Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

JARRETT HURD KNOCKS OUT FRANK GALARZA IN MATCHUP OF UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Sergiy Derevyanchenko & David Benavidez Shine With Quick Knockouts

At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 14, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweight prospectJarrett Hurd handed Frank Galarza the first loss of his career with a sixth round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generationon Saturday from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

Galarza (17-1-2, 11 KOs), who was fighting for his fourth time onShoBox and favored against the relatively unknown Hurd, became the 136th fighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1NTILdM

 

Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) was the sharper, more accurate fighter from the opening bell against the largely stationary Galarza.  Hurd floored Galarza with a huge right uppercut –his favorite weapon– with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth, knocking “The Brooklyn Rocky” down for the first time in his career.  Galarza made it to the bell, but was clearly hurt and never recovered.

 

Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., blasted Galarza with another big uppercut in the sixth, forcing a clearly finished Galarza to turn his body away in defeat.  Referee Russell Mora had seen enough and stepped in to stop the bout at :59.

 

“I knew he was an experienced, tough fighter, but I stuck to my game plan, listened to my corner and came out victorious,” Hurd said.  “Once I was able to set up my counter shots, I knew I

could hurt him.

 

“This was my first time on national TV and I knew how important it was to be successful.  I’d like to fight again soon, hopefully early in 2016.  I’m ready to take my next step.”

 

Galarza promised to be back after the crushing defeat.

 

“I tip my hat off to Hurd, he was the better man tonight,” Galarza said.  “I didn’t fight my fight and he did. This type of stuff happens in our sport.  I’m disappointed in my performance, but mark my words I’ll be back, better and stronger than ever.”

 

“It’s a crushing blow to Galarza’s career,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood.  “Because of his late start in boxing and his age, he can’t afford a loss like this.  After the first round, he didn’t show any adjustment and lost every subsequent round.

 

“With that said, the story is obviously Jarret Hurd, who hadn’t fought a high level of opposition coming in, but stuck with a sound game plan, executed it well and showed no nerves in his national television debut.  He made a name for himself in stopping a legitimate tough guy in ‘The Brooklyn Rocky.’”

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, blue-chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenkodefeated Jessie Nicklow with an impressive diet of body shots and uppercuts in a dominating, third round TKO.

 

Derevyanchenko (7-0, 5 KOs) attacked Nicklow from the outset, landing an astonishing 72 percent of power punches and 56 percent of his total shots.  The durable Nicklow, who took the fight on short notice, could do nothing against the former Ukrainian amateur standout.  In the third, Derevyanchenko backed Nicklow (25-8-3, 8 KOs) against the ropes and unleashed a series of punishing shots against a defenseless opponent, forcing referee Jay Nady to step in and halt the contest at 2:18 of the third.

 

“This was a great performance by me,” Derevyanchenko said.  “Jessie was a very tough opponent.  I feel like I showed another element to my game tonight.  No one has done to Jessie what I did to him tonight.

 

“I’m improving every time and I feel like I’ll be ready for a title shot by the end of 2016.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated light heavyweight prospect David Benavidez scored three knockdowns en route to a first round TKO (2:00) of veteran Felipe Romero.   VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:http://s.sho.com/1NxpwT0

 

Benavidez (11-0, 10 KOs) had no trouble facing his most experienced opponent to date, knocking Romero (15-10-1, 9 KOs) down with a series of lefts to the body and head with less than a minute into the fight.  Romero got up, but Benavidez continued to pepper Romero and floored him again with a left hook to the body.  Ramirez again beat the count, but only lasted a few seconds before Benavidez finished him off with this third knockdown in just two minutes.

 

“I know how strong my body shots are and I knew they would be effective,” Benavidez said.  “I wanted to make a great impression in my first nationally televised fight.  I’m ready to get back in the ring gain as soon as possible.”

 

In a non-televised bout, former WBC Heavyweight World ChampionBermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) defeated Derric Rossy (30-11, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision (95-94, 96-93, 96-93) in his first fight since losing the title to Deontay Wilder last January.

