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Category Archives: Showtime Boxing
SIX BOXERS RISK UNBLEMISHED RECORDS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER
Unbeatens Antoine Douglas & Thomas LaManna Meet in The Main Event
Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (Feb. 25, 2015) – Six unbeaten boxers, eight total with a combined record of 105-3-3, will highlight a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) on Friday, March 13, from The Space at Westbury in Westbury, N.Y.
Two of the fights will feature undefeated boxers against each other. In the main event, Antoine “Action”Douglas (16-0-1, 10 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will meet Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (16-0, 7 KOs) of Millville, N.J., in a 10-round middleweight scrap. Adam Lopez (9-0, 4 KOs), of San Antonio, and Houston’s Pablo Cruz (11-0, 3 KOs) clash in an eight-round battle of Lone Star State super bantamweights in the opener of the telecast.
In the co-feature, unbeaten southpaw Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KOs), of El Tigre, Venezuela, will shoot for his 13th consecutive victory when he faces Issouf “Volcano” Kinda (17-2, 7 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in a 10-round scrap for the NABO Lightweight Title. In the eight-round feature bout, once-beatenJerry “The King’s Son” Odom (12-1, 1 NC, 11 KOs), of Washington D.C., will try and avenge his lone loss when he takes on undefeated Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (8-0-1, 1 ND, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Ariz., in a super middleweight rematch.
Which of the undefeated boxers will keep their unblemished records intact on Friday The 13th? SinceShoBox premiered in July 2001, 125 fighters – and counting – suffered their initial defeats on the popular series, where promising prizefighters often face their toughest foes to date.
Douglas, 22, is unbeaten (1-0-1) in two ShoBox appearances. He has won two in a row, including a lopsided six-round decision over Don Mouton in his most recent start last Nov. 13 2014, and a 10-round majority draw with former world title challenger Michel Soro (23-1-1 going in) last July on ShoBox.
“Douglas grew up a little bit in his last fight on ShoBox, dominating Soro early and then fading late in a fight that could have gone either way,’’ said ShoBox Expert Analyst and Boxing Historian Steve Farhood. “It’s the kind of fight a young prospect needs to learn about himself and I’m anxious to see if that experience proves to play a big part in his maturity as a fighter. He’s a very exciting, aggressive middleweight and for a very young fighter seems to be moving very quickly.’’
A solid amateur who made it to the 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials before going pro in Oct. 2012, Douglas fought twice that year, nine times in 2013 and six times in 2014.
Douglas looked strong while pitching a shutout in his 12th pro start, winning his ShoBox debut and knocking out one of his opponent’s teeth in an entertaining but one-sided eight-round decision over previously unbeaten Marquis Davis (8-0-2 going in) in January 2014.
Douglas, who acknowledges the notoriety he’s received since appearing on ShoBox, is now taking his third scheduled 10-round fight.
“This is going to be a big fight, a very big fight,’’ he said. “I am the main event. It is another step up the ladder and I get to take that step on a big network like SHOWTIME.
“I know LaManna from the amateurs so this fight came as a bit of a surprise to me. But this is the sport of boxing. I know he’s coming to win and stay undefeated, just like I am. I think 160 is my best weight and is one I should stay comfortable at. No more catch-weights hopefully.
“ShoBox has shown me love and has been very beneficial to me and my career. I’m definitely getting noticed more. I know I need to get a win on March 13 to continue to climb the rankings.”
LaManna, 23, is a determined young fighter with a sometimes unpredictable style. A pro since February 2011, he has been a fixture on Atlantic City boxing cards, having fought there eight times. LaManna, who is two-and-a half inches taller than Douglas, is looking forward to the opportunity and is confident he can spring an upset in his 10-round ShoBox debut.
“I’ve been waiting for a fight like this,’’ said LaManna, who is coming off a unanimous six-round decision over Gilbert Sanchez last Dec. 13. “Without a doubt they made a mistake by picking me. I am so excited for this fight and I am going to make the best of it. I know I am going to come in there 100 percent prepared and do what I have to do to get the victory.
“I know Antoine from the amateurs although we never sparred or boxed. I know he is a good fighter and this will be a good fight. This is what boxing needs, two undefeated fighters facing each other and what better place than on ShoBox.’’
