Category Archives: Showtime

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT KEITH HUNTER TRAINING CAMP NOTES AHEAD OF SHOBOX MAIN EVENT

Hunter Faces Fellow Unbeaten Malik Hawkins in Main Event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, February 28 Live On SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Hunter Photos; Credit: Team Prince Ranch Boxing


 
LAS VEGAS – February 19, 2020 – Undefeated super lightweight sensation and Las Vegas native, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs), talks about training camp in advance of his upcoming showdown against fellow undefeated prospect Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11KOs) in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
In the co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KOs) in a 10-round bout and once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup that opens the telecast.

 

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

 

Hunter, 27, returns to Sam’s Town Live after an impressive 2019, in which he won a decisive 10-round unanimous decision against Cameron Krael and scored an upset victory over former amateur standout Sanjarbek Rakhmanov. He comes from a family of fighters, he’s the younger brother of heavyweight contender Michael Hunter and his father was a well-respected boxer who sparred with Mike Tyson. Hunter has spent the entirety of his training camp at Prince Ranch Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, where he trains alongside undefeated welterweight Blair Cobbs.


 
Here is what Hunter had to say about his recent training camp and upcoming battle with Hawkins:


 
On his opponent…


 
“This is my time to shine. Hawkins is a good fighter, he is talented, but he stands in my way. I am not just fighting for myself, but for my family. If you look at my record, I’ve fought some very tough guys.  I know I’m battle ready to take my career to the next level. Hawkins is going down. I am going to make people respect the Hunter name once again


 
“I have nothing bad to say about Malik Hawkins. He is a hard-working fighter. I just feel that I am better. This is my time, and no one can take this opportunity away from me.  The problem for Hawkins is, I have trained harder than ever to get the win. I am more focused than ever.”


 
On training camp…


 
“I wanted this camp to be very specific. I get good sparring at Bones Adams’ gym and a lot of top pros have come through there like Shakur Stevenson, Manny Pacquiao, and many others. I have watched how they trained, and I have used that same work ethic and principles for this camp with the supervision of my coaches.”


 
On his status as a contender…


 
“I’m now ranked 13 by the WBA, which makes me a contender. I must get past Hawkins, so believe me when I tell you I’m going to leave everything in the ring.  I’m looking at this fight like it’s a world title. Losing is not an option.”


 
On making his SHOWTIME debut…


 
“I am excited to headline on ShoBox: The New Generation. It’s a platform that launches fighters’ careers, and SHOWTIME has a fantastic and professional production crew. One goal from the beginning was to showcase my talent on a big stage like this, now I’m here.  This is a very big opportunity for me, I’m not going to let it slip away.”


 
Hunter is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, advised by former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman promoted by Greg Cohen, Founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.


 
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For more information: visit www.sho.com/sportswww.mayweatherpromotions.com/events, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, and on Instagram @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, orwww.bit.ly/sincityshowdown.

 

ISAAC CRUZ SCORES UPSET WIN OVER SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION VETERAN THOMAS MATTICE FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Ra’eese Aleem Wins Via TKO Over Adam Lopez; Montana Love and Joseph Jackson Earn Impressive Unanimous Decision Victories At 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Catch The Replay Monday, February 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

PHILADELPHIA – February 15, 2020 – Undefeated 21-year-old lightweight prospect Isaac Cruz stunned ShoBox: The New Generation veteran Thomas Mattice in a closely contested majority decision win in the ShoBox main event Friday night from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. Watch the fight highlightsHERE.

Cruz, of Mexico City, rode his superior work rate, a lethal body attack, and his ability to neutralize Mattice’s jab to the victory. The judges scored the fight 95-95 and 96-94 twice.

Cruz threw an average of 69.4 punches per round, compared to 57.8 punches per round for Mattice. The much shorter Cruz, standing at 5’4” ½, was fearless from the opening bell and held an 82-31 advantage in body punches connected. Mattice, 5’8” ½, was also out-jabbed 34-30. Making his sixth appearance onShoBox, Cleveland’s Mattice was hampered by another slow start, a theme in his previous appearances on the prospect development series. Through the first two rounds, Cruz held advantages of 49-15 in overall punches landed and 39-8 in power punches connected.

“We were going for the knockout but it didn’t come up so we’ll take the decision,” said Cruz. “I thought I won all 10 rounds. I don’t know what fight the judges were watching. Round one to 10 I dominated and I was never hurt.”

A strong finish in the 10th and final round was not enough for Mattice to salvage a draw.

“I came up short,” said Mattice. “He was the better man. He could hit a little bit. I started out a little slow, trying to see what he had. He jumped out to an early lead and I was just trying to get familiar with his power. I have no excuses. He was the better man tonight.”  

In the co-featured bout, Ra’eese Aleem (16-0, 10 KOs) burst onto the scene in his national television debut, putting on a boxing clinic by scoring a fourth-round TKO in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout over San Antonio’s Adam Lopez (19-4-2, 9 KOs).

Aleem, from Muskegon, Mich., proved to be overwhelming for Lopez, who was making his record eighth appearance on ShoBox. From the opening bell, Aleem attacked from all angles as a reactive and slower Lopez was unable to cope with the wide array of punches. The 29-year-old Aleem held a commanding 92-11 advantage in overall punches, including a lopsided 61-7 power punches advantage.

With blood dripping from his nose and scalp, Lopez’s corner asked referee Gary Rosato to stop the fight at 1:31 of round four. Watch the TKO HERE.

“I put in a lot of hard work,” said Aleem, who now lives and trains in Las Vegas. “I didn’t see any film on the guy but knew he was a tough Mexican fighter. Once we got in there, I could see the speed difference. I could see his punches coming. I did rush some punches and made some mistakes. But it was good and I kept my hands up and my speed and movements were good. And I’m glad I stopped him. I didn’t want to go the distance.

“I want a world title fight and I’m knocking on the door. I’m hungry and I’m ready. I know Danny Roman just lost the title. Brandon Figueroa, whoever is there in the top-10 I’m ready for. I’m hungry and I’m coming and I want that fight.”

