Category Archives: Showtime

ADRIEN BRONER & MIKEY GARCIA SIT DOWN WITH BRIAN CUSTER TO DISCUSS JULY 29 BLOCKBUSTER MATCHUP IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE

 

“I just can’t wait to prove everybody wrong.” – Adrien Broner

 

“I don’t see how I’m going to lose.” – Mikey Garcia

 

Brian Custer with Adrien Broner: http://s.sho.com/2sNr9fg

Brian Custer with Mikey Garcia: http://s.sho.com/2uedSKB

 

Saturday, July 29 Live on SHOWTIME® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and undefeated three-division champion Mikey Garcia sat down with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer last week in New York for an in-depth conversation ahead of their July 29 blockbuster showdown, live on SHOWTIME®

 

“I think this is going to be a life-changing moment for me in boxing and I’m not taking it for granted,” Broner tells Custer in the video.  “After the fight I can promise you that he will say that I’m the best fighter he ever fought in his life.”

 

Garcia counters: “Unless it’s by a lucky punch, I don’t see how I can lose.  I’m a better fighter, I’ve got better timing, ring IQ.  I can also punch, I can box, I can bang.  People still haven’t even seen the best of me.”

 

Garcia will move up in weight to 140 pounds to face Broner in a matchup of two of boxing’s biggest stars in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.   Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING. 

 

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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos



Super Lightweight Showdown Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

LOS ANGELES (June 20, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia completed a two-day media tour that took them from coast-to-coast and culminated with a Los Angeles press conference Tuesday to discuss their super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The fighters spoke to media at the Conga Room in L.A. Live as they prepare for the 12-round matchup that serves as one of the summer’s premier fights. Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“I don’t shy away from fighting anyone. I will fight anyone they bring to the table. I said yes to this fight immediately and hung up.

“I’m going to do whatever I have to do to get the victory. Mikey Garcia says he has great power, but I would like to see what his opponents would do if I hit them. Give me all 36 of his opponents and give him all of my opponents, let’s see what our records would be.

“I broke my hand in my last fight but I’m feeling good right now. I’m going hard in sparring with some great, undefeated fighters. I’m full-focused heading into this fight. I’m going to get up for this fight and show that I’m still one of the best out here.

“I’m always going to be me. Right now I’m just focused on boxing and getting this victory on July 29.

“Mikey is a great fighter. I just feel like I’m on a different level. The best is fighting the best right here and it’s going to be explosive.

“I’m thankful. I’ve been through a lot of things in my 27 years of life. And I have another opportunity to show what I’m made of. I’m not missing weight on my birthday. You can bet on that. July 29 I’m going to be victorious.

“Anyone can get hit if you let them. Everyone Mikey has put down has been at 135-pounds and under. I’ve already been a champion there. After this fight I think he’s going to go back to where he belongs…in the lower weight classes.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“I’m very happy to be here and get back in the ring. This is the kind of fight that I deserve and the kind of fight that will please the fans.

“Everybody already knows what kind of fighter Adrien Broner is. He’s a champion for a reason, the skills and talent are there. I’m undefeated and you can’t deny my skills either. That’s going to make this a great fight.

“This is really two of the best fighters matching up against each other. This is what boxing is all about. That’s what I want to give the fans. I’m not taking on any easy opponents, I’m here to challenge and be in big fights.

“I want the fans to be able to appreciate the sport of boxing. These are the kind of fights that fans will remember for years. This could be the Fight of the Year. We’re very even when it comes to our accolades and achievements.

“When Adrien is at his best he’s a fantastic fighter. I’m always at my best. You can never doubt that. You’re going to see an incredible fight. I want to win this fight and open up bigger opportunities. Adrien knows it’s the same for him, that’s why he moved his camp to Colorado.

“This has all the ingredients of a great fight. On July 29 Barclays Center is going to be the place to be at. If you can’t make it, make sure you watch on SHOWTIME. Don’t miss it. People are going to be talking about it for years to come.”

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer

“Adrien has to use his speed to his advantage. We have to use our smarts in the ring and make sure we’re the bigger man. More power and more speed will get us to victory.

“Mikey tries to set traps and tries to counter with the hook or the right hand. We throw too many combinations for that. With Adrien being the bigger man, he has to use the quick jab and set up the right hand.

“Mikey is a slick boxer. He definitely has skills. That’s what we want. We never really liked fighting a brawler. I always train my guys to box. Styles make people seem different ways and I think this is the perfect style for Adrien.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

“We’re getting ready for the best Adrien Broner possible. We know he’s already out in Colorado for training camp because he knows it’s not an easy fight. This is do or die for him so he’s taking it seriously.

“When they brought up the name of Adrien Broner, it took no time for us to agree. This was an easy fight to make.

“Inside of the ring I think we’re going to see a great Adrien Broner. When Mikey beats him, I want Mikey to get the credit for beating a great fighter.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a tremendous matchup. Both of these guys have had outstanding careers so far. This is what our sport is all about, bringing two great champions together, fighting in the prime of their careers.

“On paper, this a 50-50 fight. I think both guys are fighting the best opponent they’ve seen in their career. Adrien is going to have to be on his A-game, and I expect him to be at his best for a guy with the talent of Mikey. But Adrien Broner is the real deal too. Not too many can deal with him at his best.

“If you look back at all the outstanding programs that SHOWTIME has brought to us and continues to bring to us, this is what boxing is all about. Champions fighting champions. The vision is to bring big-time boxing back with great events like this.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports

“This is a special fight. You have two of the brightest young stars in boxing sharing the ring. A few years ago Adrien decided that he was going up to 147-pounds. He took one of Robert Garcia’s fighters, Marcos Maidana. They obviously had a great training camp because Marcos looked fantastic and it just wasn’t Adrien’s night. Most fighters would have packed it in after the first three or four rounds. That’s not what Adrien did though, he fought even harder. What I saw that night, was Adrien Broner’s heart. I will never doubt what Adrien Broner brings to the table.

“Mikey is in his own quiet way very similar. There are a lot of situations where fighters aren’t happy with a promoter. More often than not the fighter doesn’t stick to his principles. What Mikey did for two and a half years, shows you what kind of backbone he has. He knew what was right and what was wrong. Now, he’s in charge of his own career.

“I’m here today because I know this will be a good fight. I know that neither guy will back down, they’re both going to give it their all and they’re going to bring out the best in each other.”

