Category Archives: ShoBox

VIDEO: PHILADELPHIA’S UNBEATEN WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT JARON ENNIS LEANS ON FAMILY AHEAD OF SHOBOX DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“I’m fighting for my family. I’m putting Philly on my back and I’m ready to show the world my talent.”

 

Ennis Faces Fellow Undefeated Armando Alvarez In The Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME At 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

 Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: sho.com/2O1pJGC

 

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports provides a glimpse into the life and training camp of Philadelphia’s Jaron Ennis as he prepares to face fellow undefeated welterweight prospect Armando Alvarez in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, July 20, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs), who has knocked out 10 consecutive opponents, makes his ShoBox debut against the 28-year-old Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a three-fight telecast featuring six fighters with a combined record of 82-1.

 

 

 

Just 20 years old, Ennis trains under the tutelage of his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah.  The 5-foot-10 former amateur standout will be the third Ennis brother to appear on ShoBox; Derek Jr. appeared on the series in 2007, and Farah faced Badou Jack on the series in 2013.

 

 

 

“Having my Dad as a trainer means everything,” said the youngest Ennis. “He’s 63 years old and he puts in the same work I put in.

 

 

 

“My brothers always tell me to stay focused, it’s my turn now. I’m fighting for my family. I’m putting Philly on my back and I’m ready to show the world my talent.”

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Also on the card, undefeated super lightweight prospect Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Thomas Mattice Camp Notes

Mattice Takes on Zhora Hamazaryan in co-feature bout of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader on Friday, July 20th from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort on Sloan, Iowa
Telecast begins at 10 PM ET / PT

 

Cleveland, Ohio (July 18, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) is looking to make a strong impression as he takes on fellow undefeated Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis squares off against Armando Alvarez in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

Mattice, who made his ShoBox debut onFebruary 2nd with an exciting 7th round stoppage over Rolando Chinea in the same venue that Friday’s bout will take place at, will be looking for a more complete performance against the undefeated Hamazaryan.

 

 

 

‘This camp is going smooth,” Mattice said. “This is a little easier being that I have already gone through a camp and all the things that go on with being on national television. It was an inspiring opportunity, and a dream come true to fight on this platform, and now I will be more focused.”

 

 

 

While not much on Hamazaryan is out there for scouting purposes, Mattice has seen what he can, and will be ready for the undefeated fighter from Armenia.

 

 

 

“He is a slick guy,” Mattice said. “I have seen a couple of rounds on him.  He has decent skills, and I look forward to a good fight.  My job is to defeat him and get the win.”

 

 

 

Mattice isn’t looking past Hamazaryan, and he knows he needs to be victorious for his career to get to the next level.

 

 

 

“I have to win this fight, and then I can see where I can go from there. I just want everybody to tune into ShoBox. I want to thank my manager Chances Aurelius, my promoter GH3 Promotions, and Zhora for taking the challenge. It will be a great fight.”

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.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 76 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Kenneth Sims Jr. Camp Notes

Sims Takes on Montana Love in opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader on Friday, July 20th from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort on Sloan, Iowa
Telecast begins at 10 PM ET / PT

 

Chicago (July 17, 2018) – Junior welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) has been hunkering down in training camp in Chicago for his showdown with undefeated Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will be part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT 

 

 

 

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) squares off against Armando Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a eight-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

Sims, who was a former National Amateur champion, has been off since suffering his only professional blemish, when he dropped a majority decision to Rolando Chinea, and subsequently had elbow surgery. He is eager to get back in the ring, and prove he’s one of the best prospects in the 140-pound division.

 

 

 

“Everything is going great,” Sims said. “I am feeling better than ever. I have been working with a strength and conditioning coach for the first time in my career, and I can feel the difference.”

 

 

In Love, he is facing an undefeated fighter, who made an impression in his previous ShoBox appearance on Feb. 2 when he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah on short notice.

 

 

 

“Love is a good fighter,” Sims said. “We fought when we were kids. We were about 15 years-old. I won that fight, but that does not mean anything as we head into this fight.”

 

 

 

Sims has extra motivation, as he feels that in the loss to Chinea, he was not at his best physically, and he vows to put on a great performance.