 

“I feel good—it was great to be back in the ring again,” Stiverne said.  “I wasn’t rusty, but maybe I sparred too much in the gym.  He was a tough guy.  The knockdown was more of a flash knockdown.  It was a good punch, but I was a little off balance, too.

 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring soon and work my way back to become a world champion again.”

 

Stiverne knocked down with 10 seconds left in the first round.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air on Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Sunday, Nov. 15.

 

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 Chuck McKean directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @Notorious_FG, @Swift_JHurd, @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm 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 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

“The Brooklyn Rocky” Frank Galarza Faces Fellow Undefeated Jarrett Hurd

Plus, BlueChip Prospects Sergiy Derevyanchenko & Unbeaten Light Heavyweight David Benavidez Featured in ShoBox Tripleheader

 

Tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 14 At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Live On SHOWTIME®

 

Click To HERE Download Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 13, 2015) – A ShoBox: The New Generationtripleheader, highlighted by a super welterweight matchup between undefeated prospects Frank Galarza and Jarret Hurd, blue chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko and undefeated light heavyweight David Benavidez is set for tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 14 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

Featured in the main event, Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., will make his fourth ShoBox appearance as he faces fellow undefeated Jarrett Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs), of Accokeek, Md., in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

 

Former Ukrainian Olympian and undefeated prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) faces veteranJessie Nicklow (25-7-3, 8 KOs) in the eight-round super middleweight co-feature. In the opening bout of the tripleheader, David Benavidez(10-0, 9 KOs), of Phoenix, Ariz., makes his ShoBox debut against veteran Felipe Romero (15-9-1, 9 KOs), of La Paz, Mexico, in an eight-round light heavyweight matchup.

 

Galarza and Hurd, both tipped the scales at 154 ½ pounds each. Derevyanchenko measured at 164 ¾ pounds, while his opponent, Nicklow, weighted 165 ½. Benavidez measured at 171 ¼ pounds while his counterpart, Romero, weighed-in at 173 ½ pounds.

 

In non-televised action, Bermane Stiverne weighed-in at 254 ½ pounds, while Derric Rossy measured at 230 ¾ pounds. Charvis Holifield weighed 142 ¾ pounds, and Dwain Victorian weighed-in at 140 ¼ pounds. Sanjarbek Rahkmannov measured at 143 ½ pounds, while his opponent Somner Martin weighed-in at 143 ¼ pounds andTrakwon Pettis tip the scale at 138 ¾ pounds, while his opponent,Marquis Hawthorne weighted at 140 pounds even.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to Friday’s weigh-in:

 

Fank Galarza

“I don’t mind challenging fights. You put me in with a tough opponent and you’re going to see a tough Frank Galarza.

 

“We’ve been here already. We know what it takes to put my undefeated record on the line. I’ve faced the tougher fighters.  I know I can swing, but is he ready to swing?  I’ve been the [under] dog and been in with the sharks before. And I swam with them.

 

“I don’t think he’s ready for what I bring to the table. He hasn’t been in with someone like me.

 

“He’s going to try to come forward and bully me, but that’s not going to happen.

 

“It takes a tough guy to go in that ring. Anything can happen. At the end of the day, it comes down to who wants it more.

 

“I’m ready for a 10 rounder. I’ve been looking for one for a while.

 

“No matter how much video we watch, no one knows what it’s going to happen in the ring. We have to capitalize on his mistakes. Boxing is about adapting and I adapt very well.”

 

Jarrett Hurd

“It’s a great opportunity for us. We’ve been thinking about fighting [Frank] Galarza since last December.

 

“Frank might be confident, but he doesn’t intimidate me. My confidence is skyrocketing. My style matches up perfect for him.

 

“I know what I can do. I sparred with guys that are elite fighters –Lamont Peterson, Antoine Douglas, Dominic Wade, Austin Trout, Jerry Odom. We’ve been sparring with some of the best in [Washington] D.C. and Maryland.

