kategorie Argief: Showtime

JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“I’m coming there to take a win home to Philadelphia and look good doing it, by any means,” – Ennis

Rising Welterweight Star Ennis Battles Former World Champion Sergey Lipinets Saturday, April 10 Woon op Showtime® in a Premier Boxing Champions Event

Klik HIER vir Foto's van Amanda Westcott / Showtime

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2021) - Onoorwonne weltergewig Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to cement his status as a rising star in the welterweight division when he takes on rugged former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in 'n Premier Bokskampioenskap-byeenkoms.

The 23-year-old Ennis will be facing the toughest competition of his career in Lipinets, as he enters the ring in his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event. Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Ennis has used sublime boxing skills and power in both hands to make his claim as the city’s next great champion.

Ennis put together a 16-fight knockout streak that included becoming the first person to stop Juan Carlos Abreu when he blasted out the longtime challenger in the sixth round in August 2020. Ennis was unable to extend that streak in December 2020, when his fight against Chris van Heerden was declared a no-contest after round one due to a clash of heads causing a severe cut on Van Heerden’s forehead.

Trained by his father Bozy Ennis, Ennis shared his thoughts on training camp, Lipinets and more below:

On headlining his first Showtime Championship Boxing card:

“It has made my schedule a little crazier. Being in the main event on SHOWTIME brings more attention, but I like it. I like being in the spotlight. I like to shine, so it’s nothing new to me. Now it’s fight time. I am locked in and ready to rock and roll.”

On training camp:

“We always do four-minute rounds in camp. I’ve been doing that since I was a baby. That’s another reason why I don’t sit down when I fight, because I am so used to the four-minute rounds. The three-minute rounds go by real fast on fight night. One thing we added this camp was the underwater treadmill work.”

On his final preparations:

“The week before the fight, we are winding it down and sharpening up. It’s been a great training camp. I have been getting better and better each and every day, and I can’t wait to perform next Saturday.”

On facing his first former world champion:

"Hy is 'n goeie vegter, but it doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s just another day in the office. He’s a regular person just like anyone else.”

On Sergey calling him a ‘typical Philly fighter’:

“I guess he knows I’m tough, gritty and I’m ready to rumble. I’m coming there to take a win home to Philadelphia and look good doing it, by any means.”

On his knockout power:

“I don’t think I have my man strength yet. I feel it will be one or two more years until I fully have my man strength. The crazy part is, I feel like in a fight, I still haven’t thrown a real power shot and really sat down on a punch yet. Everything I’ve been knocking guys out with has been all natural strength.”

On how he views his knockout streak:

“Some people might look at a knockout on April 10 as die 17ste consecutive knockout, some might view it as the start of a new knockout streak. Vir my, I don’t really care as long as I come out victorious. That’s all that matters to me. I’m not looking for a knockout but I’m going to take it if it comes.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs.. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in 'n Premier Bokskampioenskap-byeenkoms.

In die Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP boks mede-funksie, 'n paar swaar treffende weltergewigte vierkantig af as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in 'n WBA-titelverdelger van die WBA-weltergewig. Die televisie-aanvangsknop bevat IBF Junior Bantamgewig-wêreldkampioen Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas verdediging van sy titel teen Jonathan Rodriguez in 'n twaalf-ronde wedstryd.

Die geleentheid word bevorder deur TGB Promotions. Ennis vs.. Lipinets word bevorder in samewerking met D&D Boks.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, volg op Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotions op Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotions of word 'n aanhanger op Facebook by www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

SHOWTIME® TO DELIVER A FLURRY OF BELLATOR MMA™ CONTENT ACROSS PLATFORMS IN ADVANCE OF LIVE BELLATOR DEBUT ON APRIL 2

Exclusive Fight Content Includes Past Events, Hoogtepunte, And In-Depth Analysis of Featherweight And Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix

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NEW YORK – MARCH 19, 2021 – BELLATOR MMAis launching on SHOWTIME on Friday, April 2 withBELLATOR MMA 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 followed by two consecutive Friday nights of live championship MMA fight action. In anticipation of the launch, SHOWTIME will air a collection of BELLATOR specials and fight replays across its distribution platforms to set the stage for the April 2 live event featuring theBELLATOR MMA Featherweight World Grand Prix Semifinal, as well as the beginning of the highly anticipatedBELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix set to begin on Friday, April 9 and Friday, April 16.

Starting this week, both SHOWTIME subscribers and non-subscribers have access to an exclusive collection of fights that have paved the way for the compelling upcoming matchups in each of these premier mixed martial arts tournaments featuringGabriël VegaEmmanuel SanchezAJ McKeeVadim NemkovRyan Bader en meer.

Daarbenewens, SHOWTIME Sports will present a pair of highlight-driven specials hosted byMorning Kombat’sBrian Campbell and Luke Thomas to preview the Pitbull vs. Sanchez featherweight semifinal and the start of the eight-man Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix tournament. TitledROAD TO BELLATOR MMAbothspecial programs will consist of highlights, analysis, and fight predictions, as SHOWTIME Sports’ dynamic combat sports duo prepares viewers for the live debut of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME.

ROAD TO BELLATOR MMA: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 will debut on Monday, March 22 whileROAD TO BELLATOR MMA: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prixwill premiere one week later on Monday, Maart 29 op dieShowtime Sport enBELLATOR MMA YouTube channels.Both programs also will beavailable to subscribers on all SHOWTIME On Demand platforms, on SHOWTIME EXTREME, as well as to SHOWTIME distributors for their free-on-demand and online portals.

Op Saterdag, Maart 27, a replay ofBELLATOR MMA 253: Caldwell vs. McKee will air on SHOWTIME at 8 namiddag. ET / PT. The four-fight card, includingMcKee’s iconic “McKee-otine” finish over former BELLATOR Bantamweight World ChampionDarrion Caldwell that propelled the young star into the Featherweight World Grand Prix Final, will also replay onSHOWTIME on Sunday, Maart 28 by 12 Midnight ET/PT, and again on Thursday, April 1 by 9 namiddag. ET / PT.

BELLATOR 253, along with several past events which featured the world-class fighters in the upcoming tournaments, will be scheduled on SHOWTIME EXTREME weeknights at 10 namiddag. ET/PT and are now available on SHOWTIME On Demand platforms. Select events will be available for free to non-subscribers via SHOWTIME distributor platforms and on Pluto TV’s SHOWTIME Selects and BELLATOR MMA channels.

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up atSHO.com/BellatorMMA.

The following fight replays are scheduled for the weeks ahead as fans prepare for the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME:

·       BELLATOR MMA 252: Pitbull vs. Carvalho- (Original air date 11/12/2020)

·BELLATOR MMA 251: Manhoef vs. Anderson- (Original air date 11/05/2020)

·BELLATOR MMA 245: Davis vs. Machida 2- (Original air date 09/11/2020)

·BELLATOR MMA 244: Bader vs. Nemkov- (Original air date 08/21/2020)

·BELLATOR MMA 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie- (Original air date 06/14/2019)

·BELLATOR MMA 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch- (Original air date 04/27/2019)

·BELLATOR MMA 214: Fedor vs. Bader- (Original air date 01/26/2019)

·BELLATOR MMA 186: Bader vs. Vassell- (Original air date 11/03/2017)

·Meer, two individual bouts from BELLATOR MMA 209: - (Original air date 11/16/2018)

  • BELLATOR MMA: Davis vs Nemkov
  • BELLATOR MMA: Pitbull vs. Sanchez

Vir meer inligting besoekwww.bellator.com ofwww.SHO.com, follow on Twitter @BellatorMMA and @ShowtimeSportson Instagram @BellatorMMA and @ShoSports, of 'n fan op Facebook bywww.Facebook.com/BellatorMMA.

RISING WELTERWEIGHT STAR JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS BATTLES RUGGED FORER CHAMPION SERGEY LIPINETS on SATERDAY, April 10 LEEF OP SHOWTIME® IN 'N PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS GELEENTHEID

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Swaar treffende weltergewigte Eimantas Stanionis en Thomas Dulorme-tweestryd in die WBA-titeluitskakel; IBF Junior Bantamgewigkampioen, Jerwin Ancajas, verdedig die titel teen Jonathan Rodríguez in die televisie-opener

NEW YORK - Maart 17, 2021 - Toenemende ster in weltergewig Jaron “Boots” Ennis staan ​​voor sy moeilikste toets in die strewe na 'n wêreldtitel-skoot, terwyl hy sy eerste SHOWTIME-KAMPIOENSKAPSBOKS opskrif® teen die voormalige wêreldkampioen Sergey Lipinets. Hierdie formidabele deelnemers vergader in 'n twaalf-ronde, kruispad veg Saterdag met weltergewig-wêreldtitel-implikasies, April 10 woon op Showtime by 9 namiddag. ET / 6 pm. PT van Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in 'n Premier Bokskampioenskap-byeenkoms.

In die Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP boks mede-funksie, 'n paar swaar treffende weltergewigte vierkantig af as Eimantas Stanionis neem nog 'n stap in die klas terwyl hy die voormalige wêreldtitel-uitdager in die gesig staar Thomas Dulorme in 'n WBA-titelverdelger van die WBA-weltergewig. Die televisie-aanvangsknop bevat IBF Junior Bantamgewig-wêreldkampioen Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas verdediging van sy titel teen Jonathan Rodriguez in 'n twaalf-ronde wedstryd.