In the second fight of the four-fight telecast, Cleveland’s flashy unbeaten super lightweight Montana Love (13-0-1, 6 KOs) improved his record to 2-0-1 onShoBox, putting in a professional display en route to a unanimous decision over Jerrico Walton (16-1, 7 KOs), who fights out of Houston by way of New Orleans. The judges scored the fight 78-74 and 77-75 twice. Watch fight highlights HERE

“I think Love did enough to win,” said SHOWTIME Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. “The rounds he won, he won more convincingly. Love did the serious damage in the fight.”

Walton, with noted trainer Ronnie Shields working his corner, threw slightly more punches than Love, but in a fight decided by big moments, Love had more of them, especially in the late rounds. Love was more accurate on his power punches (43 percent to 21 percent) and in body shots (56-23). The southpaw also hurt Walton on two separate occasions, but the 29-year-old did enough to hang on and survive the rounds.

“I give my performance a C-plus,” said the 25-year-old Love. “I could have been more active in there. I didn’t get hit a lot and I hurt him a few times but I let him off the hook.

“I was getting off good shots, and the thing I’m mad about is that the fight should not have gone the distance. I’m ready for whatever’s next. My team is trying to get me to 135 pounds.”

Walton was making his national television debut. “I think the fight was closer than it was scored; I think it was at least a draw,” he said. “I don’t think the fight was 78-74. I’m very disappointed but I’m not going to stop. They’re going to see me again. This is only going to push me harder.”

With his first career loss, Walton became the 191st fighter to lose his undefeated record on ShoBox, boxing’s ultimate proving ground.

In a battle of unbeaten super welterweights making their ShoBox debuts in the telecast opener, North Carolina’s Joseph Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) handed Derrick Colemon, Jr. (11-1, 8 KOs) his first career loss. Jackson overcame a slow start to earn the unanimous decision. The scores were 77-75, 80-72, 78-74. Watch the decision HERE.

The younger and more aggressive Colemon of Detroit started strong, controlling the first three rounds before the savvier and more mature Jackson commanded the second half of the bout. In rounds six through eight, Jackson out-landed Colemon 76-19 overall and 50-9 on power punches. Jackson’s movement and activity frustrated and tired Colemon, who went past five rounds for the first time in his career. Farhood scored the first three rounds in favor of Colemon and the final five rounds for Jackson.

“We just dug deep and got the job done,” said the 31-year-old Jackson. “I’d give my performance an eight out of 10. I know I can show better. I had about 40 people come out from Greensboro, N.C., and support me.

“I’ll fight whoever they put out in front of me next. It’s SHOWTIME and my first televised fight and first fight outside of North Carolina so it was important to put on a show.”

Friday’s fights were promoted by King’s Promotions in association with GH3 Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

The four-fight telecast was the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date. Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

RICHARDSON HITCHINS AND NICK DELOMBA DISCUSS TRAINING CAMP AHEAD OF SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MATCHUP ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Mayweather Promotions


 
LAS VEGAS – February 12, 2020 – Fast-rising super lightweight prospects Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) and Nick DeLomba(16-2, 5 KOs) open up about training camp ahead of their ShoBox: The New Generation co-featured bout Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
In the ShoBox main event, unbeaten Mayweather Promotions’ prospect Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11 KOs) will return for his second appearance on SHOWTIME as he goes toe-to-toe with undefeated Vegas native Keith Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout. The opening bout of the telecast will see Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (11-1-1, 6 KOs) against an opponent to be announced in a 10-round super middleweight bout. The previously announced opponent, Kalvin Henderson, has withdrawn from the fight due to an injury.


 
Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.


 
Hitchins, of Brooklyn, N.Y., returns for his second consecutive test on the prospect developmental series. In his last outing, he earned a unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson at Sam’s Town. Hitchins, a 22-year-old 2016 Haitian Olympian, has gained notoriety for having the skillset of a veteran with a gritty and slick style inside the ring. Hitchins has credited some of his boxing development to advice and pointers he has gotten from world champion Daniel Jacobs and Shakur Stevenson, and stablemate Gervonta Davis.


 
“Nice” DeLomba, fighting out of Cranston, R.I., is coming off a five-fight win streak with three out of five wins by knockout. He’s best known for his slickness and elusiveness in the ring and looks to make a powerful statement in foreign territory as he makes his Las Vegas and ShoBox debuts.


 
Here is what Hitchins and DeLomba had to say ahead of the February 28 match-up:


 
How has training camp been going in preparation for February 28?


 

Hitchins: “Camp is good, but I’m always in camp. There’s never a time when I’m not preparing and perfecting my craft, I’m really a student of the game. I know that I’m approaching that next level in my career, so I have to stay sharp and in the gym to perform at that next level.


 
“I’m headed to Colorado to finish training camp. It’s where the Olympic training center is, and it’s a place I’ve gone a couple of times to finish my camp. The air is better up there and that really helps me to get in better shape going into the fight.”


 
DeLomba: “Training camp is going wonderful. I’m getting everything I need to prepare for the fight: nutrition, meal plans, and strength and conditioning. I’ve added a new strength and conditioning coach and I’ve tweaked things to adjust to Hitchins’ style. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait for fight night.”


 

What is your game plan going into this fight?


 

Hitchins: “My game plan is the same for every fight. Stay composed and be the first to strike. I’m at a point in my career where the competition is getting tougher so the main thing for me is keeping my defense tight. My defense will keep me in good shape during the fights as the competition gets steep. But overall, I always have the mindset that I’m the better, smarter, and faster fighter.


 
“I surround myself with champions. That’s the only way to become one and this fight gets me one step closer.”



DeLomba: “I plan to go in and fight smart; stick to the game plan my team has for me and execute it well. My goal is to overcome whatever he tries to throw at me.”


 
What do you know about your opponent?


 

Hitchins: “I don’t know much. He’s who my team picked for me so I’m just going to get the job done and take him out. On fight night, I’ll have a clearer idea of how to get him out. I can adjust to anything.”



