Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TO AIR LIVE ON SHOWTIME® AT 5 P.M. ET/2 P.M. PT ONSATURDAY, APRIL 9 FROM THE O2 IN LONDON

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Encore Presentation At 8 P.M. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

NEW YORK (March 29, 2016) – The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL presentation of the IBF Heavyweight World Championship between undefeated American titlist Charles Martin and fellow unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua will air live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT onSaturday, April 9 from The O2 in London. 

 

An encore presentation will air later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT. 

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast will be hosted by Brian Custer with analysis from Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi.  Coverage of the event will be provided by Sky Sports with the play-by-play call from Nick Halling, analysis from Jim Watt and Carl Froch and post-fight interviews from Andy Scott.

 

The SHOWTIME telecast will include extensive highlights and analysis of the IBF Featherweight World Championship between defending titlist Lee Selby and American challenger Eric Hunter.

(EDITORS NOTE: Due to a change in the bout order at The O2 in London, SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL is unable to provide live coverage of this bout.)

 

Martin vs. Joshua is the third of four heavyweight title bouts in five months on SHOWTIME (see details below).  The scheduled 12-round matchup is the toughest test to date for both Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) and Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs), two bombers who boast a combined 94 percent knockout ratio. 

 

Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) vs. Hunter (21-3, 11 KOs) is the second of five scheduled featherweight title bouts in 2016 (details below), a lineup showcasing many of the world’s best 126-pounders aiming to unifying one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

 

“The heavyweight division is experiencing an incredible resurgence, and the featherweight division is rife with compelling matchups,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports.  “Martin vs. Joshua is a can’t-miss showdown between a newly minted American champion and one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.  And Selby vs. Hunter has major implications in the talent-rich division. We are proud to work with Matchroom Sport to deliver these pivotal matchups to the U.S. audience.”

 

“I’m the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and that’s why I have no problem traveling to England for my first title defense,” Martin said.  “I only want to fight the best, and I plan on knocking Anthony Joshua out and taking his fans and the belt back with me.”

 

“The O2 is going to be rocking on April 9 and the U.S. fans are in for a treat when they see Charles and I clash,” Joshua said.  “Credit to him for coming over after calling me out, but he doesn’t know what he’s getting himself in for.  I am going to show all my power, all my speed and all my accuracy to put on the best display of my life and become the Heavyweight Champion of the World by knocking him out.  I’m delighted that fans in the U.S. will be able to witness it.”

 

“After a great experience in my first defense in Arizona against Fernando Montiel, it’s nice to be back in front of my home fans at The O2 in London,” Selby said.  “It’s going to be a crazy atmosphere with a 20,000 person sold-out arena.  Hunter has talked a lot of trash and I’m looking forward to showing him what it’s like at the world championship level.  He’s in for a shock.”

 

“He’s got a belt I want, and that’s all I know about him,” Hunter said.  “My team knows more about him than I do.  It’s their job to come up with a game plan.  My job is train and get ready to perform my best.  I can adjust to anything in the ring.  I’m just here at the gym working my butt off to get the job done. I’m going to be more focused than I ever have been for this fight.”

 

The 6-foot-5 Martin won the IBF championship on Jan. 16 when Vyacheslav Glazkov suffered a knee injury in the third round of their vacant world title fight.  In capturing the IBF belt, Martin, of St. Louis, Mo., became just the sixth southpaw heavyweight champion in boxing history and the second current American heavyweight titlist. 

 

While Martin has stopped his last 13 opponents and was the aggressor against Glazkov, the undefeated champ remains virtually untested. His first title defense and initial start outside the U.S., will take place at what is expected to be a pro-Joshua arena in London that sold out in just 90 seconds.  The 29-year-old Martin, who is trained by U.S. Olympian Henry Tillman in Big Bear, Calif., will be Joshua’s first professional southpaw opponent.   

 

Joshua had a standout amateur career that culminated with an Olympic Gold Medal at super heavyweight in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  Since turning professional in July 2013, the 6-foot-6 Joshua has steadily climbed through the ranks. 

 

One of boxing’s most promising prospects, Joshua is coming off consecutive victories over previously undefeated opponents.  In his last bout, the 26-year-old was pushed past the third round for the first time in his career.  Joshua defeated Dillian Whyte via seventh-round knockout on Dec. 12.  Now, Joshua returns to The O2, the site of his professional debut and five of his 15 professional bouts, in a bid to join Tyson Fury as the second current reigning British heavyweight champion. 

 

Joshua is also looking to become the sixth super heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist to win a heavyweight world title.  If successful, he will join an impressive group that includes George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Lennox Lewis andWladimir Klitschko.