Barroso, 32, is a power-punching nine-year pro who’s making his ShoBox, U.S. and 2015 debut. The well-traveled Barroso turned pro in August 2005, had two draws in his first six fights, but has won 12 straight since, 11 by way of knockout. In his most recent outing last Dec. 5, the devastating Barroso destroyed Maximiliano Galindo, scoring four knockdowns — one in the first and second and two in the third — en route to a third-round knockout.
Kinda, 27, who was born in Ouagadougou (pronounced wa-ga-DOO-goo), Burkina Faso, is making his 14th start in New York. Kinda turned pro in January 2009 and won his initial 16 fights, including the New York state 140-pound title. He is coming off a second-round TKO over Kevin Carter last Jan. 17 in Tennessee.
“My style is moving, punching and attacking people,” said Kinda, an accomplished amateur who was the 2007 African Championships silver medalist at 132 pounds. “I want do my best to be known as a good fighter in the U.S., and around the world. This is my first shot to prove myself on a big stage and I’m not going to let it slip away.
“His power doesn’t scare me. I’ll be ready.”
The Odom-Hernandez bout has “grudge” written all over it. “There’s obviously some intrigue in the rematch because of the way the first fight ended,’’ Farhood said. “Odom proved in his one ShoBoxappearance to be a very exciting, big punching prospect and I can’t wait to see him again.’’
Odom, 21, a top amateur and 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds, had a 12-fight win streak end on Jan. 9, 2015, when he was disqualified in the fourth round for continuing to punch and land shots after he’d dropped Hernandez with a flurry of punches. The crowd booed, but Hernandez was clearly down.
“This time it will be a totally different fight,’’ Odom insisted. “I will leave no doubt. I was on my way to winning easily and he was out to try and give me my first loss anyway he could. So he just quit. I’m looking forward to March 13 to avenge that loss and get the win that I should have the last time we fought.”
In his ShoBox debut, Odom overcame the first cut of his career to register two knockdowns—in the fourth and seventh rounds—en route to knocking out previously undefeated Vilier Quinonez (8-0 going in) in the seventh round on July 25, 2014.
Hernandez, 29, scoffs at the notion that he quit and concedes that while Odom is talented, it was his opponent who was the one looking for a way out.
“I find it hilarious that he says I quit,’’ Hernandez said. “I honestly think the reason why he got disqualified is because he was looking for a way out. All his talk has me absolutely looking forward to this fight. I don’t want just a victory, I want a knockout and I’m going to get it. He can say what he wants, but I guarantee you. I’m going to stop him.
“Odom’s really talented and very strong, no doubt about it, but that may go against him and I’m going to make him pay. He throws very wide punches and is not a very good boxer. He’s obviously talented and has a lot of knockouts but if you have boxing skills and can take a punch, you can pretty much take him apart.
“I felt I was landing what I wanted in the first fight and feel I would have stopped him. I thought I was doing fine the first three rounds. And now I know what I’m up against. He can say what he wants, but he was the one who head-butted me several times. One finally cut me right on my ear and it cost me seven stitches.’’
Lopez, 24, and Cruz, 28, will be making their ShoBox and eight-round debuts and will be fighting for the first time outside of Texas. It is unquestionably the most dangerous fight to date for both prospects.
A top amateur before going pro in February 2012, Lopez has scored two knockouts in a row, including a fifth-round TKO over Leonardo Torrez in his most recent scrap last Aug. 30.
Cruz was also an accomplished amateur. Due to his dual citizenship –his father hails from El Salvador – Cruz competed for El Salvador in the amateurs, was a 2011 Salvador National Amateur Champion and made it to El Salvador’s Olympic Trials. Cruz has fought three times since last September. In his last outing he won a six-round unanimous decision over Manuel Rubalcava on Jan. 22, 2015.
The fighters are confident of making the next step in their career a successful one, and both anticipate a terrific battle.
“It’s going to be a really good fight,’’ said Lopez, an aggressive counter-puncher who’s trained by former two-time world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez. “We’re familiar with each other. We sparred once. I’m not going in totally blind. I expect a competitive fight. We are both undefeated and from Texas.’’
“I think it’s going to be a super fight. Lopez is a great fighter. I have heard excellent things about him,” said Cruz. “This is going to be a huge challenge for me. It’s going to be a great show. I am going to work and do my thing. I’m ready and excited to walk out of that ring undefeated.’’