DeLomba: “I know my opponent has quick hands and likes to throw speedy shots. I’m completely focused on myself and my training. I believe in my abilities as a fighter. I’m not intimidated.”


 
What will a victory on February 28th do for your career going forward?


 

Hitchins: “Another win carries me to that next level. I’m hungry, I come from nothing, so I stay with a chip on my shoulder. I’m appreciative of my team, Mayweather Promotions, and to SHOWTIME for providing me with this opportunity to build my name in the sport and show the world what I can do.”


 
DeLomba: “A win over Hitchins will catapult me to that next level. It’s a televised bout and this will bring me the exposure I need to branch out and expose myself to a new audience. It will improve my career tremendously.”


 
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About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: 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. 


 
For more information: visit www.sho.com/sportswww.mayweatherpromotions.com/events, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, and on Instagram @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, or www.bit.ly/sincityshowdown.

 

Unbeaten Former World Champion Luis Nery Takes On Fellow Unbeaten Aaron Alameda In WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator Bout Live On SHOWTIME® Saturday, March 28 In Premier Boxing Champions Event From Park MGM In Las Vegas

Heavyweight Contender Otto Wallin Meets Lucas Browne In Co-Main Event And Light Heavyweight Prospects Joseph George And Marcos Escudero Battle In Rematch In Telecast Opener

Tickets On Sale Thursday, February 13 At Noon PT!

LAS VEGAS  February 11, 2020 – Unbeaten former bantamweight world champion Luis Nery will face undefeated contender Aaron Alameda in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator headlining live action on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® tripleheader begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features heavyweight contenders squaring off as Otto Wallin and Lucas Browne battle in a 10-round attraction in the co-main event, plus rising light heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Joseph George faces Marcos Escudero in a 10-round rematch of their November showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation that saw George win a narrow split decision.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale Thursday, February 13 at noon and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Wallin vs. Browne is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

“Saturday, March 28 is going to be a night full of exciting action headlined by Mexican knockout artist Luis Nery beginning his path toward a world title at super bantamweight against an undefeated Mexican contender in Aaron Alameda,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adding in the heavyweight showdown between Otto Wallin and Lucas Browne, plus a rematch of young light heavyweights Joseph George and Marcos Escudero, fight night at Park MGM in Las Vegas is sure to deliver explosive battles from start to finish.”

Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) is a power puncher who has stopped his last 11 opponents and 15 of his last 16. The 25-year-old southpaw from Tijuana, Mexico scored a dominant stoppage victory over former champion McJoe Arroyo in March and returned in July to stop former champion Juan Carlos Payano. He scored a TKO victory over Shinsuke Yamanaka to win the bantamweight world title in 2018 and will now move up to 122 pounds to seek a world title in a second weight class.

“I’m excited to fight on SHOWTIME and I’m planning on another knockout victory to prove to everyone that I’m one of the kings of the super bantamweight division,” said Nery. “I know that I can knock out any fighter at 118 or 122 pounds, and I’m hungrier than ever to prove that I’m one of boxing’s great Mexican champions. My goal is to continue to put on great performances for the fans and I’m ready to fight anyone who is willing to step up to the challenge.”

Representing Sonora, Mexico, Alameda (25-0, 13 KOs) is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 after a strong amateur career, and will step up in competition as he faces Nery for a shot at a world title bout. The 26-year-old is ranked No. 12 by the WBC and most recently knocked out Jordan Escobar in April 2019, after three victories in 2018. Alameda will fight in the U.S. for the second time when he enters the ring on March 28, after scoring a body shot knockout over Andre Wilson in a January 2016 bout in Los Angeles.

“I’m very excited to be making my SHOWTIME debut in the main event against a great fighter,” said Alameda. “All of the years of training and fighting have brought me to this fight on March 28. Nery is a Mexican warrior like myself and I can’t wait to lock horns with him and give the fans great action all the way until the final bell.”

The 29-year-old Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs) will return to the ring in Las Vegas, where he nearly defeated former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in September, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that nearly halted the fight. While Wallin dropped the decision, he proved his mettle as a potential future heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache. Wallin’s last fight in Las Vegas was his second in the U.S., after his debut on SHOWTIME in April ended in a no contest because of a cut suffered by his opponent in the first round.

Fighting out of New South Wales, Australia, Browne (29-2, 25 KOs) most recently scored a knockout victory over John Hopoate in November, his second win of 2019. He’s won four of his last five bouts, with his only career losses coming to Dillian Whyte and David Allen in the U.K. Browne won his first 25 pro fights, including a stoppage of Ruslan Chagaev in 2016 to capture a WBA Heavyweight Championship. He will be making his U.S. debut.

George (10-0, 6 KOs) emerged victorious in a battle of then unbeaten fighters when he faced Escudero on SHOWTIME in November, taking a split-decision victory. The 30-year-old didn’t start boxing until he was 19 and is managed by Washington Redskins All-Pro offensive lineman Trent Williams, and trained in Houston by NFL All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson and James Cooper. George will look to transition from prospect to contender by defeating Escudero again on March 28.

Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs) will look to bounce back and even the score against George, and in turn bolster his own position in the light heavyweight division. The 26-year-old from Buenos Aires, Argentina has fought primarily in the U.S. since turning pro in 2017. His amateur career saw him become a national champion in Argentina in 2014 and represent his country in the Pan-Am Games in 2015. Escudero currently trains in Miami and scored three stoppage wins in 2019 before facing George for the first time.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

RAEESE “THE BEAST” ALEEM MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Undefeated Prospect Aleem Makes his Televised Debut on ShoBox This Friday, February 14 Live On SHOWTIME® From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia


 
Use This Link For Photos From Team Aleem:

https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/ovztcuBNt3

LAS VEGAS – February 10, 2020 – Undefeated rising prospect Raeese “The Beast” Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) held a media workout at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame as he prepares for his upcoming eight-round super bantamweight bout against Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in the co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.