 

“This is a huge fight for me. It could open the doors that I’ve been waiting for.”

 

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“He [Jessie Nicklow] doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. He has experience, but I’m ready to show off what I’ve been working on at the gym.

 

“I can always get better. I’m learning in every fight. There’s a big difference between the amateurs and the pros. I’m leaning new combinations, new techniques. I learn from my sparring partners every day.

 

“I was preparing for a fight in December, so that’s why the weight is contacted at 166. But I’m a middleweight –the future is 160.

 

“I’m ready to take the next step. [Gennady] Golovkin is the champion of the world, of course I’d like to fight him.

 

“Fighters from the Ukraine, we work hard because we know where we come from. Life wasn’t easy for us growing up.”

 

Jessie Nicklow

“I can back this guy up. The guy [Sergiy Derevyanchenko] is 30 years old and he has six pro fights. They think this is an easy fight, but I’m going to beat the crap out of him. I’m really excited.

 

“I think these people are stupid –I can’t believe they’re flying me in to fight this guy who’s got six fights. He’s got a big amateur background, but he’s only got six pro fights. I cannot wait to get in the ring Saturday night.

 

“I’ve fought an [Ryota Murata] Olympic Gold Medalist before. This guy doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. I’m not coming to lose. He’s on my soil and I’m coming to beat him.

 

“I’m 100 percent. This guy is smaller than me.  I’m used to fighting big guys.”

 

David Benavidez

“[Fernando] Romero is better than most of the opponents I’ve faced, so this is definitely a step-up for me.

 

“I’ve knocked down every fighter I’ve faced. I’m looking forward to putting this guy down.

 

“We sparred with southpaws in camp, so we’re ready if he switches on us.

 

“He likes to throw a lot of wild punches. We know there will be a lot of open opportunities for me.

 

“I sparred with Kelly Pavlik, Gennady Golovkin, Peter Quillin, Julius Jackson. I’m 18 and I’ve been sparring with some of the best fighters in the world.

 

“I’m focusing on fighting at 168. I don’t have any problem making the weight. I contracted higher for this fight [173], but 168 is the future for us. I’m very excited to fight on national TV for the first time.

 

“I used to be a lot bigger than I am now. I was 5-foot-4, 250 pounds when I was 13-years-old. I lost the weight and I started to grow.

 

“I don’t regret not fighting much in the amateurs. I’m happy I turned pro at 16. I had to move to Mexico to do it, but it was the right move for my career.”

 

Felipe Romero

“This is the best weight for me. I’m a natural light heavyweight.

 

“I’m working with a new trainer and we’ve been working on some new things. I’m focused full time on fighting.

 

“I know he’s good, he’s strong, he’s young, but he’s been fighting guys who aren’t very good. He hasn’t faced anyone with my experience. I’ve faced tougher guys and I’m coming to beat him.

 

“I need to be smart and use my experience. He hasn’t fought many rounds so we’re going to push him.  He’s not going to knock me out.

 

“I’ve fought all over the world. Fighting as an underdog is nothing new to me.”

 

Bermane Stiverne

“Training has been excellent and I’m ready to fight tomorrow night.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting again.  I’ve been off too long.

 

“I’ve climbed the mountain to become a world champion and I’m prepared to do it again.  I want to get my title back.”

# # #

 

 

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

 

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

 

Galarza vs. Hurd, 10-round super welterweight main event of ShoBox: The New Generation taking place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas and promoted by TGB Promotions. In the co-feature, Sergiy Derevyanchenko faces Jessie Nicklow in an eight-round middleweight bout and in the telecast opener, David Benavidez measures against Felipe Romero in an eight-round light heavyweight matchup.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Prograis vs. Ramos

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Cruz vs. Ferrer

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

 

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

 

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

 

Baranchyk vs. Ruiz

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Woodall vs. Rolls

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

UNDEFEATED WBC NO. 1 CONTENDER AMIR IMAM TO FACE ADRIAN GRANADOS ON SATURDAY, NOV. 28, ON SHOWTIME EXTREME®

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® (9 p.m. ET/PT)

Amir Imam vs. Adrian Granados – 10 Round Super Lightweight Bout

Oscar Rivas vs. Curtis Harper – 10 Round Heavyweight Bout

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® LIVE ON SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT)

James DeGale vs. Lucian Bute – IBF Super Middleweight World Championship

Eleider Alvarez vs. Isaac Chilemba – WBC Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2015) –WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (18-0, 15 KOs) returns to face Adrian Granados (14-4-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Saturday, Nov. 28 on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME.