 

 

 

“I am super motivated. The last fight upped my motivation. It’s amazing, to see some of the people who have rooted for me in the past are now saying negative stuff about me. A win will get me back on track. I have been sparring with Regis Prograis, and that has lifted my game up even more.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Zhora Hamazaryan Camp Notes

Undefeated Lightweight battles Thomas Mattice on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa
     

 

 

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 16, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) has been preparing for his battle with fellow undefeated Thomas Mattice that will be part of a ShoBox: the New Generation tripleheader that will take place onFriday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Hotel in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

The broadcast on SHOWTIME® will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

 

 

 

“Training has been very good so far,” said the 22 year-old Hamazaryan, originally from Gyumri, Armenia, and is now training out of Los Angeles. “I am excited and happy to show my talents on American Television.”

 

 

Hamazaryan will be making his second start on American soil, and he has not scouted his undefeated foe.

 

 

 

“I do not know much about Mattice,” said Hamazaryan, who is trained by former lightweight pro Jerry Rosenberg. “I prefer to not look at any tape of my opponents. I look at this as just another fight. I want to get in there, win the fight, take care of business, and move on to the next one.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan looks to make a big splash, and become a big star in The United States.

 

 

 

“I am going to get this fight out of the way, and on to bigger fights here in the States.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS JARON ENNIS & ARMANDO ALVAREZ FACE OFF IN MAIN EVENT OF JULY 20 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

 

 

Three-Fight Telecast Features Six Fighters With A Combined Record of 82-1, Including Five Unbeaten Boxers

 

 

NEW YORK (June 25, 2018) – A battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT when Jaron Ennis squares off against Armando Alvarez in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

Philadelphia’s Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) has knocked out 10 consecutive opponents and was the 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion before turning professional in 2016.  The 20-year-old former amateur standout will face his first undefeated opponent in Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs), a native of the Florida Keys who has knocked out six of his last seven opponents.

 

 

 

The three-fight telecast features six prospects with a combined record of 82-1, with all six fighters facing what is likely the toughest tests of their careers.

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Also on the card, undefeated super lightweight prospect Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

JARON ENNIS vs. ARMANDO ALVAREZ – 10-Round Welterweight Bout

Ennis will debut on ShoBox following a statement second round knockout of former junior welterweight contender Mike Arnaoutis earlier this month, his 10th consecutive KO victory.  The Philadelphia native had a standout amateur career, notching an impressive record of 58-3 and winning the 2015 National Golden Gloves tournament.  Ennis, who was ranked No. 1 as an amateur at 141 pounds, narrowly missed the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the 2016 Olympics after losing a box-off to Gary Antuanne Russell at the Olympic Trials.

 

 

 

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for,” Ennis said. “I can’t wait to show the world my talent.”

 

 

 

Just 20 years old, Ennis currently trains under his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah.  The 5-foot-10 Ennis will be the third brother to appear on ShoBox; Derek Jr. appeared on the series in 2007, and Farah faced Badou Jack on the series in 2013.

 

 

 

“A win on this platform would mean everything,” Ennis continued. “From here on out, I want to fight only the big names in the division.  I feel grateful for this opportunity to show the world my talents and skills.  It’s great to follow in my brother’s footsteps, and I am ready to take the Ennis last name to the next level.”

 

 

 

The 28-year-old Alvarez turned professional in 2014 and has gradually increased his level of opposition.  Alvarez, who now lives in Key West, compiled a 26-4 amateur record and won the Florida State Championship in 2013.  His headlining fight with Ennis will be his second fight of 2018 and by far his toughest test to date.

 

 

 

“This is the biggest opportunity I have ever received,” Alvarez said. “This is it.  It’s on.  Ennis is a great young fighter, but I think he has stepped out of his league.  He is just a kid.  The world will find out who Armando Alvarez is on July 20.”

 

 

 

THOMAS MATTICE vs. ZHORA HAMAZARYAN – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

A 27-year-old from Cleveland, Mattice turned pro in 2014 and had an amateur record of 72-18. He was a three-time Ohio State Golden Gloves Champion and bronze medal winner in the USA National Tournament in 2014.

 

 

 

Mattice will be making his second ShoBox appearance following a strong debut Feb. 2, when the undefeated lightweight rallied from behind to score a seventh round TKO of ShoBox veteran Rolando Chinea.  Mattice has recorded five straight KOs and nine overall in 11 professional fights.