Advance tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $150, $125, and $60 for general admission. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations,thespacewestbury.com, The Space at Westbury Box Office at 516.283.5566 or by calling the GCP Office at 212.851.6425.
The event is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino & Westbury Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Dealership & Maxim Group.
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 withRichard 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 58 fighters who have appeared onShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, 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.
Antoine Douglas to take on Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna in Sho Box headliner on Friday, March 13 at the Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York
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SAMMY VASQUEZ DOMINATES EMMANUEL LARTEY FRIDAY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
Catch The Replay On Monday, Feb. 23 At 10 p.m. ET/PT
On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos
Credit Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME®
PITTSBURGH, PA. (Feb. 21, 2015) – Sammy Vasquez put on a show for his hometown fans in Pittsburgh, winning a near-shutout 10-round unanimous decision (99-91 twice, 100-90) over Emmanuel Lartey in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Feb. 20 from CONSUL Energy Center.
Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) entered the bout seeking his 10th consecutive knockout against an opponent who hadn’t been knocked down before and had been in the ring with two U.S. Olympians. The military veteran wasn’t able to finish Lartey (17-3, 8 KOs, 1 NC), but that was just about the only thing that didn’t go his way in a thoroughly impressive performance in which he landed 50 percent of his power shots.
Vasquez started slow and was able to pick his shots in the early rounds, but he accelerated the tempo in the second half of the fight as Lartey appeared to slow down. The hometown favorite did his best work with Lartey against the ropes and landed at will in the middle rounds. Lartey seemed like he was ready to quit on his stool after the eighth, but he continued and Vasquez slowed his production in the final two rounds and cruised to the victory.
“I thought he was going down a few times but he hung in there,” Vasquez said. “The jab was going well, but I made a couple of mistakes because I started feeling comfortable. I knew he was hurt after the eighth and my corner told me to step off the gas a little bit and pick my punches more instead of just storming him.
“I thought he was going to quit a couple times on his stool. He’s a tough guy – no one could knock him out. I couldn’t either.”
Lartey dropped his third fight to a top prospect after decision losses to Errol Spence Jr.and Felix Diaz.
“Sammy is a tough fighter,” Lartey said. “He’s really strong. I did my best, but he was just too good.”
After the fight, ShoBox announcer Steve Farhood broke down Vasquez’s impressive game plan.
“It was a very controlled and intelligent performance by Vasquez, accelerating as the rounds progressed, dominating every round and controlling the action whether boxing, attacking or pinning Lartey against the ropes,” Farhood said. “He showed a lot and he deserves the reputation he has as being one of the top young American welterweights.”
Craig Baker knocked out Humberto Savigne in a stunning upset, finishing the heralded former Cuban amateur with a highlight-reel TKO at 1:58 of the second round.
Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs, 1 NC), who had a huge size advantage and was the heavily favored fighter, landed a series of right hands in the first and looked like he could make it a quick night against the undefeated-yet-untested Baker. But the Texan fought like an opponent who had nothing to lose against Savigne, an experienced veteran with over 400 amateur bouts under his belt.
Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) landed a few decent shots in the first and came out blazing in the second, throwing a high volume of punches with Savigne against the ropes. Fighting in a small ring, Savigne had nowhere to go and continually ate shots on a suspect chin before falling face forward to the canvas. Savigne got up, but he fell into the ropes and was clearly out on his feet, forcing the referee to halt the contest at 1:58.
“I hurt him in the first round and I could tell that his chin was weak, I could tell that I could finish him,” Baker said. “In the second, I just smelled blood and I knew I had to go to work, I had to finish him.
“Nobody gave me a chance going in, but I was the undefeated fighter and he wasn’t. I worked too hard to come here and lose. I just have to keep working. You haven’t seen the last of me – this is a life changing moment.”
The 36-year-old Savigne was clearly shocked after the fight.
“He was the better man tonight,” Savigne said. “I wasn’t expecting him to be as tough as he was. I made a huge mistake in taking him lightly. This is something that I’ll learn from. Now I’ll go back to the drawing board. I’ll go back to the gym – I’ll keep working hard and I’ll be back.
“In the first round, Baker hit me on the side of the ear and I lost equilibrium. I was completely dizzy. He hurt me with that shot. He was the better man tonight.”