 

The undefeated Imam is the mandatory challenger to WBC 140-pound champion Viktor Postol, who won the vacant title with a 10th round TKO of Lucas Matthysse in October.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City prior to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.  In the SHO EXTREME opener, undefeated heavyweight and former international star Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will face Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs) will defend his belt against former 168-pound champ Lucian Bute(32-2, 25 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT).

 

In the co-feature, the WBC’s No. 1-ranked 175-pound fighter Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) will square off with No. 2-ranked Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs) in a light heavyweight world title eliminator.  The winner earns the right to become the mandatory challenger for WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson.

 

The event, billed as “THE RECLAMATION”, is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

One of boxing’s fastest-rising contenders, the 25-year-old Imam has knocked out 15 of his 18 professional opponents since turning pro in 2011.  The Albany, N.Y., native is coming off a fourth-round knockout of former world title challenger Fernando Angulo on July 18 on SHOWTIME.

 

The 26-year-old Granados, of Chicago, has won three fights in a row since a close, split decision loss to undefeated welterweight prospectBrad Solomon on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao PPV last May 2 in Las Vegas.  Granados’ only other defeat since 2011 was a majority decision loss to then-undefeated Felix Diazin 2014.  Granados, who holds a draw against former welterweight world champion Kermit Cintron, will move back down to 140 pounds for his bout with Imam.

 

The Montreal-based Rivas represented Colombia in the 2008 Olympic Games.  The 28-year-old is coming off a three-knockdown, first-round TKO of Jason Pettaway on July 26 in his U.S. debut on ShoBox: The New Generation.  Rivas returns to the province of Quebec, site of 16 of his 17 bouts, against the 27-year-old Harper, who is 5-1 in his last six fights.

 

Harper, of Jacksonville, Fla., is coming off a close decision loss to long-time heavyweight contender Chris Arreola on March 13.  Harper was knocked down in the first round against Arreola but rallied in an entertaining slugfest.

 

Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, onwww.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

 

@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca,@stormalvarez, @SHOsports,

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

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

 

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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

GRADUATION DAY FOR ANTOINE DOUGLAS: UNBEATEN MIDDLEWEIGHT DROPS LES SHERRINGTON FIVE TIMES  EN ROUTE TO FOURTH-ROUND TKO IN MAIN EVENT  OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER  

 

 

 

Unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk Outpoints Aslanbek Kozaev,

Undefeated Keenan Smith Takes Close Decision over Benjamin Whitaker,

Sam Teah Deals O’Shaquie Foster His First Defeat

 

Catch Replay Monday, Nov. 9, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 7, 2015) – It was cold outside, the temperature dipping into the low 50s, but the elements did not affect unbeaten Antoine “Action” Douglas, however, as the talented world-ranked middleweight turned up the heat and impressively knocked out Les Sherrington in the fourth round in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader Friday live on SHOWTIME.

 

Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs), of Burke, Va., dropped Sherrington (35-8, 19 KOs), of Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, five times before the one-sided fight for the WBO International 160-pound title was stopped at 1:02 of the fourth. The quick, hard-hitting Douglas dropped Sherrington one time in the first and second rounds, two times in the third and once in the fourth.