 

 

 

“I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent again on ShoBox,” Mattice said.  “I’m going to go out there and do what I did before.  I’m going to get a win, hopefully in knockout fashion. This guy (Hamazaryan) doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into.”

 

 

 

Undefeated lightweight prospect Hamazaryan, who signed with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in February, is originally from Armenia but fights out of Los Angeles.  Part of a long line of Armenian fighters who have fought in the U.S., Hamazaryan won his U.S. debut on Feb. 16, when he scored a unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Sergio Ramirez. Prior to his win against Ramirez, all of Hamazaryan’s victories were earned in Russia.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old was considered the No. 1 fighter in Armenia after an amateur career that spanned over 200 fights. Hamazaryan turned professional in 2015, turning down an opportunity to fight for the Armenian Olympic Team in 2016.

 

 

 

“This fight is very important for me, and I am very excited to be fighting on national television in America,” Hamazaryan said.  “I know [Mattice] is undefeated but I normally don’t look at my opponent.  I’m just looking to put on a great performance and make a statement for fans in the U.S.”

 

 

 

MONTANA LOVE vs. KENNETH SIMS JR. – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Cleveland native Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record and won a bronze medal at the 2012 National Golden Gloves Championships.  The 22-year-old recently sparred with Adrien Broner, and served as head sparring partner for Robert Easter Jr. before his lightweight title defense against Javier Fortuna on Jan. 20.

 

 

 

Love has won two consecutive bouts against lesser opposition since defeating Samuel Teah in his ShoBox debut on Feb. 2.

 

 

 

“I am excited and happy to be back,” Love said. “I want to put on another great performance.  Sims and I grew up as amateurs together.  He’s a good fighter, but I am hungry and want to keep rolling. I can’t let anything get in my way.”

 

 

 

Chicago native Sims makes his return to ShoBox just over a year after suffering the first loss of his career against Rolando Chinea via close majority decision in what was his toughest test to date.  The 24-year-old Sims, who has sparred with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, was a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist.

 

 

 

“I am happy to be back fighting after having surgery on my elbow that had been bothering me for the last year and a half,” Sims said.  “This is my chance to prove that I’m back and the loss on ShoBox was a fluke.  I remember Love from the amateurs and I know I have what it takes to beat him.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

DEVIN HANEY DEFEATS MASON MENARD BY TKO IN DOMINATING PERFORMANCE FRIDAY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®FROM 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA

Joshua Greer knocks out Glenn Dezurn, Charles Foster dominates Alvin Varmall Jr. & Arnold Khegai defeats Adam Lopez in co-featured bouts

 

 

 

Catch The Replay Monday, May 14 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

 

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2018) – Blue chip lightweight prospect Devin Haney rose to the occasion in what was the toughest test of his career, defeating veteran Mason Menard via ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Haney (20-0, 13 KOs) entered the fight as a highly regarded prospect who had never been tested. He faced his first test on Friday in what was a scheduled 10-round bout against ShoBox veteran Menard (33-3, 24 KOs).

 

 

 

Haney took control of the fight from the opening bell and never relinquished it. The 19-year-old picked off Menard with a dominating jab from the outside and used lateral movement to avoid getting hit.  Menard was unable to land any meaningful punches and he looked sluggish compared to Haney’s consistent movement and athleticism. 

 

 

 

After nine rounds of domination, Menard’s corner had seen enough and stopped the fight following the round. Haney passed the toughest test of his career with flying colors, never once letting Menard take control of the fight.

 

 

 

“The plan was to go in there and work off the jab,” Haney said. “If the knockout came, I would take it but I just went in there, put on a boxing clinic and showed the world that I could go the full 10 rounds.

 

 

 

“I feel like I put on a performance. I was relaxed and did my job.  I’m definitely the next superstar.  There’s only bigger and better things from here on out.   I work very hard.  I went in and put on a good performance against a guy that people said could knock me out or hurt me.”

 

 

 

Following the fight, a defeated Menard was respectful of Haney’s performance.

 

 

 

“He never hurt me. He was catching me with the best shots he could and never hurt me. But the kid can definitely fight,” Menard admitted. 

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospect Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (17-1-1, 9 KOs) scored his third ShoBox knockout against Baltimore native Glenn Dezurn (9-1-2, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

The fight was explosive from the outset, with both fighters pushing the pace. Greer took advantage of Dezurn’s high guard to work the body, while Dezurn pushed forward to engage Greer on the inside. Greer began to dominate in the third round, when a big right hand hurt Dezurn with two minutes remaining.

