Tag Archives: boxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

LUIS NUÑEZ REGISTERS 10th ROUND TKO OVER CARLOS ARRIETA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Otar Eranosyan Impressive in Unanimous Decision Win Over Starling Castillo in Co-Feature; William Foster III Earns Split-Decision Against Edwin De Los Santos in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Loco/SHOWTIME

ORLANDO, Fla. – January 8, 2022 – Luis “The Twist” Nuñez looked impressive in his second consecutive ShoBox: The New Generation outing registering a 10th round technical knockout against a game Carlos Arrieta in the super featherweight main event of an action-packed tripleheader featuring six undefeated fighters on SHOWTIME®Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort.

(Stoppage video here)

The Dominican Republic’s Nuñez (16-0, 12 KOs) worked the body effectively all night against Puerto Rico’s Arrieta (14-1, 8 KOs), finally landing a staggering straight right hand that stunned Arrieta in the middle of the final round. Nuñez, 22, then finished off Arrieta with a flurry of punches that ultimately led to the stoppage at 1:41 of the 10th round on a night that saw three undefeated records fall on the popular ShoBox prospect series.

“The plan was to work the body and to break him down and that’s what we did,” Nunez said. “I saw the right hand was landing and I kept throwing it and trying to set him up for it and attacking until we got what we wanted in the final round. It was a great shot and great win for my career. It’s the way I wanted to close the fight.”

Nuñez landed 38 percent of his power punches and out-landed Arrieta 142-131 in total punches on the night.

Arrieta’s loss was the 206th time in ShoBox’s 21-year history that a fighter lost his undefeated record and the Nuñez-Arrieta matchup was the 144th ShoBox fight between undefeated fighters.

“I thought it was a quick stoppage,” Arrieta said. “I was a little stunned, but I could have continued. I didn’t want the fight to be stopped. He was a strong fighter, a true warrior. He’s a very good fighter and was very effective with the right hand.”

Nuñez said he is ready to go back down to 126 pounds after contesting his first professional fight in the 130-pound super featherweight division. “I fought for most of my career at 122 so 126 is where I belong,” he said. “I felt strong at this weight [super featherweight] but 126 is the weight for me.”

He added: “I knew he was a tough fighter and I’m not surprised the fight went as it did. He came to fight, and we gave the fans a good fight.”

In the co-feature, Otar Eranosyan remained unbeaten with his second consecutive ShoBox victory as he dominated Starling Castillo with a unanimous-decision victory in an eight-round lightweight affair. The scores were 79-71 and 80-70 twice. (Eranosyan UD win HERE).

The former highly decorated Georgian amateur Eranosyan (11-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Hollywood, Fla., dominated the bout, scoring a 10-7 first round with two knockdowns against the Dominican Republic’s Castillo (16-1, 12 KOs). 

“We work on the left hook in training and when the opening presented itself I landed the left hook on the (first) knockdown,” said Eranosyan, ranked No. 7 by the WBA at 130 pounds, who fought six times in 2021. “It’s fine that he got up. This is pro boxing. We train for 12 rounds, 10 rounds, eight rounds, however long it takes we will be there.

“I feel great about my performance. This is why I train like I do and fight as hard as I do for nights like these.”

With the win, Eranosyan believes the time is now for him to face the blue-chippers around his weight class.

“I’m ready for all the champions. Bring them on,” Eranosyan said. “Shakur Stevenson, Oscar Valdez, I’m ready for all of them. I’m getting better and better each fight and I’m ready now to face the best. I know that with more performances like these, soon I will be champion of the world.”

The 26-year-old Castillo suffered a knockdown in the first round on a left hand by Eranosyan that startled Castillo but wasn’t a direct connect. Just seconds before the round ended, Castillo was sent to the canvas once again on a counter right hand giving Eranosyan a 10-7 round and commanding early-fight lead. (First-round highlights HERE)

Eranosyan outlanded Castillo 153-102 in total punches. Of his 153 landed punches, 150 were power punches for Eranosyan.

The 28-year-old Eranosyan nicknamed “Pitbull” made his ShoBox debut in September and defeated the highly regarded Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero via unanimous decision in Broken Arrow, Okla.