Claudio Marrero won a dominating unanimous decision victory over Orlando Rizo in the opening bout of the telecast. Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) controlled the bout from the outset, knocking Rizo (18-6, 11 KOs) down four times en route to a convincing victory scored 78-71, 78-70, 80-68.
Marrero was the more aggressive and effective fighter, landing 43 percent of power punches and 39 percent of his total punches.
“I was trying to set up the big shots so I could end the night,” Marrero said. “It got away from me at times, but it was a good preparation for taking that step for a shot at a world title.
“I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out. I underestimated his tenacity to get back up and stay in the fight and I need to work on my discipline so that doesn’t happen again. I feel that I’m ready for a shot at a title whenever I get an opportunity.”
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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 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, 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.
“MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO”: STEPHEN ESPINOZA AND KEN HERSHMAN MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS
“We believed this day would come, we worked hard to make it happen and we’re thrilled that it is here.”
– Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports®
“This is the biggest boxing event of all time, we’re confident of that. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it and help craft it.”
– Ken Hershman, President HBO SPORTS®
Live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 2
Live Audio Stream
http://www.conferenceplayback.com/stream/55574793/BEYR0220.mp3
NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2015) — It’s a done deal! Undefeated Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) will fight longtime rival Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) in a Welterweight World Championship Unification Bout live on Pay-Per-View on Saturday, May 2.
Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, and Ken Hershman, President of HBO SPORTS, were made available to the media just minutes after the fight was officially announced by Mayweather via his Shotsaccount.
Here are highlights from what Hershman and Espinoza had to sayFriday:
KEN HERSHMAN, President HBO SPORTS
“This is the biggest boxing event of all time, we’re confident of that. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it and help craft it.
“We look forward to May 2. It’s going to be a spectacular night for this sport and for HBO and SHOWTIME as well.
“The Mike Tyson–Lennox Lewis joint pay-per-view fight was a great roadmap for this fight. It showed that this can be done successfully. There’s a lot of mechanics that go into this when two networks are working together, and those mechanics carry forward in terms of how things operate behind the scenes.
“The fight will be held on traditional pay-per-view, nothing out of the ordinary on that front. We’re looking forward to getting going, there’s a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports
“We’re thrilled to be a part of what we expect to be a record-breaking event. This deal is a product of a lot of hard work with some blood, sweat and tears along the way.
“I took this job approximately three years ago; the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has been a topic of conversation and a goal of not only ours, but of Floyd Mayweather’s since he came over to SHOWTIME a little less than three years ago.
“I believe that the direct line of communication between Floyd and Manny cleared up a lot of doubts on both of their minds and renewed their commitment to getting this fight done.
“We have had significant discussions as to who will make up the broadcast team; it will be an all-star team with a combination of talent from both networks.
“The meeting between Floyd and Manny at the Miami Heat game certainly greased the wheels in getting through the final stages of the process.
“One of the main reasons why this deal got done, as opposed to deals in the past, was because Leslie Moonves [President and CEO, CBS Corporation] was a part of the process. He was deeply committed to making this deal and was someone that all parties in this negotiation really respect. He was really the catalyst for seeing this through and refused to take no for an answer from any side.
“We believed this day would come, we worked hard to make it happen and we’re thrilled that it is here.”
THE FIGHT IS ON! Floyd Mayweather Formally Announces Mayweather vs. Pacquiao
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SAMMY VASQUEZ vs. EMMANUEL LARTEY SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS
Tripleheader TONIGHT! LIVE on SHOWTIME®
From CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Click HERE To Download Photos
Credit Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME
PITTSBURGH, PA. (Feb. 19, 2015) – Pittsburgh favorite and undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez tipped the scales at 147 ¼ pounds and Emmanuel Lartey measured 146 ½ pounds during Thursday’s official weigh-in for tomorrow’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader.
Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs), who has knocked out nine straight opponents, and Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, who has never been knocked down, will meet in the 10-round welterweight main event, live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
In the co-feature of the Goossen Promotions tripleheader, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweightHumberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout. Savigne measured 176 pounds and Baker weighed-in at 174 pounds.
In the opening bout of the telecast, talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match. Marrero stepped-in at 126 ¼ pounds while Rizo was at 126 pounds.
Advance tickets priced at $238, $100, $60, $40 and $25 for students and military with valid ID (Box Office Only), plus applicable fees, for “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” are on sale through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6 p.m. with the first bell at 6:30 p.m.