 

 

 

“I knew he would come hard so I put I the work in the gym to make sure I was ready,” said Greer. “I’m just happy everything paid off.”

 

 

 

Greer hurt Dezurn again in the fifth round with a straight left, and eventually tied him up against the ropes with a succession of blows that almost had Dezurn’s trainer Barry Hunter stopping the fight. After the round, Hunter warned Dezurn that he would stop the fight if Dezurn didn’t fight back.

 

 

 

Despite almost going down in the fifth, Dezurn survived for three more rounds. The injured and exhausted Dezurn wasn’t able to put anything behind his punches and hit the canvas in the eighth round for the first time in his career before referee Benjy Esteves stopped the fight with 1:47 remaining.

 

 

 

“I got caught with a few good shots, but I recovered quickly and I was still in the fight,” Dezurn said.  “I have a lot of heart, which is a gift and a curse for me.”

 

 

 

A confident Greer was pleased with his performance after the fight.

 

 

 

“I wasn’t surprised I could knock him out,” Greer said. “I knew I could break his will.”

 

 

 

In an eight-round featured attraction, light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster (16-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision win against Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-2, 12 KOs), scored 77-75, 78-74, 79-73.

 

 

 

Foster dominated the fight from the outset, controlling the scrappy Varmall, who became the 174th fighter to suffer his first loss on ShoBox. Varmall made a valiant attempt to get inside in the early rounds, but a more disciplined Foster held him at bay, with Vermall stumbling and getting tied up inside.

 

 

 

“My experience was the difference,” Foster said. “He was loading up on one punches and I was sticking to my game plan – sticking behind the jab, working the body.”

 

 

 

Foster peppered Varmall with his lead left hand, tagging his opponent enough to break him down and eventually tire him out. Varmall landed a couple of statement shots but wasn’t able to hurt Foster and by the later rounds, his punches lacked power.

 

 

 

“When he would come on the inside he couldn’t hurt me,” Foster said.  “I was the one controlling the entire fight.”

 

 

 

In the opening bout of the four-fight telecast, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai kept his unblemished record intact with a unanimous decision over veteran Adam Lopez, scored 77-74, 77-74, 78-73.

 

 

 

Making his U.S. debut, the controlled Khegai (12-0-1, 8 KOs) pressed the action from the start. Khegai worked the jab and stayed mobile, capitalizing on a wobbly Lopez (16-2-3, 8 KOs) with a perfectly timed counter punch with 30 seconds remaining in the second round. Khegai stayed busy in the early rounds with consistent counter punches, but earned a point deduction for a hit to the back of Lopez’s head with seconds remaining in the sixth round.

 

 

 

“That was my first fight in the U.S. and I wanted to show something special,” Khegai said. “Everyone was waiting for the knockout, but I wanted to show my boxing skills.  I could have gone for the KO in the middle of the fight, but I wanted to prove that I could box.”

 

 

 

Despite a slight dip in productivity in the later rounds, the Ukrainian stayed efficient, landing 31 body shots compared to just 15 from Lopez.

 

 

 

Lopez, caught off guard by Khegai’s fighting style, was disappointed by his performance in his record-setting seventh ShoBox appearance.

 

 

 

“I was expecting him to be a dirty fighter, but it kind of threw me off my game. The referee kept telling me ‘don’t retaliate, don’t retaliate.’

 

 

 

I couldn’t really land my hard shots. I landed a couple,” Lopez said. “I stunned him in the fourth or fifth with a right uppercut. He got rocked a little bit, but he’s a good fighter. He got out of it.”

 

 

 

 

The event was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Devin Haney Promotions and Hard Hitting Promotions.

 

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

 

 

 

 For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

‘MIKE TYSONESQUE’ LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALVIN VARMALL JR LOOKING TO IMPRESS AGAINST CHARLES FOSTER ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11

A short, but murderous puncher, fighting behind a squat, peekaboo style, light heavyweight Alvin “Iron Majik” Varmall Jr. enjoys the comparisons people make between himself and former heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson.

