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boxing

Granite Chin invades Granite State with “Rumble at The Rim”

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HAMPTON, NH (November 13, 2017) – Granite Chin Promotions invades the Granite State on Saturday, December 9, showcasing some of New England’s top professional boxers on the “Rumble at The Rim” card, at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.
A portion of the proceeds will go to Hampton Youth Association.
“We are excited to bring Granite Chin to New Hampshire,” promoter Chuck Shearns said. “The town of Hampton and its officials have really embraced us. We have teamed up with a great charity, Hampton Youth Association. The state boxing commission has been extremely encouraging and cooperative, which, frankly, is not something we are used to and that’s been a breath of fresh air. We’re going to put on a good event and plan to be back more often next year.”
New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti (24-4, 19 KOs), fighting out of Quincy (MA), will fight in an eight-round bout to be contested at a 185-pounds catch-weight. A former World Boxing Council United States cruiserweight titlist, Traietti is a college graduate who did one tour of duty in Iraq while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Talented Quincy lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (26-3, 8 KOs) will be showcased in a six-round bout.
Entertaining Hartford (CT) light heavyweight prospect Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (4-0, 3 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line in a six-round fight.
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round matches, are pro-debuting 185-pounder Russ Kimber, of Peabody (MA), Claremont (NH) junior middleweight Ricky Ford (0-1-1) in his home state debut as a professional boxer, unbeaten Holbrook (MA) welterweight Mike O’Han, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO), and New Jersey middleweight Chris Thomas (6-0-1, 3 KOs).
“This card features some of the best talent in New England,” Shearn added, “including undefeated Richie Rivera, to go along with New Hampshire natives Ricky Ford and Russell Kimber. Also slated to be in action are contender Ryan Kielczweski, New England cruiserweight champ Chris Traietti and undefeated prospect Mike O’Han, Jr. We expect some good scrapes.”
All opponents will soon be determined. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $60.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ticketriver.com.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m., first bout 7:00 p.m. ET.
Event sponsors include Seabrook Inn, Tobin Scientific and Matrix Aerospace.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
Dec. 9 at The Rim in Hampton, N.H.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

YUANDALE EVANS TREATS HOMETOWN FANS TO SPLIT DECISION WIN OVER PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN LUIS ROSA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Butaev Decisions Gonzales; Fa Hands Latham First Pro Loss;

Cleveland’s Conwell Outclasses Zapata

 

Catch The Replay Monday, Nov. 13 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

CLEVELAND (Nov. 11, 2017) – Two Cleveland boxers stole the show Friday night in the final ShoBox: The New Generation telecast of 2017 live on SHOWTIME.

 

Once-beaten southpaw Yuandale Evans (20-1, 14 KOs) had Cleveland’s fight fans on their feet for the final two dramatic rounds as the East Cleveland boxer earned an exciting, all-action split decision victory over previously undefeated featherweight Luis Rosa (23-1, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Two judges scored the fight in favor of Evans – 96-94 and 97-93 – while the third judge had Rosa winning, 96-94, on Friday night at The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

 

It was a night that saw three previously undefeated fighters lose their unbeaten records. Rosa became the 171st fighter to lose his undefeated record in the 16-year history of ShoBox.

 

In the telecast’s first fight, heralded Cleveland boxer and 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell made his television debut and improved to 6-0. But it was the Evans-Rosa fight that fans won’t soon forget.

 

“What a way to end a great year of boxing on SHOWTIME,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “Rosa vs. Evans was one of the best main events we have had in the 16 years of the ShoBox series. These were two fighters that understood what was at stake. They both did what they came here to do. At the end, it was all up to the judges. I thought they got it right. It was a split decision. Great action fight between two very well-conditioned fighters.”

 

The Evans-Rosa war included 611 total connected punches and 512 landed power shots were exchanged. There were multiples shifts of momentum throughout the fight as Rosa commanded the early rounds with volume and power while Evans rallied in the middle rounds.

 

“I’m tired but I’m feeling great,” Evans said. “My performance was great. I’ve never felt myself pushed that hard. He’s a tough Puerto Rican. He’s a very tough fighter. The crowd really propelled me to victory tonight, and I’m grateful for that.”