In the telecast opener, William Foster III passed a difficult test, earning a hard-fought split decision against Edwin De Los Santos in an eight-round super featherweight bout. Two judges scored the fight 77-74 twice for Foster, with the third judge scoring it 77-74 in favor of De Los Santos. (Foster’s split-decision win HERE)

Foster (14-0, 9 KOs) of West Haven, Conn., overcame a slow start but was the busier fighter, outthrowing De Los Santos 468-421. Fighting in his U.S. debut, the power-punching De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, had an eventful fourth round, suffering a cut above his left eye, which seemed to slow him over the final four rounds. It was the first time the Dominican suffered a cut in his professional career. De Los Santos also had a point taken away in the fourth for holding. Fatigue was also a factor as De Los Santos had never been past the sixth round in his young career and seemed to run out of gas as the fight wore on.

“I was pressuring him the whole time and I knew he was slowing down and eventually I would get to him,” said Foster, who kept moving forward as the fight progressed and dictated and landed the more powerful punches. “I thought it was the right decision because I was landing more shots as the fight went on.”

The 28-year-old Foster – the younger brother of 20-0 professional light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster – was surprised with how fast De Los Santos started. “I knew I had to stay calm, and I adapted and my experience allowed me to adjust to what was happening,” Foster said. “He wasn’t devastating, and the punches never hurt me. I knew he would slow down and when he did, I began to land my shots and had success with my pressure.”

Regarding the point deduction in the fourth, De Los Santos disagreed with the referee’s decision. “I didn’t think the point should have been deducted,” said De Los Santos, who had scored stoppages in his last seven fights. “I thought I should have been warned first.

“I thought it was a close fight, but I thought I did enough to earn the victory. I was landing the harder shots throughout and he never hurt me.”

Added De Los Santos: “He was a little awkward and he came with a little more than we thought he would, but I still thought I won. He was aggressive and maybe I slowed down a little as the fight went on, but I still thought I was landing. This is a setback but I’ll learn from this and come back better.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Raul Marquez and renowned combat sports expert Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood was the unofficial scorer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by Sampson Boxing. The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air on Monday at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

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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  

boxing

ZHANG ZHILEI – “HRGOVIĆ IS NO BOOGEYMAN”

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Undefeated heavyweight Zhang “Big Bang” Zhilei (23-0-1, 18 KOs) is looking for big fights in 2022. Zhang, who is coming off of a second-round knockout of Craig Lewis, is world-ranked in both the IBF and WBO and wants to fight a top heavyweight so that he can earn a title shot. 

The division is opening up after a flurry of recent activity at the end of 2021. With its mandatory contender position vacant, the International Boxing Federation is trying to set up a final eliminator. Contenders Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker, both of whom are fresh off big wins, ducked their chance to fight #3 ranked Filip Hrgović (14-0, 12 KOs). of Croatia. The IBF will continue to go down its rankings in order until one of the contenders agrees to fight Hrigović. 

Zhang vows that if asked, he would take on the Croatian in a battle of 6’6’’ big men. 

“I don’t understand why top heavyweights are turnin this down.” Said the former Olympic silver medal winner. “Hrgovic is no boogeyman. I’ve made it known that if my name comes up, I’ll step up and take it.”

And if a showdown with Hrigovic does not materialize, the 38 year-old Zhang is ready for any of the big names.

“I’m not getting any younger, and I have told my promoter that I want to make a big move,” Said Zhang, listing off of top heavyweights such as Joseph Parker and Dereck Chisora – all of whom share the same promoter, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. 

“My ultimate goal is to become world champion and I need fights that put me on that path. I will fight anyone. I want a big opportunity and all I am asking for is fair compensation. I am ready now.”

Photo – Zhang Zhilei Nov. 29th, 2021 courtesy of matchroom and Ed Mulholland

ABOUT ZHANG ZHILEI 

Zhang Zhilei is a Chinese undefeated professional boxer who competes in the heavyweight division.  As an amateur, he earned a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic games as a super heavyweight.  He now competes at the highest levels of professional heavyweight prize fighting. He currently lives and trains in the New York City metropolitan area.

