Category Archives: Showtime
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, Talalupangdon nga mga Punto, And In-Depth Analysis of Featherweight And Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix
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, Abril 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 featuringPatricio "Pitbull", Emmanuel Sanchez, AJ McKee, Vadim Nemkov, Ryan Bader ug mas.
Dugang pa, 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 MMA, bothspecial 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, Marso 29 sa ibabaw sa mgaShowtime Sports ugBELLATOR 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.
Sa Sabado, Marso 27, a replay ofBELLATOR MMA 253: Caldwell vs. McKee will air on SHOWTIME at 8 sa gabii. 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, Marso 28 sa 12 Midnight ET/PT, and again on Thursday, Abril 1 sa 9 sa gabii. 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 sa gabii. 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)
·More, two individual bouts from BELLATOR MMA 209: - (Original air date 11/16/2018)
- BELLATOR MMA: Davis vs Nemkov
- BELLATOR MMA: Pitbull vs. Sanchez
Alang sa dugang nga impormasyon pagbisitawww.bellator.com owww.SHO.com, follow on Twitter @BellatorMMA and @ShowtimeSports, on Instagram @BellatorMMA and @ShoSports, o mahimo nga usa ka fan sa Facebook sawww.Facebook.com/BellatorMMA.
RISING WELTERWEIGHT STAR JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS BATTLES RUGGED FORMER CHAMPION SERGEY LIPINETS ON SATURDAY, ABRIL 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® IN A PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT
DAVID BENAVIDEZ PUTS THE SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION ON NOTICE,STOPS RONALD ELLIS IN 11th ROUND OF SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® MAIN EVENT
CLARESSA SHIELDS DOMINATES MARIE-EVE DICAIRE, MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST BOXER TO BE CROWNED UNDISPUTED CHAMP IN A SECOND WEIGHT DIVISION
RISING SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT BRANDUN LEE FACES SAMUEL TEAH ON THE NEXT EDITION OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® WEDNESDAY, MARSO 10 PAGKINABUHI SA SHOWTIME®
ShoBox Continues Celebrating 20th Anniversary Year With Telecast Featuring Eight Prospects With Total Record of 102-4-2
NEW YORK – March 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, Marso 10 nagpuyo sa Showtime sa 9 sa gabii. ET/PT in the super lightweight main event of aShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon telecast.
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 KOs) of La Quinta, Calif., will look to extend his impressive KO streak to 13 sa diha nga siya nag-atubangShoBox veteran Samuel Teah (17-3-1, 7 KOs) sa usa ka 10-round super lightweight bout. The co-main event will see undefeated super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez (11-0, 5 KOs) battle once-beaten Jordan White (10-1, 8 KOs) 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 KOs) faces Jeremy Hill (14-0, 9 KOs) sa usa ka walo ka-round lightweight bout. Sa telecast opener, 22-year-old power-punching prospect Victor Padilla (8-0, 7 KOs) naghimo sa iyangShoBoxdebut against another unbeaten Philadelphia native, Thomas Velasquez (10-0-1, 6 KOs), in an eight-round super featherweight contest.
The four-fight telecast is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and D&D Boxing.
“Our March 10ShoBox event, from top to bottom, perfectly represents the philosophy that the series has set forth to accomplish during our 20 years in boxing,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer forShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon. “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, paghimo sa iyangShoBox debut, 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, Presidente sa DiBella Entertainment. “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. Sa main event, 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 first-round knockouts. 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. Siya mao ang 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 libra. 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.”
Yeah, 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. sa Nobyembre 2018. The 33-year-old Yeah, 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 said. “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, Mexico, and raised in Denver, Colo., 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 ug 2015. Lopez’s career-best pro win came onShoBox sa Septyembre 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 ug, niini nga panahon, 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.”
Ang Washington, D.C. native White was a former No. 1-ranked amateur, pagtigom sa usa ka 145-16 nga 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. Niadtong Marso 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. Usa ka accomplished 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, siyempre, 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, Ako dinhi aron sa pagpakig-away. This will be my second fight on SHOWTIME and I feel that, niini nga panahon, I’ll be coming back stronger, both mentally and physically. 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 US. 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.
“Una ug labaw sa tanan, Gusto ko nga magpasalamat sa Dios, 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, sa Marso 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. Sama sa usa ka 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. Ang executive producer mao Gordon Hall uban sa Richard Gaughan og ug Rick Phillips naggiya sa.
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ADRIEN BRONER vs. JOVANIE SANTIAGO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
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
INITIAL RANKINGS SET TO BE RELEASED IN ADVANCE OF BELLATOR’S APRIL DEBUT ON SHOWTIME®
LOS ANGELES-Bellator MMA™is 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® Biyernes, Abril 2 uban saBellator 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 sa 9 sa gabii. UG.