 
In the main event of the four-fight telecast, lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz (18-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Plus, in a matchup of undefeated super lightweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round bout with Houston’s Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super welterweight Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit will face Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs) of North Carolina.


 
Aleem, who is managed by Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing and promoted by Kings Promotions, will make his television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation.


 
Here is what Aleem had to say Saturday at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas:


 
RAEESE ALEEM


 
“I’m very excited to be making my televised debut on SHOWTIME, where the world will get to see my talent.  I’m definitely looking forward to making some new fans.  This is a stepping stone to bigger and better things.


 
“I feel like I’m flying under the radar.  I’ve been right there with all the other rising prospects. I’m originally from a small town so I never had the proper eyes on me.  I feel like I must train twice as hard as the average fighter just to be in the same conversation than these guys. But that’s just how the game is. I’m ready to show up and show out.


 
“It’s been a huge transition since I moved out here [Las Vegas] from Muskegon, Mich., where I’m originally from.  I came out here with no family and no friends, with the sole idea to pursue my career. I took a leap of faith and it has paid off. It’s been all about business here in Las Vegas, and it’s been great.  I’ve been exposed to a lot of great fighters and picked up a lot of good tips.


 
“Adam Lopez is a tough Latino fighter who is going to bring his ‘A’ game, and he has something to prove.  He has a lot of experience.  He’s been in the ring with a lot of skilled guys and current world champions. This is the type of fight I need to take the next step toward being a world champion.


 
“I’m an aggressive boxer who likes to throw a lot of punches. I make my opponent miss and I make them pay. I’m all-action. I’m a beast! I’m prepared to go the distance, but my ultimate goal is to get him out of there, to get the win.”


 
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports 
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: 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. 

 

GARY RUSSELL JR. VS. TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

WBC Featherweight Champion Russell Takes On Unbeaten Contender Nyambayar & Former Champions Guillermo Rigondeaux & Liborio Solis Battle for Vacant Bantamweight Title Live on SHOWTIME This Saturday, February 8 in Premier Boxing Champions Event in PPL Center in 
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

ALLENTOWN, PA. (February 6, 2020) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. and unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar went face-to-face at a final press conference Thursday before they headline action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
 
The press conference also featured former champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solis, who battle in the co-main event for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title, plus Jaime Arboleda and Jayson Velez, who compete in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator to open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.pplcenter.com/events (direct linkHERE).  
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Renaissance Allentown Hotel:
 
GARY RUSSELL JR.
 
“We had a great training camp. I have my younger brothers on the card with me and in camp, pushing me every day. We’re ready, focused and hungry.
 
“Tug will be the best he possibly can be because he knows he’s facing one of the best fighters in the world. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose. He’s going to leave it all on the line.
 
“I think Tug is a lot more technically sound than a lot of the guys who I have competed against. He’s another guy with everything to gain and nothing to lose, so I’m anticipating a tough fight.
 
“If it were up to me, I’d be facing Leo Santa Cruz or Gervonta Davis, but this is what I have to face. I’m here to defend my title in style once again.
 
“It’s amazing to watch my younger brothers and to have them on the same card. I’m excited to work their corners. There’s never been a set of three brothers to become world champions, and I think we’ll do that real soon. They’re both extremely talented and hungry. I expect them to be better than me by the time they’re at this point in their careers.
 
“I was the first fighter to turn pro on ShoBox, and I went on to win my title on SHOWTIME. The fact that we’re still doing it now speaks wonders. I work great with their team and I’m grateful to be in this position.
 
“You should expect to see what you always see with me. Boxing at its best. A great deal of ring generalship. Good boxing IQ. Hand speed. Punching power. The total package as a fighter. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to figure out why I’m not on the pound for pound list given all of that. That’s an issue.”
 
TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR
 
“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans. Gary Russell Jr. is a great champion, but watch on Saturday night, when I become the new featherweight world champion.
 
“I just have to be better than Gary Russell on Saturday night. The past experience won’t matter. If he thinks I’m too inexperienced for this fight, he is going to be in for a surprise Saturday.
 
“I know that I’m the underdog, but that doesn’t affect me. I don’t care if I’m the favorite or the underdog.
 
“I’m not worried about any ring rust. I’ve worked so hard in the ring during training camp to make sure I’m the best I’ve ever been.
 
“Working with Ismael Salas has been very good for me and I think it’s taken me to another level in my career. All of skills, all of my power and speed, it will all be with me on Saturday. I just have to put it together for my best performance.
 
“I’m very ready for this fight. I want to be the first WBC featherweight champion in history from Mongolia. I’m ready, you just need to watch on Saturday.”
 
GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX
 
“Bantamweight is my division. I have no issues making that weight. I want to thank my team for getting me prepared and getting me to this position. All that’s left is to fight Saturday night.
 
“I want to also thank Ronnie Shields for how he has prepared me for this fight. It’s been a great training camp and I can’t wait to step into the ring and become champion again.
 
“I feel 100% and I believe that bantamweight has always been my best weight. I did well at 122 pounds, so i stayed there. My plan now is to dominate this division.
 
“Me and Ronnie Shields have great chemistry and worked well together. Ronnie is a great trainer and I’m looking forward to a long run that we’re going to have together.
 
“I’m going to be phenomenal in the ring. I’m going to unify 118 pounds just like I did at 122 pounds. I’m excited to get started.
 
“My strategy will depend on the fight that Solis brings. I’m a veteran in this sport, dating back to the amateurs, so I’m used to seeing so many different styles. I’m to fight the way that gives me the best chance to win.”
 
LIBORIO SOLIS
 
“Thank you very much to my team who has backed me and supported me leading up to this fight. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. My opponent has been a great champion and I’m very excited to be here to fight him.
 
“This is obviously going to be a great fight. I’m a warrior who always comes to fight. He can pick his strategy however he wants. But I just want to get in there and put my skills on display.
 
I was already a champion in one division and I had a fight taken on the scorecards at bantamweight, or else i would already be a two-division champion.
 
