the main event of the evening, undefeated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (18-0, 11 KOs, 0-3 in World Series of Boxing) of St. Paul, Minn., measures against Atlantic City’s Decarlo Perez (15-3-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round matchup.

 

In co-featured bouts, unbeaten Harmonito “Hammer” Dela Torre (17-0, 12 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Philippines, makes his United States debut against Rafael Guzman (16-1-1, 10 KOs), of Ensenada, Mexico in an eight-round super featherweight bout and undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (15-0-1, 13 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. faces southpaw Donovan Dennis (14-3, 11 KOs, 2-1 in WSB) of Cleveland, Ohio in an eight-round scrap.

 

Opening the ShoBox telecast, hard-hitting Bakhtiyar Eyubov (9-0, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kazakhstan, meets Jared Robinson(16-2-1, 7 KOs), of Sumter, S.C. in an eight-round super lightweight tiff.

 

The event is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

 

Boxing historian and expert ring analyst Steve Farhood has called every fight on ShoBox since it premiered in 2001. He anticipates another year of excellent, competitive matchups in 2016.

 

“In 2015, we had eight fighters who appeared on ShoBox and went on to win world titles. That means the average number of shows in which you’ll see a future world champion is one out of four,” said Farhood.

 

“We saw some fantastic prospects last year, including Erickson Lubin and Regis Prograis and fresh faces like Jarrett Hurd, Rob Brant—and a fighter who almost seems ready to fight for a title now—SergeyDerevyanchenko. Given Shobox’s 15-year history, I’m fully expecting that we will have more of the same in 2016.’’

 

Brant, Perez and Miller will be making their second consecutive appearances on ShoBox. Brant and Miller were victorious last Oct. 23, Perez last Aug. 28. Robinson will also be making his second ShoBox start; the four other boxers will be making their debuts.

 

“Both Brant and Perez won their most recent appearances on ShoBoxand both were impressive,’’ Farhood said. “Brant took a big step up and outpointed Louis Rose in October and Perez pulled off the upset over the previously unbeaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera in August. So it makes all the sense in the world to match them against each other. On Jan. 22, we’re going to find out just how hot Rob Brant is.’’

Twenty-six-year-old Brant will be headlining his second consecutiveShoBox. In his first, he captured a hard-fought 10-round majority decision over Rose. Going 10 rounds for the first time, Brant triumphed in an entertaining tight fight.

Before turning pro in November 2010, Brant was a 2010 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds and a member of the U.S. national boxing team pro. He currently trains in Dallas alongside top prospect Errol Spence Jr.

“I’m really excited about this fight and I’ve been training hard for several weeks now,’’ Brant said. “I’ve got a very serious opponent in front of me. He rates about a 7.7 at everything, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of weaknesses. I’ve got to go back to pure boxing for this one. I have to be better in every department. It’s my second time headlining ShoBox and I plan on improving from the first time, so viewers can chart my progress. This is my time to show my growth.’’

Perez, who hails from a fighting family, has won four straight and nine of his last 10. He scored a surprising, upset, a 10-round unanimous decision over Cabrera (23-0 going in) in his last outing. Perez, who took the fight on a week’s notice, outpointed the two-time Dominican Republic Olympian by the scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92.

“I’m so excited I’m the main event on national television,’’ Perez said. “I don’t know a lot about my opponent but I’m well prepared, both mentally and physically. I plan on giving the fans an exciting night.

“Camp is going very well. My management team has brought in top sparring with all undefeated boxers, one being Julian Williams. I’m excited that my trainer is allowing me to fight the majority, if not all of this fight, in the southpaw stance. I’m really a southpaw, but I have fought right-handed most of my career.”

 

Perez’ last loss came on a split eight-round decision to world title challenger Wilky Campfort in January 2014. Outside the ring, Perez is a pharmacy technician at an Atlantic City hospital.

 

Miller, a former New York Golden Gloves finalist who turned pro in July 2009, is a confident, power-punching heavyweight who comes to knock you out. He won his ShoBox debut, stopping Akhror Muralimov with a devastating right hand to the chin at 1:03 in the third round.

“I feel like I should have been here two years ago,’’ Miller said. “I’m not coming to make friends. I’m here to annihilate and destroy the whole heavyweight division. On Jan. 22, I’m going to put Donovan Dennis to sleep. I’m not being heard right now, so I have to make myself known. After this fight and what I do to Dennis, things will really, really start to pick up. I’m ready to destroy.’’

 

Besides being a hard hitter, Miller has good overall skills and movement for a big man whose weight fluctuates from fight to fight. He’s won his last four by knockout, all inside three rounds.

Known for an aggressive style, Miller is now fully focused on a fistic career, but he hails from an MMA and kickboxing background. For a few years, he competed in K-1, historically the world’s premier kickboxing organization, and twice fought the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović.

“There seems to be a new energy and enthusiasm on the American heavyweight scene,’’ Farhood said. “Part of that is explained by the fall of a dominant champion in Wladimir Klitschko and part of it is explained by the emergence of Deontay Wilder, and even Travis Kauffman. So for a young heavyweight like Jarrell Miller, the time seems to be ideal to secure TV exposure and make a name for himself.’’

Dennis, 28, was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. Before turning pro in June 2010, he was a top-level amateur: 11-time Iowa State Champion, 2011 National Golden Gloves runner-up in and 2012 U. S. Olympic Games Trials contestant.
The 6-foot-4 Dennis possesses good skills, movement and punching power to go with his strong amateur background. His weakness is durability; he’s been knocked out in all of his losses.

 

“I’m ready to fight,’’ Dennis said. “I’ve been training really hard and I am looking forward to the fight. I just want to get this win and move on as I will have a big year in 2016.’’

 

Dela Torre, considered one of the top young talents in the Philippines, will be fighting outside of Asia for the first time. A big puncher and winner of seven straight by knockout, the 5-foot-8, 21-year-old is coming off athird-round TKO over Ricard Betos last Nov. 14.

“It’s every boxer’s dream to fight on big cards in United States. This is the next step in my pathway to becoming world champion,’’ Dela Torre said. “I can’t wait. This is an opportunity I will take advantage of and show everyone I’m ready to step up. I let my team concentrate on my opponents and pass me instructions. I just know I’ll be ready and able to stop any opponent.’’

 

Before turning professional at 17, Dela Torre was a top member on the Philippine National Amateur Boxing Team. As a pro, he has made a “name” for himself after an impressive victory over Jason Butar-Butar on the undercard of a Manny Pacquiao-headlined fight in November 2013.