 

 

 

“I always appreciate the comparison,” said Varmall, “I added ‘Iron’ to my old nickname ‘Majik’ because Mike Tyson is one of my favorite fighters and, by the grace of God, I ended up training at Cus D’Amato’s KO Boxing Gym in Catskill, New York, the same gym that Tyson did, and learning his style in its purest form.”

 

 

 

Currently the only pro fighter training out of the famed gym, Varmall (15-0-1, 12 KOs), originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, will take on New Haven, Connecticut’s Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) this Friday, May 11 in an eight-round featured attraction of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

In the 10-round main event Louisiana’s Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) takes on undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship. In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospects Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) will meet and in the opening televised fight, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout. 

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

The 26-year-old Varmall says he’s been emulating the all-time-great Tyson from his earliest days in boxing.

 

 

 

“The Cus D’Amato style, I guess you could say, is my foundation. From the beginning of my career as an amateur, my first trainer, Rodney Jenkins, he started me out with the peekaboo style and it works the best for me. I ended up having 21 fights with 19 KOs and won the USA Nationals at heavyweight.”

 

 

 

Varmall says he’s in perfect shape and ready to begin carving out his own prize fighting legacy.

 

 

 

“I’m absolutely ready for this opportunity. I’ve waited a long time for it and it’s finally here. I trained the hardest I’ve ever trained and did a lot of things different for this camp. I’m definitely ready to showcase my talents and abilities. To say I’m not nervous, I’d be lying, but it’s about controlling that feeling. That’s what we learn at the Cus D’Amato Gym, how to control our feelings and use that as something to catapult us, instead of hindering us. After it’s all said and done, everyone can say what they want about my performance because I always come to bring my very best.”

 

 

 

Varmall says he realized early in his career that his punching power was well above average by sparring with a full-size heavyweight veteran in Louisiana.

 

 

 

“I was sparring with this guy, “Big” Fred Kassi. He’s from New Orleans. You know how big Fred is. One time, before sparring, he came to the corner and he said, ‘Majik, let me check your gloves. I just want to make sure we’re playing fair.’ After that, my trainer said, ‘see? I told you, you punch hard!”

 

 

 

At the end of the day, Varmall says, he’s not out to match the great Tyson in achievement or legend. He’d rather carve out his own place.

 

 

 

“At the end of the day Mike Tyson was Mike yson and Alvin Varmall Jr. is Alvin Varmall Jr. Even though we both have the foundation of the same style, I do it in the way that is most comfortable for me. That’s what Mike did too. That’s what’s going to help me reach my full potential.”

 

 

 

About Greg Cohen Promotions

 

 

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

 

 

 

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

 

 

 

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

 

 

 

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

 

 

 

Cohen currently promotes undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion a top contender Jarrell Miller, top-rated middleweight contender Robert Brant, and former WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and world-rated contender Mason Menard, among many others.

 

 

 

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

 

 

 

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Adam Lopez Reunites With Former Trainer For Must-Win Fight This Friday On ShoBox: The New Generation

 

Lopez Battles Undefeated Arnold Khegai Live on SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia

 

Nutley, N.J. (May 9, 2018) – Super Bantamweight prospect Adam Lopez has reunited with his former trainer for his eight-round matchup with undefeated Arnold Khegai this Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation in the opening bout of a four-fight SHOWTIME telecast (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) is back under the tutelage of former world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, returning to his hometown of San Antonio after completing his previous two camps in New Jersey.

 

 

 

“This fight is do or die,” Lopez said. “In the situation I am in now, this could make or break my career. Everything is really good and I’m happy to be back with Carlos Hernandez. Once I got back with him, a lot of what we worked on before is coming back. The sport is repetitive, and I have been sparring with aggressive guys.”

 

 

 

In Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lopez is facing a tough and hard-nosed fighter from Ukraine. Lopez has done extensive scouting on his adversary, who will be making his American debut.

 

 

 

“I have seen just about all of his fights, and he is definitely aggressive,” Lopez said. “I know he is a former kickboxer. He is a rugged guy, but I am a veteran, who has faced many styles, so I am ready for whatever he will bring on Friday.”

 

 

 

Lopez has become a favorite on ShoBox and Friday is his record seventh appearance on the prospect developmental series. He is committed and ready to seize this opportunity against an undefeated prospect.