In the co-feature from the specially-constructed ring outside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) across from the D Las Vegas, Ukrainian southpaw Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (13-0, 8 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif., pitched a near-10-round shutout over Aslanbek Kozaev (26-2-1, 7 KOs), of Vladikavkaz, Russia, to capture the WBO-NABO Regional Welterweight title. A former amateur standout and 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, Shelestyuk, won by the scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

In other results on a card promoted by GH3 Promotions and Banner Promotions, “Killa” Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KOs), of Philadelphia, won a unanimous eight-round decision overBenjamin “Da Blaxican” Whitaker (10-2, 2 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, in a competitive welterweight scrap and “Tsunami Sam” Teah (7-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (8-1, 5 KOs) of Orange, Texas, in a lightweight match. It was the 135th time a boxer suffered his first loss on ShoBox.

For Douglas, it was his fifth consecutive victory on ShoBox and likely may have earned him a spot on a future SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® card. The 10 fighters who’ve appeared five or more times on ShoBox have all gone on to challenge for a world title.

 

“Antoine Douglas is the perfect example of what we do in the ShoBox series. We build fighters. We develop them from prospect to contenders,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation and Senior Vice President of Production, SHOWTIME Sports. “We’ve seen Antoine grow. He started as a promising prospect, and we matched him really tough and each and every time he stepped up to the task. Tonight, he graduated from ShoBox with a spectacular performance; there are no doubts he is now a contender.”

 

“We got what Antoine Douglas needed: The type of utterly dominant performance that makes you want to see him against the best middleweights. Tonight was Antoine’s graduation from ShoBox. Now he’ll move up to bigger and better things,” said ShoBoxexpert analyst Steve Farhood afterward:

 

Douglas went 10 rounds for the second time and upped his winning streak to five since boxing a draw in July 2014.

 

“They said this was my graduation day, time for a cap and gown, so this was definitely a big win,’’ said Douglas, a top amateur who made it to the 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials and was the WBA’s ninth-ranked contender going in. “It was a great experience fighting onShoBox and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me getting me ready to go to the next level. Now, it’s time for me to take the next step.

 

“I expected to win, probably by knockout, but I didn’t expect it to be this way. I expected Sherrington to be tougher, more prepared. I think my jab was the key. It set him up for all the big shots I landed with my right hand and left hook.

 

“I knew I’d be faster than him. I was very prepared. One good thing I’m happy about is how I kept my composure.’’

 

Sherrington, who was fighting outside of Australia and making his U.S. and 2015 debuts, came in having won eight of his last nine fights, including his last pair. But the WBA’s No. 12 contender was no match for Douglas.

 

“Antoine Douglas is very good and he will go on to really big things in this sport,’’ Sherrington said.

 

“I’m not making excuses, but I was freezing and could never really warm up. And then he caught me cold. I came here to reach a lifelong dream of mine but it was not meant to be. I got welcomed into the big leagues in a big hurry and in the worst way. All credit goes to Douglas for that.’’

 

Farhood was impressed with Shelestyuk, a former amateur standout. “[Taras] Shelestyuk looked like the most mature fighter on the card,’’ Farhood said. “He has a wonderful amateur pedigree, he was an Olympic Bronze Medalist. He fought a fighter that made him fight and throw a lot of punches — he averaged 85 punches a round. He dominated the fight from the first round on and he looked like the world-class fighter that he was developed to be.”

 

Shelestyuk utilized his 3½-inch height advantage to dominate the game but outclassed Kozaev. “This was a good fight for me. I’m so happy. I won my first pro title, went 10 rounds for the first time and won all the rounds,’’ Shelestyuk said.

 

“The guy was a super tough opponent. I thought I was going to knock him out in a few of the rounds but he took all my hard punches. He was a warrior and had a lot more experience than me.’’

 

Kozaev, making his first start in 18 months, started fast but got outhustled and outworked from the second round on. “He’s a good fighter and I gave my best, but having not fought for such a long time was a big factor,’’ he said.

 

Smith overcame a nasty cut over the left eye from an unintentional headbutt in the sixth but came back to score a knockdown in the seventh. He triumphed by the scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

 

“Keenan Smith overcame a very bad cut to win this fight,’’ Farhood said. “He scored a knockdown that was unexpected late in the fight. I thought that it was a very close fight, but Smith did enough in the early rounds to win. He’s definitely a prospect that will get better.”