 

Guzman, a 5-foot-8½-inch 20-year-old, will be making his U.S. debut and initial start outside of Mexico since turning pro at 16 in July 2011. In Dela Torre, Guzman will be taking a significant step up in class. He scored a third-round TKO over Pedro Lopez on his last start in Oct. 9.

“I’m feeling very strong and ready for the challenge of this fight,’’ Guzman said. “Fighting on SHOWTIME is a huge opportunity for me. I hear my opponent is a good fighter, but I am ready for anything he can throw. Everybody is going to be talking about me after this fight.”

 

Eyubov, 29, who could be on the fast track to stardom, is regarded by many to be the second-hardest Kazakh hitter in boxing, ranked only behind Gennady Golovkin. Since his days as an amateur when he won more than 150 fights, a vast majority by knockout, Eyubov has lived up to his reputation as a fearsome banger who looks to remove the judges from the equation.

 

He’s overwhelmed his first nine opponents as a pro, winning six by knockout in the first round and two by knockout in the second. The furthest he’s gone in a fight came in his second start when he scored a third-round TKO (2:57) over Jhaquis Davis. In his last outing on Oct. 29, he scored a 1:27, first-round TKO over Antonio Chaves Fernandes in Brooklyn.

Robinson, a pro since August 2009, fights out of Charlotte, N.C. A veteran of several scheduled 10-round fights, he’s undeniably the most experienced boxer Eyubov’s ever faced. A natural 140-pounder,Robinson won his initial 14 starts before losing on a fourth-round TKO to then-unbeaten Amir Imam on ShoBox in a bout he took on short notice on Feb. 21, 2014.

Two starts ago, Robinson fought to a disputed eight-round split draw against then-unbeaten Haskell Rhodes (23-0 going in) on June 21, 2015. An excellent boxer with good skills and movement, the 5-foot-9-inch Robinson, 33, is coming off a one-sided 10-round decision overChristian Dominguez last Sept. 26. Outside the ring, Robinson is amassage therapist.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is 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 onShoBox 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 Boxing

REGIS PROGRAIS KNOCKS OUT ABEL RAMOS IN MATCHUP OF UNBEATEN 140-POUND PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

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Zenunaj, Rolls and Baranchyk All Impress With Knockouts

At Bayou City Event Center In Houston;

Heavyweight Challenger Artur Szpilka Interviewed During Telecast

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 12, 2015) – Regis Prograis dominated previously undefeated Abel Ramosen route to a ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME on Friday at Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs) was connecting at a more than 5-1 rate the last three rounds of the fight before Ramos’ corner asked referee Laurence Cole to stop the fight.

 

With the loss – and the previous results in the quadrupleheader – Ramos became the 139thfighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Prograis was the more aggressive and effective fighter from the outset.  He landed 53 percent of his power shots compared to just 28 percent for Ramos while throwing more than 250 more total punches.

 

Ramos (14-1-2, 9 KOs) simply couldn’t deal with Prograis’ speed and movement.  At the finish, he was a bloody mess from a cut around his left eye and a gash on the top of his head and had no answer for the onslaught of punches from his undefeated opponent.

 

“It was an incredible fight,” Prograis said.  “It was really, really tough and I didn’t think I was going to stop him, but I did.  We stuck to the game plan and I am happy.

 

“He was really messed up.  I don’t like to talk bad about my opponents, but I definitely hurt him and think that maybe they should’ve stopped it earlier. You never want to hurt anybody that bad where it can affect them in the long run.”

 

After the fight, Ramos complained that he wasn’t the same after the accidental head butt in the fifth that opened the gushing cut on the top of his head.

 

Late-replacement Dardan Zenunaj handed previously unbeaten lightweight prospect Bryant Cruz the first loss of his career after Cruz’ trainer Ronnie Shields called an end to the fight after the seventh round.  Zenunaj was ahead 67-64 on the three judges’ scorecards after the seventh.

 

Cruz was the more active fighter, throwing 754 punches through seven rounds compared to just 555 for Zenunaj, but it was clear that Zenunaj was landing the more powerful shots.

 

Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) knocked Cruz down midway through the fourth with a wide left hook.  Cruz survived the round, but continued to eat a series of big shots to close the round.  Cruz bounced back but couldn’t keep Zenunaj from picking his shots and landing damaging power punches.  Zenunaj floored Cruz again with another strong blow in the final seconds of the seventh, Cruz beat the count, but Shields had seen enough and halted the fight when Cruz (16-1, 8 KOs) returned to the corner.

 

Zenunaj out-landed Cruz 40-24 in the seventh, the only time in the fight that he out-threw and out-landed Cruz.

 

“I wanted it to be a war for all of the people watching and I did it, so I’m feeling really good,” Zenunaj said.  “He is really good, much stronger than I believed he would be.  He hung in there, but I did the work and I won.

 

“Today was my first fight in the U.S. and it won’t be the last. Next year is going to be a big year for me.”

 

After the fight, Cruz didn’t make any excuses for the disappointing performance.

 

“I came in really confident that I was going to win.  I had almost seven weeks of training and this guy took the fight on a week’s notice.

 

“I came in thinking I was going to win, but it didn’t go my way.  He was a tough opponent. He came forward and hit me with some really awkward shots.  He’s an awkward fighter and he hit me with different angles I hadn’t seen before. He caught me by surprise, but that’s the way that boxing is so I can’t really be too upset with myself by this loss. I will come back stronger.

 

“I did everything I could and gave it my all.  I tried to listen to the punch list from my coach, but he just out-hustled me and I give him all the respect for that.”​

 

In a matchup of middleweight prospects, Steve Rolls scored an impressive fourth round TKO over previously undefeated Steed Woodall.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHT:http://s.sho.com/1O1bf7g

 

After two close rounds, Woodall knocked Rolls down midway through the third.  While Rolls complained it was a slip, Woodall came out blazing after the count and legitimately hurt Rolls in the final minute of the round.  Rolls (13-0, 7 KOs) came back with a vengeance in the fourth, landing nearly a dozen big right hands.  With Woodall wobbling around the ring with his guard down, referee Laurence Cole stepped in to halt the contest at 2:46 of the round.

 

“I was prepared to do what I came here to do,” said Rolls, who landed 41 percent of his power shots.  “I didn’t agree with the knockdown, but that’s the nature of boxing. That kind of stuff is going to happen and you just need to pick yourself up, collect yourself and fight on.

 

“I’m going to rest a bit and really just soak it in and relax.”