ABOUT LANE BROTHERS BOXING

New York City Based “Lane Brothers Boxing” was founded in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane.  The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for over fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent. 

ABOUT LI “KURT” MAOPEI 

Li Maopei, aka Kurt Li, is an advisor to top boxing talent across the globe with an expertise and focus on professional boxers from his native China. 

amateur boxing, boxing

Salita Promotions Signs USA National Amateur Champion Joshua Pagan to a Promotional Contract

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Pagan will make professional debut on Salita Promotions’ ‘Detroit Brawl’ event on January 22 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based 2021 USA National Amateur Welterweight Champion Joshua “Double J” Pagan to a promotional contract.

After starting boxing at age 13, in honor of his trainer/father Tony who also boxed, Pagan had approximately 90 fights as an amateur, culminating in winning three State Golden Gloves Championships and this year’s USA national Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana.

A smooth boxer with a mean streak, 21-year-old Pagan will make his professional debut on Saturday, January 22, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, as Salita Promotions returns for another instalment of their popular “Detroit Brawl” series of professional boxing shows.

“I’ve been part of the amateur boxing game for a while now,” explained Pagan. “It’s time to challenge myself again and start something new. Pro boxing is the same sport, but a different game. I want a new challenge.”

The young phenom will face Steubenville, Ohio’s Glenn Mitchell (3-6, 3 KOs) in a four-round welterweight battle to support the 10-round middleweight main event featuring WBC #9- and WBO #15-ranked middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr.
“I’ve watched some fights of his on YouTube,” revealed Pagan.

“Mitchell is a rugged guy. I can’t overlook him because it only takes on mistake. I’m going in there to get my first win and showcase my skills and show the Detroit fans what I can do.”

A non-stop student of the sport, while working with his father/trainer Tony, Pagan says he’s been sparring more rounds than usual against local professionals and picking up their tricks of the trade to prepare.

“I feel I got a good deal and he seems real straightforward and genuine,” added Pagan about the deal with Salita. “We got hooked up by my good friend Joseph Hicks, who is also fighting on the card. I sent him some of my fights for Dmitriy to watch and he liked what he saw, so he told us to get a hold of him. I want to win a world championship. I’ve always dreamt of being on the big stage and fighting in the big fights. I don’t get nervous in big fights. If anything I get more focused. I’m more than ready and very excited for this new challenge. I’m ready to go. I’m training hard and I will be in the best shape I’ve ever been in on January 22.”

“He seems like a really down-to-earth guy,” added father Tony. “He seems like a good promoter and we think he’ll help us grow and do what we have to do. Joshua’s greatest strength is that he’s willing to work hard and wants to keep learning. Those are his best assets. He never stops learning and he really loves the sport.”

Promoter Salita, who has enjoyed several successes in his mission to help revive Michigan boxing, says Pagan is a talented new addition to his growing stable.

“Joshua is a young new talent with tremendous potential,” said Salita. “He’s a very hard worker in the gym with exceptional boxing skills. He’s a new prospective star from the state of Michigan and I’m happy to be working with him and his father to help them reach his potential. He has a lot of fans coming out to watch his professional debut, which will be against a tough opponent with nine more fights.”

In the night’s co-main event is power-punching undefeated Detroit middleweight “prospect to watch” Marlon Harrington (5-0, 4 KOs) will appear in a six-rounder vs. TBA.

Featured in separate eight-round battles, each against opponents to be announced, will be the always-exciting top super-featherweight contender Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero (12-2, 9 KOs) of Irving, Texas; as well as Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (20-1-1, 10 KOs); and undefeated Houston-based welterweight Quinton Randall (8-0, 2 KOs).

And in a very special six-round pro debut will be Salita Promotions’ most recent promotional signee, popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Team USA Captain and bonafide amateur star Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr., who will begin his fast-track route to potential stardom against TBA. 