 

Smith was fighting for the fourth time this year after a three-year hiatus. He was less than enthusiastic afterward. “This was a rough camp for me. My mother died. I dedicated this fight to her and really wanted to get the knockout,’’ said Smith who wore all-pink trunks in her honor.

 

“I’m not all that happy because I felt I could have finished him even though my left shoulder was hurting and I was not 100 percent. I also couldn’t see much at all out of my eye after the cut.

 

“But tonight, it was like a welterweight fighting a junior welterweight. I weighed in at 141 and he was at 147. But going eight rounds for the first time was definitely a good thing. I just feel like I should have finished much stronger. The weather was not a problem.’’

 

Whitaker had a three-fight winning streak end. “The scoring was way off. It was a much closer fight than that,’’ he said. “I don’t understand how he could get warned the whole fight for holding, but never get a point taken away. The knockdown wasn’t even a knockdown. It was more of a trip. The ref asked me if I could continue and I was like, ‘I wasn’t even hurt, not even wobbled a little bit.’

 

“I would love to fight him again.’’

 

Teah won the opening bout of the telecast by the scores of 79-73 and 77-75 twice. “This was an upset,’’ Farhood said. “Teah beat a fighter who had been a tough amateur. The problem for O’Shaquie Foster is that he looked like an amateur. He didn’t adjust to the pro game. He didn’t show enough strength and enough determination. He was a disappointment and [Sam] Teah took advantage of that.”

 

Teah, making his eight-round debut, won his third in a row. “I’m ecstatic and couldn’t ask for anything better,’’ he said. “This is definitely my biggest win and I definitely felt I won. I could have done more, but I did enough. This was a great win for my team. Working 10 hours a day paid off for me.

 

“This was my first time going eight rounds and I felt strong. To beat an unbeaten fighter was huge. The first six rounds I coasted. The last two rounds fatigue set in and I started to feel the weather, but I feel great now.’’

 

If anyone of the eight boxers froze under the bright lights it was Foster. “For some reason I just wasn’t myself in there,’’ a visibly disappointed Foster said. “I could have done so much more but I just didn’t throw enough punches. It’s time for me to regroup and get it together for the next time.’’

All but Douglas were making their ShoBox debuts.

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

 

DAY                                                                 CHANNEL

Monday, Nov. 9, 10 p.m. ET/PT                    SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning today/Saturday, Nov. 7.

 

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

OSCAR ESCANDON GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN AGAINST GARY RUSSELL JR. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

 
Live On SHOWTIME® at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

Click HERE For Photos From Team Escandon
LAS VEGAS (November 2, 2015) – As he nears his Saturday, Nov. 14 showdown against WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs), featherweight contender Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) is primed and ready for the challenge.  The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main-event will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The co-main event of the evening will see undefeated super welterweights Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs) and Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round clash.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.
Less than one month after Russell Jr. and Escandon square off, SHOWTIME Sports® will present another high-profile matchup between elite 126-pound fighters as WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar defends against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo on Dec. 5 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
While working out in Las Vegas with Coach Ruben Guerrero, Escandón gave his thoughts on training camp, fighting Gary Russell Jr., and his quest to become a world champion.
On his matchup with Gary Russell Jr.:
 
“Gary Russell Jr. is a very skilled fighter but he doesn’t know what it’s like to be in a rugged fight.  Everyone knows I come to fight and Russell is going to find out firsthand what it’s like to be in a war. He better be ready to take some lumps.”
On training in Las Vegas:
“Running in the high elevation here in Las Vegas has been great for my stamina.  I’ve adjusted to the atmosphere and my body feels extremely strong.  I’ve gotten some great sparring with a lot of different looks, guys that move like Russell. I couldn’t be more prepared then I’ll be for this fight.”
On working with Ruben Guerrero:
“Ruben and I have been working great together.  His knowledge of fighting southpaws is excellent and we have a great game plan going into this fight.  Everyone can expect to see me throw a lot of punches.”
On his quest to become a world champion:
“Becoming a world champion is something I’ve wanted my whole life.  I’ve been close a couple of times.  In those fights I made the mistake of leaving the decision in the judges’ hands.  This time around, I’m going for the knockout, to assure myself victory.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