Die geleentheid word bevorder deur TGB Promotions. Ennis vs.. Lipinets word bevorder in samewerking met D&D Boks.

'Ennis vs.. Lipinets is 'n fantastiese stryd in die weltergewig-afdeling wat 'n stygende krag in Ennis uitspreek teen 'n voormalige wêreldkampioen in Lipinets.,Sê Tom Brown, President van TGB Promotions. 'Dit is 'n baie kompeterende stryd wat 'n boeiende botsing van style bied en groot gevolge sal hê vir die toekoms van die 147-pond-afdeling.. Nog 'n opspraakwekkende jong weltergewig sal die beste wen in die mede-funksie behaal, terwyl Eimantas Stanionis sy taaiste toets tot nog toe in die veteraan Thomas Dulorme pak. Jerwin Ancajas, kampioen van 115 pond, wil 'n indrukwekkende negende titel verdedig teen Jonathan Rodríguez, Mexiko., en al die bestanddele is beskikbaar vir 'n aksiebelaaide aand op SHOWTIME 10 April. ”

Ennis (26-0, 24 Uitklophoue) is die nuutste in die pantheon van uitstaande Philadelphia-vegters, sublieme boksvaardighede te kombineer met natuurlike krag in albei hande. Na talle verskynings op ShoBox: Die nuwe generasie, die 23-jarige Ennis het die eerste keer sy eerste SHOWTIME-KAMPIOENSKAP-BOXING-uitsending gegradueer. Hy is in die laaste wedstryd teen Chris van Heerden, Ennis ry 'n reeks 16 agtereenvolgende uitklophoue. Daardie reeks het geëindig toe die geveg ná die eerste ronde gestaak is weens 'n toevallige botsing van koppe wat 'n ernstige snywond op Van Heerden se voorkop veroorsaak het..

"Ek is opgewonde om weer op 10 April terug te wees," het Ennis gesê. 'Dit is die tipe geveg waarop ek gewag het. Ek kan nie wag om op te tree en 'n pragtige vertoning te lewer nie. Julle sal sien dat iets spesiaals uit my kom vegaand. Ek is opgewonde om die hoofgebeurtenis te wees. Dit is tyd dat ek skyn!"

Die 31-jarige Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 Uitklophoue) homself gevestig as 'n mag by 140 pond toe hy die IBF-wêreldtitel verower met 'n oorwinning oor Akihiro Kondo in 2017. Hy verloor die titel aan die vier-afdeling wêreldkampioen Mikey Garcia in 2018 en beweeg toe op na weltergewig in 2019. Hy het kennis geneem dat hy 'n aanspraakmaker op weltergewig sou wees, toe hy 'n indrukwekkende oorwinning oor die twee afdelings, Lamont Peterson, behaal het. 2019. Gebore in Kazakstan en verteenwoordig Rusland, Lipinets woon nou in Woodland Hills, Kalifornië en word opgelei deur die bekende afrigter Joe Goossen. Lipinets lewer in Oktober 'n hardegewende meerderheidstryd teen die onoorwonne Custio Clayton 2020.

'Oefening is uitmergelend en ek werk hard saam met Joe Goossen om op my bestaand op my beste te wees,”Sê Lipinets. 'Ons gaan moeilik, jong vegter in Ennis wat dink ek is 'n springsteen vir hom. Maar soms trap trapklippe jou op, en ek sal my bes doen om hom op April op te stoot 10. Ek doen net my bes om voorbereid te wees op wat ek verwag om 'n hondegeveg te wees. Elke aanhanger wat boks ken, weet dat dit 'n ware oorlog gaan wees en die moeite werd om in te skakel. Ek verwag dat ons soms in 'n telefoonhokkie sal veg, maar ek verwag ook dat hy sy reikwydte sal probeer gebruik en soms op 'n afstand moet veg. Maar maak nie saak wat hy doen nie, Ek sal gereed wees vir hom. '

Stanionis (12-0, 9 Uitklophoue) het 'n rits indrukwekkende oorwinnings saamgestel toe hy die vooruitsig tot die kandidaat opgeklim het. Hy betree die wedstryd teen Dulorme met vier agtereenvolgende uitklop-oorwinnings. Die 26-jarige van Litaue, wat nou in Kalifornië woon en oefen, lyk indrukwekkend toe hy drie vaste oorwinnings in behaal 2019, klop Samuel Figueroa via eenparige beslissing en teken vroeë stop teen Julio Cesar Sanchez en Evincii Dixon. Die onoorwonne weltergewig het die afdeling op die hoogte gebring met die rugbyspelende oorheersende hoofwedstryde in November en Desember 2020, toe hy die negende ronde uitdraf oor Justin DeLoach en Janer Gonzalez onderskeidelik.

'Dit is my eerste keer dat ek op SHOWTIME veg, en dit voel soos 'n droom wat waar geword het,”Het Stanionis gesê. “Dulorme is ervare en is al lank 'n goeie vegter. Op papier, dit is my moeilikste geveg, maar ek is gereed. Ek sal voorbereid wees op alles wat hy bring. Met ons style, dit gaan 'n oorlog te wees. Ek is nou gereed om te veg. Iemand gaan onder en maak nie saak wat gebeur nie, die ondersteuners gaan wen. ”

Die 31-jarige Dulorme (25-4-1, 16 Uitklophoue) het 'n stewige CV bymekaargemaak 140 en 147 pond tydens sy loopbaan, klim in die ring saam met die wêreldkampioen Yordenis Ugas, Jessie Vargas en Terence Crawford. Gebore in Marigot, Guadeloupe maar veg uit en verteenwoordig Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dulorme het teruggekeer van 'n verlies teen Crawford vir 'n titel van 140 pond deur 'n rugby-uitklophou aan te teken, gevolg deur 'n skrale beslissingsverlies vir Yordenis Ugas, die weltergewig in die eerste plek. Die wêreldtitel-uitdager kom met Jaman James se eenparige beslissingsverlies voor in sy laaste stryd in Augustus.

"Ek is baie opgewonde vir hierdie stryd op 10 April," het Dulorme gesê. 'Ek het kort gekom in my laaste stryd om die titel, maar 'n oorwinning teen Stanionis sal my weer in die posisie plaas wat ek wil hê. Hy is jonk en sterk, maar ek het baie meer ervaring en ek sal dit in die ring wys en dit sal my lei tot 'n oorwinning. ”

Verteenwoordig die Filippyne, Ancajas (32-1-2, 22 Uitklophoue) was net 15 jaar oud toe hy deur die bokslegende Manny Pacquiao opgemerk is. Die jong vegter het geblom met Pacquiao se leiding, die eerste wêreldkampioen onder Pacquiao se promosie-vaandel geword toe hy McJoe Arroyo vir die IBF Wêreld Junior Bantamgewig-titel uitgewys het in September 2016. Die 29-jarige Southpaw het sedertdien nog nie verloor nie en sal die negende verdediging van sy titel verdedig as hy Rodríguez aandurf.. In sy mees onlangse uitstappie in Desember, Ancajas het Miguel Gonzalez in ses rondes gekeer.

'Ek sien baie uit daarna om weer in April na die ring terug te keer 10 vir my eerste geveg op SHOWTIME,”Het Ancajas gesê. 'Almal ken die groot wedywering tussen die Filippyne en Mexiko, en ek sien daarna uit om nog 'n plofbare stryd by daardie geskiedenis te voeg. Veggeesdriftiges weet waar al die aksiegevegte tans is, en dit is die 115 pond-afdeling. Ek is dankbaar vir hierdie geleentheid en beplan om die meeste daarvan te benut. '

Mexiko se Rodríguez (22-1, 16 Uitklophoue) het die bynaam "Titan" gekry vanweë sy wonderlike mag. Sedert hy in Maart 'n omstrede verlies aan Jose Martin Estrada Garcia gehad het 2018, die 25-jarige het ses aaneenlopend gewen, insluitende 'n uitklopoorwinning oor Julian Yedras in Desember verlede jaar. Hy gaan sy Amerikaanse. debuut teen Ancajas.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” said Rodríguez. “When I started boxing, it was my dream to fight for the world title and win it. April 10, all of my dreams and hard work will come true when I hear ‘and the new IBF champion of the world.’”

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosts the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: ringside reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. Die televisie-opname word vervaardig deur Raymond Smaltz en onder leiding van Chuck McKean. Die voormalige junior middelgewig-wêreldkampioen Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez en die sportvoorspeler Alejandro Luna dien as kundige ontleders in Spaans oor sekondêre klankprogrammering. (SAP).