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35 (service fees will apply). Order tickets online or call or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (ph: 313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event. PLEASE NOTE: tickets ordered online will be mailed up to one week prior to event date. Tickets ordered within a week of event will be placed in will call in the box office for pickup. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are also available by calling Lina at 313.529.7604.
boxing

Split-T Management signs Two-Time National Golden Gloves Champion Abel Gonzalez

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Winner of The 2021 National Golden Gloves Tournament Most Outstanding Fighter Award
New York (January 3, 2022) — Split-T Management has signed highly acclaimed amateur and two-time National Golden Gloves Champion Abel Gonzalez to a management contract. Gonzalez most recently won the 2021 National Golden Gloves in the ultra competitive 178 lb. weight division, taking home the award for Most Outstanding Fighter of the Tournament (178-201+) in the process. 

Gonzalez, of Hialeah, Florida, will make his professional debut at super middleweight. He is trained by his father, Ameth, a Guantanamo, Cuba native and lists the Cuban greats Teofilo Stevenson and Felix Savon as some of his biggest influences in the sport. Gonzalez is a boxer-puncher possessing thudding power and an excellent ring IQ. 

“I am very excited to sign with Split-T Management. This is the moment that I have been waiting for. Under Split-T, I feel that I will be able to reach all of my goals and become a World Champion,” said Gonzalez.

“Abel is a very strong young man with a devastating right hand that he gets off quickly and an equally powerful left hook. We expect him to make a seamless transition to the pros and become a major force at 168 pounds and beyond,” said Brendan Segalas of Split-T Management.

Gonzalez, 24, compiled a total record of 65-8 and was a two-time National Golden Gloves Champion; four-time Florida Elite Golden Gloves Champion; three-time Florida PAL Champion and a 2013 Junior Golden Gloves Champion as an amateur. Gonzalez is ready to make his mark in the professional ranks with Split-T Management and his father/trainer firmly behind him. 
boxing

Holden Productions Signs Jeremiah Milton

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Tulsa, OK (January 5, 2022) – Unbeaten heavyweight Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Holden Productions.


Born and raised in Tulsa, the 27-year-old Milton is 3-0 with 3 KO’s as a pro. As an amateur, he was ranked among the top heavyweights in America and won a Silver Medal at the 2020 Olympic Trials. Prior to boxing, he played defensive end at Division II Northeastern State University. Milton, who is 6’4 230 pounds, is an explosive puncher with impressive athleticism.


“Holden Productions has been doing great things for fighters in multiple weight classes,” said Milton, who earned praise from heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after the two sparred. “I’m glad to be joining a successful team based out of my hometown and we’re going to put the world on notice.”


Having promoted fights and fighters across the globe including both Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley fights this past year, Holden Productions is thrilled about signing a talented heavyweight with ties to their home base.


“Our job is to give Jeremiah the largest platform to succeed,” said Bryce Holden. “This task is made easy when you work with a fighter that eats, sleeps and breaths boxing. We’re thrilled to see Jeremiah flourish in 2022 while fighting in his hometown on some major shows.”


Mike Leanardi, Milton’s manager who runs Victory Sports & Entertainment with Rick Torres stated “We’re excited to be working with Tony and Bryce Holden. They know the Tulsa region and have had a lot of success building fighters there. Jeremiah will get an opportunity to be active, fight on big cards and fight at home in Tulsa. It doesn’t get any better than that!”


Milton’s debut under the Holden Productions banner takes places Saturday, January 29 at the Hard Rock and Casino Tulsa as part of a Top Rank ESPN Boxing card. Tickets are on sale now at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com/ordertickets.asp?p=617&src=eventperformances
boxing

Shapiro Sports Fighters Shine On The Big Stage

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Los Angeles, CA (January 3, 2022) – One of boxing’s newest promotional outfits, Shapiro Sports had a breakout month as a handful of it’s world-class boxer’s put on dynamic performances.


On December 11th,  Marlon Tapales (35-3, 18 KOs) won the IBF Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California .

Tapales scored an explosive 2nd round stoppage of tough Japanese title challenger Hiroaki Teshigawara (22-2). With the win, Tapales of the Philippines is now in position to become the mandatory challenger for IBF/WBA world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev. 