BROOKLYN’S YURI FOREMAN RETURNS TO THE RING FROM TWO-YEAR HIATUS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT BARCLAYS CENTER

 
Top New York City Boxing Talent Rounds Out Brooklyn Vs. Brooklyn Showdown Between 
Daniel Jacobs and Peter Quillin
 
This Monday, Nov. 2 – Media Op with Undercard Fighters at Barclays Center –
Details to Follow
 
BROOKLYN (October 29, 2015) – Former world champion and Brooklyn-native Yuri Foreman (32-2, 9 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since 2013 as part of a stacked undercard featuring a diverse group of fighters from across the boroughs and regions of New York on Saturday, December 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The slew of additional talented fighters featured on the card include undefeated rising star from Staten Island and 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (16-0, 12 KOs), undefeated Brooklyn-native Heather “The Heat” Hardy (14-0, 3 KOs) and Queens’ firefighter Will “Power” Rosinsky (19-2, 10 KOs) who takes on Long Island’s Joe Smith Jr. (19-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight contest.
“Fans will want to arrive at Barclays Center early on December 5th as we have a tremendous undercard on hand for the live audience featuring neighborhood rivalries and talented fighters of multiple nationalities and backgrounds,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Polish-American Will Rosinsky, of Queens, faces off against Irish-American Joe Smith, of Long Island. Former champion and Italian American top-rated contender Chris Algieri, of Huntington, Long Island challenges tough Ecuadorian Erick Bone.
“The popular Irish-American Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy has become a staple at Barclays Center and will compete in her fifth appearance at the venue. Another former champion and an ordained Orthodox Rabbi, Yuri Foreman will make his long awaited ring return following the completion of his rabbinical studies. Staten Island’s unbeaten light heavyweight prospect and former Olympian ‘Sir’ Marcus Browne will look to continue his streak of impressive performances as well.”
The loaded lineup of fights will precede the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader headlined by the all-Brooklyn battle between middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) and former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs). ).  In the co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) will face exciting Puerto Rican contenderJonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs).
Long Island’s Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) will return to Barclays Center and square off against Erick Bone(16-2, 8 KOs) in a previously announced undercard bout. Algieri and Smith Jr. are both promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
This Monday, Nov. 2, a special media-op will take place outside of Barclays Center followed by a luncheon with the fighters announced in this release. Additional details are forthcoming.
An ordained rabbi, Foreman moved to Brooklyn from Belarus at a young age and found solace inside the legendary Gleason’s Gym. Foreman was sensational in winning the first 27 fights of his career before he defeated Daniel Santos in November 2009 to capture a super welterweight world title. While he lost an all-New York showdown with Miguel Cotto at Yankee Stadium in 2010, Foreman won the last four fights of his career before retiring in 2013. Now the 35-year-old returns to the ring to fight in front of his hometown fans.
A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Browne has been very impressive since making his pro debut in November 2011. The 24-year-old Staten Island-native has put together a big 2015 with victories over Cornelius White and Aaron Pryor Jr. before he knocked out former world champion Gabriel Campillo in the first round in September. Browne will be making his 10th career start at Barclays Center, the most of any fighter.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match last year, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On December 5, she will be making her fourth consecutive appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi leading up to her third fight of the year in December.
Residing in Ozone Park, New York while also serving as a firefighter in Queens, Rosinsky is seeking is fourth consecutive victory. The 30-year-old won the U.S. Amateur Championship at light heavyweight in 2005, was a four-time New York Golden Gloves champion and began his pro career with 14 straight wins. His only defeats were to Edwin Rodriguez and former world champion Kelly Pavlik. He enters the December 5 contest having taken down Paul Gonsalves and Shujaa El Amin to start 2015.
At 26-years-old, Smith Jr. is looking to continue to make a name for himself in the division. The 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion picked up victories over veterans Michael Gbenga, Oti Griffin and Tyrell Henrix in 2014 before adding two more triumphs to his ledger in 2015. The Long Island-native has racked up 13 wins in a row and will be making his Barclays Center debut on December 5.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.