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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
 
Blockbuster Match-Up Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (June 19, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face for the first time Monday before they battle in one of the premier matchups of the summer that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The fighters spoke to media at Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan to discuss their 140-pound clash that will headline an exciting night of action later this summer.
Here is what the participants had to say Monday:
ADRIEN BRONER
“I want to thank everyone who showed up today. I’ve been in some crazy situations and I’m blessed to be here. To get a fight like this is huge. Boxing is going back to the old days where the best fight the best. Mikey is definitely one of the best out there today.
“This can take our careers to the next level. I’m taking this seriously. I’ve been training in Colorado Springs. The weight will not be a problem. This gives me a reason to make 140. I’m not paying a man to put hands on me.
“I’m training hard and I think this will be one of the best performances of my career. This will take me to the superstar level where I need to be. I heard Mikey is a big favorite – they aren’t giving me much of a chance. I hope no one puts their house against me on this fight, because it won’t work out well for you.
“This fight will definitely bring the best out of me, because Mikey isn’t a sloppy fighter, he isn’t an awkward fighter. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a Mexican, but he boxes like an African American. We’re going to have a nice fight and I can’t wait to put on a show.
“When you’ve got two athletic fighters that have skills, it can only bring the best out of each other. And the cream always comes to the top.
“I’m more focused this training camp. There are so many distractions in Cincinnati or D.C. There is nothing to do in Colorado but look at the mountains and box.
“It’s going to be a great fight. Robert Garcia is a great trainer for his little brother. We’re both undefeated at 140-pounds and under. Something has to break. I want everyone to tune in on July 29. You will see a real serious Adrien Broner in the ring. It might get ugly for Mikey on July 29.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I can’t stress the importance of this fight enough. It’s the biggest fight that I could have. There are other names that are out there, but nothing made more sense than facing Adrien Broner.
“Adrien has accomplished a lot and when he’s at his best, he’s really great. That’s what I expect on July 29. I see that he’s taking this seriously by moving camp to Colorado. I expect him to bring the best out of me and give the fans the best fight possible.
“The fans here in New York have always treated me well and it’s a fan base that just really loves boxing. The fans are what make me a world champion. I owe it to them to perform to the best of my abilities. I’m going to come ready on July 29 so that this fight is remembered as one of the best of the year.
“I think he is motivated because it’s a big fight, one where he can try to get his career back on track and try to be a superstar like he has been in past big fights. He didn’t perform so well in his past fight against [Adrian] Granados and this is an opportunity for him to jump back and be a superstar again. And I think that’s what’s motivating him for this fight.
“The weight makes sense to me for this type of fight. 135-pounds is probably my best division, but I don’t think this will be much different. I’ll make weight a little more comfortably and still keep my speed and power.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to win this fight. I’m more of a boxer-puncher but if I need to press the fight and put pressure on, I’m going to be ready to do that.
“I know that we definitely have to be in the best shape possible. I am not going to take this lightly. I am not thinking it’s going to be an easy win for me. I think it’s going to be a tough fight. I believe he’s going to be ready 100% and that’s going to make it a tough fight for me but overall I think I’m the better fighter, better boxer and I’ll have enough tools to bring in the ring with me.
“Adrien is going to come to beat me and I’m coming 100 percent to beat him. The fans will be the winner on fight night, but my hand will be raised.”
MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer
“These are two really talented fighters and they’re going to put on a big show. We know Mikey is going to be prepared so we are going to do everything we can to be ready.
“Being in Colorado for training is like home for me and Adrien. This is what we’ve done since he was 18-years-old. Expect the same thing as every time before when he comes focused and prepared.
“Adrien is going to win and win real big. It’s going to be a tough fight, but we’ll be victorious when that final bell rings.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“Every time Mikey and I come to New York we get nothing but love. We know Adrien is very talented and that’s why Mikey said yes to this fight. It took less than 30 seconds for him to agree.
“Mikey wants nothing else but big fights and we have one here. Expect a hell of a fight on July 29. I know we’re both going to be in great shape on fight night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“I love this fight. This is why we do this job. We want to make sensational fights like this for the fans to enjoy.
“Adrien Broner has spent a lot of time at the top of the sport while Mikey Garcia has made his way back to that top tier emphatically since returning last year.
“Mikey has insane amounts of talent. He’s a tremendous ambassador for the sport and he can do everything in the ring.
“Adrien Broner is a star. He’s ‘The Problem’ and sometimes he’s his own biggest problem. He’s an entertainer. People hate him but they pay to see him. He gets a lot of love and he gets a lot of hate. That’s worked for a lot of guys in this sport over the years. People care about him.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports
“The bar has been set so high when you look at this year in boxing. It’s a high bar to get a main event at Barclays Center. The standard is very high and this fight certainly satisfies it. Two of boxing’s brightest young stars, both under 30 years old matching up against each other.
“This is the 19th live boxing event on SHOWTIME this year. Three world title unification, three world title rematches and six times where a top five fighter has fought another top five fighter in the division. We’re proud to bring you these two fighters on SHOWTIME. I give the fighters all the credit in the world for taking this fight. These guys are ready for big fights and they are proving it.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“On July 29, Barclays Center will host its fourth major card of 2017. There is a great heritage of boxing in New York and I’m proud that Barclays Center is the number one boxing venue in the country. It has become a destination for the sport’s best talent, with Adrien and Mikey being two prime examples of that.
“I’m looking forward to one of the year’s most talked about fights. Adrien won a world title at Barclays Center and Mikey made his comeback there just last year. July 29 will be a special night not just for Brooklyn boxing, but for all boxing fans.
“Fights fans everywhere have already circled July 29 on their calendars and I look forward to seeing everyone next month.”
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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentPBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BARCLAYS CENTER TO HOST BLOCKBUSTER MATCH-UP FEATURING FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER VS. UNDEFEATED THREE-DIVISION CHAMPION MIKEY GARCIA ON SATURDAY, JULY 29

 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
LIVE on SHOWTIME
 
–Tickets On Sale Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m.
 
BROOKLYN (June 13, 2017) –Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia square off in a blockbuster matchup in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, Saturday, July 29, live on SHOWTIME, presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), and will go on sale on Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Friday, June 16 at noon (if tickets are still available). Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“Broner vs. Garcia is one of the year’s biggest matchups in boxing and we anticipate an electric atmosphere at Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “This will be our fourth major card in 2017 as BROOKLYN BOXING continues to deliver dramatic moments, competitive fights, and many of the sport’s biggest names to fight fans.”
Broner and Garcia, two world-class fighters in their prime, meet at a critical time in their respective careers in one of the most intriguing matches in boxing. Both Broner and Garcia have had spectacular victories at Barclays Center in Brooklyn during their careers. Broner successfully defended his welterweight title against Paulie Malignaggi at Barclays Center on June 22, 2013, and Garcia, coming off a lengthy layoff, defeated Elio Rojas via fifth-round TKO at the arena on July 30, 2016.
Broner, a three-division world champion by the age of 23, and one of the youngest four-division world champions in boxing history, remains one of the most accomplished and popular athletes in the sport today.  Among the top 140-pounders in the world, Broner is undefeated at or below 140 pounds with his only two losses coming against welterweight world champions Marcos Maidana and Shawn Porter. At just 27 years old, Broner (33-2, 24 KOs) still believes he is the future of the sport and looks to prove it against Garcia onSaturday, July 29.
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Broner has achieved more in his young career than most fighters can hope for in a lifetime.  After earning world titles at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, Broner won a belt in a fourth weight division – 140 pounds – in October 2015 when he defeated Khabib Allakhverdiev via 12th round stoppage to become the second youngest four-division champion in boxing history at 26 (behind Oscar De La Hoya, 24).  Broner will turn 28 years old on July 28, the day before his bout with Garcia.
Garcia, 29 years old and undefeated (36-0, 30 KOs), is a recently crowned lightweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the sport. He will move up in weight for the second time in just three fights to challenge Broner.  Garcia is a member of a renowned boxing family, and is noted for his sportsmanship and his commanding presence in the ring, honed by his brother and acclaimed trainer Robert Garcia. He has held world titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, but has never fought above 138.
Garcia, of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., returned to the ring after a two-and-half-year layoff in July 2016 without missing a beat.  After defeating Rojas, Garcia became a three-division champion by beating previously undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin with a vicious third-round knockout this January.  Garcia has stopped 19 of his last 21 opponents including Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Orlando Salido and Bernabe Concepcion.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