On Christmas day, highly touted Cuban prospect Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (5-0 5 KO’s) made an emphatic American debut with an emphatic 1st round stoppage over former Top Rank Bubble darling, Clay Collard. The bout was seen on a telecast that was viewed by 2.3 million viewers on FOX. 

Gomez, the son of former Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Jose Gomez, destroyed Clay Collard (9-5-3) in 1 round. Collard is known to many boxing fans for upsetting three previous undefeated prospects. Collard had never been stopped before at 154 lbs, and was expected to give the undefeated Gomez a tough test, the impressive Gomez landed thudding power shots that hurt Collard repeatedly and forced the fight to be stopped in the opening frame. 

This past Saturday night in Hollywood, Florida, Shapiro Sports undefeated heavyweight prospects faced off as Cuban’s, Lenier Pero & Geovany Bruzon, matched up in an entertaining slugfest that saw Pero pound out a very competitive eight-round unanimous decision against his countryman Bruzon.

The fight was televised live on the FOX Prelims to the Luis Ortiz – Charles Martin Pay-Per-View Card.

“This is by far the best group of fighters that I have worked with in my eight years in boxing. All of these fighters had statement performances that will position themselves to capitalize on great opportunities in 2022 and the future. Marlon Tapales came off of a two-year layoff to make a world class Japanese fighter look very ordinary, and position himself for the world title in early 2022. Yoelvis Gomez stole the Christmas Day show like the Grinch, and he became a name to watch for many boxing fans. Llastly, Lenier Pero and Geovany Bruzon both showed that they will be major players in the heavyweight division for years to come. 2022 will be a great year for all of my fighters,” said Shane Shapiro, CEO of Shapiro Sports. 


Shapiro Sports co-promotes Gomez, Pero and Bruzon with Warriors Boxing and Boxing Major League.


Tapales is co-promoted with Viva Promotions and MP Promotions.
In addition to Tapales, Gomez, Pero and Bruzon, Shapiro Sports promotes or co-promotes: featherweight Jhack Tepora (23-1, 17 KOs), super lightweight Abram Martinez (9-0-1, 7 KOs), middleweight Landry Kore (11-1-1, 6 KOs), lightweight Fradimil Macayo (15-1, 13 KOs), super lightweight Joniker Tovar (20-0-1, 15 KOs), and bantamweight Dervin Rodriguez (8-0-1, 8 KOs).

boxing

Coyle returns to the US; starts camp in Florida

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St. Petersburg, FL (January 3, 2022) – Undefeated middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle is back in the US and preparing for a big 2022.


A perfect 14-0 as a pro, Coyle trains under Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Jim McLaughlin in St. Petersburg but was in his native Northern Ireland the last two years due to Covid restrictions. Although he trained and ran regularly back home, a return stateside was necessary to get him to the next level.


“It feels great to be back with my team in St Petersburg,” said Coyle, who is married and has a daughter. “I’ve been training alongside Yamaguchi Falcao who is a world class talent and works extremely hard. We’re going to push each other throughout camp. Being away from home and strictly focused on boxing is what gets me into beast mode!”


Coyle’s 2022 begins February 19 against ultra-tough Guido Nicolas Pitto in an eight round contest. Originally from Argentina but living in Spain, Pitto’s 27-9-2 with 8 wins by KO. He’s defeated world rated contender Jack Culcay (14-0) and Reda Zam Zam (27-1) while also battling Magomed Madiev (11-0) to a draw. Coyle will be the eighth unbeaten foe Pitto’s faced.


Coyle and Pitto will square off at Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA. With Boston only 10 miles south and New York a few hours down the road, Coyle’s expecting a big turnout to kickoff what he believes will be the most important year of his career.


“I’m excited to be fighting in the Boston area where there’s a large Irish population. I have a lot of fans that already purchased tickets and a bus of supporters will be making the trip up from New York City. The plan is to go out and give them a great performance.”


Coyle’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, is also pleased to have his highly-regarded fighter back in the US and shares the same vision for 2022.