 

Woodall (8-1-1, 5 KOs) complained that the stoppage was premature.

 

“I didn’t agree with the stoppage,” Woodall said.  “I was caught on my ear so that threw off my balance a little bit, but I was totally fine.  I’m wise enough to take a knee if I wasn’t able to continue, but that wasn’t the case.  I definitely feel that was a premature stoppage but I’m not a sore loser.

 

“Now it’s back to the drawing board. I need to sit down with my manager and get back to training camp.  I know it’s soon to say this after the fact, but I’ll definitely be looking for the rematch at some point.  But, for now, it’s back to the drawing board.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ivan Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs) knocked out previously undefeated Shadi Shawareb (9-1-2, 5 KOs) with a steady diet of power shots at 2:28 of the first round.

 

Polish southpaw Artur Szpilka was interviewed by ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhoodduring Friday’s telecast as he prepares to challenge undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder on Saturday, Jan. 16 on SHOWTIME.  During the interview, Szpilka warned Wilder that he’s coming to take his belt:

 

“Artur Szpilka is future heavyweight champion, future Polish champion and a wonderful person.  I can’t wait, man.  I can’t wait.

 

“I was so excited.  When I was very young I dreamed that one day I would be champion, and now I have that opportunity.  Thank you to the champ for giving me the chance.  But you don’t see what you’re doing.  This is no joke.  This is no (expletive) joke.

 

“This is very important for Polish fans.  This is when I change my story, change my life, change what people think about Polish people here.  Polish people have heart, we have everything.  And now I must show everyone what I want.  I am so confident, you will see.  I can’t wait.

 

“Listen, I don’t care what everyone thinks.  I care what my team thinks.  I care what my family, my people think.

 

“I’m going to kick his ass.  Remember, champ, I’m going to kick your ass.  Happy Holidays, champ.  Do not sleep.”

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader will re-air on Monday, Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Saturday, Dec. 12

 

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 Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR QUADRUPLEHEADER TOMORROW/FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect Abel Ramos in Main Event
From Bayou City Event Center In Houston

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – Eight fighters, including seven undefeated prospects, with a combined record of 92-1-5, weighed-in Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader taking place tomorrow/Friday, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment- and Savarese Promotions-promoted event will be talented local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces fellow unbeaten Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Dardan Zenunaj (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match, and fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweights Main Event – 10 Rounds

Regis Prograis – 140 Pounds

Abel Ramos – 139 Pounds

 

Lightweights Co-Feature – 8 Rounds

Bryant Cruz – 132¾ Pounds

Dardan Zenunaj – 131½ Pounds

 

Middleweights – 8 Rounds

Steed Woodall – 159¼ Pounds

Steve Rolls – 159½ Pounds

 

Super Lightweights – 8 Rounds

Ivan Baranchyk – 139¼ Pounds

Shadi Shawareb – 141¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS:

 

“He’s a tougher opponent than the guys I’ve faced, and a bigger guy, but I’m coming to win.

 

“I’ve been living in Houston fighting those rugged Mexican fighters for the last 10 years.  I know how to fight tough guys like that.  I know what he’s bringing.

 

“I didn’t get the knockout [against Amos Cowart], which is what I wanted, but I did land a lot of punches.

 

“I think if I hurt Ramos early I’ll be able to take him out, but I feel that he won’t hurt me.

 

“I have a lot of people coming out from New Orleans.  I’m not worried about the crowd – I’m here to do what I have to do.

 

“We can fight on the inside and pound it out or fight on the outside.  We’re ready for anything.”

 

ABEL RAMOS:

 

“I don’t feel like I’m coming in as the underdog at all. I have much more amateur experience and I have more of an edge over him.

 

“This time you’re going to see the real Abel Ramos. I’m feeling really good. I’m prepared and conditioned. You’re going to see a little bit of everything in the ring on Friday.

 

“He’s [Prograis] a very busy guy in the ring and throws a lot of punches but we will see how we handle it in the ring.

 

“I know he throws a lot of punches and I believe I can do the same but better. He throws a lot, but they’re not effective.  Going anywhere from eight to 10 rounds, I have an advantage to wear him down.

 

“I want to dedicate this fight to my cousin Margarito Camacho who passed away of a heart attack this Monday at only 43 years old.”

 

BRYANT CRUZ:

 

“I’ve been living here [Houston] and training here.  I’m trained by the best with Ronnie (Shields) and I’ve learned a lot from him.  I’m getting a lot of attention with him as my trainer and I’m getting to learn much more about myself as a fighter and my technique.

 

“Of course I believe there’s always more to learn and with a trainer like Ronnie I’ve gained much more confidence.   I feel the difference improving my technique.

 

“Sometimes I just have the instinct [to get aggressive] and I want to go at it and put the pressure on to really please the crowd.

 

“He’s [Dardan] not hard to look for and he likes to come forward.  I know he will be right in front of me and I know what to look for there.

 

“I’m a New York guy, so here in Houston I am a little bit out of my element, but I do have some people from back home coming out to support me.  I am going to go out there and go for it.

 

“I want to put on a good show but I’m also going to be a smart fighter and go in with my game plan to do what I came here to do.

 

“I knew I was serious about boxing after my first time sparring. I got beat up and I knew I couldn’t just give the guy that. After that, I stopped partying, stopped drinking and started running and training. When I went back I knew I was ready to beat him and I did.

 

“Since I started, I haven’t missed a single day in the gym; even when I’m not training for a fight I’m always training and refuse to miss a day in the gym.”

 

DARDAN ZENUNAJ:

 

“Moving to Oxnard to work with Robert (Garcia) has been a big step in my career.  I’ve sparred with (Vasyl) Lomachenko, Mikey (Garcia), (Jesus) Cuellar, Brandon Rios, some of the best fighters in boxing.

 

“I spared with Lomachenko for four weeks for his last fight.

 

“This is my first fight after moving to Oxnard so we are excited to show what we have been working on, show how we’ve improved.

 

“I took this fight on short notice, but we’ve been working in the gym.  This is a good opportunity for us.  This is the fight we’ve been waiting for.  He’s undefeated but beatable.

 

“I wasn’t worried because I was only about four pounds off-weight.

 

“I’m the type of guy who wants to fight the toughest fights.

 

“I knew that if I wanted to make a real name for myself in boxing I would have to go after it myself.  I knew I would have to come to America for I wanted to accomplish.

 

“I have watched Cruz and I know the way he fights.  It’s all mental.  I have that drive – I’d die in the ring.  I’ve seen Cruz and he doesn’t have that.”