Vir meer inligting besoek www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, volg op Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotions op Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotions of word 'n aanhanger op Facebook by www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ SIT DIE SUPER MIDDELGEWIGSE AFDELING OP KENNISGEWING,STOP RONALD ELLIS IN DIE 11DE ROND VAN SATERDAG SE SHOWTIME-KAMPIOENSKAP BOXING® HOOFGEBEURTENIS

Liggewig Sensasie Isaac Cruz verdien eenparige besluit teen Matias Romero in die eerste verlies; Terrell Gausha behaal die nadruklike TKO-oorwinning oor Jamontay Clark in die TV-opnemer op SHOWTIME® in Premier Boxing Champions Event

Klik HIER vir Foto's van Amanda Westcott / Showtime
(Photos will be uploaded shortly)

Click Here to Watch the Main Event’s Final Moments

Click Here to Watch David Benavidez’s Post-Fight Interview

Uncasville, Conn. – March 13, 2021 - Former two-time world champion David Benavidez kept his perfect ring record intact with an 11ste-round technical knockout victory against veteran Ronald Ellis in their WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator main event on Saturday night’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in 'n Premier Bokskampioenskap-byeenkoms.

Phoenix’s Benavidez (24-0, 21 Uitklophoue) flashed brilliant hand speed, accuracy and power as he dominated Ellis (18-2-2, 12 Uitklophoue) van Lynn, Massa., oor 11 rounds before referee Johnny Callas finally waved off the fight at 2:03 of the penultimate round. The 24-year-old star held a significant lead on all three scorecards (99-91, 98-92 x2) at the time of the stoppage.

“I rate my performance pretty good but I know I could have done better,” said Benavidez, who extended his perfect record to 24-0. “Ronald Ellis is a tough competitor. I just hope the fans like what they saw. I threw a lot of combinations, punches in bunches. There were a lot of times I thought Ellis was going to quit but he didn’t. Hats off to him, hy is 'n moeilike man. It was a little later than I wanted but a stoppage is still a stoppage. I hope the fans got a good show tonight.”

A boxing prodigy turned youngest super middleweight world champion in boxing history, Benavidez turned in a masterful performance as evidenced by his punch stats, landing 289 van 532 power punches thrown for an eye-popping connection rate of 54%. Benavidez connected on 50 punches in the 11ste round which ultimately led to the stoppage. Both fighters combined to throw 1,403 stoot. Following his dominating win on SHOWTIME, Benavidez is one step closer to reclaiming a super middleweight world title.

“I want all the big guys,” Benavidez added. “Speaking for the fans too, they would love to see me against all the big guys because as you can see, I love throwing punches. I love stopping people so me versus any big name would be an amazing fight. Ek wil [Jermall] Charlo, Rumo Alvarez, Kaleb Plant, all of them.”

Ellis, 31, showed tremendous determination and a very sturdy chin as he absorbed the constant onslaught from the former two-time world champion. Often working off the ropes as Benavidez pressed the action, Ellis landed 89 van sy 334 jabs.

“I could have popped the jab and controlled things a little bit more and not let him smother me,"Het Ellis. “Hell yeah I wanted to finish. I didn’t want to give him that satisfaction. I could have moved a little bit more and not taken so many shots to the head. Hats off to him. He did what he had to do. Hy het my nog nooit seer, that’s the funny thing. I took a lot of shots but he didn’t damage me or have me super hurt. I never thought about quitting.”

The sports world lost an icon today as the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler was reported hours before the live telecast began. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Hagler, wat was 66 jaar oud, fought in the first main event ever on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on March 10, 1986. Hagler was honored with a ceremonial 10-count prior to tonight’s main event. Click Here to Watch SHOWTIME’s Tribute to Marvin Hagler

Benavidez reflected on Hagler’s passing after the fight: 'Ek het Marvin al een keer ontmoet en hy was 'n groot kampioen. Iemand het my vertel dat hy die eerste geveg op SHOWTIME gevoer het. Iemand in my span het my 'n paar uur voor die geveg laat weet dat hy geslaag het. Dit is hartseer en hy sal gemis word. Hy was 'n ware legende. ”

In die mede-hoofren, Isaac Cruz (21-1-1, 15 Uitklophoue) van Mexikostad behaal 'n eenparige beslissende oorwinning oor Argentinië s'n Matias Romero (24-1, 8 Uitklophoue) in 'n WBA liggewig titel eliminator van 12 rondes. Dit was die eerste keer dat die 22-jarige Cruz gegaan het 12 ronde in sy professionele loopbaan. Die beoordelaars se telkaarte lees 114-113, 115-112 en 118-109. SHOWTIME se nie-amptelike puntemaker Steve Farhood het die stryd aangeteken 115-112, rondes gee 10 deur 12 na die opkomende ster.

'Ek is nie gelukkig oor die styl van die geveg nie, maar ek is tevrede dat ek die oorwinning huis toe geneem het en dat ons op die nr. 1 plek in die WBA,"Sê Cruz. 'Ek het nie geweet wat gaan gebeur nie [so ver as die beoordelaars]. Ons het die geveg te alle tye gedwing en dit sou vir die beoordelaars baie onmoontlik gewees het om iets aan my te doen toe ek die stryd was. ”

Dwarsdeur die 36-minute-verhouding, Cruz het voortdurend druk op sy teenstander toegepas wat tot Romero gelei het, die meer ervare professionele, om buitensporig vas te hou in 'n poging om die druk te stuit. Ondanks die feit dat hy gereeld deur skeidsregter Harvey Dock gewaarsku is, die 24-jarige Romero is nooit gestraf nie. Tydens die onstuimige wedstryd, egter, Cruz was in die sesde ronde 'n punt vas vir 'n lae slag.

'Hy was 'n vegter wat nie slae wou uitruil nie,”Het Cruz bygevoeg, met verwysing na die aanhoudende beklemming. 'Ek was baie keelvol vir die klinkers - daar was nooit 'n waarskuwing teenoor hom nie. Ek het my bes daar buite gedoen. Nie die beste manier waarop ek dit wou doen nie, maar dank God dat ons die stryd gewen het en ons die oorwinning huis toe neem. '

Romero het gedurende die geveg 'n effektiewe jab aangebied, landing 89 van 282, maar dit was Cruz se kragpons wat hom uiteindelik die oorwinning besorg het. Kruis, wie is nou die nr. 1 mededinger vir 'n wêreldtitel wat op 135 pond, geland 145 van 459 krag stoot, insluitend 91 liggaam skote.

'Ek is natuurlik nie gelukkig met die besluit nie,”Het Romero gesê na aanleiding van sy eerste professionele verlies. 'Ek het gedink miskien was dit 'n loslootjie. Oor die algemeen is ek tevrede met my prestasie. Hy is veronderstel om die 'Pit Bull' te wees en ek het die ent gegaan. You have to take the opportunities when they are presented and I wish I would have had more time to get ready for this fight.”

In the evening’s opening bout, Cleveland se Terrell Gausha (22-2-1, 11 Uitklophoue) scored an impressive second-round technical knockout over fellow Ohioan Jamontay Clark (15-2-1, 7 Uitklophoue) van Cincinnati. Gausha, 33, did not land a single power punch in the opening round but worked well behind the jab, winning the round on two of the judges’ scorecards. As the second round neared completion, Gausha beautifully countered a lunging left hand from the southpaw Clark which sent the 26-year-old to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Clark beat the count but moments later was met by a barrage of unanswered punches in the neutral corner. Referee Arthur Mercante jumped in and called a halt to the bout at 2:44 van die tweede ronde.

“I knew Jamontay was a tough kid, I’ve been watching him since Cleveland so I knew about him already,” said Gausha. “I felt like I had a chance to knock him out but I didn’t know how the fight would play out. But I feel I did good, executed the game plan. My coaches had been studying film and we executed.

“I just took my time,” added Gausha. “I was setting traps. I knew he would be open eventually, but I had to be cautious too because he’s a rangy guy, has a good left hand. But I knew there were holes in his game and we executed and when the opportunity presented itself, we landed that big right hand.”

With his emphatic stoppage win, die 2012 Olympian emerges as a contender for a title shot in the super welterweight division. In his first and only world title shot in 2017, Gausha dropped a unanimous decision to current super welterweight world champion Erislandy Lara.

“I know I made a statement tonight,” added Gausha. “I put the division on notice. I’m locked and loaded and I’m ready. I want to be a world champion so I’m looking to fight whoever I need to fight to get to the belts.”

Saterdag se Showtime KAMPIOENSKAP boks telecast will replay Sunday at 8:55 voormiddag. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 namiddag. ET on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the telecast. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo called the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The telecast was available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and Alejandro Luna calling the action. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director was Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy.

The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, volg op Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotions op Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotionss of word 'n aanhanger op Facebook by www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CLARESSA SHIELDS DOMINATES MARIE-EVE DICAIRE, MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST BOXER TO BE CROWNED UNDISPUTED CHAMP IN A SECOND WEIGHT DIVISION

UNDEFEATED STAR CITES JUNE IN LAS VEGAS FOR HER MMA DEBUT; CALLS OUT KATIE TAYLOR AND SAVANNAH MARSHALL IN POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW

(Vrydag, Maart 5, 2021 – Flint, MY) Women’s superstar Claressa Shields furthered her claim as boxing’s “GWOAT” Friday night and became the unified WBC, WBO, IBF & WBA Super Junior Middleweight World Champion, by scoring a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision over Marie-Eve Dicaire of St-Eustache, Quebec, Kanada, in the 10-round main event of the historic all-women’s “SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE event at the Dort Financial Center and live on pay-per-view in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Shields (11-0, 2 Uitklophoue) also became the first boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed world champion in two weight divisions by virtue of her shutout victory (100-90 by all three judges) over now former champion Dicaire (17-1).