“Connor is ready to make a big splash this year. He’s getting great work in the gym with Yamaguchi and helping him get ready because he’s also fighting February 19th in Melrose. Once Connor takes care of Pitto, who is a very tough fighter, it’ll be onto bigger and better things. “The Kid” has star potential and is ready to show the world he’s a legitimate world class fighter.”


Tickets for the February 19 card are on sale now by going to Tinyurl.com/4TMZAWXE. The card will also be broadcast on Throwdownsports.com. More information is available by calling 978-745-4007 or going to ReyesBoxingClub.com.
 
Fans can reach Coyle on Instagram @Connor_The_Kid_Coyle or Twitter @cjcoyle07. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net.
boxing, Granite Chin

Granite Chin Promotions returns to Massachusetts Nelson Perez vs. Tyrone Luckey to headline “Showcase” Feb. 26th at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, MA

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QUINCY, Mass. (January 3, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced its first event of 2022, “Showcase,” scheduled on Saturday night, February 26th, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Showcase” will mark Granite Chin’s first event in Massachusetts in more than 2 years, as well as being only the second professional boxing show ever in Framingham, which is located 23 miles west of Boston.

“I am excited to be coming back to Massachusetts,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “Between changes occurring with the commission, then COVID, I just felt like it was a good time to step away for a bit, head up to New Hampshire and let things sort of settle in Massachusetts. Now that things are sort of back to normal, I feel like the time is right to bring our great club-show boxing back to Massachusetts. This card is going to be highly competitive from top to bottom. I have the roster now where I can both develop fighters and put on high quality local shows. 2020 was about making good relationships with other promoters and matchmakers; 2021 about developing a quality roster and keeping guys busy during a pandemic. 2022 is going to be geared towards becoming the face of quality local boxing shows and getting Granite Chin fighters on high-level, world-class cards all across the country.” 

The 8-round main event will pit local favorite Nelson “Chino” Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) against New Jersey veteran super lightweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-16-4, 11 KOs).

Perez is a native of Puerto Rico who lives in Marlboro (MA), which borders Framingham. A past New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur, Perez is coming off a dominating 4-round unanimous decision victory (40-34 X 3) December 4th against Raymundo Rios Cardies on a DAZN card in Manchester, New Hampshire. Perez will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-round bout.

Luckey, fighting out of Manahawkin, NJ, is the reigning ABF USA Mid-American Super Lightweight Champion. The dangerous Luckey has been a gatekeeper of lightweight up to welterweight divisions having fought top prospects such as Mike Ohan, Jr. Jamaine Ortiz, Tyler Tomlin, and Frank Martin. Luckey has recent back-to-back victories against previously unbeaten Eduardo Aquilar.

Hot welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (7-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), faces Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-0) in the 6-round co-featured event.

Denzel, the latest member of the “Fightin’ Whitley family,” is trained by his father and uncle, respectively, Derrick and Darrin, who were respected pro fighters in New England.

Fighting out of Warwick, Rhode Island, the 31-year-old Raymond made his pro debut this past November 13th, upsetting previously undefeated Julien Baptiste (3-0) by way of a 4-round split decision.

Additional bouts will be announced soon. Card subject to change.

Tickets will soon be available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SHOWCASE). Ticket prices are $50.00 (General Seating), $75.00 (Ringside), and $1,000.00 for a table of 10.

Doors open at 7:00 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @flymikemarshall

boxing, DAZN

42-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez marches towards boxing milestone in exclusive 50-0 club

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43rd pro fight Dec. 18 vs. Yunieski Gonzalez on DAZN

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LAS VEGAS (December 6, 2021) – As he marches towards a special boxing milestone, former World Boxing Organization Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs), now an undefeated world light heavyweight contender, will be fighting Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez on December 18th for his 43rd consecutive victory.


Ramirez vs. Gonzalez  headlines a DAZN-streamed card, presented by Ramirez’ promoter Golden Boy Promotions, in a 12-round WBA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator from San Antonio (TX) with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs), assuming the Kyrgyzstan-native gets past Umar Salamov (26-1, 19 KOs) on Dec. 11th in Russia.