 

STEED WOODALL:

 

“We’ve been working with Ronnie Shields for about five months now, sparring with Jermall Charlo and Edwin Rodriguez.  Having those guys around is a great experience.  I’m always in competition with them, pushing myself to the limit and learning from them.

 

“I have a naturally aggressive approach, even when I started as an amateur at 14 years-old. Now I am working off different approaches and know that I just need to let my hands go.  Ronnie is putting the finishing touches on me.

 

“Through training I’ve learned different approaches with my style. Different guys come in and with each of the different fights I learn different styles. I am always in competition to learn more and I am always training.

 

“I want to show the judges and the fans how much this fight means to me. I am going to be aggressive but will be fighting intelligently as well.

 

“This is a pivotal fight for me because I’ve been alone in most of my fights, but this time by mom will be here along with my brother, sister and brother-in-law. My mom is my biggest inspiration and to have her here means the world to me.”

 

STEVE ROLLS:

 

“He’s a young hungry guy that is coming to fight.  I’m not taking him lightly.  This is definitely the toughest fight for both of us.

 

“I feel great. I have had six to eight weeks of training and I feel great and ready.

 

“I’ve watched a little bit [of Woodall] and learned about him.  He looks aggressive and has a good amateur background, as do I.

 

“I let my trainers watch the fight footage and I just see whatever I need to see. I love to capitalize on my opponent’s mistakes.

 

“I feel better than ever. During running and training I feel much better than when I was in my twenties. Regardless of my age, I still feel that I haven’t even reached my prime.

 

“Now, as a fighter, I am much more confident and more relaxed with my strategy.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight on national TV against an undefeated guy.  This is my big shot.”

 

IVAN BARANCHYK:

 

“I have been training very hard for this fight.  This opportunity is what I have been working so hard for.

 

“As a young, motivated fighter, I want to continue to improve and never stop working towards getting better every day.

 

“When I first started training, even as an amateur, I realized the potential and the impact of my power punch.

 

“I do not stop training.  I am extremely motivated and will keep working harder than anybody else to get where I want to be.”

 

SHADI SHAWAREB:

 

“I am not worried that I took the fight on short notice.  I stay prepared and I have been in the gym staying in good shape.

 

“I am always busy.  When I’m not working, I’m in the gym training.

 

“I know I need to mix it up, get inside and outside.  I’m going to throw out a little bit of everything.”

 

# # #

 

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 Boxing

EIGHT UNBEATEN FIGHTERS SQUARE OFF ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION AS DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT CLOSES OUT 2015 WITH CAN’T-MISS QUADRUPLEHEADER, FRIDAY, DEC. 11 FROM BAYOU CITY EVENT CENTER IN HOUSTON

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Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect  in Main Event
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation returns on Friday, Dec. 11 live onSHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT), with a quadrupleheader featuring eight undefeated prospects with a combined record of 92-0-3 in the final ShoBox telecast of 2015.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment and Savarese Promotions-promoted event at the Bayou City Event Center in Houston will be talented 140-pound local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Wesley Ferrer (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Andrew Ruiz (9-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout and Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match.

 

“I am thrilled to present such a tremendous card for SHOWTIME on Dec. 11 featuring eight unbeaten up-and-coming prospects with a combined record of 92-0-3,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With each boxer looking to reach the next level, these types of matchups are exactly what ShoBox is all about.”

 

“I’m excited to team up with DiBella Entertainment and SHOWTIME on this great event Dec. 11,” promoter Lou Savarese said. “We can’t wait to feature these eight young, undefeated fighters in their toughest tests to date at Houston’s premier venue, the Bayou City Event Center.”

 

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $40 GA, $60 GA, $150 Table Seats & $200 VIP Ringside. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.savaresepromotions.com or by calling (713) 658-0299.

 

To date, 135 fighters have suffered their initial defeats on ShoBox. With eight undefeated fighters on the card, four more O’s figure to go on Dec. 11. The question is, which four?

 

Prograis vs. Ramos

Last Aug. 7, Prograis made his ShoBox debut with an impressive eight-round decision over then-undefeated Amos Cowart. The hard-hitting Prograis landed an impressive 381 out of 909 total punches thrown, the 18th-highest connect total for a junior welterweight fight counted by CompuBox over eight rounds.

 

Originally from New Orleans, Prograis and his family have called Houston home since relocating following Hurricane Katrina. The bout on Dec. 11 will be Prograis’ first in Houston since June 2014 and he is expected to draw a raucous crowd. The highly regarded Prograis has tremendous power and speed, but if he’s going to compete against the elite of the 140-pound division, he must first get by Ramos.

 

“I want to thank the cities of New Orleans and Houston — New Orleans for making me who I am and Houston for taking me in and making me feel at home,” Prograis said.  “I am glad to be fighting back in Houston; this truly is my second home. The city took me in as one of their own after I moved here during Hurricane Katrina.  Houston is close enough to New Orleans and I am expecting a great turnout come fight night.  My opponent is undefeated and that’s all I need to know.  He’s coming to win, and I am sure he will be tough.  I am preparing for this fight just like I do all of my fights, with the mindset that this is the toughest fight I will ever have.  Come Dec. 11, you will see a spectacular performance.”

 

Like Prograis, the 24-year-old Ramos was a stellar amateur, winning the bronze medal at the 2010 U.S. Boxing National Championships before turning pro the following year.  Ramos ran his record to a perfect 8-0, and then met fellow undefeated prospect Maurice Hooker (currently rated No. 10 by the WBO) onShoBox in January 2014.  Ramos and Hooker slugged it out for eight rounds, battling to a majority draw in one of the most exciting fights on ShoBox that year. The only other blemish on Ramos’ record is another majority draw against Levan Ghvamichava (15-1-1, 12 KOs).  Ramos has reeled off four consecutive victories with three by knockout, including an impressive second-round TKO over previously once-beaten Roberto Ramirez in June.  The bout against Prograis will be his first since signing an exclusive promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment.  Ramos knows that a victory over Prograis will show the boxing world that he is one of the most talented up-and-comers in the division.

 

“I am very excited to have signed with Lou DiBella,’’ Ramos said. “He’s guided so many fighters to the championship level and I look forward to being added to that list.  Right now though, all of my focus is onDec. 11 and Regis Prograis.  He is unbeaten just like me.  I am sure he will be my toughest fight, just as I will be his.  I am ready to rise to the occasion and show the boxing world I am one of the best in the division.’’