Uncharacteristically, the 25-year-old Shields turned counterpuncher early in this fight, to offset Dicaire’s attempts to bounce in and out of range. Relying on her reflexes to punish any attempt at aggression by Dicaire, Shields shut the Canadian down and then turned back to her customary forward aggression later in the bout.

Dicaire landed a quality southpaw left on Shields in round four, possibly her only significant blow of the fight, and Shields simply shook it off to no effect.

I can’t be mad about my performance,” said Shields after the bout. “She just kept elbowing and headbutting me. I tried for the knockout and I almost had it a couple times, but we’ve got two minutes and the ref not breaking it up when she’s holding me and elbowing me. I’m happy but I still wanted the knockout. I just didn’t have enough time. Aan die einde van die dag, I am the new undisputed champ at 154 and the first boxer to be undisputed champ twice.”

Shields said she was happy to have accomplished her latest piece of history in front of her family and friends in Flint, even if the pandemic meant a lot fewer fans in attendance.

“With Covid, we couldn’t have a full capacity. Daar is 300 here and that’s the capacity of the day, so we have a full house. We couldn’t have full capacity, but I know if we could have, we would have had 6000 people in here. I’m happy to have been able to do it here (in Flint). I started boxing here at Berston Fieldhouse at 11 jaar oud. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on pay-per-view and fighting for an undisputed title and be one of the biggest stars in boxing. I just wanted to win an Olympic Gold medal. God has given me two Olympic medals. Ek het 12 championship belts now. It doesn’t feel real to say undisputed twice.”

When asked about two of her remaining rivals in boxing, fellow superstar Katie Taylor of Ireland and her one-time conqueror in the amateurs, Savannah Marshall of the UK, Shields brimmed with confidence.

“Katie Taylor is not the worry. 147 pounds is. They’d have to pay me a lot to lose my butt and go down to 147. Aan die einde van die dag, I’m a woman. I don’t have big breasts, but I got a nice butt, so come with that dough and I’ll be there. At least a million and I’ll be there.

“Savannah Marshall can’t f*** with me. Kom ons hou dit real. Savannah Marshall, you won a lucky decision when we were kids. Also London was hosting the Olympics. If you want to gloat about beating me 14 points to 8… come on now. And then I went on to become world champion in three different division and she broke. She knows she cannot and will not ever be able to f*** with me. She can come to America. I will go to the UK. We can go to Mexico. We can go anywhere, and I will f*** her up. She knows that. She’s scared of me. Savannah Marshall can get it. Tell Eddie Hearn, he came that whack-ass 250K. Tell him to come with 500K… 750K if he wants me to go to the UK and smoke his girl. Pay me.”

Dicaire continued her graciousness in post-fight questioning and promised not to let the loss dampen her future in the sport.

“I think Claressa did a good job tonight,” said Dicaire. “Tonight, she was the best. Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. Vanaand, I learned. I think this is just going to allow me to grow stronger. I don’t box to protect my record or keep my record at 0 verliese. I box to beat champions. Vanaand, I had the chance to fight the real champion. She won this time but count on me to go back to the gym and work hard and be world champion again for sure.

Shields, who says her much-publicized MMA debut will likely be in Las Vegas in June, threw 409 punches in the fight and landed 128 insluitend 34.9% of her power punches. Dicaire threw 263 punches in return but landed just 31.

“Flint Michigan got the baddest boxer in the world!” said Shields to her fans. “We two-time undisputed. Pacquiao who? Canelo who? When someone else does what I did let me know.”



In the night’s co-main event, Houston’s undefeated Danielle Perkins (3-0, 1 KO) showed marked improvement and had a much easier time in her rematch against Georgia’s Monika “Lay Em Down” Harrison (2-2, 1 KO), scoring a dominant eight-round unanimous decision while picking up the WBC Silver Heavyweight Championship in the process.

The former amateur world champion Perkins used every bit of her superior athleticism, 6’ height and 72-inch reach to move around the ring and keep the 5’ 10” Harrison at bay with a punishing southpaw right jab and a steady diet of strong left hands to the head and body. By tye, Referee Michael Griffin appeared to be considering a stoppage, but the durable Harrison kept coming forward and swinging for the fences for all eight rounds, despite the firepower coming her way.

Die tellings was 80-72 van al drie regters.

“I apologize for not getting a knockout. I swear next time I’ll come back and give it to you, Flint,” said Perkins, post-stryd. “Monika made some adjustments this time. I hit her with some solid hammers and that girl stayed on her feet so kudos to her.”

Perkins threw 353 punches in the fight and landed 121 insluitend 40.9% of her power shots. Harrison threw 273 shots, but only found a home for 21 van hulle.

“I want to be the undisputed female heavyweight champion of the world,” continued Perkins. “I want to be the best you’ve ever seen.”

Undefeated bantamweight Jamie “The Miracle” Mitchell (6-0-2, 43 Uitklophoue) of Pacific Grove, Kalifornië, looked impressive in battering and stopping more-experienced veteran Noemi “La Rebelde / No-No” Bosques (12-16-3, 2 Uitklophoue) in five one-sided rounds.

With the two-fisted punishment from Mitchell steadily increasing with every passing round, Referee Gerard White decided the stumbling and retreating Bosques had had enough and mercifully waved the fight off at 1:49 of the fifth.

“I was just zoned out. I was doing whatever fit the moment,” said Mitchell, post-stryd. “That’s how I got the knockout. Thanks to my coaches and thanks to Claressa Shields for putting me on this card. This is an unforgettable moment for women.”

Prior to scoring the technical knockout, Mitchell landed 48% (80/167) of her power punches, en 40% (94/234) of her total punches. Noemi Bosques only landed 24 van 153 stoot.

“I like to pick on myself to do better,” said Mitchell of her performance. “There were certain things I wanted to do, but they don’t call this girl a gatekeeper for nothing. I wish I had gotten her out of there quicker and been crisper with my jab. She was a bit tricky.”

In the opening bout of the broadcast, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza(9-1, 1 KO) stayed busy ahead of her scheduled challenge of WBC Flyweight Champion Ibeth Zamora in April with a dominant six-round unanimous decision over Canada’sShelly Barnett (nou 4-4-2, 2 KO).

Barnett tried to be aggressive, but Esparza’s skills allowed her to pot shot her bigger opponent, nearly at will, especially as the fight wore on. “We knew she was tough and bigger,” said Esparza. “I wanted someone with more weight because I never fight above 112 £. and I think I handled it well. I’m happy about the way everything played out. I’m happy to have been part of this event and to be working with Claressa again.”

Esparza threw 352 punches in the fight, landing 126, insluitend 26 body shots and 38.4% of her power shots. Barnett threw 291 and landed 49. Tellings van die beoordelaars was 60-54, 6-53 x 2.

On the free pre-show portion of the pay-per-view, middleweight Timur Kerefov stayed undefeated (11-0, 6 Uitklophoue) with a TKO 3 over Saint Petersburg, Florida veteran Manny Woods (nou 16-11-1, 6 Uitklophoue). Woods left eye couldn’t hold up under the onslaught of punches from the Russian former amateur star. The time was 1:06. Kerefov, Detroit via Shalushka, Russia and now training at Kronk Gym, threw 190 punches in the abbreviated encounter, landing 80, insluitend 24 liggaam skote. Woods threw 122 and landed just 17.

SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE was presented by Salita Promotions in samewerking met Groupe Yvon Michel, dedicated to this year’s International Women’s Day (Maandag, Maart 8, 2021) and proudly sponsored by online gambling titansBetonline.net and plant-based online marketplace Vejii.
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RISING SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT BRANDUN LEE FACES SAMUEL TEAH ON THE NEXT EDITION OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® WEDNESDAY, MAART 10 Woon op SHOWTIME®

ShoBox Continues Celebrating 20ste Anniversary Year With Telecast Featuring Eight Prospects With Total Record of 102-4-2

NEW YORK - Maart 1, 2021 -One of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects Brandun Lee will return to the “Fight Sphere” at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., for the third time when he takes on Samuel Teah Wednesday, Maart 10 woon op Showtime by 9 namiddag. ET/PT in the super lightweight main event of aShoBox: Die nuwe generasie uitsending.

Lee vs. Teah headlines a four-fight card featuring eight promising prospects with a combined record of 102-4-2.

The 21-year-old knockout artist Lee (21-0, 19 Uitklophoue) of La Quinta, Kalifornië., will look to extend his impressive KO streak to 13 toe hy die gesig staarShoBox veteran Samuel Teah (17-3-1, 7 Uitklophoue) in 'n 10-round super liggewig bout. The co-main event will see undefeated super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez (11-0, 5 Uitklophoue) battle once-beaten Jordan White (10-1, 8 Uitklophoue) in an eight-round bout and two tough undefeated prospects will clash in the second fight of the night as Philadelphia’s Steven Ortiz (11-0, 3 Uitklophoue) faces Jeremy Hill (14-0, 9 Uitklophoue) in 'n agt-ronde ligte bout. In die uitsending opener, 22-year-old power-punching prospect Victor Padilla (8-0, 7 Uitklophoue) maak syShoBoxdebut against another unbeaten Philadelphia native, Thomas Velasquez (10-0-1, 6 Uitklophoue), in an eight-round super featherweight contest.