 

Born in Barry, Wales, Selby won his world title with a dominant technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Gradovich in May 2015.  The slick boxer made his first title defense in his U.S. debut last October, capturing a unanimous decision over former three-division champ Fernando Montiel.

 

The 29-year-old owns a slew of victories over previously unblemished fighters including Joel Brunker, Ryan Walsh, Viorel Simon, Corey McConnell andStephen Smith.  He has won 18 straight since the lone blemish of his career, and six of his last eight victories came over previously undefeated opponents.

 

Hunter, who will take a four-fight win streak into his initial start outside the U.S., has always possessed an abundance of talent. Before turning pro, the Philadelphia native was an outstanding amateur and an alternate on the U.S. Olympic team.

 

The fast-handed 29-year-old has scored some solid victories as a pro, and his biggest enemy in a nine-year career has been himself – the switch-hitter doesn’t always keep his composure in check and allows his emotions get the best of him.  Two of Hunter’s three losses came by disqualification, the last coming via DQ in 2013 against Mike Oliver for hitting at the break.  The other came againstLuis Franco in 2010, when he had a point deducted in the second and was DQ’d in the eighth after repeated low blows.

 

If Hunter can keep his hot head from getting him in trouble, he’s confident he can upset Selby and join Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr. as U.S.-born world champion at 126 pounds. 

 

2016 Heavyweight Title Bouts (NOTE: all on SHOWTIME))

 

·         Jan. 16 WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka

·         Jan. 16 IBF Heavyweight World Championship Charles Martin vs. Vyacheslav Glazkov

·         April 9 IBF Heavyweight World Championship Charles Martin vs. Anthony Joshua

·         May 21 WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Alexander Povetkin

 

2016 Featherweight Title Bouts (All on SHOWTIME with the exception ofJune 25 “SHOWTIME BOXING on CBS”)

·         Feb. 27 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Kiko Martinez

·         April 9 IBF Featherweight World Championship Lee Selby vs. Eric Hunter

·         April 16 WBC Featherweight World Championship Gary Russell Jr. vs. Patrick Hyland

·         June 25 WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Championship Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares

·         Summer 2016 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton

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JAMES DEGALE LONDON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS AHEAD OF IBF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN WITH ROGELIO MEDINA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30,  LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Doubleheader at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
From The DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
 
Click HERE For Photos From Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Boxing
 
LONDON (March 29, 2016) – IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale held an open media workout on Tuesday in London as he prepares to make the second defense of his title against mandatory challenger Rogelio Medina on Saturday, April 30, live on SHOWTIME from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. 
 
In the main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), WBC 168-pound champion Badou Jack defends his title against former longtime titlist Lucian Bute.  The winners will meet in a super middleweight world-title unification fight later this year.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.  
 
See below for quotes from DeGale as he prepares to face Medina:
 
“I’ve never disrespected an opponent yet in the ring and I’m not going to start now.  Medina has a very good record and that means he is as dangerous and the next man.  This is boxing and unless you prepare properly you get found out.  I’m not going down that avenue.  I’m a winner and what I do is get in the ring and win. That’s what Medina is up against – a world champion and a winner.
 
“I’m too good for him, too fast, too strong, too quick.  I’ll beat him and it is just a question of how. I don’t care how it comes as long as I look good and I give the fans what they want, another winning performance and a reminder that I am the best super middleweight out there operating today.
 
“I respect Medina, but I belong in a different level and I will show that on April 30.
 
“I’m looking forward to it because this is another chance to show what I can do in America and it is also a mini-tournament.  The winner of my fight faces the winner of Badou Jack and Lucian Bute and that means a world unification clash.  I want to clean up the division and I have the opportunity to do that.
 
“I think Jack will win, but I’ve been in the ring with Bute and I know how strong he is.  He is a proper fighter and I would always give him a chance against anyone.  I think Jack will be too good for him, but who knows?  I hope it is Jack as I’ve already taken care of business against Bute, but I want to unify the titles and that means I will fight whoever is put in front of me.
 
“I’ve no trouble fighting in the U.S. and never will.  I would love to win again and take on the winner of Jack and Bute in London, but that is down the line.  What I am concentrating on right now is the next person who is standing in my way and that is Medina.
 
“I can’t wait to get back in action because I live for fighting. It is in my blood and I know that a win over Medina means a very lucrative fight with Jack or Bute.  I’m in this to make me financially comfortable for the rest of my life but above all, I’m in it for the glory.
 
“The day I became world champion was the best of my life, along with winning Olympic Gold, and I don’t want to be a world champion for a few months.  I want to be recognized as one of the greats in the super middleweight division.  That means win a title and defend it against all-comers, anywhere and everywhere.”
 