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, lakip:
- Heavyweight
- Kahayag heavyweight
- Middleweight
- Welterweight
- Lightweight
- Featherweight
- Bantamweight
- Fighters in two women’s divisions will be ranked, lakip:
- Featherweight
- Flyweight
- Two pound-for-pound lists will be voted on, lakip:
- Men’s
- Women’s
New Fighter Eligibility:
- A fighter must have competed once inside the Bellator cage on a current term with the company to be eligible.
Inactivity:
- 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, mga atleta, talent or other organization personnel participate in voting.
The inaugural voting panel will include the following members of the media:
- Jeff Cain – MMA Weekly
- Brian Campbell – CBS Sports
- Rodrigo Del Campo – Claro Sports
- Rob DeMello – KHON Hawaii
- Jason Floyd – The MMA Report
- George Garcia – MMA Junkie
- Amy Kaplan – FanSided
- Nolan King – MMA Junkie
- John Hyon Ko – South China Morning Post
- Mark LaMonica – Newsday
- Igor Lazarin – TASS Russia
- Shakiel Mahjouri – Fightful MMA
- Joe McDonagh – Cageside Press
- John Morgan – MMA Junkie
- Ken Pishna – MMA Weekly
Palihug sa pagbisita saBellator.com alang sa dugang nga impormasyon.
SHOWTIME SPORTS® OFFERS FIRST LOOK AT SPECIAL VIDEO FEATURE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®
NEW YORK - Enero 20, 2021 – SHOWTIME Sports has released a special video feature in advance of tonight’s ShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon telecast, 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® sa Hulyo 2001 and celebrates its 20th year featuring boxing’s rising stars throughout 2021. To watch and share the video, adto sa 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 inception, ShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon has showcased young talent matched tough in exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Pagkakaron, 83 manggugubat nga nagpakita saShoBox 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 sa gabii. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME and is headlined by Yeis Solano (15-0, 10 KOs) making his super lightweight debut against the first undefeated fighter of his career in East Hartford, Conn.’s Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs). The co-main event features Panama’s unbeaten Jose Nunez (11-0-1, 4 KOs) facing decorated amateur Aram Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight matchup.
FIVE UNBEATEN FIGHTERS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® QUADRUPLEHEADER WEDNESDAY, PEBRERO 17 PAGKINABUHI SA SHOWTIME®
Janelson Figueroa Bocachica Returns Against Unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr., in Main Event of ShoBox, Celebrating 20th Year Featuring Boxing’s Rising Stars
NEW YORK - Enero 20, 2021 - Exciting welterweight prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica will meet fellow undefeated Mark Reyes, Jr., diha sa usa ka ShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon main event bout Wednesday, Pebrero 17 nagpuyo sa Showtime sa 9 sa gabii. 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 KOs) is following up on his dominating performance in hisShoBox debut in October when he faces the power-punching Reyes (14-0, 12 KOs) from Tampa, Fla., sa usa ka 10-round bout welterweight. The co-main event will feature unbeaten Russian and Detroit-trained Vladimir Shishkin (11-0, 7 KOs) taking on Ghana’s Sena Agbeko (23-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup. Dugang pa, Alejandro Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) of Irving, Texas, mobalik ngadto saShoBox and faces Mexico’s Abraham Montoya (19-2-1, 14 KOs) sa usa ka walo ka-round lightweight bout. Another Russian-based in Detroit, Mich., Timur Kerefov (9-0, 4 KOs), will battle middleweight prospect Argenis Espana (15-1, 14 KOs) 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.”
piniyalan, 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, nga akong gusto. They have families and know that boxing in the United States is the mecca. Busa, 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. Kinatibuk-an, 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. “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 pinaagi sa WBC, Buhata Dili. 11 sa WBA ug No. 12 by the IBF in the 168-pound division.
“I’m grateful, sa makausa pag-usab, 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 bouts. Agbeko turned pro in 2011 sa edad nga 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
Nakig-away gikan sa 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. sa Enero 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, Mexico, 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, Russia, 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. Sa 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 sa iyang 16 professional bouts have taken place in Venezuela. The power-punching Espana’s only career loss was to Dervin Colina in 2019 ug 14 sa iyang 15 victories have come via knockout. Sa Disyembre, 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. Ang executive producer mao Gordon Hall uban sa Richard Gaughan og ug Rick Phillips naggiya sa.
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AboutShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon
Sukad sa iyang pagsugod sa Hulyo 2001, ang critically giila Showtime boxing sunod-sunod nga, ShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon ang bahin sa batan-ong talento gipaangay, gisama tough. AngShoBox pilosopiya mao ang televise kulbahinam, panon sa katawhan-nga makapahimuot ug competitive matches samtang paghatag og usa ka pagpamatuod sa yuta alang sa andam nga mga palaaboton determinado sa pagpakig-away alang sa usa ka world title. Ang pipila sa mga nagtubo nga listahan sa mga 83 manggugubat nga nagpakita saShoBox ug abante nga pag-angkon og sa kalibotan titulo naglakip sa: 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.