The four-fight telecast is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and D&D Boks.

“Our March 10ShoBox gebeurtenis, from top to bottom, perfectly represents the philosophy that the series has set forth to accomplish during our 20 years in boxing,” het Gordon Hall gesê, executive producer forShoBox: Die nuwe generasie. “The full spectrum of prospects will be on display in this event from coming-of-age newcomers to a fighter at the doorstep of a world championship fight. In the opening bout we have a three-time amateur National Champion in Victor Padilla, who is in the infancy of his promising professional career at 8-0, maak syShoBox debuut, while atop the bill is Brandun Lee, one of the most promising prospects in boxing, taking on his toughest challenge against aShoBox veteran Samuel Teah.ShoBox is the ultimate proving ground for prospects and we will learn a lot about all of these fighters March 10 on SHOWTIME.”

“All eight fighters competing on March 10 at Mohegan Sun will be tested, and that is exactly what theShoBox series is all about. I’m proud to promote such an evenly matched event from top to bottom,” said Lou DiBella, President van DiBella Vermaak. “Puerto Rican lightweight Victor Padilla is a knockout artist with blazing fast hands and he’ll be facing unbeaten Philadelphian Thomas Velasquez. Junior lightweight Misael Lopez returns toShoBox following his series debut, an upset over touted favorite James Wilkins, now taking on heavy-hitter Jordan White. Philadelphia lightweight Steven Ortiz also returns to the series, after debuting with a win against unbeaten Wesley Ferrer, competing against undefeated New Orleans prospect Jeremy Hill. In die belangrikste gebeurtenis, towering power-puncher Brandun Lee squares off against crafty veteran Samuel Teah, in his biggest test to date.

Lee vs. Teah – 10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event Bout

The highly regarded Lee made quick work of the previous two opponents he faced at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2020, scoring a highlight-reel first-round KO of Jimmy Williams onShoBox in October and a third-round stoppage of Dakota Linger in December. Lee has knocked out all but two of his professional opponents and owns 12 Alessio Sakara gaan sy vierde verskyning vir Bellator maak. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee fought four times in 2020, including a third-round TKO over Camilo Prieto in one of the final live sporting events to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March.

Lee had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5. Hy was die 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pond. With lightning quick hands that pack power, the exciting Lee has sparred with the likes of Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley Jr., and Thomas Dulorme.

“I’ve just been training in La Quinta, staying safe and healthy and focusing on what I need to do in order to have another impressive performance,” said Lee. “I see that Teah is a good inside puncher and he has good speed. He’s a volume puncher but other than that, I don’t see much that I shouldn’t be able to handle. I’m super excited to be returning toShoBox in the main event so that my fans can see me live on TV, because the fans want to see knockouts so that’s what I’m going to give them.”

Ja, born in Liberia and fighting out of Philadelphia, has had mixed luck onShoBox. A three-fight veteran of the developmental series, Teah scored a unanimous decision over then-undefeated O’Shaquie Foster in 2015 but dropped a majority decision to Montana Love in 2018. Most recently onShoBox, Teah scored a unanimous decision over Kenneth Sims Jr. in November 2018. The 33-year-old Ja, who did not start boxing until the age of 19, also owns an impressive win over Sonny Fredrickson and beat Dieumerci Nzau his last time out in March 2020.

“I don’t mind being the underdog and it won’t be the first time for me,"Teah gesê. “I haveShoBox wins against O’Shaquie Foster and Kenneth Sims, Jr., and I always seem to perform better when the lights and cameras are focused on me. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Lopez vs. White – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Born in Sonora, Mexiko, and raised in Denver, Kol., Lopez had a successful amateur career before turning professional in 2016. He compiled an amateur record of 50-5, winning gold at the 2010 Colorado State Silver Gloves Tournament and the Colorado State Golden Gloves Tournament in 2009 en 2015. Lopez’s career-best pro win came onShoBox in September 2018 when he outboxed the power-punching James Wilkins in a step-up fight. Trained by his father Evenezer, Lopez has added two wins since then, including a first-round TKO over Richard Flores.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back onShoBox en, hierdie tyd, with such a strong team behind me,” said the 24-year-old Lopez. “I respect my promoter, Lou DiBella, a lot and have no doubt that he can put me in the position to become a champion. I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait for March 10.

Die Washington, D.C. native White was a former No. 1-ranked amateur, amassing 'n 145-16 rekord. He was teammates with future world champions Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson on the Junior National travel squad, competing in the Junior World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine in 2013. White turned professional at 18, winning his first four bouts, three by way of knockout, before losing a decision to fellow undefeated foe Adam Lopez. White has since bounced back by winning six fights in a row, including a seventh-round TKO over previously unbeaten prospect Ronaldo Solis. White, 23, is the cousin of 2000 U.S. Olympian Clarence Vinson.

I am honored for this opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME against the undefeated Misael Lopez,” said White. “I respect his fight game, but I am looking forward to displaying my superior skill set. Maart 10, there will be lights, cameras, and plenty of action.

Ortiz vs. Hill – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The 27-year-old Ortiz has developed a cult following in his hometown region, fighting seven times in the greater Philadelphia area. Ortiz rallied off five straight wins in the “City of Brotherly Love” before making hisShoBoxdebut in September 2018, a majority decision victory over then-unbeaten Wesley Ferrer in Shawnee, Okla. Ortiz picked up two wins in 2019, including a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Philadelphian Jeremy Cuevas, but did not fight in 2020. 'N voldonge amateur, Ortiz is a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion, a bronze medalist at the National Golden Gloves and a gold medalist at the National Silver Gloves.

The pandemic was a major setback for me and the careers of many other fighters, natuurlik, but it kept me focused,” said Ortiz. “I stayed in the gym getting ready for when the opportunity came, and here it is. Hill is a tall, awkward fighter, but I am up for the challenge. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me, Ek is hier om te veg. This will be my second fight on SHOWTIME and I feel that, hierdie tyd, I’ll be coming back stronger, beide geestelik en fisies. The audience will see the best of me.”

New Orleans’ Jeremy Hill blends his unique size, accuracy and power in both hands inside the ring with showmanship and charisma outside of it. A successful amateur who rose all the way to the No. 4 ranked U.S. lightweight amateur, Hill won the Male Elite Champion at the Ringside World Championships in 2017 and turned professional in April 2018 after posting a 55-10 record in the unpaid ranks. Hill, 28, is coming off a TKO over Travis Castellon in November but will be facing his first undefeated opponent in Ortiz since beating the 1-0 Lashawn Alcocks in his fourth pro fight. He also owns a unanimous decision over then-once-beaten Xavier Wilson in July, one of Hill’s four wins in 2020.

I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Hill. “I’ve been working hard and grinding for a chance like this. I feel like I’m overdue for this type of fight and this kind of exposure, so I’m just ready to show everyone what I can do. I’m about to cut up on national TV.

Padilla vs. Velasquez – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Padilla, 22, was born in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and currently lives and fights out of Berlin, N.J. The all-action, power-punching southpaw has stopped all but one of his professional challengers, including six opponents who failed to make it out of the first round. His last time out in January 2020, Padilla needed just 2:46 to stop Israel Suarez-Olmeda. Padilla turned professional in December 2016 after a stellar amateur career that included three National Championships and a record of 90-7. He trains alongside former world champions Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa under trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas.

“In die eerste plek, Ek wil om God te dank, my family and my team for keeping me positive through these hard times,” said Padilla. “I am very excited for this opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a national audience. I have sacrificed a lot to get to this point in my career. It takes a lot of dedication to the sport and I am confident that it will pay off. It has been 13 long years of working hard to show the world who Victor Padilla is and, Maart 10, a new chapter will begin. Thomas Velasquez is a good fighter and this is a good matchup, but may the best man win.

Velasquez, another Philadelphia native, made his professional debut in 2015 and looked to be rapidly rising through the ranks, winning his first nine fights including five by way of knockout. A draw with Tyrome Jones in September 2017 stalled his career to a near standstill, as he did not fight again until 2020 when he scored a third-round KO over veteran Gustavo Molina in his return bout. The 25-year-old will look to regain the momentum he had earlier in his career with a win over the highly regarded Padilla. As 'n amateur, Velasquez had a 30-3 record and won the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves. He is trained by Hamza Muhammad, who also trains the newly crowned WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr.

“I could not be happier to have this opportunity to show the world what I can do,” said Velasquez. “It doesn’t matter who is standing in the opposite corner, I fight to provide a better life for my twin daughters. I look forward to putting on a spectacular performance on March 10 and leaving that ring with my unbeaten record intact.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. Die uitvoerende vervaardiger is Gordon Hall met Richard Gaughan vervaardiging en Rick Phillips regie.