 

Cruz vs. Ferrer

Both fighters in the co-feature, Cruz and Ferrer, are New York natives.  Cruz was a 2012 National Golden Gloves runner-up while Ferrer (a 2009 and 2013 Golden Gloves champion) competed at the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships, defeating 2011 National champion Semajay Thomas.  The matchup features two exciting come-forward boxers aren’t afraid to mix it up.  Cruz, now living and training in Houston under the tutelage of Ronnie Shields, has shown vast improvement since linking up with the renowned trainer. The bout will be the ShoBox debut for both young prospects, who will be looking to show they have what it takes to compete at the next level.

 

“I finally have the chance to show the world who I am and what I am about,” Cruz said.  “I am excited to be stepping in there with another undefeated fighter who is going to bring the absolute best out of me.  I have been working hard for an opportunity like this and it is finally here.’’

 

“I will be extremely focused and go in there to do what I do best,” Ferrer said.  “I know Bryant Cruz personally and he is a great fighter, but I have a job to do and will not let him take away the victory from me.”

 

Baranchyk vs. Ruiz

Prospects Baranchyk and Ruiz could produce “the fight of the night” in a matchup that has the makings of a slugfest.  The Ukrainian Baranchyk, 22, has been impressive since arriving in the U.S. in 2014.  He’s been on a tear this year, going 5-0 with five knockouts, all coming in three rounds or less.  Baranchyk, a stablemate of Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov, is looking impress when he makes his ShoBoxdebut against his toughest opponent to date in former nationally ranked amateur standout and now Robert Garcia-trained Andrew Ruiz.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Baranchyk said. “I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of my stablemates Sergiy and Ievgen, who have had some of their best performances on ShoBox.  I know that Ruiz is coming to fight, and he is going to be the toughest opponent I’ve faced, but my dream is to become a world champion and there is nothing and no one that is going to get in the way of that.”

 

Ruiz was one of the most sought-after amateurs coming out of the West Coast when he turned pro at 18 in 2012.  After his first year and half as a pro, Ruiz had gone a perfect 7-0, getting major exposure fighting on a number of high level cards, included Pacquiao-Bradley I.  Following a victory in August 2013, Ruiz took a break from the sport as he dealt with managerial and promotional issues.  Ruiz signed with DBE last January and made his anticipated ring return in February, shaking off a bit of ring rust to get his career back on track.  Ruiz, 22, last fought in August, scoring a sixth-round TKO over Andres Bustamante, his fifth knockout in nine career victories.  Ruiz is looking to prove that he is the top prospect that so many thought he was when he takes on the dangerous Baranchyk.

 

“Baranchyk was an accomplished amateur and is currently undefeated, but I am ready for the challenge,” Ruiz said.  “This is my shot to prove myself and I’m not going to let it slip away.”

 

Woodall vs. Rolls

The Woodall-Rolls bout pits two former amateur standouts in their toughest pro fight to date. Woodall was a five-time England National champion, two-time British champion and a quarter-finalist in the World Youth Championships before relocating to the U.S. and embarking on his professional career at the age of 19.  Now 21, Woodall has relocated his training camp to Houston and linked up with world-renowned trainer Ronnie Shields.  The always-exciting Woodall is an aggressive come-forward banger with good power in both hands.  Woodall made his debut under Shields last Oct. 7 in New York City and looked sensational leading Shields to believe that he has what it takes to one day become a world champion.

 

“I have a great team that is working with me day after day,” Woodall said.  “I have had the chance to spar some of the best fighters in all of boxing, including Edwin Rodriguez and Jermall Charlo, and I am looking forward to putting all that work into action come Dec.11.  I’ve been putting in the work in the gym and now is my chance to prove it in the ring.”

 

As an amateur, Rolls competed on both the 2009 and 2010 Canadian National Boxing team, compiling an impressive 83-14 record.  In September 2009, he went to the 2009 International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s Boxing Championship in Milan, Italy, where he lost in the round of 16 to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh of India.  Rolls, who will make his ShoBox debut, is coming off a unanimous decision last Sept. 19 in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

 

“Come fight night, I will be more than ready,” Rolls said.  “I am looking forward to putting on a great performance in my national TV debut and showing the world I am a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.”

 

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 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 63 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 Boxing

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO & UNBEATEN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DAVID BENAVIDEZ ADDED TOSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 14, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Unbeaten Super Welterweights Frank Galarza & Jarrett Hurd Square Off In Main Event Of Tripleheader From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

Live At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2015) – Former Ukrainian Olympian and undefeated middleweight prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) returns to face veteran Jessie Nicklow (25-7-3, 8 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation, this Saturday, Nov. 14, live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

 

In the opening bout of the tripleheader, unbeaten light heavyweight David Benavidez (10-0, 9 KOs), of Phoenix, Ariz., will make hisShoBox debut against veteran Felipe Romero (15-9-1, 9 KOs), of La Paz, Mexico, in an eight round bout.

 

In the ShoBox main event, undefeated super welterweights Frank Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jarrett Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs), of Accokeek, Md., will square off in a 10-round bout.

 

Derevyanchenko (pronounced der-i-van-CHENK-oh) compiled an astonishing amateur record of 390-20 and represented his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympic Games.  Derevyanchenko, who is ranked No. 9 by the IBF at 160 pounds, went 23-1 in the World Series of Boxing and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. The 30-year-old will make his first start since winning an eight-round decision over former world title challenger Elvin Ayala on Aug. 7 on ShoBox.

 

The 28-year-old Nicklow, of Baltimore, Md., is experienced against solid opposition having faced former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, Fernando Guerrero and Ronald Gavril.  Nicklow is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Raymond Terry onOct. 10.

 

The 18-year-old Benavidez is the younger brother of interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jose Benavidez.  He’s knocked out nine of his 10 opponents since turning professional in 2013, largely against limited opposition.  Benavidez will take on his most difficult opponent to date in the veteran Romero, a well-traveled, 31-year-old veteran who has fought in Mexico, Poland, China, Germany, Ukraine and the U.S.

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

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 63 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 Boxing

ROB BRANT IMPROVES TO 18-0 WITH HARD-FOUGHT 10-ROUND MAJORITY DECISION OVER LOUIS ROSE IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

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Unbeaten Heavyweight Jarrell Miller Blasts Ahror Muralimov in Third Round, Samuel Clarkson Demolishes Lavern Harvell in Two Rounds From the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona

 

Catch Replay Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

PHOENIX (Oct. 23, 2015) – On a night when five of the six fighters were making their debuts on ShoBox: The New Generation, newcomersRob “Bravo” Brant and Jarrell ‘Big Baby” Miller remained undefeated and the one ShoBox returnee, Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson, won his seventh in a row Friday live on SHOWTIME at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

Brant (18-0, 11 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., withstood a late, sustained rally from Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-3, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, to win a close, hard-fought 10-round majority decision in the ShoBox main event.