 

 

 

“I need to take advantage of this opportunity,” Lopez said. “I think I have always performed well on ShoBox, and I have gained a lot of fans because I have been on a handful of times.Friday, I want to put on a great show, and then get in the mix with all of the top 122-pound fighters. I am recently married, and on Friday night, it will prove to be my time.”

 

 

 

“Adam knows that this is a big opportunity,” said GH3 Promotions CEO, Vito Mielnicki. “Adam has shown his willingness to take on all comers, and Friday will be no different.   For him to be making his seventh ShoBox appearance, shows what kind of fighter he is.”

 

 

 

Lopez is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

‘BLUE COLLAR’ DEZURN NOT FAZED BY PRE-FIGHT HYPE, READY TO GO TO WORK AGAINST JOSH GREER ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 11

Maryland native Glenn Dezurn says it really doesn’t matter what his normally talkative opponent, Chicago’s Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) says or does before they meet in their 10-round super-bantamweight showdown Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

When you’re where he’s from and seen what he’s seen, inside the ring and out, an opponent who likes to talk doesn’t faze you. Not at all.

 

 

 

The pair will meet in the co-featured bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs), who had 94 amateur fights before turning professional five years ago, says opponent Greer, known for pre-fight hype including a pillow emblazoned with “Night Night,” is only hurting himself with the trash talk.

 

 

 

“The pressure isn’t on me,” he explained. “Where I come from, if you talk it, make sure you can walk it. The pressure is on him to back up whatever he says. It doesn’t bother me. I’m more of a doer than a talker. I only speak when I need to.”

 

 

 

Describing himself as a “blue-collar” fighter, the humble Dezurn won’t make a pre-fight prediction heading into battle, but will only say that he and trainer Barry Hunter are treating this fight no differently.

 

 

 

“Nothing is written in stone in boxing and there is no guarantee of winning against any fighter. You put in the work and believe in yourself. Fights are won in the gym with hard work. I will win because of my personality and my work ethic. I come to do my job and put my life on the line to entertain. My game plan in every fight is always the same: I just make adjustments in the ring as the fight goes on and react to whatever he is doing. I have a high ring IQ and I can adjust to anything.”

 

 

 

The 30-year-old says he’s set one goal in boxing and is enjoying his journey to reach it.

 

 

 

“I want to win a world championship. I set that goal for myself and once I achieve that, I can go on to my other goals in other areas of life. I’m earning my way to the championship the hard way against good fighters. That’s what I want. I’m living my dreams right now. And I will get there one day.”

 

 

 

“You will not meet a more humble, more down-to-earth fighter than Glenn Dezurn,” said his promoter, Greg Cohen. “He and his wife, Franchon, are very nice people who work hard to get they are. Glenn isn’t about flash. He’s about doing everything you have to do to be successful and he will get wherever he wants to be in life because of that.”

 

 

 

In the 10-round main event on SHOWTIME, Louisiana’s Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) takes on undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship. In other televised action, light heavyweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) over eight rounds; and in the opening bout, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

VIDEO: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY HAS ASPIRATIONS OF GREATNESS HEADING INTO SHOBOX DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

“I’m not going to stop until I am the face of boxing.”

 

Haney Faces Mason Menard In The Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME At 10 p.m. ET/PT


Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2I1ziSC

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WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports delivers a behind-the-scenes look into the life and training camp of blue-chip prospect Devin Haney as he prepares for the toughest test of his career against Mason Menard in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, May 11, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.

 

 

 

The undefeated Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) makes his ShoBox debut against the seasoned Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast featuring a number of ShoBox veterans.

 

 

 

The young and flashy Haney turned professional at the age of 16 in Mexico. He has earned a reputation as a boxing prodigy, having sparred with Sean Porter, Jessie Vargas and Floyd Mayweather, who he aspires to emulate both in and out of the ring.

 

 

 

“Coming up in the area with Floyd, you see all the cars, all the jewelry, all the money he has,” Haney said. “That’s what I’m working for.

 

 

 

“I’ve been calling out all the big games names in my weight class. A lot of them have been turning me down.”

 

 

 

In the co-feature, super bantamweights Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) both return to ShoBox for the third time. In an eight-round featured attraction, former national champion Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) in a matchup of undefeated light heavyweight prospects.

 

 

 

In the eight-round opening bout, undefeated super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will take on skilled veteran Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs). It will be the record seventh appearance for Lopez on ShoBox.