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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DOUBLEHEADER OF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTS SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 30 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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WBC Champion Badou Jack vs. Former World Champion Lucian Bute
IBF Champion James DeGale vs. Top Contender Rogelio Medina
 
Winners Set To Meet In Unification Bout
Later This Year On SHOWTIME
 
Tickets on Sale Now
 
NEW YORK (March 28, 2016)- A three-fight series to crown a unified divisional champion will begin on Saturday, April 30, when WBC 168-pound champion Badou Jack defends his title against former longtime titlist Lucian Bute, and IBF Champion James DeGale risks his belt against mandated challenger Rogelio Medina in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the DC Armory in Washington D.C.
The winners will meet in a super middleweight world-title unification fight later this year.
Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) will make his second title defense after a breakthrough 2015 campaign in which he won the WBC belt from Anthony Dirrell and successfully defended against George Groves.  The southpaw Bute (32-3, 25 KOs), a former IBF champion with nine defenses between 2007 and 2012, revived his career last November with a gutsy and inspired performance against DeGale.
“I’ve been training really hard for this fight and I’m excited to get in the ring,” said Jack. “I can’t wait to defend my title once again on April 30. The fans can expect to see an explosive and skillful performance from me come fight night. I believe I’m the best super middleweight in the world and that I have the skills to beat anyone I get in the ring with. I’m fully focused on Lucian Bute, but I know that a win can set up a massive fight against James DeGale and I’m going to deliver.”
“I’m thrilled to have this tremendous opportunity,” said Bute. “I was ringside for Badou Jack’s last two fights — well deserved world title wins. He is a great champion. I plan to train hard and be in the best shape of my career on April 30. It’s my chance to win the WBC belt and become two-time world champion. I will win and give boxing fans a spectacular fight.”
DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) will make his second title defense after an impressive 2015 in which he defeated Andre Dirrell to win the vacant IBF belt and topped Bute in a Fight of the Year candidate.  The hard-hitting Medina (35-6, 29 KOs), the IBF’s mandatory challenger, has knocked out three consecutive opponents.
“I am delighted to be defending my world title on another great show in the United States,” said DeGale. “I won my belt in style in Boston and I’m looking forward to moving down the East Coast to the great city of Washington, D.C. It’s going to be a defining night in the super middleweight division as Badou Jack and myself look to set up a huge fight later in the year. I’m fully focused on Rogelio Medina. He’s a tough Mexican who earned his title shot. But trust me, no one is getting my world title.”
“This is such a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Medina. “I’ve worked so hard for this and I am going to make the most of it. Everyone who has seen me fight knows I leave it all in the ring and you can expect to see an all-out battle on April 30. I will be the new world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
“Mayweather Promotions is proud to bring another exciting night of boxing to the great boxing fans in my hometown of Washington, D.C.,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “I’m really excited about the Badou Jack vs. Lucian Bute fight. It’s going to be a great fight. We know Bute is tough as nails and he’s coming to take the title away from Badou. Badou is going to have to be at his best to be able to beat Bute that night. The winner of that fight will set up a spectacular unification fight with the winner of the fight between British champion James DeGale and Mexican brawler ‘Porky’ Medina. DeGale can’t take Medina lightly if he wants the unification bout. It’s going to be a thrilling night of action at the DC Armory and on SHOWTIME.”
Badou Jack “The Ripper”, of Las Vegas by way of Stockholm, Sweden, captured the WBC 168-pound crown with a 12-round majority decision over previously unbeaten defending champion Anthony Dirrelllast April 24.  A former amateur standout who represented Gambia in the 2008 Olympics, Jack retained his belt against former world title challenger George Groves last Sept. 12 on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s final fight.  Jack, who fights under the Mayweather Promotions banner, was an underdog against both Dirrell and Groves.  The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old has won four in a row since a shocking first-round knockout loss to Derek Edwards in February 2014.
Bute, of Montreal, Canada by way of Romania, has been a super middleweight mainstay for the last decade.  He has competed in 12 title fights since 2007, scoring seven knockouts in nine consecutive defenses of the IBF belt he won in 2007 in his adopted hometown of Montreal.  During his title reign, the 36-year-old defeated the likes of Glen Johnson, Librado Andrade and Jean-Paul Mendy, but he lost the belt to Carl Froch in 2012 and a string of injuries kept him largely inactive over the next three years.  Bute returned from a 19-month absence in August 2015 under new trainer Howard Grant, knocking out Andrea Di Luisa to set up the title shot against DeGale for the crown he once held.  Bute stalked the switch-hitting DeGale with a relentless attack, turning in his most impressive performance in years in a close decision loss.
James “Chunky” DeGale, of London, England, won the vacant IBF belt in his U.S. debut last May by dropping Andre Dirrell twice on his way to a unanimous decision. The 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist then successfully defended it last November in a thrilling shootout with hometown favorite and former titlist Lucian Bute.  The 30-year-old, who’s only blemish came in a majority decision in his 11th bout against then-unbeaten George Groves, will make his third consecutive start outside his native England as he looks to become a global power at 168 pounds.
Rogelio “Porky” Medina is a hard-hitting veteran with 30 knockouts in his 36 career wins.  He’s knocked out three consecutive opponents, including a shocking third-round knockout of then-undefeated J’Leon Love in August, 2014.  Medina, 27, has suffered six losses in 42 fights, although those defeats came against opponents with a combined record of 187-16-3, including four previously undefeated fighters.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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Friday’s Knockout-Filled ShoBox: The New Generation To Re-Air TONIGHT At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