In a pair of explosive matches in the scheduled eight-round co-features,undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (15-0-1, 13 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., knocked out Ahror “Aha” Muralimov (14-2, 11 KOs), of Houston, Texas via Uzbekistan in the third round and southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (17-3, 11 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, dropped Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-2 8 KOs), of Atlantic City three times en route to an impressive second-round TKO.

Brant, who won the majority of the early rounds, triumphed by the scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95. There were no knockdowns in the close, competitive match that could have gone either way. In the toughest fight to date for both boxers, Brant was more accurate while Rose was much busier and more active.

“Credit to Brant for taking a fight that virtually everyone thought would be close and competitive, and it turned out to be exactly that,’’ ShoBoxanalyst Steve Farhood said afterward. “And credit Rose for coming on in the second half of the fight and being a threat to yet another undefeated prospect.  Both fighters fought well, and in the case of Brant he needs to learn from this experience, throw a few more left hooks and grow as a prospect.  And only time will tell if he grows from this experience.”

Brant, making his fifth start of the year, went 10 rounds for the first time in a pro career that began in November 2010.

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight,’’ said Brant, the 2010 National Golden Gloves champion at 178 pounds and a member of the U.S. national boxing team who’d won his previous five fights by knockout.  “Every time I thought I had him hurt he would come back.  I had to keep my composure in there and stick to the game plan. I think my jab was key tonight.  It really helped me keep the pace and set up my punches.

“In the second half I slowed the pace and picked my shots to win the fight.  It was a great learning experience.  I need to get right back in the gym and continue to progress.”

The defeat was a bitter one for Rose, who rose from being homeless six years ago into a legitimate prospect at 160 pounds.

“This is very disappointing, I really don’t feel like talking,’’ said Rose, who had beaten six undefeated fighters in a career that began in November 2011. “I thought I did enough to win. I had him backing up and hurt from the sixth round on.  Obviously, I want a rematch.”

Miller, making his fifth start in 2015, stopped Muralimov with a single, devastating right hand to the chin at 1:03 in the third round of a fast-paced slugfest that featured give-and-take action during the first six minutes. Muralimov seemed to be getting the better of the exchanges in the first and Miller was getting off better during the second.

“I’m a warrior,’’ said Miller, a former professional kickboxer. “I want knockouts. I don’t want decisions. This was a tough guy tonight. Anybody that can take a smash in the mouth like he did and keep coming back shows that he came to win.

“I am willing and ready to fight any of the top heavyweights.’’

Muralimov, who got in his fair share of heavy shots, had success boxing and moving side to side. He worked the body well. Then, he got caught and that was that.

“He just beat me, what can I say.  Of course, this is disappointing,’’ said Muralimov, who lost for a second straight time. “I was in great shape and thought I was ready. I know I should have continued to work the body more. ‘’

In the opening bout of the telecast, Clarkson dropped Harvell twice in the last minute of the first with right hooks before decking and finishing him with a left-right combo at 0:48 of the second.

“”I knew the knockout was coming, I just didn’t know when,’’ Clarkson said. “I think my straight left was the difference – it set up the big rights for me. We’ve been working on throwing straight shots instead of looping punches and it came together tonight.

“I take it one fight at a time, but I’m ready to get back in the ring and fight whoever they put in front of me.”

Harvell, who was fighting his first scheduled eight-rounder, had a two-fight winning streak end. “I feel fine. I’m good,’’ he said. “But this is very disappointing. Just to lose makes it hard.’’

The event was presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Iron Boy Promotions, GH3 Promotions, Fight Card Promotions, Salita Promotions and Winner Take All Productions.

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                CHANNEL

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 p.m. ET/PT                 SHOWTIME Extreme

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning Saturday, Oct. 24.

 

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 63 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 Boxing

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEAGHT “BIG BABY” MILLER LOOKS TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT FRIDAY ON ShoBox: The New Generation

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2015) – Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller unofficially began his boxing career by protecting himself on the streets of his Flatbush neighborhood as a teenager. More than a decade later, the Brooklyn bruiser has transformed a lifetime of beating the odds into a career where he deals beatings to his opponents, and he doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon.

“Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller is an incredible talent and a fighter who I believe will resurrect the age of the dominant American heavyweight,” said boxing champion-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita, who co-promotes Miller with Greg Cohen Promotions. “I have known Jarrell since he was 16 years old. He is the full package with all the tools to be a dominant heavyweight world champion for years to come.”

The next task for the 6-4, 245-pound Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs) – like everything about the heavyweight – is big. The bruising, brooding Brooklyn Brawl alum with a perfect professional boxing record looks to earn win No. 15 this Friday, Oct. 23, when his bout with Akhror Muralimov of Uzbekistan (16-1, 13 KOs) – a daunting big man himself who has competed in his last two fights at 256 lbs. – is co-featured live on ShowBox. The event airs live from the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Ariz., at

10:30 p.m. E.T. on Showtime.

“Akhror Muralimov is no easy task on October 23 but I believe Jarrell has all the skills to make a dominant statement and put himself on the map with the best heavyweights in the world,” said Salita of his big-time protégé.

Miller, who has also had success in his pro fight career as a muay thai kickboxer, is a former New York Golden Gloves heavyweight finalist. Miller’s last pro boxing win came via an impressive first-round TKO over 278-pound heavyweight Excell Holmes onJune 26 in Niagara Falls. Prior to that dominating victory, the big brawler scored a second-round TKO earlier that month over 249-pound foe Damon McCreary on June 4, at Salita’s Brooklyn Brawl event at the Paramount Theater in downtown Brooklyn.

In upcoming local action, Salita will once again provide NYC with a night of pugilistic prowess as the former IBF, WBA and NABA International Junior Welterweight Champion brings his Brooklyn Brawl series back to South Brooklyn on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Aviator Sports and Events Center will serve as the next proving ground for many New York City-based rising stars; the exciting undercards building toward featured events, where Alicia “Slick” Ashley and Christina McMahon (7-0, 3 KOs) will square off for the WBC Super Bantamweight title and top-10 world-ranked bantamweight contender, Nikolay Potapov, makes his U.S.A. debut. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6:30 p.m., as the Brooklyn Brawl looks to once again captivate New York City with fistic fury. Tickets begin at $20 and are available by calling 1-844-890-2120 or by visiting SalitaPromotions.com.