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Vir meer inligting besoekwww.sho.com/sports volg op Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, of 'n fan op Facebook bywww.Facebook.com/SHOSports

Adrien BRONER vs. JOVANIE SANTIAGO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & FOTOS

“I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line.” – Broner

“I don’t have anything to lose, so AB better bring his A-game against me.” – Santiago

Former Four-Division World Champion Adrien Broner Returns to the Ring to Face Undefeated Jovanie Santiago Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, Februarie 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event

Click HERE for Photos from
Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

*Editor’s Note: Die belangrikste gebeurtenis, previously announced as a super lightweight fight, will now be contested at the welterweight limit (147 lbs.) following a mutual decision from both fighters.

Uncasville, Conn. – February 18, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner and Jovanie Santiago met face to face Thursday at the final press conference to preview their main event attraction taking place this Saturday, Februarie 20 woon op Showtime (9 namiddag. ET / 6 pm. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The popular Broner (33-4-1, 24 Uitklophoue), who by the age of 26 had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 en 147 pond, will end his two-year hiatus from boxing and continue his quest for a fifth world title by returning to face the unbeaten Santiago (14-0-1, 10 Uitklophoue) in a 12-round welterweight bout.

The press conference also featured former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale and highly touted contender Otto Wallin, who will square off in the 12-round co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, and former world champion Robert Easter Jr. and contender Ryan Martin who will meet in a 12-round super lightweight bout to open the telecast.

Die geleentheid word bevorder deur TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:

Adrien BRONER

“I’ve had so many great performances and I’m looking forward to another great performance Saturday night. I know he’s coming to fight, he’s undefeated and he’s hungry. Anybody who fights a name like Adrien Broner is going to always train to their best ability so I’m not looking at this as a fight where I just go in and destroy this guy. I’m just going to go to do what I have to do to get the victory – look good inside and outside the ring.

“I feel like I’m going to be a world champion again, weer, weer en weer. Until I’m really done with boxing. Ja, I took two years off from boxing, retired and let my body heal and rest. I just feel like I’ve got what it takes to win more championships in different weight classes so that’s what I’m going to do.

“At the end of the day, he’s here because of me and everybody in this room is here because of me, so that’s special. Saterdag nag, the only thing that’s going to be special is this whooping I’m giving out. He’ll know then. Santiago hasn’t been punched yet. When you punch somebody, they talk different. He ain’t going to be talking like that after Saturday.

“I went through a lot of things, eerlik. Een dag, I just woke and said, ‘I’m done.’ In order to change, you’ve got to make change or you’ll steady get caught up doing the same thing. I cut a lot of stuff, I stopped doing a lot of stuff and I got myself together. It was a long road to get to where I’m at today and now I’m here.

"Luister, if you got a belt, just hold on to it. I’m coming to sweep it all up; WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF. I’m coming to get them all.

“Just expect a hell of a show. I know he’s coming to fight, He’s from Puerto Rico, hulle kom om te veg. But I didn’t just do all this training to go into the ring and not fight. So he’s got to know that if he comes to a war, he’s going to be in a war too. He better be coming with a lot of equipment because I’ve got a lot of equipment coming with me. I’m just ready to put it all on the line. I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line. I don’t know how far he’s willing to go. He might start thinking about his kids, grandkids, aunts, nieces, Ek weet nie.

“From the time I was six years old, I never took a break from boxing. So that’s what I did. Nou, I’m missing boxing again, I’m back in it and we’re back to it on Saturday night.

“It’s been a hell of a training camp. Maybe one of the toughest because I had to get back in rhythm, coming back and losing all that weight and working as hard as I do. I didn’t want an easy fight so I picked a guy like Jovanie Santiago because I know he’s going to push me and bring the best out of me. That’s what I know about him. Hy is 'n goeie vegter, an undefeated fighter, and he’s not here to lose.

“I know a lot of people don’t know these guys, but guys like Jovanie can be very dangerous because a lot of people don’t know him. I know better, he’s coming to fight, he’s a good fighter and undefeated, so I have to stay on my A-game. I’m going in to get the victory – whatever presents itself. If the knockout presents itself, Ek neem dit. You don’t get paid for overtime but I’m definitely coming to get my win.

“The overall goal is to get past this fight first. In boks, you can’t look past no opponent. I don’t care how everything looks on paper. In boks, you’re only one punch away from a knockout and that’s on both ends. So what I’ve got to do is go in, get my victory, get my hands raised first, and then we’re gonna go to the drawing board. So the plan for me is to get my victory Saturday night.

“Everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great start. Soos ek gesê het voor, I didn’t want no easy out. I could have taken a pushover, but I’m not doing that. I love competition. I want somebody to test me, bring the best out of me, and that’s why I picked Jovanie Santiago. Saturday night is going to be a great fight.”

JOVANIE SANTIAGO

“This is a great opportunity for me. Saterdag nag, I’m going to show who I am. I’m going to show Adrien Broner that I’m ready to fight.

“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to beat him on Saturday night. Ek is gereed vir die stryd. At this point, Broner might think he has an easy fight, but he’s in the wrong. I’m here to fight, I’m here to win. Ons is gereed.

“This Saturday night is going to be a war and it’s going to be a victory for Puerto Rico. I’m ready to die in the line like we say in Puerto Rico.

“I know this is the biggest fight of my career. He’s a big name and I’m going to try and win for Puerto Rico. Winning this fight would be the best thing that’s happened in my career and my name would get a lot bigger in the boxing world.

“I don’t have anything to lose. Adrien Broner has everything to lose Saturday night so he better bring his A-game against me. A win for me would catapult me into a world title shot.

“AB always puts on a show so on Saturday I have to be ready to put on my own show against AB. He is a good champion but I’ve trained really hard in the gym and I’m going to show it on Saturday.

“I think Adrien Broner thinks that I’m an easy fight for him, but he’s wrong about that. I think Broner is going to let go of his hands because he sees me as a weak opponent. He’s definitely overlooking me.

“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to be ready for it. If he moves, I’m going to move with him. If he wants to brawl, I’m going to brawl. Whatever he does, I’m going to do it better than he does.”

Dominic BREAZEALE

“It’s true you’re only as good as your last fight, but at the same time I feel like this is my coming out party. It feels like my pro debut. I’ve been off for a long time and had a great training camp so I’m ready for Saturday night.

“After my last fight against (Deontay) Wilder I took a few days to digest the loss and then was back in the gym about 10 days later. I didn’t want to harp on it or let it bother me. There wasn’t really a sense of urgency, but I knew there were going to be changes and I knew they had to be done in the next couple of weeks. I focused on my eating and my training and, natuurlik, the biggest change of all was my trainer change from Virgil Hunter to Abel Sanchez.

“Switching to Abel and training up in Big Bear has been huge and something I wish I would have done years ago. Abel actually has something written on the wall that says, ‘Imagine what if.’ And I imagine ‘what if’ every night. Soos ek gesê het, I wish I would have done this a year ago, but my conditioning and my confidence are at an all-time high.

“Some people might have thought I would have wanted to get back in there with a pushover, but I’ve always wanted to fight the top guys. I saw the Otto Wallin fight and the performance he gave against Tyson Fury and then Travis Kauffman. When the name was brought to my attention, I jumped all over it. I knew that the boxing world would respect the fight against myself and Otto.

“I don’t think Otto’s been in there with a big, sterk, athletic guy like myself. Mike Tyson said it best: ‘Everyone’s got a game plan until you get punched in the mouth.’”

OTTO WALLIN

“Everybody wants to ask about my fight with Tyson Fury and they forget that I’ve done a lot more than that. But it was a great performance and I understand that most people hadn’t seen me fight before, it was a great fight and it was better than what most people thought. I’m kind of over that now. I want to move forward. It’s nice to move forward. It’s nice to be on SHOWTIME fighting with Breazeale, who has a good name. So hopefully with this fight, I beat him and move on so people can see I’m able to beat good guys.

“I think I’m more well-rounded than Breazeale. Ook, you can’t forget that I’m actually 6’ 6”, 240, so I’m not that small. I know a lot of people look at me like I’m smaller but I’m not that small. Met wat gesê word, Ek is slimmer, got a great team, we’ve had a great camp and I’m really good too. I’m faster than Dominic, I have better footwork, better defense, and better defense. So I’ve got to bring all of that in there, do what I’m good at and I’ll be fine.

“I think a win will hopefully help me move past Fury. But also it will put my name up there, to solidify my spot there. I don’t think this fight will get me a title shot but it will be a good shot on the way.

“I think you can expect a good fight, two good fighters. Dominic probably feels he has a point to prove and probably going to come out and be aggressive and try to come after me. I’m sure I won’t have to look for him and I’m ready for that. People can expect an exciting fight and a good night of boxing.

“Dominic is an aggressive guy so I have to be smart. I have to be who I am and set him up and I think I will be able to do that.

“I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I just have to be myself and I have to do what I do, what I’m good at. This is a big opportunity for me so I try to be positive. I waited a long time to get to this level, I’m finally here and I’m not going back.”

ROBERT EASTER, JR.

“I’ve been in some brawls, but I really haven’t ever shown my true boxing abilities. Me, Mike Stafford and my father (Robert Paasfees, Sr) just worked on boxing and being myself.