REGIS PROGRAIS SCORES CONVINCING KNOCKOUT OF JOEL DIAZ JR. IN MATCHUP OF PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN 140-POUNDERS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®


 

 

Steve Rolls Edges Demond Nicholson & Jon Fernandez KOs Juan Reyes At Turning Stone Resort Casino In Verona, N.Y.

 

An Encore Presentation Of Friday’s Tripleheader Will Air Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (June 10, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Regis Prograis made an emphatic statement Friday onShoBox: The New Generation, knocking down previously undefeated Joel Diaz Jr. four times in the second round as he stamped his arrival as a legitimate contender in the 140-pound division. 

 

The southpaw Prograis (20-0, 17 KOs), who was making his fourth start on the prospect developmental series, called out the top names at 140 after the second round demolition (TKO 2:55) at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The special Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: The New Generation featured four members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame: ShoBox mainstays Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood and special guests Al Bernstein and Jimmy Lennon Jr.  Tompkins and Farhood will be inducted just down the road in Canastota on Sunday in a 2017 class headlined by boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapia.

 

The super lightweights, Prograis and Diaz, entered the main event with a combined record of 42-0, but it was clear they were in a different class after the first round.  Prograis knocked down Diaz in the opening 30 seconds of the second in an exchange that appeared to be the result of a clash of feet.  Regardless, Prograis smelled blood and pounced on Diaz, flooring him again with a straight left midway through the round. 

 

The Houston resident, who relocated from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, knocked down Diaz again just 15 seconds later with a straight left.  The fourth and final knockdown, courtesy of a left hook, sent Diaz (23-1, 19 KOs) tumbling back and was enough for referee Mark Nelson to halt the bout with just seconds left on the clock.

 

It was a convincing statement for Prograis, who landed 62 percent of his power shots in the toughest test of his career. 

 

Tonight I proved I graduated from ShoBox,” Prograis said.  “I’m ready for the bigger stage. I’m ready for the big show.  I want to fight best the best in the division.  I want (Terrance) Crawford, (Victor) Postol, (Adrien) Broner.  I want them all.  None of these guys have fought anybody like me.  The boogeyman is coming.  They better get ready.

 

“He was tough, he was strong and hit hard, but I went through it.  That’s another opponent I ran through.  I run through everybody.  I’m ready for my shot.  I’m coming for everybody at 140.” 

 

Diaz, who became the 164th fighter to suffer his first defeat on the series, was clearly disappointed with his game plan.

 

“I went out there too hyper, trying to kill him,” Diaz said.  “I went out too aggressive.  I should have toned it down a bit.  I had 10 rounds but I just went out there trying to take him out.  I should’ve calmed down.

 

“I should have used my jab a bit more to knock him down but I came out swinging.”

 

Super middleweight prospect Steve Rolls managed to maintain his undefeated record with a closely contested eight-round slip decision victory over Demond Nicholson scored 77-75 Nicholson, 77-74 Rolls, 77-74 Rolls.  

 

Rolls got off to a quick start, flooring Nicholson with a left hook in the closing seconds of the first to pocket a 10-8 round.  He came out attacking to sweep the second, but the fight appeared to change course in the third when Nicholson hurt Rolls in the final minute with his first meaningful punch of the fight.  

 

Nicholson (17-2-1, 16 KOs) carried the momentum to sweep the fourth, but the remaining four rounds featured back-and-forth action and were difficult to score.  Rolls (16-0, 9 KOs) was the slightly busier fighter, connecting on 412 total punches compared to 390 over eight rounds, but Nicholson edged his opponent 134-117 in total connects.

 

ShoBox announcers Tompkins, Farhood and Raul Marquez all had Nicholson winning the final six rounds and edging Rolls 77-74 on their unofficial scorecards.

 

“What made the difference for me tonight was my jab, my patience, my overall boxing ability,” Rolls said.  “I came in to this fight having no doubts.  Nicholson was talking beforehand about my last fight, he was talking about my footwork, and I knew he was going to be in for a big surprise. I adapt for each fight.

 

“I knew I had him from the first round.  My corner calmed me down and told me to take my time.”

 

Nicholson, who has mostly competed at 160 pounds, disagreed with the judges’ decision.

 

“I’m not going to make any excuses.  He won the fight,” Nicholson said.  “That’s what the judges saw, but I don’t agree.  He hurt me in the first round.  He hit me viciously in the head.  I was dizzy but I recovered and I went on.  I think I did a very good job but clearly not enough.

 

“I can’t fight at 160 – I’m a 168-pounder.  Fighting at that weight drained me.  I wasn’t at my best.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight prospect Jon Fernandez scored a brutal knockout of Juan Reyes at2:36 of the second round. 

 

Fernandez stepped on the gas from the opening bell, utilizing superior activity and accuracy to pick apart the game yet outmatched Reyes.  The pair combined to throw 240 punches in the opening stanza but Fernandez landed his right at will and was clearly the more effective fighter. 

 

The Sergio Martinez protégé had a bloodied Reyes hurt in the opening minute of the second and closed the show in the final minute with a sharp right to the ear that sent Reyes (14-4-3, 2 KOs) falling back toward the canvas.  The perfectly placed punch had Reyes seemingly out before he hit the floor.

 

The Spaniard Fernandez (13-0, 11 KOs) landed a staggering 55 percent of his power shots and 40 percent of his total punches.

 

“The one-two, one-two was the key to opening the door,” Fernandez said.  “The straight right hand is one of my best punches and I caught Reyes in the perfect spot.  I hope he is OK.  I feel that I am ready for the next level.  I’ll fight wherever there is an opportunity, but I believe the big fights are here in the U.S.”