“Saturday is going to be different than my last fights. Both me and Guillermo give our heart and soul and we’re going to fight until the best man wins. I’m not leaving that ring without a championship.
 
“I’m going to come with everything on Saturday. I come to fight and I come to win. I’m sure Guillermo is the same. The difference will be my determination to win this fight.
 
“I don’t think anyone’s weight or which division we fought at in the past will be an advantage. I’m sure he could have always fought at 118. The person with the advantage is who wants it more.”
 
JAIME ARBOLEDA
 
“I want to thank all the great champions up on this stage and everyone on my team who made this fight happen. This opportunity has been a long time coming and I’ve been preparing hard to make the most out of it.
 
“On Saturday, I’m very confident that this is going to be a great fight and end in a knockout. I’m prepared and I know that I’m going to win.
 
“This is a great chance to get one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion. I know what I have to do and I’ve prepared every day to make sure that I fight my best on Saturday night.
 
“We have a lot of respect for each other and we’re looking forward to Saturday night. Don’t miss this card because it’s going to be action packed from start to finish.”
 
JAYSON VELEZ
 
“I’m happy to be here again and back in a big fight. My last time fighting on SHOWTIME was in 2012 and I’m very thankful for this opportunity to compete on this stage once again.
 
“I’m blessed to be able to do what I do every day. I’ve fought professionally since 2007. This is the dream that every boxer has. When I win on Saturday, I’ll be the mandatory for the belt and that’s the opportunity that I want.
 
“I’ve been training hard for this fight and I’m ready. I’ve won three fights in a row heading into a great fight between two hungry fighters. We want to add each other to our record and I believe that this fight is ending in knockout.
 
“Don’t miss this fight because this is going to be great. There’s going to be a lot of action. Every time I step into the ring, win or lose, I will leave everything in there. I fight with my heart and I fight for Puerto Rico.”
 
#          #          #
 
ABOUT RUSSELL VS. NYAMBAYAR
Russell vs. Nyambayar will see WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr.defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event, plus Jaime Arboledameeting Jayson Vélez in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator bout opening the telecast.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

Two-Time World Champion Rigondeaux Looks For Title In A Second Weight Class When He Battles Liborio Solis For Vacant WBA Bantamweight Title This Saturday, February 8 Live On SHOWTIME from PPL Center in Allentown, Pa


 

Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/iRULL FOTOS


 

HOUSTON, TEXAS – February 4, 2020 – Former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will seek to become a three-time, two-division world champion when he moves down to bantamweight to challenge former champion Liborio Solis for the vacant WBA title live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pa.


 
“I’m trying to make history by winning a third world title in a second weight class, while also matching my two [Olympic] Gold Medals,” said Rigondeaux, who will fight at bantamweight for the first time in his career. “I want to make a statement and solidify my legacy as one of the best Cuban fighters ever. I want the boxing world to be talking about me, as I seek to become a world champion once again. February 8 will be a special day for me and my family.


 
“I know at super bantamweight I am a force to be reckoned with. Now that I’m moving down to bantamweight, I feel stronger and I’m getting the most out of my skills. The bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions are filled with great fighters to test myself against. It’s a very exciting time and I am training very hard for each opportunity that is granted to me.”


 
This will be Rigondeaux’s second straight fight working with the renowned head trainer Ronnie Shields, and conducting training camp at Shields’ gym in Houston.


 
“Ronnie and I are working very hard and smart,” said Rigondeaux. “We have put together a great game plan that we are going to execute on fight night. All of my tools are getting sharpened up and everyone will see that the hard work we’ve put in will pay off. Ronnie is a great coach and I’ll be fighting with something to prove on fight night.”


 
“He is very focused, and one of the hardest workers in the gym,” said Shields. “Rigondeaux is so determined to become a world champion once again. He comes to camp every single day with that goal, and I don’t see any way he doesn’t achieve it.”


 
Rigondeaux is coming off an exciting knockout win over former world champion Julio Ceja last June. The Guantanamo, Cuba native will look to capture his next world title when he faces Solis, a former super flyweight world champion for the vacant WBA belt.


 
“Solis is a good opponent and a worthy challenger, but I am ready to reclaim my status as a world champion,” said Rigondeaux. “I’m going to show people why I am one of the best boxers of my generation.


 

“This is a very big deal for me. For years I was one of the best fighters in the world, if not, the best fighter in the world. When you’re a champion, you only fight the top opponents and those are the type of fights I want. I’m going to start another long reign as champion beginning February 8.”


 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased throughwww.pplcenter.com/events (direct link HERE).  


 

#          #          #


 
ABOUT RUSSELL VS. NYAMBAYAR

Russell vs. Nyambayar will see WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.


 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeauxand Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event, plus Jaime Arboleda meeting Jayson Vélez in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator bout opening the telecast.


 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports,
 www.PremierBoxingChampions.com,
 follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

RUBEN VILLA CONTINUES TO IMPRESS WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Taras Shelestyuk Records Dominating Unanimous Decision Win; Zhora Hamazaryan and Sulaiman Segawa Fight To Split-Decision Draw in Lightweight Matchup


 

Catch The Replay Monday, February 3 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®


 
Click HERE for Photos; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME


 
SHREVEPORT, La. – January 31, 2020 – After his fourth consecutive victory in a little more than 12 months on ShoBox: The New Generation, Ruben Villa is ready to graduate from the 19-year prospect series.


 
The undefeated featherweight Villa put on a boxing clinic in a dominating unanimous decision win over Alexei Collado. The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 98-92 twice in the main event Friday night from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, La.


 
The 22-year-old Salinas, Calif., native Villa (18-0, 5 KOs), who entered the ring paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant by wearing his No. 8 Lakers jersey into the ring, called his performance “solid” against a “tough and aggressive fighter.”


 
“He was challenging throughout the fight,” said Villa. “I feel like I put on a good show. He was a big knockout puncher and he’s no pushover. He brought out the best in me.”