For tickets, more about the participants and additional updates on the Thursday, Oct. 29, Brooklyn Brawl please log on to SalitaPromotions.com and AviatorSports.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at@BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and Instagram, or by accessing the hashtag #BrooklynBrawl.
boxing, kickboxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

Q&A: UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL MILLER IS GETTING HIS KICKS AS A PROFESSIONAL BOXER

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 Former Professional Kickboxer Faces Ahror Muralimov In

ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader, ThisFriday, Oct. 23,

Live On SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) From The Celebrity Theatre In Phoenix

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 20, 2015) – A former high-level professional kickboxer will try to continue his impressive transition to prizefighting when undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs) faces once-beaten Uzbekistan-born Ahror “Aha” Muralimov (14-1, 11 KOs) on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, Oct. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

The up-and-coming Miller, who is making his ShoBox debut, is looking to take the next step in establishing himself as a legitimate fighter-to-watch in the heavyweight division. A pro since July 2009, he will be fighting for the fifth time in 2015. The 27-year-old Miller won his last three fights by knockout, all within the first two rounds, including a first-round knockout of Excell Holmes in his most recent bout on June 26.

 

While the Brooklyn born and raised Miller is now fully focused on a fistic career, he hails from an MMA and kickboxing background. For a few years, he competed in K-1, historically the world’s premier kickboxing organization, and twice fought the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović.

 

Miller had very little amateur boxing experience, but he has sparred extensively with heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

 

Here’s what Miller had to say during a recent Q&A with SHOWTIME Sports prior to his eight-round scrap with Muralimov:

 

How would you say your career is going?

“The beginning of my career started off slow because I was associated with the wrong guys, but now I’m in a good spot and my career has really taken off. We are moving in the right direction and I am ready to knockout everyone that comes in my path.”

 

You had very limited amateur experience. Your opponent was an accomplished amateur with international experience. How will you deal with that, or is that even a factor?

“I don’t take the amateur experience for granted, but his amateur experience isn’t really a factor for me. I have had some experience sparring current and former champions.  I sparred with Wladimir Klitschko.  I’m ready and I am going to knock him out.

 

“The Eastern Europeans think they are the best thing since sliced bread, but I’m going to show him what it means to be a true American heavyweight.”

 

What do you think of Ahror Muralimov and what are his strengths and weaknesses?

“Muralimov has a decent chin and a good left hook. His weakness is that he has never fought anyone like me.”

 

You have a five-inch height advantage in this one. How will that work in your favor?

“My height advantage will work for me. A tall fighter is going to fight tall. I’m not going to bring myself down to his level. I’m going to pick him apart and knock him out.

 

“This is pure business and he’s the next cookie that will crumble, so I need to throw him away in the trash.”

 

You initially turned pro as a kickboxer and had a successful career. Why did you make the transition to boxing? 

“I’ve always been interested in boxing, but it just wasn’t the right moment at the time to start boxing because I was finding success in kickboxing. I now feel like I can get more output from my input from boxing, so I am focused strictly on that. Even before I started kickboxing I always knew that I would eventually turn to boxing.’’

 

You’ve gone six full rounds twice. This fight is scheduled for eight. Are you concerned about stamina and going eight rounds, if necessary?

“I can box eight rounds in my sleep. I’m not worried about eight rounds.  I’m a warrior, I can go all night.  I’ve been training for 12 years, so I train harder and harder for each fight that I have. This is my time and I’m coming for the spotlight, period.”

 

Deontay Wilder was also a sparring partner for Wladimir. When you think about today’s top heavyweights, what names quickly come to mind and do you feel you are ready for them, or do you think you may need a little more seasoning?

“I definitely want to fight one 10-round and one 12-round fight before fighting for the title. I want to get in the ring with good, durable opponents who have good records and knock them out in the last round so I can get some rounds in. But if Wladimir or Deontay wanted to fight tomorrow I would take it.”

 

Do you look at Wilder as an inspiration?

“I was happy that Deontay won the belt. For any American to make it out of the neighborhood he did and win the belt is an inspiration.”

 

You have sparred extensively with Wladimir Klitschko. How often/for how many fights did you work with him?   

“The first time I sparred with Wladimir, I only had two professional fights under my belt. The last camp I sparred with him I was supposed to be there for four weeks, but I beat him up badly after two weeks so they sent me home.

 

“Wladmir is a champion in and outside of the ring. His attitude is something that I admire, but I would love to knock him out.”

 

How important is it for you to make a statement in your ShoBox debut? Is this the kind of opportunity you’ve been looking/waiting for?

“It’s very important for me to make a statement on ShoBox. An opportunity like this doesn’t come around too often. My goal is to go out there and look phenomenal. I want to look like brand new money and crush this guy.

 

“I’ve been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time. This is my time and I have no doubt in my mind that after this fight people will know my name.’’

 

Your prediction on the Battle of Brooklyn, Daniel Jacobs or Peter Quillin and why?

“Both of these guys are my dudes. In my opinion, Quillin is the harder puncher, but Jacobs is the better boxer. If Daniel sticks to his gameplan, then he can win, but if he sits there and trades punches with Quillin he will get hurt. I think the fight is 50-50.”

 

In the main event of Friday’s ShoBox quadrupleheader at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., undefeated Rob “Bravo” Brant (17-0, 11 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., faces Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title.

 

In other eight-round televised bouts, unbeaten Filipino prospectHarmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Dominican Republic and Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City will face southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, in a light heavyweight match-up. All but Clarkson will be making their ShoBox debuts.

 

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 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 63 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

GH3 Promotions signs Cuban amateur standout Hector Frometa to promotional contract

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Will make pro debut on November 6th in Las Vegas

Nutley, New Jersey (October 20, 2015) – Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of Welterweight Hector Frometa to an exclusive promotional contract.