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Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE To Download Photos

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

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

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

 

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

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Givhan was shocked with the result.

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Weights:

Prograis: 141 pounds

Herrera: 142 pounds

 

Baranchyk: 139 ½ pounds

Givhan: 140 ¼ pounds

 

Golub: 146 ½ pounds

Aguas: 147 pounds

 

Cook: 154 pounds

DeLoach: 153 ¼ pounds

 

Here’s what the fighters said Thursday:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

AARON HERRERA

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

IVAN BARANCHYK

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NICK GIVHAN

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

IVAN GOLUB

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MARLON AQUAS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

DILLON COOK

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

JUSTIN DELOACH

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

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UNBEATEN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT REGIS PROGRAIS HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

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Prograis To Face Veteran Aaron Herrera This Friday, March 25
In Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs) scored consecutive victories over unbeaten prospects in 2015 on ShoBox: The New Generation.  This Friday, the southpaw super lightweight puts his unblemished record on the line against Mexico’s Aaron Herrera (29-4-1, 18 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox quadrupleheader, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

Check out THIS highlight video of Prograis, a New Orleans native who relocated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Prograis wears a werewolf mask during his ring walk as homage to his “Rougarou” nickname.  According to New Orleans lore, “Rougarou” is a legendary half-man, half-beast werewolf creature.  It’s a deviation of Loup Garound, which means “wolfman” in French.

 

“Parents use the Rougarou to scare children and keep them in line,” Prograis said.  “My father first started calling me that because in the gym everyone would say, ‘Your son is a beast’.  He would say, ‘My son is from New Orleans, so he is a Rougarou.’

 

“It represents my fighting style, my work ethic, and my Louisiana heritage.  Basically it means a swamp beast, with the mind and intelligence of a man.  In the ring I am ferocious, but I also use intelligence to win.”

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Dillon Cook Counting Down Days for ShoBox Debut!

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D Cook.jpg

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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IRELAND’S PATRICK HYLAND CELEBRATES ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH FAMILY AS HE PREPARES FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 16SHOWDOWN WITH FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION GARY RUSSELL JR.

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Featherweight Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT from Foxwoods Resort Casino In Mashantucket, CT.

 

MASHANTUCKET, CT (March 17, 2016) – Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland spent St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland with his family, trading green beer for his son’s green bib, as he prepares for his featherweight world championship showdown against Gary Russell Jr. on Saturday, April 16live on SHOWTIME® from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

 

“I spent St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends,” said Hyland. “We just got back from dinner after bringing my son up to the parade in Rathcoole.

 

“It was a lovely, sunny day for the beer garden, but none for me. I’ll have to celebrate April 17. I’m looking to bring that title back to Ireland.”

 

The Irish born and raised Hyland has won four fights in a row as he prepares for his world title opportunity stateside with the expectations of his nation on his shoulders.

 

“This win would be massive for the Irish boxing community,” said Hyland. “I want to become a world champion like Carl Frampton and Andy Lee and this is a prime chance. I’m going to proudly represent the Irish people and leave everything in the ring.”

 

Hyland has extra motivation, along with fighting for his wife, Lorna, and newborn son, Callum, he will be honoring the memory of his late father and longtime trainer who passed away recently.

 

“This fight means the world to me and it’s why I got into boxing,” Hyland said. “I’m dedicating this to my late father and after I win I’ll look up and say ‘Dad, we did it!’ ”

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with undefeated IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Jose Pedrazadefending against mandatory challenger Stephen Smith.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $90 and $45 not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.comand www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. The Pedraza vs. Smith bout is promoted in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.

 

For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.