 
Villa, who was the was also the 2014 and 2016 National Golden Gloves Champion, is currently ranked No. 5 at 126 pounds by the WBO and No. 13 by the WBC. He said after the fight he’s ready for the best his division has to offer.


 
The 31-year-old Cuban Collado (26-3, 23 KOs) who lives in Miami, lost for the first time in seven bouts. “It was a good fight,” said Collado, who won the 2006 Junior World Title in the flyweight division. “We both brought everything. We put on a good show for the fans. He moves a lot and he’s a smart fighter. I feel like when I threw a lot I hit him but I wasn’t active enough.”


 
Villa said he stayed disciplined training during the holidays. “Now I’m going to take a few weeks off and then get right back in the gym,” he said.


 
In the co-featured bout, undefeated Ukrainian and 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (18-0, 10 KOs) recorded a dominating unanimous decision victory against Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (18-2-2, 9 KOs). The judges scored the 10-round welterweight fight 97-93 and 98-92 twice.


 
Shelestyuk, who overcame a bad fifth-round cut on his forehead, had boxed just 10 rounds in the last three years.


 
“It was a good fight,” Shelestyuk said. “I hit him with some good shots, and controlled the fight. I have been out since March, and I feel that I performed well. I am happy to be back on television. 


 
“The cut didn’t bother me. This is professional boxing, and these things happen. I want to be back in May or June. If I come back in the next several months, I want to fight a big name – guys like Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.”


 
In the telecast opener, late replacement Sulaiman Segawa (12-2-1, 3 KOs) looked impressive in his ShoBox debut seemingly out-boxing Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and recording the better stat sheet, but the close lightweight fight was called a split-decision draw. One judge had Segawa winning 78-74, another 77-75 for Hamazaryan and the third judge called it even, 76-76.


 
ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood had the fight scored 77-75 Segawa, while Barry Tompkins and Raul Marquez both saw it 78-74 in favor of Segawa.


 
“I won the fight,” said Segawa, who took the fight on just four days’ notice. “I maintained him and his aggressiveness. I came up to his weight and dictated the action. I staggered him a couple of times and he was not touching me.”


 
Segawa earned the better stats in nearly every category. Hamazaryan was more active (57.5 punches per round to Segawa’s 53.6) but Segawa outlanded him 130-100 overall, 42-14 jabs and 88-86 power and was more accurate in all phases (30%-22% overall, 28%-8% jabs, 31.3%-31.1% power). Segawa even led 25-22 in body connects


 
Segawa, 28, moved to Silver Spring, Md., two years ago and is originally from Kampala, Uganda. He has won six times against previously undefeated opponents with his two losses also to undefeated fighters.


 
Hamazaryan, who was making his third ShoBox appearance, returned to the ring after 16 months as he returned to his native Armenia to get his physical education degree.

 

“It was a good fight,” the 23-year-old Hamazaryan said. “I started slow because of the switch in opposition and felt rusty. I’m going to go right back to the gym and keep on learning. And I will be better.”


 
It was the second consecutive split draw for Hamazaryan, who also recorded a split draw against Thomas Mattice in his last ShoBox appearance in September of 2018.


 
Friday’s fights were promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing and Bishop Promotions LLC. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

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


 
# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: 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.

 

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MALIK HAWKINS TO FACE KEITH HUNTER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLE-HEADER

Top Mayweather Promotions Prospects Hawkins, Richardson Hitchins, and Kevin Newman II Featured in Separate Bouts Live on SHOWTIME® From Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas


 

TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW!


 
LAS VEGAS – January 30, 2020 – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Malik Hawkins returns to the ring to make his ShoBox: The New Generationseries debut as part of a three-fight telecast when he faces fellow undefeated Vegas native Keith Hunter in the main event that is scheduled for 10 rounds on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
Two other Mayweather Promotions’ top prospects will face tough challenges, as 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) and once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) both return for their second ShoBox appearances fighting in separate bouts. Hitchins, the undefeated super lightweight prospect, will take on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KOs) in a 10-round bout, while Newman will seek his fifth consecutive victory when he steps in the ring with undefeated Kalvin Henderson (12-0-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

 

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown go on sale Friday, January 31 at 12 p.m. PT, start at $25 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.


 
“As we kickstart another year, I’m confident that we will continue to exceed expectations and bring top tier events to the sports and entertainment world,” says Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Our first stop of the year is at our home venue for club shows and a stacked Friday night ShoBox card.  These prospects are looking to put on impressive performances to start their year off. They’re putting in the work to take their fight game to the next level, and on February 28 we will see them challenge themselves against tough opponents at Sam’s Town Live and live on SHOWTIME.”


 
Hawkins, (18-0, 11 KOs) known as “Ice Man” in the ring, fights out of Baltimore, Md., and is coming off the heels of two back-to-back knockout victories. His most recent came via fifth-round stoppage against Darwin Price on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN on the Davis vs. Gamboa undercard on December 28. The 24-year-old Hawkins is trained by the highly touted Upton Gym coaches’ trio of Calvin Ford, Kenny Price, and Russ Blakey. Hawkins turned professional in 2014 with a knockout victory, which foreshadowed what was to come from the young fighter. As an amateur, Hawkins amassed an impressive 160-15 record while competing in the 2012 and 2013 National Championships and won a bronze medal in the 2012 Jr. Olympics. Best known for his gritty and powerful fighting style, Hawkins joined the Mayweather Promotions team in late 2019 with a knockout decision win over Al Rivera at Cannery Casino & Hotel.


 
“It feels great to headline my first ShoBox event,” says Hawkins. “This is something I wanted to do since I was a kid. A win in this fight and the exposure fighting on a platform like SHOWTIME only brings more recognition to my talent and skills and bigger and better opportunities. I have more than myself to fight for. I have the kids who look up to me at Upton Gym. I fight for them they’re my real motivation.


 
“I can’t say much about my opponent. I know he’s also undefeated. He is a durable opponent and he’s coming to fight, but if you watched my last fight you know I come in to take my opponents 0.”