Frometa of Cuba had an outstanding amateur career as he amassed a record of 195-22 for the most distinguished amateur program in the world.
He has traveled the world and has won many amateur tournaments.
“We are excited to add Hector to our stable,”said GH3 Promotions president, Vito Mielnicki.  “He comes from the great Cuban amateur system and with that pedigree and his hunger to be great, we feel we have added another top prospect to the company.”
“I am very blessed and happy to be with GH3 Promotions. I am very thankful and I am 150% focused in becoming a world champion,” said Frometa.
Frometa has been called a good boxer who is aggressive.
Frometa will make his pro debut on November 6th on the off-tv portion of a ShoBox: The New Generation show in Las Vegas.
“I am so happy that my first fight will be in Las Vegas.  I will be able to show my skills in front of the best boxing people in the world.”
The 2-time Cuban National champion has been in the United States for three months and excited to be in his adopted home of Miami.
“It was tough in Cuba.  It was hard to live there.  I had to fight like a dog just to get to the United States.  I will make the most of this great opportunity.  I consider myself a real student of boxing as I eat, drink and sleep the sport.”
“I just want to say that a storm is coming.  I plan to take over the 147-pound division and show why Cuban boxers are the best,” finished the 24 year-old Frometa.
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

TOP-NOTCH PROSPECTS CLASH ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, OCT. 23, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE CELEBRITY THEATRE IN PHOENIX

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Middleweights Rob Brant and Louis Rose Meet in Main Event

Live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 9, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation returns on Friday, Oct. 23, live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) with a quadrupleheader that matches eight young prospects against each other in the toughest fights of their budding careers.

 

In the main event at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., undefeated Rob “Bravo” Brant (17-0, 11 KOs, 0-3 in World Series of Boxing), of St. Paul, Minn., faces Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title.

 

In the televised co-features, unbeaten Filipino prospect Harmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Dominican Republic; in a heavyweight scrap, undefeated Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., will face Akhror “Aha” Muralimov (14-1, 11 KOs), of Houston, Texas via Uzbekistan; and Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City will face southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, in a light heavyweight match-up. All but Clarkson will be making their ShoBox debuts.

 

All three co-featured bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.

 

Tickets for the event, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Iron Boy Promotions, GH3 Promotions, Fight Card Promotions, Salita Promotions and Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $65 Ringside, $50 reserved and $30 general admission and are available online at www.celebritytheatre.ticketforce.com.

 

 

Brant vs. Rose:

The 5-foot-11½-inch Brant, who turned 25 on Oct. 2, was the 2010 National Golden Gloves champion at 178 pounds and was a member of the U.S. national boxing team. He has won all 17 of his fights since turning pro in 2012, including the last five in a row by knockout. He scored a third-round TKO over Lekan Byfield in his last fight on Aug. 28. Brant currently trains in Dallas alongside top prospect Errol Spence Jr.

 

The 5-foot-11-inch Rose, is 26 years old and a pro since November 2011. He has beaten six undefeated fighters and is 8-1-1 in his last 10 fights. The lone loss came against highly regarded, unbeaten (and 2011 world amateur champion and 2012 Ukrainian Olympian) Ievgen Khytrov on Nov. 21, 2014. Rose has won his last two outings including an upset sixth-round TKO over previously undefeated prospect Milorad Zizic (11-0 going in) on March 13 and in his most recent outing, a highlight-reel, last-minute eighth-round TKO over Andrew Hernandezon Aug. 15.

 

 

Dela Torre vs. Luna:

Dela Torre, a 5-foot-7½-inch, 21-year-old, is considered one of the most promising young talents in the Philippines. After an amateur career that featured 47 wins with 40 KOs and membership on the Philippine national amateur boxing team, Dela Torre turned professional at the age of 17 in January 2012. He recently relocated to Las Vegas, and will be fighting outside of Asia for the first time. Dela Torre has stayed active in the ring, fighting six times in 2012, five times in 2013, three times in 2014, and this will be his third fight this year. In his last fight on June 7, he recorded his sixth consecutive knockout on a fourth-round stoppage over Eusebio Baluarte.

 

Luna returns to the ring for the fourth time in 2015, having beat Jose Lopez in his most recent bout on June 6 by unanimous decision. Luna fought his first eight professional matches in his native Dominican Republic, winning five by knockout. In his U.S. debut on May 21, 2014, Luna notched a second-round knockout over Joey Arroyo. The 5-foot-5 inch junior lightweight prospect suffered his lone defeat against prospectTevin Farmer in his second to last bout on April 17.

 

Miller vs. Muralimov:

Miller, 27, stands six-foot-four inches and has an impressive physique with fast and powerful hands. The former New York Golden Gloves finalist was born and raised in Brooklyn and made his professional debut in July 2009, notching a first-round knockout. This is Miller’s fifth fight of 2015. He won his last three fights by knockout, all within the first two rounds, including a first- round knockout of Excell Holmes in his most recent bout on June 2. While Miller is now fully focused on his boxing career, he comes from an MMA and kickboxing background, having competed 10 times on an international level. Miller has sparred extensively with Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.

 

The 27-year-old Muralimov, who was born in Uzbekistan but now lives and trains in Houston, had an impressive amateur career with over 150 fights and world championships at three different divisions. Muralimov suffered the only loss of his career on Feb. 14 via 10-round unanimous decision to tough veteran Derric Rossy. Miller will be just the second undefeated fighter that Muralimov has faced and looks to be his toughest opponent to date. Prior to his loss to Rossy, Muralimov recorded six knockouts in his last eight bouts.

 

Harvell vs. Clarkson:

Harvell is a 27 year old from the Ventnor Heights section of Atlantic City who has fought sporadically since turning professional in February 2008 (although this will be his third fight this year and he appears to be approaching top form). Harvell has won two in a row since suffering his lone defeat in his 14th fight by a shocking, upset six-round decision to big underdog Edgar Perez on June 14, 2014. In his last bout on Aug. 22, Harvell defeated Quincy Minor by first-round knockout.

 

The 6-foot-1-inch 25-year-old Clarkson continues to perform with a strong urgency after he’d been mostly dismissed as a legitimate prospect after three disappointing losses on his record. Having since focused on growing as a fighter inside the ring and as a person outside of it, Clarkson has developed a unique blend of speed, power and confidence. He stamped himself as a super middleweight prospect to watch in his ShoBox debut two outings ago when he produced a stunning third-round TKO over hard-hitting, highly regarded Jerry Odomon July 17. In his most recent scrap, he scored a 1:30, first-round knockout over outclassed Rayford Johnson on Aug. 28. Clarkson is a two-time Texas Golden Gloves State Champion and Police Athletic League National Champion at 175 pounds.

 

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 is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

On fight night, doors open at 5 p.m. and the action starts at 6 p.m. The Celebrity Theatre is located at 440 N 32nd Street in Phoenix, AZ. For more information, call (602) 267-1600 or visit www.celebritytheatre.com. For more information on Greg Cohen Promotions, visitwww.gcpboxing.com. Twitter: @gcpboxing. Or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing.

 

# # #

 

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 63 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.