The 30-year-old Ramirez is fighting for membership in the exclusive 50-Club, winning his first 50 professional fights without a loss or draw. Ramirez’ idol and fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez, holds the record in that category by winning his first 87, his first blemish coming in 1993 in a 12-round majority draw with the great Pernell Whitaker in their WBC World welterweight title fight.
 _________________________________________________________________


BOXING’S 50-0 CLUB
 
1.   Julio “J.C. Cesar Chavez            87 (13 KOs)  1980-1993    México
2.   Willie “Wil ‘O The Wisp” Pep      62 (23 KOs)  1940-1943    USA
3.   Wanheng Menayothin                 54 (18 KOs)  2009-2019    Thailand
4.   Carlos “Canas” Zarate                52 (51 KOs)  1970-1978    México
5.   Floyd Mayweather, Jr.                  50 (27 KOs)  1996-2017    USA
 ____________________________________________________________________________
 
“The 50-0 Club is a very exclusive list I’m proud to be working toward,” Ramirez said. “All fighters go through ups and downs and understand the blood, sweat and tears to achieve anything in this sport. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be in the position I’m in today and I will never stop giving it my all in the sport. Hopefully, when I’m finished, I can leave a legacy in the sport that I can be proud of.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH THRILLING UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ

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Sebastian Fundora Outpoints Sergio Garcia in Co-Main Event;
Carlos Adames Defeats Sergiy Derevyanchenko in an Exciting Fight,
and Eduardo Ramirez Dominates Miguel Marriaga
in SHOWTIME PPV Undercard Action
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin / SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions
 
LOS ANGELES (December 5, 2021) –Boxing superstar and five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis put his boxing skills on display, winning a rousing 12-round round unanimous decision over the relentless Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to retain his WBA Lightweight World Title in front of a star-studded, sellout crowd of 15,850 at STAPLES Center live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Scorecards read 116-112 and two scores of 115-113, all for Davis.
 
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with scores of current and former NBA stars in attendance, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kawhi Leonard, Dwight Howard, Kenny Smith, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce among others.
 
Accompanied by superstar rapper Lil Durk, Davis entered the ring in Laker purple and gold; tassels along his trunks with the late Kobe Bryant’s number “8” and “24” on each side. Cruz celebrated his Mexican heritage with a mariachi band behind him as he strode toward the ring.
 
There was no feeling-out process in the first. Cruz charged at the defending champion, pinning him against the ropes and wailing away.
 
“That’s my style. ‘Pitbull’ is always going to be on the attack,” said Cruz. “I think we retained rhythm from the start to the end.”
 
Davis found his rhythm in the second and third, circling the ring and walking Cruz into shots. In the fourth, Cruz concentrated his attack on the body, pounding Davis’ ribs.
 
The 27-year-old Baltimore native turned on the power in the fourth, alternating between the right hook and left cross behind his southpaw stance. More punishing blows came from Davis during the fifth.
 
“He’s a shorter fighter, so I was throwing down on the top of his head,” said Davis. “I hit him with my knuckle and messed it up. I hurt my hand in the sixth round. No matter if the opponent is taller or shorter, I’ve got to get through it. He’s a warrior. Even though he didn’t win, a star was born tonight.”
 
“It was right around the fifth round I saw that his hand wasn’t working correctly,” Cruz observed.
 
Davis boxed beautifully in the middle rounds, firing quick shots and pivoting away from the return fire. A right hook in the eighth briefly buzzed Cruz and brought the audience to their feet. But just when it appeared as if the fight was slipping away, Cruz fought fire with fire, landing a flush uppercut seconds before the bell.
 
The 23-year-old Mexican picked up the pace in the latter rounds, keeping Davis on his toes and pounding away. Davis held his own, fighting back on even terms until the fight’s end.
 
Naturally, Cruz believed he deserved the victory.
 
“Viva Mexico. I have nothing to say, the fans are speaking on who won this fight,” he said.
 
Following a successful title defense, Davis said he’s ready for all comers.
 
“L.A., we did it for Kobe,” said Davis. “At the beginning of the fight, he came on strong. I felt as the fight was going, he was breaking down. But I hurt my hand, so I wasn’t able to get him out of there.
 