 

Reyes was responsive but taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure.

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

The event was co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers.

 

# # #

 

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

 

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

REGIS PROGRAIS vs. JOEL DIAZ JR. FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION HALL OF FAME WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Friday, June 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Click HERE For Weigh-In Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Hall of Fame Opening Bell Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (June 8, 2017) – Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr. made weight on Thursday just hours after the “Opening Bell” to kick off festivities for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.

 

The undefeated Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and fellow unbeaten Diaz (23-0, 19 KOs) will square off in the 10-round super lightweight main event of a Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, June 9, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will celebrate longtime analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood just two days before their induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  Farhood and Tompkins were joined at the Opening Bell on Thursday by a handful of their fellow 2017 inductees: boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, and the wife of the late Johnny Tapia, Teresa Tapia.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) will take on the hard-hitting Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round bout.  In the opening bout of the telecast, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez’s protégé, Jon Fernandez, (12-0, 10 KOs) faces Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

 

10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event:

Regis Prograis – 139 ½ pounds

Joel Diaz Jr. – 137 ¼ pounds

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Don Ackerman, Tom Schreck, John McKaie

 

Eight-Round Super Middleweight Co-Feature:

Steve Rolls – 161 pounds

Demond Nicholson – 162 ½ pounds

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman, Don Trella, Wynn Kintz

 

Eight-Round Lightweight Telecast Opener:

Jon Fernandez – 132 ½ pounds

Juan Ramon Reyes – 131 ½ pounds

Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Don Ackerman, Glenn Feldman, John McKaie

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

Regis Prograis

“The person that wins this fight goes up, hopefully, to a title fight.  I’m 19-0, he’s 23-0.  I feel like this is a real big fight.

 

“I take all my opponents seriously, but I’m taking this one even more seriously than others in the past.  He’s 23-0, and there’s a reason he’s undefeated.  He’s good, and he has the best record I’ve ever faced.

 

“I’m at a stage in my career where every fight can lead to the next big thing and I think this fight may be it for me.  I’m patient, but I’m ready for more.  I want a shot at a title.

 

“He’s a brawler fighter, but I have the better punching power, and the speed.

 

“If I feel like he [Diaz] can’t hurt me from the first round, I’ll probably just walk him down the whole night and punish him.

 

“Seeing what [Errol] Spence did motivates me, especially the way he did it in his opponent’s hometown.  It got me thinking: that can be me one day.  We went at it in the amateurs, so I know how good he is, but I’m good too.  Just seeing him go over there and take the title away, I know my time is coming next.

 

“I grew up watching Macho Camacho, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, but I watched more Duran than anything.  I really liked his style.  I learned a lot watching the boxing greats on tape.

 

“Terence Crawford, Adrien Broner, Victor Postol.  Those are the type of guys I want to fight.

 

“I started boxing in New Orleans, and if it wasn’t for Katrina, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now.  When I moved to Houston, I got into the boxing scene and started taking it seriously.  It was a horrible situation [in New Orleans], but it changed my life.

 

“My family went back [to New Orleans], but not me.  I stayed in Houston to box.  I feel it’s not time for me to go back home just yet.  I’ll come back when I become a superstar, like I’m supposed to be.”

 

Joel Diaz Jr.

“This is my chance, this is my opportunity.  I’ve been told, ‘you only get one chance’, and this is it for me.  I know Regis is good, but we’re going to put it on him.  I’m going to be on him like flies on shit.  This is one of the opportunities I can’t let pass.

 

“We’re going to break him down mentally, find our way in, and drop the bomb.

 

“He throws combos, and that’s what I have to take away from him.  I have to be on him and be the first to attack.  My power will take care of his speed.

 

“This means a lot to me, getting to show the world who the ‘secret’ is.  People haven’t really seen what I have, but there will be no more secrets after tomorrow.

 

“I’m going to show the world who the real Joel Diaz is.  I’m now at the right weight for me and I’m 110 percent.  I didn’t waste four weeks of training camp trying to lose weight.  I feel strong.

 

“A world championship after this fight, that’s what I want.  This is my opportunity to actually show who I am and I can’t let it go.  If I let this go, I might as well go back to school.  This is going to open all the doors for me.

 

“We’ve been ready for this step for a while.  I’d like to fight the winner of [Adrien] Broner- [Mikey] Garcia, but we’ll see.  I know Broner doesn’t want to fight me.  I tried to fight him and he turned it down.  He knows I’ll give him trouble.

 

“I changed trainers. I used to be with Abel Ramos, now I’m with Chris Byrd.  With Coach Chris, it’s more defense than offense.  Working with Chris is amazing.  He was a fighter, so he knows what it takes to step in that ring.  He’s been there, so he understands me from a fighter’s perspective and that’s very important for me.  The bond we have inside and outside the ring is special.

 

“You’re going to see a more active Joel Diaz and a more defensive Joel Diaz.  I’m going to show the world who Joel Diaz is at 140 and trust me, they will ask for more after they see it.”

 

Steve Rolls

“My last fight on ShoBox [against Steed Woodall in December 2015] was a learning experience. I was knocked down in the third, but I rebounded.  You never know how you are going to react in the face of adversity until you are put in that position.  I’m glad that happened early on in my career.  It taught me a lot.

 

“I’m know I’m 33, but I feel better than when I was younger.  I take care of myself.  I have a clean lifestyle.  Age is not a thing for me.

 

“Nicholson has a good jab.  I’ve seen him fight before.  I’m not sure if he’s made adjustments or if he’s coming with a different game plan.  I’m ready for whatever he brings.

 

“From what I’ve seen, he can fight.  He knows what he’s doing in there and it looks like he has some experience.”

 

Demond Nicholson

“This guy [Rolls] is not as experienced as me.  I’m a big step-up for him.

 

“My last fight [against Immanuwel Aleem] was a big step up, and I fought to a majority draw.  It was a slow start, but I’m a fighter, and I soldiered through. That fight really opened my eyes up to better my career, my future.

 

“Look at what Aleem has done since we fought.  He knocked out an undefeated guy [Ievgen Khytrov] that no one wanted to face.

 

“My experience is going to get us over the hump against this guy.  He has a dangerous right hand, but I’m going to take that away from him.

 

“I’m a natural boxer, but people were calling me a brawler after my performance with Aleem and that’s not who I am.  But I get it – I didn’t box at all in that fight.  That’s why I had to go back to the drawing board.

 

“I learned a lot training at Head Bangers in Washington, D.C. with Barry Hunter, Lamont Peterson and all those guys. I’ve learned from Lamont, from Adrien Broner, from Austin Trout. They spar with top fighters and that’s why they perform at the highest level – because they’ve sparred with the best. So I’m doing the same.”

 

“I have one loss, and that taught me a lot.  I had to lose 15 pounds in three days for that fight and that took a toll on me. There are no issues making weight for this fight.”