Here’s what the fighters had to say before Thursday’s weigh-in:
SAMMY VASQUEZ
“This fight is definitely going to be exciting. I can’t talk trash about Emmanuel – he’s a tough guy who has faced two U.S. Olympians and never been dropped. So there’s not much I can say about him.
“I’m looking to open up some flaws. I’ve seen a couple of things I can do to maybe make him hit that canvas.
“I hope everybody tunes in. We’ve trained hard and this is just the beginning. It’s the start of 2015 and by the end of the year I hope to be a top contender or get a title shot. But I have to get past Emmanuel first and that won’t be easy.”
EMMANUEL LARTEY:
“He hasn’t faced the type of guys that I’ve faced; he hasn’t faced the opposition that I have. He’s going to be surprised when he steps in the ring with me.
“No, I’m not worried about fighting in his hometown. I can win with a decision, but I’m going to be looking for the knockout to make an impression and make a statement.
“He’s definitely underestimating me. Sammy has built up his record with cupcakes.
“This is going to be a good test for him and a good test for me. I’m going to be the one walking out with a W.”
HUMBERTO SAVIGNE:
“I don’t take any opponent lightly. I know Baker is going to try to break me, but I’ve trained very hard and, in all honestly, I’m better than he is. Don’t take me wrong, I’m not overlooking him. I’m just determined to win, and I will, either by decision or knockout.
“I know I’m fighting a tough guy, but I’ve trained hard and this is my year. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such of great team.
“I feel that 2015 is my year. I’m ranked third in the WBC, and that’s only because I had six months of inactivity, otherwise I’d be second. After Baker, I want [Adonis] Stevenson.
“I suggest fans to get ready, sit back and enjoy because I’m going to give them a real show. I’m going to make Baker see fireworks.”
CRAIG BAKER:
“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for. I’m finally getting an opportunity to make a statement and surprise some people. I know I’m the underdog, but that doesn’t bother me. I’m undefeated for a reason. He’s the one with a loss on his record.
“A win would do wonders for my career. It would open up the door to some great opportunities.
“It will be an interesting fight. I’ll play it by ear, but I’m ready to be the aggressor and I’m ready to go 10 rounds.”
CLAUDIO MARRERO:
“I’m not intimidated by Rizo’s amateur accomplishments. If he says he trained hard, well, I trained ever harder than him. I think he’s the one that doesn’t know what he’s in for. Trust me – this is not going to be a day in the park. This is going to be a war.
“I wish Orlando Rizo good luck. He’s going to need it not to get knocked down.
“I’m not a trash talker. It’s simply not my style. I do all the talking I need to do with my fists in the ring.”
ORLANDO RIZO:
“I know this is not going to be an easy fight. I know Claudio Marrero is tough, but I’m ready for him. I’ve been training very hard for him. He better be ready, because I know I am.
“I don’t think he has ever fought anybody like me. My amateur credentials are impeccable. I’m a four-time military boxing champion, three-time Central American champion and former Nicaraguan and FECARBOX Champion. I also got a Bronze Medal in the 2007 Pan-American games in Brazil. So he better be ready for a tough fight, because I’m not going to make it easy for him.
“Claudio Marrero better have his A-game on, because I’m coming to take him down.”
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CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website,www.consolenergycenter.com
Social Media: Follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter @GoossenBoxing, Sammy Vasquez on Twitter @TeamSVasquez, Showtime Sports@SHOsports and CONSOL Energy Center @CONSOLEnergyCtr. Use hashtag #VasquezLartey to follow the discussion.
For more information on Goossen Promotions view their website atwww.GoossenPromotions.com. For additional information on Showtime Sports visit www.Sho.com/sports.
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 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, 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.
AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK TO SHOWCASE MILITARY VETERAN SAMMY VASQUEZ FOR UNIFORMED PERSONNEL OVERSEAS
Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® To Be Available to Uniformed Personnel in More Than 175 Countries
NEW YORK (Feb. 19, 2015) – For the second time, nearly one million uniformed military personnel serving abroad will be able to watch and support U.S. Armed Forces veteran Sammy Vasquez as part of a special agreement between SHOWTIME and the American Forces Network.
Vasquez, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, is featured in the main event of Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, which airs live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“It means so much to have my brothers and sisters in my corner and supporting me every step of the way. It’s just an awesome feeling,” said the undefeated Vasquez. “The military has helped me get to this point in my career and it’s a huge honor to represent them. It’s nice to give them a little taste of back home from a soldier who’s been there before. I can’t wait to make them proud this weekend.”