“During COVID it really set me down and being off for all that time and never really knowing when I would get that call to get back in the ring. So I really had to focus up and I had to be ready whenever I was given that phone call. It motivated me. Meer, I had to look over my son and make sure he was alright. So it really put a different drive in me. This pandemic really set everything back, but we’re more than ready.

“140 is definitely the place for me to be right now. That’s the future. We’re worried about present right and capturing this title at 140.

“I’m just worried about me and showing my skills and everything we’ve worked on in training and this camp.”

RYAN MARTIN

“We fought in the amateurs and he beat me so there’s definitely a little chip on my shoulder there. I want to get back at him and let him know that I’m not a 16-year-old kid anymore.

“This fight is going to put me right back up there to be in a position to fight any of the champions or top contenders in the division. This fight is definitely going to steal the show.

“I’m focused. My mind is clear. This fight right here gets me excited. We’re two Ohio fighters with history – I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. It’s going to be an action-packed fight and I’m going to bring it. I’m not really surprised that Easter says he doesn’t see much difficulty in fighting me. I kind of expected him to say that. Easter is Easter.

“It’s going to be very important that I let my hands go against Easter. I feel that this fight is going to have so much action. I’m clear minded. Ek is gereed. Saterdag nag, we’re going to get in there and let it fly.

“Words can’t explain how excited and anxious I am for this, to tell you the truth. I’m just so ready for Saturday night. I’m ready to get the weigh-in over with, get under the lights on Saturday night and put on a show. It’s going to be an entertaining fight. A lot of people are saying a lot of things about me based on the Josh Taylor fight. So, it’s kind of like I’m battling two things.

“Easter just needs to come with it on Saturday night. I always knew this fight with Robert Easter was going to happen. I don’t know why, but I just always knew that we would meet again in the ring. I think it’s because we were both in Ohio – he was in Toledo and I was in Cleveland – and I just always thought I’d get this fight. I just didn’t think it would happen like this in a bubble.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, volg op Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing en @TGBPromotions op Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.


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ABOUT BRONER VS. SANTIAGO:
Broner vs. Santiago will see former four-division world champion Adrien Broner return to the ring to face undefeated Puerto Rican Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round welterweight bout in the main event Saturday, Februarie 20 woon op Showtime by 9 namiddag. ET / 6 pm. PT van Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in 'n Premier Bokskampioenskap-byeenkoms. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also pit former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. Die geleentheid word bevorder deur TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

BELLATOR MMA™ LAUNCHES OFFICIAL FIGHTER RANKINGS

MEDIA MEMBERS TO VOTE ON TOP 10 COMPETITORS IN NINE WEIGHT CLASSES, AS WELL AS MEN’S & WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND LISTS

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INITIAL RANKINGS SET TO BE RELEASED IN ADVANCE OF BELLATOR’S APRIL DEBUT ON SHOWTIME®

LOS ANGELES-Bellator MMAis pleased to announce the organization will implement an official fighter rankings system for each of its weight classes, in addition to a pound-for-pound list for both the men’s and women’s divisions, in the coming weeks. The officialBellator MMA Fighter Rankings will be determined by a 15-person voting panel, comprised exclusively of members of the MMA media.

“This is the greatest roster in the history of Bellator,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “As we continue to sign the top free agents in the sport and see the success of young prospects inside the Bellator cage, we felt that the time was right to introduce official fighter rankings. We are always looking at ways to improve our product and this adds a new and exciting aspect to the organization that will have a significant impact on how fans watch Bellator. Every division is competitive, every matchup is important, and we are set for several potential blockbusters as we begin a new year on Showtime.”

Votes will be cast for eligible fighters following each Bellator live event and final results will be made public. To ensure transparency, the tabulation of votes will be overseen solely by a third-party company, Combat Registry.

The initial rankings will be released in the days leading up to Bellator’s return to action and debut on SHOWTIME® Vrydag, April 2 metBellator 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 by 9 namiddag. EN.

Information detailing fighter eligibility, as well as additional voting criteria, is listed below:

Divisional Rankings:

  • Top 10 fighter rankings will be voted on in nine Bellator MMA weight classes, in addition to two pound-for-pound lists.
  • Champions of each division will be automatically assigned to the Champions slot atop the rankings.
  • Fighters in seven men’s divisions will be ranked, insluitend:
    • Swaargewig
    • Lig Swaargewig
    • Middelgewigtitel
    • Weltergewig
    • Liggewig
    • Veergewigtitel
    • Kapokgewig
  • Fighters in two women’s divisions will be ranked, insluitend:
    • Veergewigtitel
    • Vlieggewig
  • Two pound-for-pound lists will be voted on, insluitend:
    • Mans
    • Vroue

 New Fighter Eligibility:

  • A fighter must have competed once inside the Bellator cage on a current term with the company to be eligible.

Onaktiwiteit:

  • A fighter is eligible to be ranked for up to 15-months without competing.

Retirement

  • A fighter remains eligible for 60 days after an indication of retirement, with the organization ultimately determining if the fighter remains active and eligible.

Multiple Weight Classes:

  • A fighter is allowed to be actively ranked in two different weight classes and is eligible to be ranked in an additional weight class once they have competed at least once in that division.
  • A fighter must actively compete in each weight class – a period of inactivity longer than 15 months in a given weight class will result in the removal from that specific weight class, but not necessarily from another division or the overall rankings pool.
    • With the exception being that a fighter is actively participating in a World Grand Prix tournament in a different weight class.

Removal/Ineligibility:

  • A fighter serving a non-medical suspension from an overseeing regulatory body and/or the organization for longer than six months will be removed from rankings eligibility. A fighter will remain eligible with a suspension of six months or fewer.

Fighter Rankings Pool:

  • The final list of eligible fighters, and the weight classes in which they are eligible to be ranked, will ultimately be determined by the organization.

Voting Frequency:

  • New Bellator rankings will only be voted on after every event, regardless of frequency.
  • Votes will be due the Monday following a Bellator live event.

First-Place Votes:

  • Each rankings period will reveal how many number one contender votes each fighter received.

Voting Tabulation:

  • Tabulation of votes will be handled exclusively by Combat Registry, a third-party independent of Bellator MMA.

Voting Panel:

  • Bellator fighter rankings will be voted on exclusively by media members within the MMA industry.
  • In no capacity, will Bellator staff, atlete, talent or other organization personnel participate in voting.

The inaugural voting panel will include the following members of the media:

  1. Jeff Cain – MMA Weekly
  2. Brian Campbell – CBS Sports
  3. Rodrigo Del Campo – Claro Sports
  4. Rob DeMello – KHON Hawaii
  5. Jason Floyd – The MMA Report
  6. George Garcia – MMA Junkie
  7. Amy Kaplan – FanSided
  8. Nolan King – MMA Junkie
  9. John Hyon Ko – South China Morning Post
  10. Mark LaMonica – Newsday
  11. Igor Lazarin – TASS Russia
  12. Shakiel Mahjouri – Fightful MMA
  13. Joe McDonagh – Cageside Press
  14. John Morgan – MMA Junkie
  15. Ken Pishna – MMA Weekly

BesoekBellator.com Vir meer inligting.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® OFFERS FIRST LOOK AT SPECIAL VIDEO FEATURE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®

NEW YORK - Januarie 20, 2021 – SHOWTIME Sports has released a special video feature in advance of tonight’s ShoBox: Die nuwe generasie uitsending, the first of 2021. The video features ShoBox analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood taking viewers through the history of the popular prospect developmental series, which debuted on SHOWTIME® in Julie 2001 and celebrates its 20th year featuring boxing’s rising stars throughout 2021. To watch and share the video, gaan https://youtu.be/c8-_w6qLCkQ.

“I would make the argument that today as we speak in 2021, it’s more important than it’s ever been because prospects need to fight so it’s very important forShoBoxto give them that opportunity because without fights they don’t grow and without grassroots boxing, boxing doesn’t grow,” Farhood says in the feature.

Since its inceptionShoBox: Die nuwe generasie has showcased young talent matched tough in exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Tans, 83 vegters wat verskyn opShoBox have advanced to win world titles including the likes of Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Timothy Bradley and Nonito Donaire.

Tonight’s telecast begins at 9 namiddag. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME and is headlined by Yeis Solano (15-0, 10 Uitklophoue) making his super lightweight debut against the first undefeated fighter of his career in East Hartford, Conn.’s Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 Uitklophoue). The co-main event features Panama’s unbeaten Jose Nunez (11-0-1, 4 Uitklophoue) facing decorated amateur Aram Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 Uitklophoue) in an eight-round super featherweight matchup.

FIVE UNBEATEN FIGHTERS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® QUADRUPLEHEADER WEDNESDAY, Februarie 17 Woon op SHOWTIME®

Janelson Figueroa Bocachica Returns Against Unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr., in Main Event of ShoBox, Celebrating 20ste Year Featuring Boxing’s Rising Stars

NEW YORK - Januarie 20, 2021 - Exciting welterweight prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica will meet fellow undefeated Mark Reyes, Jr., in 'n ShoBox: Die nuwe generasie main event bout Wednesday, Februarie 17 woon op Showtime by 9 namiddag. ET/PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Bocachica vs. Reyes headlines a four-fight card featuring eight compelling prospects with a combined record of 119-4-1, five of whom are undefeated.