 

Jon Fernandez

“This is my second fight with my new trainer Tinin Rodriguez.  I always try to get better and changing trainers seemed to be the best path for me.  He’s helping me round up the fundamentals of boxing.

 

“I know I’m tall for my weight class, but I feel OK.  I think 130 is my ideal weight, but I might go up in weight in the future.  We’ll see.  I’m still young and I have a long career ahead of me.

 

“I used to watch tape of Maravilla when I was growing up.  He inspired me to be serious about boxing.  He was so good.  It’s such of honor to be working with him.  I respect him a lot.”

 

Juan Reyes

“I haven’t fought anybody that tall, but I have a good game plan. I know he’s a volume puncher, but that’s just going to get me excited.  It’ll get my adrenaline pumping.

 

“I’m excited that I’m fighting on TV and in such special weekend, it’s the Boxing Hall of Fame.  This is a dream come true.  If I beat this guy it could change my life.”

 

Sergio Martinez – Jon Fernandez Co-Promoter

“Jon is a thinker.  He knows when to attack and when to defend himself.  He’s truly gifted.

 

“Some may draw comparisons of him with Paul Williams, but I fought Williams twice and let me tell you they are not alike.  Paul was the type of fighter that would get in the ring and go from first, to second, to third gear without thinking. JonFer will read you, will go to whatever gear he needs to be to defeat his opponent.  He has a very high boxing IQ.”

 

Chris Byrd – Diaz’s Trainer

“Joel is an aggressive machine, so my main focus has been on developing his defense.  He’s a talented boxer, but his aggressiveness sometimes opens holes in his defense.  In this training camp, we worked on that.  We have a good strategy going.

 

“He already knew how to fight, but you just have to push him a little bit on defense.  He’s still aggressive as ever, but he needed to think about what’s coming back at him.

 

“My main thing is life after boxing.  I have two brothers that are messed up from boxing. That’s why I focus on defense so much.  He has an aggressive style, but he also has talent, good feet and eye coordination.  He’ll go on to do great things.

 

“You’re going to see something special.  Regis is good, I give him props, but you’re going to see something special from Joel.  And a great fight.”

 

# # #

 

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

 

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

REGIS PROGRAIS vs. JOEL DIAZ JR. FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION HALL OF FAME WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®


 

Tomorrow/Friday, June 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Click HERE For Weigh-In Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Hall of Fame Opening Bell Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (June 8, 2017) – Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr. made weight on Thursday just hours after the “Opening Bell” to kick off festivities for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. 

 

The undefeated Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and fellow unbeaten Diaz (23-0, 19 KOs) will square off in the 10-round super lightweight main event of a Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, June 9, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will celebrate longtime analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood just two days before their induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  Farhood and Tompkins were joined at the Opening Bell on Thursday by a handful of their fellow 2017 inductees: boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, and the wife of the late Johnny Tapia, Teresa Tapia. 

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) will take on the hard-hitting Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round bout.  In the opening bout of the telecast, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez’s protégé, Jon Fernandez, (12-0, 10 KOs) faces Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

 

10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event:

Regis Prograis – 139 ½ pounds

Joel Diaz Jr. – 137 ¼ pounds

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Don Ackerman, Tom Schreck, John McKaie

 

Eight-Round Super Middleweight Co-Feature:

Steve Rolls – 161 pounds

Demond Nicholson – 162 ½ pounds

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman, Don Trella, Wynn Kintz

 

Eight-Round Lightweight Telecast Opener:

Jon Fernandez – 132 ½ pounds

Juan Ramon Reyes – 131 ½ pounds

Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Don Ackerman, Glenn Feldman, John McKaie

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

Regis Prograis

“The person that wins this fight goes up, hopefully, to a title fight.  I’m 19-0, he’s 23-0.  I feel like this is a real big fight.

 

“I take all my opponents seriously, but I’m taking this one even more seriously than others in the past.  He’s 23-0, and there’s a reason he’s undefeated.  He’s good, and he has the best record I’ve ever faced. 

 

“I’m at a stage in my career where every fight can lead to the next big thing and I think this fight may be it for me.  I’m patient, but I’m ready for more.  I want a shot at a title.

 

“He’s a brawler fighter, but I have the better punching power, and the speed.

 

“If I feel like he [Diaz] can’t hurt me from the first round, I’ll probably just walk him down the whole night and punish him.

 

“Seeing what [Errol] Spence did motivates me, especially the way he did it in his opponent’s hometown.  It got me thinking: that can be me one day.  We went at it in the amateurs, so I know how good he is, but I’m good too.  Just seeing him go over there and take the title away, I know my time is coming next. 

 

“I grew up watching Macho Camacho, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, but I watched more Duran than anything.  I really liked his style.  I learned a lot watching the boxing greats on tape.

 

“Terence Crawford, Adrien Broner, Victor Postol.  Those are the type of guys I want to fight.

 

“I started boxing in New Orleans, and if it wasn’t for Katrina, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now.  When I moved to Houston, I got into the boxing scene and started taking it seriously.  It was a horrible situation [in New Orleans], but it changed my life. 

 

“My family went back [to New Orleans], but not me.  I stayed in Houston to box.  I feel it’s not time for me to go back home just yet.  I’ll come back when I become a superstar, like I’m supposed to be.”

 

Joel Diaz Jr.

“This is my chance, this is my opportunity.  I’ve been told, ‘you only get one chance’, and this is it for me.  I know Regis is good, but we’re going to put it on him.  I’m going to be on him like flies on shit.  This is one of the opportunities I can’t let pass. 

 

“We’re going to break him down mentally, find our way in, and drop the bomb.

 

“He throws combos, and that’s what I have to take away from him.  I have to be on him and be the first to attack.  My power will take care of his speed.   

 

“This means a lot to me, getting to show the world who the ‘secret’ is.  People haven’t really seen what I have, but there will be no more secrets after tomorrow.

 

“I’m going to show the world who the real Joel Diaz is.  I’m now at the right weight for me and I’m 110 percent.  I didn’t waste four weeks of training camp trying to lose weight.  I feel strong.

 

“A world championship after this fight, that’s what I want.  This is my opportunity to actually show who I am and I can’t let it go.  If I let this go, I might as well go back to school.  This is going to open all the doors for me. 

 

“We’ve been ready for this step for a while.  I’d like to fight the winner of [Adrien] Broner- [Mikey] Garcia, but we’ll see.  I know Broner doesn’t want to fight me.  I tried to fight him and he turned it down.  He knows I’ll give him trouble.

 

“I changed trainers. I used to be with Abel Ramos, now I’m with Chris Byrd.  With Coach Chris, it’s more defense than offense.  Working with Chris is amazing.  He was a fighter, so he knows what it takes to step in that ring.  He’s been there, so he understands me from a fighter’s perspective and that’s very important for me.  The bond we have inside and outside the ring is special.  