 
Twenty-seven-year-old Keith Hunter (11-0, 7KO’s) comes from a fighting background. He’s the younger brother of heavyweight contender Michael Hunter, and his father was a well-respected boxer who sparred with Mike Tyson for many years before his tragic death. Hunter didn’t have a long amateur career, electing to turn professional after just 28 fights


 
“I feel confident coming into this fight,” said Hunter. “My last two bouts, I defeated Mayweather fighters and I’m confident with the insight I have. We’re both 6-feet tall, but he’s missing components as a fighter. He has trouble fighting on the outside. He is more comfortable on the inside. I feel I’m the better more skilled fighter going into the fight.


 
“Anytime I get to fight on a big stage like SHOWTIME, I invest a piece of my heart and soul, so hopefully my fans and anyone who watches my fight will see a genuine kid fighting for legacy and not money. This opportunity will help me connect with more people and I’m forever thankful for it.”


 
Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs), from Brooklyn, is a former two-time Golden Gloves champion who represented his parents’ home country of Haiti in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. One of boxing’s top young prospects, Hitchins has sparred and trained with several world champions including Terence Crawford and stablemate Gervonta Davis. Just 21-years-old, Hitchins boasts incredible hand and foot speed and the boxing IQ of a veteran contender. Having fought eight out of his 10 professional fights in his hometown, Hitchins will travel to Las Vegas for a second time looking for a statement win in his follow-up ShoBoxappearance.


 
“I’m hungrier than ever,” said Hitchins. “I see my brother Tank winning and prospering and I feel that same energy around me when I’m training for hours in the gym and perfecting my craft. I’m made to be great and I have the right people around me who keep my focus, keep me training at the highest level, and push me outside my comfort zone to be victorious. That’s what will show on fight night when I’m inside the ring.”


 
“Nice” Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KO’s), fighting out of Cranston, RI, is coming off a five-fight win streak with three out of five wins by knockout. He’s best known for his slickness and elusiveness in the ring and looks to make a powerful statement in foreign territory as he makes his Las Vegas and ShoBox debuts next month.


 
“What a great opportunity this is to fight on SHOWTIME,” said DeLomba. “I’ve been fighting my way up to this point and now it’s about showing the world who I am and growing my brand. That’s what I plan on doing come fight night. I take every fight and lesson with me to the gym and train harder than the day before and push myself to really be the best fighter. I know I’m coming in as the underdog, but it’s only going to make me want the win more and to be that guy who gives Hitchins his first defeat.”.


 
Las Vegas’ own Kevin Newman (11-1, 6KO’s) started boxing when he was nine-years old and built up an amateur record of 25-5 before turning pro in 2014. Impressed by Newman’s skills and technique in the ring as an amateur, Floyd Mayweather signed the rising super middleweight to his stable of fighters in the summer of 2014. Newman made his professional debut on the Mayweather vs. Maidana II undercard, where he fought to a draw against Azamat Umarzoda. Newman returns to ShoBox having avenged the only loss of his career against Mark Anthony Hernandez. Newman defeated Hernandez on November 1 at Sam’s Town Live, redeeming himself from their first matchup in 2017 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard. Newman remains humble and hungry as he climbs the ranks in the super middleweight division.


 
“It’s always good to get that weight off your shoulders,” said Newman of his recent victory over Hernandez. “I work hard day in and day out to be the best me and I follow God’s plan. I understand that there’s more for me on my journey now and I’m past that and I’m looking to the future on February 28.


 
“I’ve seen Kalvin fight. There isn’t anything particular that stands out about him. I’ve been in the ring with top tier guys as an amateur and a professional and I have fought tougher opponents. I’m always the smarter opponent.


 
“Fighting on SHOWTIME does a lot for me. It’s not about the win, it’s about how I win. I’m going to put on another dominant performance, something that will set me apart from the rest, and I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity that continues to come my way.


 
Originally from Fayetteville, Ark., but fighting out of Fort Worth, Tx., Henderson (12-0-1, 8 KO’s) doesn’t have a typical background for a professional fighter. He’s a University of Arkansas alumni who pursued a career in music when he was awarded a scholarship as a percussionist. He never lost sight of boxing since he was first introduced at 15 years old and quickly after graduating in 2012, he shifted his focus back to boxing. Henderson has quickly established himself as one of the faster rising super middleweights in the division and welcomes the challenge to continue his pursuit in becoming a world class boxer.


 
“Fighting in other people’s backyard is not a big deal,” says Henderson. “There’s no pressure on me to do anything. I take care of business and I go home. I will say that it brings a different motivating factor. It forces me to train harder and it affects my game plan because we can’t leave the rounds too close.


 
“I’m excited to get in the ring and execute my game plan in front of wide audience. I want to show the world what me and my team already know. I make it hot in the ring. That’s why they call me, ‘Hot Sauce’.”


 
# # #


 
For more information visit: www.sho.com/sportswww.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, , @mayweathersprts and, Instaram: @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions #ShoBox  #SinCityShowdown

RISING LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT THOMAS MATTICE TO FACE ISAAC CRUZ GONZALEZ IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Four-Fight Card Also Features Undefeated Prospects Raeese Aleem, Montana Love And Derrick Colemon Jr. In Toughest Tests Of Their Careers


 
NEW YORK – January 22, 2020 – Rising lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz Gonzalez in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. 


 
The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date, including super lightweight prospect Shohjahon Ergashev and super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin, who were victorious on January 17. On January 31, featherweight Ruben Villa and welterweight Taras Shelestyuk will be tested and on February 28, super lightweight Malik Hawkins and welterweight Richardson Hitchins face tough opposition. 


 
In the co-featured bout on February 14, undefeated super bantamweight Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs), of Las Vegas, will take onShoBox veteran and San Antonio native Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout.  In a matchup of undefeated junior welterweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans’ Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs).  In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated junior middleweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit, and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight-round 154-pound bout. 