“Whatever the best opportunity is for me, I’ll do it. All of them guys are easy work. I’m the top dog.”
 
In the co-main event, Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora moved closer to a world title shot with a 12-round unanimous decision over the previously-unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.
 
Final scores read 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113.
 
Fundora established control quickly in the first, snapping Spain’s Garcia’s head back with a booming left. The two traded evenly through the early rounds. Garcia had his moments, including a sharp overhand right in the fifth that drew blood from Fundora’s nose.
 
The 23-year-old Fundora found his range in the sixth, pumping the jab and using his 6-foot-5 frame and 80-inch reach to keep Garcia at bay.
 
“I was using my distance a lot more. I wanted to display something different than what I’m used to,” said Fundora. “Height was definitely a difference in this fight.”
 
Garcia struggled to land during the second half of the bout, save for a couple moments in the 12th when the two combatants stood toe-to-toe.
 
“Maybe things could have been different if I had been more aggressive from the beginning,” said Garcia. “I shouldn’t have let myself get carried away by what he was doing.” 
 
Fundora believes he’s ready for a world title shot.
 
“We just beat the No. 2 in the WBC, so we have No.1, and we have the champion,” said Fundora. “Whoever they give us next, we’re ready for.”
 
In a thrilling back and forth, Carlos Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) overcame a stiff challenge from former world title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-4, 10 KOs) to win a 10-round majority decision in their WBC Middleweight World Title Eliminator.
 
Both combatants had their moments, but facing the toughest opponent of his career, the 27-year-old Adames shined. One judge scored the middleweight bout even at 95-95, while the other two scored it for Adames by scores of 96-94 and 97-93.
 
“This means a lot for me in my career and this is a big accomplishment winning against a fighter of his caliber,” said Adames, who was born in the Dominican Republic and fights out of Washington Heights in New York City.
 
“I am aggressive and speedy by nature, so I came in ready to do my thing. He started slow, wanting to see what would happen, and simply had the wrong game plan. He got a bit tired as the fight went on, took a lot of hard shots from me and it was evident that I caused him a lot of damage.”
 
“I expect my opponent to fight the same style. It was nothing special for me, just a quality fight,” said Derevyanchenko.
 
“He stayed southpaw, that was the difference in the fight. I don’t know what I’ll do next. I need a little bit of rest and then I will go back to the gym because I love boxing and I love the show.”
 
“This gives me an opportunity to move on,” said Adames. “I dominate at both 154 and 160, so wherever they give me the opportunity to fight for a championship is where I’ll go.”
 
In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast, super featherweight contender Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez (26-2-3, 12 KOs) was in peak form, winning a wide 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Miguel Marriaga.
 
“I would like to thank the fans, SHOWTIME and the Montiel family for supporting me. Marriaga was a tough opponent, but I managed to dominate,” said Ramirez. “I had a varied fighting style and kept him on his toes the whole time.”
 
Marriaga (30-5, 26 KOs) was the aggressor throughout, particularly in the first round as he backed Ramirez up with combination punching. The latter found his range midway through the frame, utilizing an accurate jab. In the third, a right hook followed by an overhand left floored an off-balance Marriaga for a flash knockdown.
“We started out strong, but then things got progressively harder. Having said that, we are pleased with the work we put in today,” said Marriaga. “We should have been more savvy, but we tried our hardest in the face of a great opportunity that unfortunately we could not take advantage of.”
 
Ramirez dominated after scoring the knockdown, punishing Marriaga from then on with an assortment of shots to the head and body. Final punch stats had Ramirez landing 280 of 762 (36.7%) total punches to Marriaga’s 159 out of 689 (21.3%).
 
“Now I’m going to relax with my family and enjoy the holidays,” said Ramirez. “Then hopefully 2022 will come with a title shot for me.” 
 
Tonight’s blockbuster pay-per-view event will re-air on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The delayed telecast of Davis vs. Cruz will open the telecast featuring WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire as he will defend his title against undefeated top contender and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Tennis Stadium in Carson.
 
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast was directed by Bob Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
 
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