 

“You’re going to see a more active Joel Diaz and a more defensive Joel Diaz.  I’m going to show the world who Joel Diaz is at 140 and trust me, they will ask for more after they see it.”

 

Steve Rolls

“My last fight on ShoBox [against Steed Woodall in December 2015] was a learning experience. I was knocked down in the third, but I rebounded.  You never know how you are going to react in the face of adversity until you are put in that position.  I’m glad that happened early on in my career.  It taught me a lot.

 

“I’m know I’m 33, but I feel better than when I was younger.  I take care of myself.  I have a clean lifestyle.  Age is not a thing for me.

 

“Nicholson has a good jab.  I’ve seen him fight before.  I’m not sure if he’s made adjustments or if he’s coming with a different game plan.  I’m ready for whatever he brings.

 

“From what I’ve seen, he can fight.  He knows what he’s doing in there and it looks like he has some experience.”

 

Demond Nicholson

“This guy [Rolls] is not as experienced as me.  I’m a big step-up for him. 

 

“My last fight [against Immanuwel Aleem] was a big step up, and I fought to a majority draw.  It was a slow start, but I’m a fighter, and I soldiered through. That fight really opened my eyes up to better my career, my future.  

 

“Look at what Aleem has done since we fought.  He knocked out an undefeated guy [Ievgen Khytrov] that no one wanted to face.

 

“My experience is going to get us over the hump against this guy.  He has a dangerous right hand, but I’m going to take that away from him.

 

“I’m a natural boxer, but people were calling me a brawler after my performance with Aleem and that’s not who I am.  But I get it – I didn’t box at all in that fight.  That’s why I had to go back to the drawing board.

 

“I learned a lot training at Head Bangers in Washington, D.C. with Barry Hunter, Lamont Peterson and all those guys. I’ve learned from Lamont, from Adrien Broner, from Austin Trout. They spar with top fighters and that’s why they perform at the highest level – because they’ve sparred with the best. So I’m doing the same.”

 

“I have one loss, and that taught me a lot.  I had to lose 15 pounds in three days for that fight and that took a toll on me. There are no issues making weight for this fight.”

 

Jon Fernandez

“This is my second fight with my new trainer Tinin Rodriguez.  I always try to get better and changing trainers seemed to be the best path for me.  He’s helping me round up the fundamentals of boxing.

 

“I know I’m tall for my weight class, but I feel OK.  I think 130 is my ideal weight, but I might go up in weight in the future.  We’ll see.  I’m still young and I have a long career ahead of me.

 

“I used to watch tape of Maravilla when I was growing up.  He inspired me to be serious about boxing.  He was so good.  It’s such of honor to be working with him.  I respect him a lot.”

 

Juan Reyes

“I haven’t fought anybody that tall, but I have a good game plan. I know he’s a volume puncher, but that’s just going to get me excited.  It’ll get my adrenaline pumping.

 

“I’m excited that I’m fighting on TV and in such special weekend, it’s the Boxing Hall of Fame.  This is a dream come true.  If I beat this guy it could change my life.”

 

Sergio Martinez – Jon Fernandez Co-Promoter

“Jon is a thinker.  He knows when to attack and when to defend himself.  He’s truly gifted.

 

“Some may draw comparisons of him with Paul Williams, but I fought Williams twice and let me tell you they are not alike.  Paul was the type of fighter that would get in the ring and go from first, to second, to third gear without thinking. JonFer will read you, will go to whatever gear he needs to be to defeat his opponent.  He has a very high boxing IQ.”

 

Chris Byrd – Diaz’s Trainer

“Joel is an aggressive machine, so my main focus has been on developing his defense.  He’s a talented boxer, but his aggressiveness sometimes opens holes in his defense.  In this training camp, we worked on that.  We have a good strategy going.

 

“He already knew how to fight, but you just have to push him a little bit on defense.  He’s still aggressive as ever, but he needed to think about what’s coming back at him.

 

“My main thing is life after boxing.  I have two brothers that are messed up from boxing. That’s why I focus on defense so much.  He has an aggressive style, but he also has talent, good feet and eye coordination.  He’ll go on to do great things.

 

“You’re going to see something special.  Regis is good, I give him props, but you’re going to see something special from Joel.  And a great fight.”

 

# # #

 

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

 

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

 

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 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

EIGHT TALENTED PROSPECTS RETURN TO SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, JULY 14 QUADRUPLEHEADER

 Undefeated Keenan Smith and Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk

Meet In Main Event

 

Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

 

NEW YORK (June 8, 2017)Undefeated super lightweights Keenan Smith and rising adopted local favorite, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk meet in an eight-round bout in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.

 

Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia, Pa. will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.

 

In the co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap.  Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash.  In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

 

“I am excited to put on another terrific ShoBox card,” said Vito Mielnicki, founder of GH3 Promotions. “This is the type of card is what ShoBox is all about.  Four evenly matched pairings that have the potential to be action packed fights.   I think the fans who watch this show will come away thoroughly entertained.”

 

“I’m happy to have the Four State Franchise back on ShoBox,” said Tony Holden. “I am happy to have my fighter Ivan Baranchyk in a real step-up bout against an undefeated fighter southpaw like Keenan Smith. I think this will be a great fight.”

 

Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.

 

KEENAN SMITH vs. IVAN BARANCHYK – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

 

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, debuted on ShoBox in November 2016, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. The 5-foot-7,  26-year-old, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.

 

“This is a very big fight for me,” said the Smith, who turned pro in 2010. “Perhaps the biggest fight of my career.  I’m stepping up in opposition and I’m ready for what’s to come.  I am training three times a day and I’m in the best shape of my life.

 

“I know Baranchyk comes to fight, but I also know his weaknesses.  I’m ready for his wild swings.  I’m ready to be the main event in a nationally televised fight.  Needless to say, a win will bring bigger and even better opportunities.  I can’t wait.”

 

As an amateur, Smith went 72-4 with victories over Amir Iman and Abel Ramos, who fought Baranchyk in a back-and-forth brawl in his last outing.

 

Baranchyk is an offensive-minded amateur standout that packs power in both hands. He won nine consecutives fights by knockout before scoring a 10-round unanimous decisions over Wilberth Lopez and Zhimin Wang on ShoBox. In his last outing on Feb. 10, Baranchyk edged Abel Ramos in an entertaining slugfest that was closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated.

 

“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to come back to fight on ShoBox again,” said the 5-foot-10 Baranchyk. “Smith is a tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.

 

“I’m not going to downplay him – he is a good opponent.  I’ll be alert and I’ll pay attention to what he brings on, but I’m battle-tested.  He hasn’t faced anybody like me.  I’ll gladly hand him his first loss and move a step closer in my pursuit of a world title.”