Detroit’s Figueroa Bocachica (16-0, 11 Uitklophoue) is following up on his dominating performance in hisShoBox debut in October when he faces the power-punching Reyes (14-0, 12 Uitklophoue) from Tampa, Fla., in 'n 10-ronde weltergewig bout. The co-main event will feature unbeaten Russian and Detroit-trained Vladimir Shishkin (11-0, 7 Uitklophoue) taking on Ghana’s Sena Agbeko (23-1, 18 Uitklophoue) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup. Daarbenewens, Alejandro Guerrero (12-0, 9 Uitklophoue) of Irving, Texas, keer terug naShoBox and faces Mexico’s Abraham Montoya (19-2-1, 14 Uitklophoue) in 'n agt-ronde ligte bout. Another Russian-based in Detroit, Mich., Timur Kerefov (9-0, 4 Uitklophoue), will battle middleweight prospect Argenis Espana (15-1, 14 Uitklophoue) of Venezuela in the eight-round telecast opener.

The four-fight telecast is promoted by Salita Promotions.

“I am delighted to promote an exciting night of boxing, featuring some of the best young talent in boxing in opposing corners,” Salita said. “The February 17 card features possibly the best new talent in four different weight divisions in pick ‘em fights. Middleweight Timur Kerefov, fighting with trainer SugarHill Steward in his corner, is looking to quickly climb up the ladder. Super featherweight Alejandro Guerrero is fighting his toughest test against Abraham Montoya. Super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin is looking for a breakout performance against the hungry Sena Agbeko, who is looking to make a name for himself. This show may also be the crowning of one of the best new welterweights in the world with an exciting matchup between undefeated prospects, Janelson Figueroa Bocachica and Mark Reyes, Jr.”

Steward, who legally changed his name to SugarHill Steward to honor his late uncle Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, calls Kerefov, “One of the best middleweights in the world right now,” and that there is no limit to how far the 30-year-old can go. “We don’t have long conversations because of the language barrier, but I’m impressed how Timur is able to process the information I tell him, and quickly get better in the short time we’ve worked together,” said Steward, who is also training Anthony Dirrell at Big Time Boxing and Fitness in Boca Raton, Fla. “The Russians who come to Detroit are here to work and not run the streets, Ek hou van wat. They have families and know that boxing in the United States is the mecca. So, they take it very seriously.”

Bocachica vs. Reyes – 10-Round Welterweight Main Event Bout

Bocachica returns for his second consecutiveShoBox appearance as the 22-year-old Detroit native overpowered Puerto Rico’s Nicklaus Flaz from the start earning a first-round TKO at 2:43 of round one in October. Bocachica is a four-year pro who began boxing at age eight. He won four consecutive Ringside Championships (2011-14), the National PAL Championships and the 2015 Detroit Golden Gloves. He boasts an amateur record of 55-5. He is trained by his father, Nelson Figueroa.

After the last appearance onShoBox, I felt like that was the performance that I needed,” Bochachia said. “I picked Mark Reyes out myself because I wanted better competition and he is 14-0. I want to put a statement out to all of the fighters in the 147-pound division. A win gets me closer to my dreams. I am fighting better opposition. It shows that Janelson is the truth, and I am coming for everyone in the welterweight division. I am not worrying about anything.

Reyes is coming off of a first-round knockout of Diego Perez on November 21, in his hometown of Tampa. Reyes was a successful amateur winning the PAL National Tournament in 2012, as well as the Junior Olympics and Ringside Tournament. He also won two National tournaments competing for Puerto Rico: the 2015 Frankie Larvae National Championships and 2016 Cheo Aponte National Championships. Algehele, he accumulated a record of 45-5 before turning pro in March 2016. He is now trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas, who also coaches former world champion Tevin Farmer.

“I am excited to be in this position, fighting onShoBox, where a win will put my name on the boxing map,” Reyes said. “Bocachica is a solid fighter, but I look forward to adding the first loss to his record and showing the viewers why I took this fight on short notice. Training camp has been going great and I will be ready.

Shishkin vs. Agbeko – 10-Round Super Middleweight Bout

Shishkin has previously fought twice onShoBox earning impressive wins over Ulises Sierra and DeAndre Ware. Steward worked Shishkin’s corner for the Sierra fight, but Steward’s commitment to heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has not allowed the two to train exclusively together. Shishkin has recently been working with L.J. Harrison. In his last fight on August 20, he recorded a ninth-round technical knockout of Oscar Riojas. Shishkin is currently ranked No. 9 deur die WBC, Moenie. 11 deur die WBA en Geen. 12 by the IBF in the 168-pound division.

“I’m grateful, weer, to get the chance to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME,” said Shishkin, 29. “I’m preparing in a new gym called Superbad with a new coach. I’m curious how that will affect me in the bout. I know this fight puts me just one step closer to my goal of becoming a world champion.”

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Agbeko was a member of the Ghanaian National Team as a youth and had 69 amateur aanvalle. Agbeko turned pro in 2011 op die ouderdom van 19 and had his first 15 bouts in Ghana before relocating to the United States in 2013 to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion. Agbeko has fine-tuned his craft serving as a sparring partner for Caleb Plant, Badou Jack and Brandon Adams. Agbeko currently lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife.

“Training is going great and we’ve been training for a while already, so we’re just doubling down on a few things and fine-tuning as well for the fight,” Agbeko said. “I know my opponent has an extensive amateur background and a style that’s reflective of where he’s from in Russia. I expect an aggressive, yet well-calculated fighter. I will win this fight because I know I want it more and, as a result, have put more effort into preparation. My superior boxing skills coupled with desire and effort will get it done.”

Guerrero vs. Montoya – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

Veg uit Houston, Texas, Guerrero is a big-punching prospect who won a closely contested slugfest via majority decision over Jose Angulo in the lastShoBox telecast before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March 2020. Prior to that win, Guerrero had stopped three consecutive opponents including a second-round TKO of Darnell Jiles, Jr. in Januarie 2020. A celebrated amateur who won two junior national titles, the 22-year-old “Pork Chop” has sparred with the likes of world champions Mikey Garcia and Brandon Rios at the famed Garcia Boxing Academy in California.

“I know nothing about my opponent, but I’ve watched one clip of him and that’s all I needed to see to know he will go down,” Guerrero said. “This fight will mean a lot to me because it will show the world I’m the real deal. I will win this fight for my career and my family.”

The 26-year-old Montoya, of Baja California, Mexiko, will be making his United States debut on February 17 and will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for just the second time. After dropping his second professional contest, Montoya rallied to go unbeaten in his next 18 bouts before traveling to Russia in November 2019 to take on undefeated prospect Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov, where he lost a 12-round decision. Montoya rebounded to score a second-round TKO over Reyes David Lopez his last time out in October, and also owns an impressive victory over then-undefeated prospect Luis Alberto Lopez Vargas.

“Fighting in the U.S. and on SHOWTIME has always been my dream and I can’t wait for February 17 to show what I can do,” Montoya said. “I’ve never worked or trained as hard for a fight as I have for this one. I’ve seen my opponent and know he will bring the action just like his last fight. He will be tough, but I’m as ready for this as I’ve ever been.”

Kerefov vs. Espana – Eight-Round Middleweight Bout

Hailing from Shaluska, Rusland, and now fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Kerefov will make hisShoBox debut on February 17. Kerefov, 30, amassed an impressive 298-12 amateur record in his home country during his nearly decade-long reign at the elite level of international amateur boxing. In 2019, Kerefov turned in five impressive victories in Russia prior to his United States debut at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit in August 2020, where he turned in a dominating unanimous decision victory over Calvin Metcalf in a middleweight bout.

“I am in the middle of a great training camp with trainer SugarHill Steward in Florida,” Kerefov said. “I look forward to showing the boxing fans that I am the new face of the middleweight division.”

The 31-year-old southpaw, Espana, will be fighting for the first time in the United States as 14 van sy 16 professional bouts have taken place in Venezuela. The power-punching Espana’s only career loss was to Dervin Colina in 2019 en 14 van sy 15 victories have come via knockout. In Desember, he TKO’d Leonard Carrillo in his last fight.

“This is a great opportunity for me to appear in the U.S.,” Espana said. “I know very little about my opponent, but that does not bother me at all. I am always training and ready to go the distance or less. Victory will get me closer to a world title.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. Die uitvoerende vervaardiger is Gordon Hall met Richard Gaughan vervaardiging en Rick Phillips regie.

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Vir meer inligting besoekwww.sho.com/sports volg op Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, of 'n fan op Facebook bywww.Facebook.com/SHOSports

OorShoBox: Die nuwe generasie

Sedert sy ontstaan ​​in Julie 2001, die krities bekroonde Showtime boks reeks, ShoBox: Die nuwe generasie featured jong talent wat ooreenstem taai. DieShoBox filosofie is om die beeldradio opwindende, skare-verblydend en mededingende wedstryde, terwyl die verskaffing van 'n bewys grond vir gewillig vooruitsigte vasbeslote om te veg vir 'n wêreld titel. Sommige van die groeiende lys van die 83 vegters wat verskyn opShoBox en gevorderde wêreld titels te skuur sluit: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.