 

Rosa led 268-267 in total connected punches entering the final round, but Evans summoned a huge rally in the 10th (49 of 103 to 27 of 88 for Rosa) to seize a 316-295 overall lead to earn the split-decision victory.

 

“I thought I won the fight, he won maybe three or four rounds,” a disappointed Rosa said after the fight. “I won the fight 6-4, 7-3 at least. I won mostly all of the beginning rounds and I gave him a few after the first six. Four rounds is the most I give him, and that’s being nice. I feel like the judges were swayed by the hometown crowd.”

 

Evans is ready for his next challenge. “I want Gary Russell, I want [Carl] Frampton, I want [Leo] Santa Cruz,” said Evans, who had famed trained Barry Hunter in his corner. “I’m nothing but a contract killer. I’m a contract killer and I want one of those top five guys.”

In the co-main event, undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev (8-0, 6 KOs; WSB: 9-1) earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Colombia’s previously unbeaten Janer Gonzalez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup. The three judges scored the fight, 80-72, 79-73, 77-75, in favor of Butaev.

It was a technically sound fight between two accomplished former amateur standouts. Butaev, who dominated from the early rounds, connected on 41 percent of his power punches (66 of 162) compared to 27 percent for Gonzalez (47 or 173).

“I felt like I controlled the whole fight, but he was more durable than I expected,” said Butaev through a translator. “Gonzalez landed good shots but he couldn’t finish me.”

Farhood said Butaev failed to make some key adjustments during the fight. “[Butaev] didn’t have his trainer here,” he said. “Perhaps that is why he failed to make adjustments. He still has a promising future, but this was not his best performance.”

Gonzalez was coached in his corner by noted trainer Ruben Guerrero. “I injured my shoulder in the third round but I stayed in the fight and pushed the fight,” said Gonzalez, “When I injured my shoulder, I couldn’t throw my left jab as well, I couldn’t work the jab. If I hadn’t been injured, I would’ve broken him down more in the later rounds.”

In the second fight of the four-fight telecast, a matchup of undefeated heavyweights, 28-year-old Junior Fa (13-0, 8 KOs) knocked out Pittsburgh’s Freddy Latham (9-1-2, 5 KOs), handing him the first defeat of his pro career just 67 seconds into the fight. It was the 169th time a fighter has lost his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

New Zealand’s Fa sent the former Golden Gloves champion Latham back-pedaling from the opening bell with a barrage of punches as referee Clifford Pinkney jumped in between the fighters. Latham, who had never been stopped, struggled to keep standing as he leaned against the ropes. Click HERE to watch video of the stoppage.

“I was actually going to keep on going, continue fighting but then he dropped. He was out of it. The ref pulled me back,” said Fa, who earned a first-round knockout for the sixth time of his career.

Fa landed 59 percent of his power shots (17 of 29) while Latham managed to land just one of four power punches.

Farhood was impressed by Fa’s dominating performance. “Every time a heavyweight shows power, you have to pay attention,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll see more of him in 2018.”

“I’m hoping for a chance to get in to the top 15,” said Fa, who beat WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker twice in the amateurs. “This fight gave me more confidence in my ability and power, and I think confidence is a great thing.”

In the telecast opener, 2016 U.S. Olympian and local favorite Charles Conwell (6-0, 5 KOs) –buoyed by a huge third round where he scored two knockdowns and another in the fifth – went the six-round distance for the first time in his young career finishing off a game Roque “Rocky” Zapata (4-2-3) with an impressive unanimous decision victory scored 60-51 twice and 60-53.

The super welterweight contest was dominated by Cleveland’s 20-year old Conwell, who used effective body shots to do the most of the damage as he accounted for 80 of his 175 total connects and 75 of his 150 power punches.

Conwell caught the former MMA fighter Zapata in the third round with a strong right cross. It was the first time Zapata, who came into the fight with a three-bout winning streak, had ever hit the floor in his career. Click HERE to watch video of KOs in round 3.