UNDEFEATED CONTENDERS FRANK GALARZA & JARRETT HURD  MEET IN SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® CO-FEATURED EVENT

 
SATURDAY, NOV. 14, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS
 
LAS VEGAS (October 28, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweights Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs) and Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs) will meet in an important 10-round clash that serves as the co-featured event for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) on Saturday, Nov. 14 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The main event, live on SHOWTIME®, will feature WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr.(26-1, 15 KOs) in the first defense of his world title against Oscar Escandon (24-2, 16 KOs).
“I’ve been here before but I know that I still have something to prove,” said Galarza. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m ready to show the world I’m one of the best 154-pound fighters in all of boxing.”
“It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hands,” said Hurd. “I’m excited about this fight and ready to show the world my ability come Nov. 14.”
“Galarza and Hurd represent two of the best undefeated prospects in the super welterweight division,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “It’s a high risk, high reward fight which will bring out the very best in both fighters for those watching on SHOWTIME and in attendance at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.
A contender in the 154-pound division, Galarza has won six straight fights since the start of 2014, including a thrilling second-round knockout over previously unbeaten John Thompson. A Brooklyn native who turned pro in 2010, the popular Galarza has inspired many with his personal story of perseverance. In his last appearance on April 10, Galarza scored a third round knockout of Sheldon Moore in his hometown of Brooklyn on ShoBox: The New Generation.  The 30-year-old will look to make his mark in his first shot on a big stage when he enters the ring on Nov. 14.
Fighting out of Accokeek, Md., Hurd has an unblemished professional record since turning pro in 2012. The 25-year-old opened up 2015 with a third-round stoppage of veteran Eric Mitchell and followed with a seventh-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jeff Lentz in August. He will take a step-up in competition when he challenges Galarza on Nov. 14.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION CHRIS ALGIERI RETURNS SATURDAY, DEC. 5 TO BATTLE ERICK BONE AT BARCLAYS CENTER

 
All-Brooklyn World Title Bout Between Daniel Jacobs & Peter Quillin Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ® Live on SHOWTIME®
 
BROOKLYN (Oct. 28, 2015) – Former world champion and Long Island-native Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) returns to Barclays Center in Brooklyn to take on Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The Algieri vs. Bone fight is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing and will be part of a stacked undercard featuring top regional talent that will be announced in its entirety soon. The undercard supports the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event headlined by the all-Brooklyn battle between middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) and former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs).  In the co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) will face exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo(26-4, 16 KOs).
“I am very excited to return to Barclays Center, where I have had some of my best showings,” said Algieri. “OnDec. 5, I am looking forward to having my best performance yet.”
“This is a huge fight for me,” said Bone. “I know Algieri well and I know that he is going to bring it. I am fighting a great fighter and after my performance on Dec. 5, the world will know my name.”
Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Algieri rose to fame in June 2014 at Barclays Center when he upset Ruslan Provodnikov for a super lightweight world title. The 31-year-old returns to Brooklyn after dropping a narrow and disputed decision to Amir Khan in May. The former kickboxing champion from Huntington, N.Y., built his boxing record on the strength of his excellent movement and skill with the jab. His victory over Provodnikov earned him a shot at Manny Pacquiao in Nov. 2014, a bout that Algieri lost.  He had previously defeated strong contenders Mike Arnaoutis and Emanuel Taylor on the way to his world title.
The 26-year-old Bone has fought in the U.S. since 2014 and began his career stateside with victories over Francisco Figueroa, Mahonri Montes and Peter Oluoch. Born in Manabi, Ecuador, Bone won the first 12 bouts of his career. Most recently he lost to former world champion Shawn Porter after taking over as a late replacement for Porter’s opponent.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.