The service men and women of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines stationed around the globe in over 1,000 outlets in more than 175 countries and on the high seas will have free access toFriday’s ShoBox telecast. All SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecasts are offered to AFN as part of a gratis license agreement between the networks. AFN also aired Vasquez’s last ShoBox appearance, a first round TKO of then-undefeated Juan Rodriguez Jr. on April 18, 2014.
To give those abroad a better opportunity to view Vasquez on Friday’sShoBox, the three-fight telecast will be shown on a slightly delayed basis. The schedule:
- Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 7 a.m. ET on the AFN|sports channel.
- Noon for Greater Europe (CET)
- 2 p.m. local for Iraq
- 3:30 p.m. local for Afghanistan
- 8 p.m. local for North Asia (Japan, S. Korea)
Vasquez, who served in the National Guard from 2003 until 2012, was deployed to Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq for his first tour in ‘05-’06. He later returned to Iraq for a second tour in ’08-’09.
“My first tour was with the Second Brigade, which is not with the National Guard, but because of the high demand for soldiers needed over there, they started deploying the National Guard,” said Vasquez in April. “When I went the second time, I was at JSS Fallujah in Taji, Iraq. That was with the 56th Stryker Brigade. I was with the first National Guard Stryker unit to go over there.”
Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs) will be seeking his 10th consecutive victory by knockout when he takes on fellow southpaw Emmanuel Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, this Friday.
In the co-feature, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweight Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout. Talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match that will open the telecast.
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 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, 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.
PITTSBURGH FAVORITE SAMMY VASQUEZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR FRIDAY’S SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
Undefeated Vasquez to Face Emmanuel Lartey LIVE on SHOWTIME®
From CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
PITTSBURGH, PA. (Feb. 18, 2015) – Hometown favorite and unbeaten welterweight Sammy Vasquez held a media workout on Wednesday at South Park Boxing Club as he prepares to face fellow southpaw Emmanuel Lartey in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation, this Friday, Feb. 20, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs) is aiming for his 10th consecutive knockout. Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, has never been knocked down.
In the co-feature of the Goossen Promotions tripleheader, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweight Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout.
In the opening bout of the telecast, talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match.
Advance tickets priced at $238, $100, $60, $40 and $25 for students and military with valid ID (Box Office Only), plus applicable fees, for “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” are on sale through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6 p.m. with the first bell at 6:30 p.m.
Here’s what Vasquez had to say during Wednesday’s media workout:
SAMMY VASQUEZ
“Lartey has never been knocked out, but I definitely think I have the power to take him out. It’s more of the plan of setting it up — I’m going to set it up and put him in positions that he hasn’t been in before to make him uncomfortable.
“I want to make him throw punches that he normally doesn’t throw so I can open him up and capitalize on his mistakes.
“Fighting in my hometown gives me extra motivation. That’s one of the main reasons why I always come back here to Pittsburgh, why I always bring boxing back here. I just love the atmosphere that my fans give me when I fight. I’m just honored to put on a show and give them a great fight. Boxing has always been my dream and fighting in front of my fans in Pittsburgh makes it even better.
“I don’t feel like I’m in a position to be calling people out yet. I still have a lot of things to prove and that’s what I’m looking to do on Friday. I’m looking to prove myself and make a statement.
“I’m ranked pretty high, but there are plenty of names in front of me that I need to beat. I want to start fighting the top guys — that’s my plan for 2015.
“Once I get that name and recognition where I can call people out, then that’s when I will do it. When I feel I am ready and worthy. I need to get a win on Friday first.”
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CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website, www.consolenergycenter.com
Social Media: Follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter @GoossenBoxing, Sammy Vasquez on Twitter @TeamSVasquez, Showtime Sports@SHOsports and CONSOL Energy Center @CONSOLEnergyCtr. Use hashtag #VasquezLartey to follow the discussion.
For more information on Goossen Promotions view their website at www.GoossenPromotions.com. For additional information on Showtime Sports visit www.Sho.com/sports.
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 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, 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.
LIVE BOXING RETURNS TO CBS TELEVISION NETWORK WITH MULTI-YEAR VENTURE FROM CBS & SHOWTIME®
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