 

The 24-year-old Baranchyk has scored two first-round knockouts on ShoBox in bouts that lasted a combines 2:49.  All 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. This is his sixth start at Buffalo Run Casino.

 

KENETH SIMS JR. vs. ROLANDO CHINEA – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Sims, a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his second ShoBox appearance.

 

The Chicago native has stayed active as a pro – he fought four times in 2016 and this will be his third start of 2017. In his last outing, he stopped Israel Villela with a third-round TKO.

 

“I have seen [Rolando] Chinea fight twice.  He is a pressure fighter,” said Sims. “He is nothing that I haven’t seen before.  I’m ready for him.  Another wins keeps me moving forward to my ultimate goal of being a world champion one day.

 

“I wasn’t satisfied with my last performance.  I got the win, but I was not at my best.  A win over someone like Chinea will help me prove I’m better than what you last saw of me.”

 

The 23-year-old Sims was a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) and Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather).  He is known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body.

 

Chinea, a 5-foot-8, 26-year-old from Lancaster, Pa., is returning to ShoBox after winning an eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster in July of 2016.  He went 10-0-1 before the only loss of his career, an eight-round decision to Ismail Muwendo in April 2015.  He’s won four straight since, including two unanimous decisions over previously undefeated Ladarius Miller and Mel Crossty.

 

“I am honored to be back on ShoBox, where I made my first TV appearance,” said Chinea. “Sims was an accomplished amateur with a deep pedigree.  He is tall with a good reach.  He is a very good boxer, but I’m better.

 

“It’s going to be a rough fight.  I am prepared and in great shape.  A win will get me one step closer to some type of title fight down the line.  I am just looking at right now and getting this win.  By the end of the year, I see myself moving into contention if all goes well.”

 

GLENN DEZURN vs. ADAM LOPEZ – Eight-Round Bantamweight Bout

The undefeated Dezurn was a three-sport star athlete in high school and an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter.  The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut.  Dezurn returns to ShoBoxafter a toe-to-toe matchup against Leroy Davila on July 14 that could have gone either way.  His former foe, Davila, is featured in the opening bout of the telecast.

 

The 5-foot-4, 29-year-old will face his toughest test to date against ShoBox alum Adam Lopez.

 

“I’m excited to come back to the ring and I’m extremely focused,” said the 29-year-old Dezurn. “My opponent is experienced and had a good amateur career but he doesn’t intimidate me.

 

“Any win takes my career to where I want to go—upwards.  It doesn’t matter that Lopez is more experienced and a regular onShoBox.  My motto is to keep working hard.  I stay focused and I will get where I need to be.  Every win is the same, it’s a step in the right direction.”

 

Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., is a prototypical ShoBox prospect-turned-contender.  He’s 3-1-1 on the series, having defeated three previous unbeaten boxers: Mario Muniz (11-0), Eliezer Aquino (17-0-1) and knocking out Pablo Cruz (11-0) in the second round.  Lopez boxed a 12-round draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22, 2016, and in his most recent outing he was stopped by Daniel Roman in the ninth in a WBA Bantamweight Title Eliminator bout.

 

The 26-year-old now comes back to the series in a must-win situation.  He has left his longtime trainer Ronnie Shields and is now training with Shakur Stevenson’s trainer Willie “Wali” Moses.

 

“I am having a good camp, and I’m now training with Wali Moses,” Lopez said.  “He is helping me sharpen my boxing skills and getting me to use my footwork.  I’m happy to have another chance to be on ShoBox and I know I need to put on a good performance.  They are giving me another chance to prove myself and I can’t let it slip away.

 

“I saw Dezurn’s win over Davila.  He is a rough guy who has a lot of dog in him.  He brings the fight to you and he is a tough.  It’ll be a good fight.  A win will propel me close to where I was.  I was knocking on the door of a title shot; now I just want to get this win, redeem myself and move on.”

 

JOSHUA GREER vs. LEROY DAVILA – Eight-Round Super Bantamweight Bout

Greer is a 22-year-old former Chicago Golden Gloves Champion that has won 10 in a row since his lone loss, a majority decision against Stephen Fulton Jr. in 2015. He has stopped Cristian Renteria in the fifth round and previously unbeaten Juan Gabriel Medina via unanimous decision. Nicknamed “Don’t Blink” after his speed and punching power, Greer returns toShoBox after delivering an impressive performance with KO candidate of the year victory over James Smith.

 

”I was not shocked about my last KO on ShoBox,” said Greer. “I brought a pillow with me to the ring because I knew I was going to put him to sleep.

 

“Davila is an average fighter, but I give him respect.  I treat every opponent as a world title fight.  A win would keep moving my career in the direction I want to go.  It keeps me moving up in the rankings.  It keeps me moving as a potential superstar on my way to a world title.  Don’t Blink.”

 

The two-time national amateur champion and 2006 Olympic alternate Davila is looking to rebound from his loss to Dezurn onShoBox in April—a close fight that could have gone either way.

 

“I am focused on this fight.  I got good feedback from my first ShoBox appearance, even though I didn’t get the win” said Davila.  “Every fight is the same to me, just a different opponent. I put my work in and do my best.

 

“Greer is a tough fighter.  He looks to throw his right hand, which is something to watch for.  Other than that, I don’t know much about him.  A win will make me feel better as a fighter.  I just fight the fights and I let my team take care of the rest.”

# # #

 

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

 

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 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

  PROSPECT JON FERNANDEZ AND HIS CO-PROMOTER, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGIO MARTINEZ, DISCUSS FERNANDEZ’S FIGHT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® THIS FRIDAY

 

 

ShoBox: The New Generation To celebrate 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend with a Special Tripleheader this Friday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino

 

Photo courtesy: Maravillabox Promotions

 

VERONA, N.Y. (June 7, 2017) – Former unified world champion and current boxing promoter and mentor Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, along with his protégé Jon “JonFer” Fernandez, an undefeated prospect at 130 pounds, discuss future plans ahead of Fernandez’s second appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, June 9, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on West Coast) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Martinez, known for his extensive career and impact inside the ring and now at the helm of Maravillabox Promotions, has worked with Fernandez since his pro debut at only 19 years old. Fernandez (12-0, 10 KOs), who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and MaravillaBox Promotions, has remained undefeated and undeterred, climbing up the prospect ranks with five fights in 2015, another five in 2016 and now getting ready for his third fight this year.

 

In addition to June 9’s ShoBox being Fernandez’s third fight this year, it will also be his third time fighting on American soil as he opens the SHOWTIME telecast facing tough opposition in Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 KOs) for what could be an important fight in his development as he tries to turn from prospect to contender.

 

The card, which takes place during the 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend where longtime ShoBox analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, features undefeated super lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The co-feature will pit Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) against Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

This week Martinez and his protégé, “JonFer,” spoke to SHOWTIME Sports about what the future might hold for the 130-pound prospect.