 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions and King’s Promotions are $100, $75 and $50 and be purchased atwww.2300arena.com


 
Cleveland’s Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off his most significant win to date, an eight-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox.  The fight was stopped due to a deep gash on Dutchover caused by a clean right hand from Mattice.  The judges’ scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage.  Mattice will be making his sixth start on the prospect developmental series, including a close loss to Will Madera in 2019, a split decision win and a split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan in 2018, and a knockout of Rolando Chinea.  The 29-year-old hopes a convincing win over the top-10 ranked Gonzalez will move him closer to a world title shot. 


 
“A win would be huge for my career and put me in a great position,” Mattice said.  “It would put me in the conversation with the top dogs of the division.  I have to put on a great performance and let all those top fighters know that I’m here and ready to fight anyone.  It’s a must-win for me, but it’s a big fight for both of us.  He is ranked No. 7 by the IBF so this has the feel of a big fight.  I think a win would put me in the top-10.”


 
Gonzalez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), of Mexico City, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight.  The 22-year-old owns a career-best knockout of former interim world title challenger Jose Felix Jr. in 2018.  Currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF at 135 pounds, Gonzalez made his U.S. debut in December on the non-televised undercard of the Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last December. 


 
“I am excited to be fighting in the United States and I am thrilled for my fight to be shown on SHOWTIME,” said Gonzalea. “So many fighters started their career on ShoBox and have become World Champions.”


 
Aleem compiled a 65-10 record as an amateur and was a five-time Golden Gloves State Champion in Michigan.  He finished third at the National Golden Gloves in 2010 and 2011 before turning professional in 2011.  The 29-year-old recently relocated his training camp to Las Vegas, where he has sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire and Jhack Tepora.  Aleem, who is trained by Terry Markowski, will face the toughest test of his career in the veteran Lopez. 


 
“All my hard work is paying off and now I get to show it on the big stage,” Aleem said.  “I am looking forward to earning new fans and staying on a roll.  I know Lopez is a really tough fighter with something to prove.  He’s been here before so I know he’s ready for the challenge.  This is a steppingstone to ultimately get where I want to be, and that’s fighting for a world title, bigger paydays and more exposure.  Ultimately, I don’t just want to win, I want to dominate.  Winning isn’t good enough – I also have to look good while doing it.”


 
Lopez was an accomplished amateur who won six national titles and held a No. 1 ranking, but he has had an up and down career as a pro.  The 29-year-old started his career with 15 straight victories yet he has suffered a few setbacks as his level of opposition has dramatically increased.  Lopez was undefeated and one win away from challenging for a world championship before losing to current unified 122-pound champion Daniel Roman in a title eliminator in 2017 on SHOWTIME.  Lopez, who will break his own record ofShoBox appearances when he steps into the ring for the eighth time, will face his sixth undefeated opponent on the series as he looks to get his career back on track.


 
“Aleem is a pretty good fighter, but I think my experience is going to be a factor,” Lopez said.  “He hasn’t fought top-tier guys with the exception of Marcus Bates.  I have been in the big fights and this is his first time doing this.  I am on a three-fight winning streak and I have rededicated myself to the sport.  I have a new trainer, Chato Martinez, and a whole new camp.  I can’t wait to show that I am back.”


 
The flashy Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record.  The 25-year-old southpaw will return for his third test on ShoBox as he seeks a convincing victory.  In his first bout on the series, he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah in 2018 and followed that up with a split draw a few months later against Kenneth Sims Jr.  Love, who has sparred with Adrien Broner and Robert Easter Jr., will face what should be his most dangerous opponent in the fellow-undefeated Walton.


 
“Walton is a decent fighter, but I feel he is still green and he doesn’t have that much experience,” Love said.  “I know he is tough, but I am taking this to the next level.  He’s just a stepping stone.  It’s exciting to fight under the bright lights.  Some guys fold, but I was made for this. I am not looking past him, but this will take my career to the next level.  We are both undefeated and not many guys take risks like this, but this shows I am a true fighter.  My name is Montana “Too Pretty Love” and I am fighting on Valentine’s Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out on February 14.”


 
The 29-year-old Walton was born and raised in New Orleans, where he rescued his mother and sister from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina when he was just 13 years old.  Left homeless, the family relocated to Houston, where Walton competed as an amateur.  Walton turned professional in 2014 and has been perfect through his first 16 fights, including a career-best win over former super bantamweight world champion Victor Terrazas in 2019.  The boxer-puncher, who is trained by Bobby Benton and fought six times last year, will face the first undefeated opponent of his career in Love.


 
“I have seen Montana fight before.  I know he is flashy in the Adrien Broner mode, but other than that I do not know too much about him,” Walton said.  “This opportunity is a blessing.  The world is going to get to see me and hear my story.  I’m from New Orleans and it was a struggle for me growing up, so this is a great opportunity.  I never in a million years thought that I would be in this position.  I just need to seize the moment and get the victory.”


 
Just 20 years old, Colemon started boxing at the age of 4 and honed his craft at the original Kronk Gym under Emanuel Steward until his passing in 2012.  Colemon had a 135-fight amateur career and was a four-time national amateur champion in the junior division.  He turned professional when he was 18 years old and has eight knockouts in his first 11 professional fights.  Colemon, who is trained by Marlon Thomas, will face by far the toughest test of his career in Jackson, a fellow undefeated yet untested prospect. 


 
“I am physically and mentally prepared more than I ever have been,” Colemon said.  “I know Jackson is undefeated and tough, so I know I’m in for a big test.  This is the next step in my career, and I feel that I will be not only the next great champion that has fought onShoBox, but the next great fighter out of Detroit.  I am ready to show the world my talents.  February 14 will put my name in the minds of boxing fans all over the world.”


 
The 31-year-old Jackson got a late start as a professional yet has been active, including three fights in 2019 and three in 2018.  He has 12 KOs in 15 fights, including knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts.  The Greensboro native will fight outside of North Carolina for the first time in his career when he takes on the undefeated Colemon. 


 
“I know Colemon is tough, and he had a long amateur career,” Jackson said.  “He will come to fight, but I prepare for anything.  That is what this sport is all about.  I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world.”


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

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: 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.