 

SERGIO “MARAVILLA” MARTINEZ:

How would you describe Jon Fernandez’s style?

“I believe that JonFer is a very well-rounded, complete fighter. He can take advantage of his great wingspan and reach but has no problem fighting in close distance. Furthermore, he’s hitting really hard. I believe we’ll see him fighting with big names in the division soon.

 

“JonFer has a classic boxing style—a classic, orthodox style. He’s effective when he’s attacking as well as defending. He poses a vision and a combat insight that is truly amazing. Not only does he have speed and precision, but he also has potential in his fists. But, the best characteristic that JonFer possesses is his great professionalism in the sport and in his personal life.”

 

What would you say is different in Jon compared to other boxers in the division?

“His head, he is very mature for his age. In that sense, he reminds me of myself. He is very serious when he’s working and always looking to improve.

 

“He has a stupendous perception of the errors his rivals make. He knows how to read the battle and knows when and how to define a fight. I believe that the more fights and time go by, JonFer will establish himself at the top level alongside the top boxers in the world.”

 

As Jon develops, what plans do you have for him?

“To continue with the hard work like we have to this date. I respect every step in his career. I’d like for JonFer to continue training and preparing himself for what can be a bright and stupendous future.”

 

Who do you want him to fight – Jesus Cuellar, Orlando Salido, Gervonta Davis, Jose Pedraza, Carl Frampton?

“All of the names mentioned are already great champions. They are all owed their due respect and it would be an honor, not only for Jonfer but for Maravilabox to have the possibility of making fight with any of them.

 

“Jose Pedraza would be a great test. We’d really like to make that fight happen. JonFer has sparred with Frampton before his rematch with Santa Cruz and we know he was up to the challenge. And of course, we would love to go for the world title against Gervonta Davis and think it would be a great fight. A clash of styles.”

 

What belts do you want him to go for first?

“First, we’d like him to set a good base. The best for us is to continue building his career step by step and for him to continue learning and adapting himself bit by bit to the top level. As we continue making fights happen, there will be more opportunities for international and world titles. The goal is to get JonFer to become a WBC champion, the most important entity.

 

“We would be really excited to be able to win the European championship, but we’re ready to fight anyone. All of the belts are important and provide experience.”

 

What would you see as the ideal next step for JonFer in the next few years?

“Ideally we want to keep him at a weight in which he feels the most comfortable. As fights and time go by, if he needs to go up in weight, he’d do so without a problem. It’s possible for him to end up fighting in superior divisions, but for now we are focused on 130 and I think he can still battle at this weight for several years.”

 

Can you name who you think are the top five active boxers today?

“I really like Errol Spence Jr., he has a great style that I feel is like mine was. Canelo [Alvarez] and [Gennady] Golovkin are two of my favorites as well, they’ll put on a great fight. Andre Ward, Jorge Linares… There is a lot of talent in the sport at the moment.

 

What memories of Steve Farhood and Barry Tompkins stand out to you?

“Yes, of course, I have some great moments of my years in the United States and I remember Steve always in front of the SHOWTIME cameras. He is a great professional.

 

“He is one of the highest-regarded boxing writers in the world. He is a man with a young mentality who knows how to appreciate good boxing.

 

“Barry Tompkins is a prestigious commentator and what I remember the most about him is seeing him commentate on fights in the era of Tyson and J.C. Chavez. To be a commentator of that stature then, he had to be an excellent professional.”

 

What would you say is the best (and worst) part about being a promoter?

“To be a promoter is thrilling. I believe that taking the career of the boxers in your hands must be treated like it’s your own life. It’s a true adventure. I can’t find a negative thing to say about being a promoter.”

 

Do you miss being a boxer?

“To this day I can say that I do not have any desire to return to the ring. My last fights were torturous and I still have problems with my knee to the date as I try to go about my daily life. I continue to train an hour each day and continue to love boxing, but now I prefer watching the youngsters like Jon and help them with my experience.”

 

JON “JONFER” FERNANDEZ:

Can you tell us what it is like for you to work with someone like Sergio Martinez?

“It’s great, Sergio is always very attentive and a mirror to watch yourself in. Like an athlete, he was one of the greats, but as a person he is even better. Maravillabox Promotions is composed of thorough professionals and the way they treat me is excellent.”

 

How is your training going? Is your camp any different for this fight?

“I haven’t had too much time since my last fight, just about five weeks. It has been tough, but we were coming off of a much more difficult preparation in fighting for Spain’s world title. I think this will make for a great fight and the fans will have a lot of fun.”

 

What are your plans for the future? In your career, life, boxing, in the next five years…

“I just got married in April and it was a great experience, the happiest day of my life. I would love to have kids soon. As far as boxing goes, of course I’d like to be a world champion. But first I’d like to go for the European title. I’d like to fight against the best prospects in the division and continuing to make great fights. I will be a world champion one day, I know I can get there.”

 

Who would you say is your all-time favorite boxer?

“I can’t just say one, I have several. Sergio Martinez, obviously. I also really like Terrance Crawford and Juan Manuel Marquez. Out of the boxing legends, I’ll stick to Alexis Arguello.”

 

# # #

 

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

 

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

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA II FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live From Bell Centre In Montreal At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MONTREAL (June 2, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara had a tense faceoff during Friday’s weigh-in for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

 

Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) weighed-in at 174 ¼ pounds while Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) measured a ready 173 ½ pounds for their rematch of an all-action 2014 showdown in which both fighters scored knockdowns.

 

“I’m as strong as ever,” said the southpaw Stevenson.  “I know he’s dangerous, I know he’s tough.  He has a new trainer and he’s going to do everything he can to take my title.  But I’m going to go for the knockout.  I’m going to show him I don’t only have the left, I have the right, too.”

 

Fonfara promised he’s improved since their first meeting both physically and mentally under new trainer Virgil Hunter.

 

“I’m the smarter guy now, and I have more experience,” Fonfara said.  “I’m ready mentally and physically to take his belt.  I’m here to put Stevenson down and become the new light heavyweight champion.”

 

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal both measured 174 ½ pounds for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Both Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs), the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, and Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs) are aiming for a shot at the winner of Saturday’s main event.

 

Final Weights & Commission Officials:

 

WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Adonis Stevenson: 173 ½ pounds

Andrzej Fonfara: 174 ¼ pounds

Referee: Michael Griffin; Judges: Nicolas Esnault (Canada), Omar Mintun (Mexico), Humberto Olivares (Mexico)

 

Light Heavyweight Bout – 12 Rounds for WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Championship

Eleider Alvarez: 174 ½ pounds

Jean Pascal: 174 ½ pounds

Referee: Alain Villeneuve; Judges: Richard DeCarufel (Canada), Rodolfo Ramirez (Mexico), Jack Woodburn (Canada)