 

“My game plan was to throw some jabs and go to the body, and I think I accomplished that. My jab was key tonight. I ended up dropping him three times,” said Conwell, who averaged 77 punches per round, but gave himself just a B-minus. “I would love to keep fighting on television. I want to showcase my skills.”

 

A left hook by Conwell in the latter stages of the third round dropped Zapata for the second time. Zapata hit the canvas once again in the fifth after a devastating left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the chin. The Culpepper, Va. native stood up at the nine-count and finished the stanza.

 

Zapata was impressed by his opponent’s talent. “I survived, so I’m happy,” he said. “I went the distance with an Olympian and that was the plan. I should’ve done better and cut my angles more instead of standing right in front of him, but I’m proud I went the full distance.”

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

The fights were promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with 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, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

boxing

TOKA KAHN-CLARY VS. JOHN VINCENT MORALDE HEADLINE REAL DEAL BOXING FRIDAY DEC. 1 IN PROVIDENCE, RI

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE!!
ALSO SHOWCASING NEW ENGLANDERS IRVIN GONZALEZ, NICK DELOMBA, KHIRY TODD, TIMMY RAMOS & ANDY GONZALEZ,
PROVIDENCE, RI (November 10, 2017) Featherweight Contender and Hometown Hero, TOKA KAHN-CLARY, (23-1, 16 KO’s), of Providence, Rhode Island battles undefeated Philippines’ based contender JOHN VINCENT MORALDE, (19-0, 10 KO’s) in the 10-round main event on Friday, December 1 at The Strand Ballroom and Theatre, it was announced today by Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxing.
Tickets for ‘Real Deal Championship Boxing V’ starting at $45 are Now On Sale and can be purchased through www.TheRealDealBoxing. com and www.thestrandri.com.
The Strand Ballroom and Theatre is located at 79 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at7:00 p.m. ET. The event will be telecast live on CBS Sports Network.
“We’re very excited to announce this outstanding featherweight clash between Toka Kahn-Clary and John Vincente Moralde,” said Holyfield. “The winner of this fight will have a great opportunity to continue his path towards a world title opportunity and these high stakes are exactly what will bring out the best in each fighter.
“This is clearly the toughest match of each fighter’s professional career and we anticipate an excellent fight for fans in the arena and those watching on CBS Sports Network.”
On October 19, Kahn-Clary, ranked #14 in the world by the World Boxing Association, made an emphatic return to battle with a blistering second round knockout of then undefeated David Berna in Atlanta, Georgia in front of a packed house and a nationally televised audience in Atlanta, Georgia as Holyfield celebrated his 55th birthday in his hometown.
The victory also earned Kahn-Clary the WBA-NABA Featherweight Title.
This will be Kahn-Clary’s first fight in Providence since his professional debut in June 2012. The 25-year-old will be making his fourth start of 2017 with prior victories this year against Angel Luna and Francisco Medel.
Just 23-years-old, Moralde will be fighting for the first time in the United States. Holder of the WBC Asian Boxing Council Featherweight Title, Moralde is coming off a third-round stoppage of Philip Parcon on February 28, 2017 in General Santos City, Philippines.
The heavy handed Moralde is on a three-bout knockout streak, two of which came in the first round.
Co-featured on the outstanding card and also making his U.S. debut is Undefeated Italian Cruiserweight Contender FABIO “Stone Crusher” TURCHI, (12-0-0, 9 KO’s), of Florence, Italy in an eight-round clash.
In a six-round featherweight clash, popular, undefeated Worcester, MA native IRVIN GONZALEZ, (7-0-0, 6 KO’s) battles ERNESTO GARZA, (9-2-0, 5 KO’s), of Saginaw, MI.
The heavy-handed Gonzalez started his professional career with six knockouts, all of which took place in the first two rounds. Most recently the 21-year-old won an eight round unanimous decision over Raul Lopez on June 10, 2017.
Riding a modest two-bout winning streak, the 29-year-old Garza returns to action following a six round unanimous decision over Edward Kakembo on August 25, 2017 in Warren, MI.
Junior welterweights will see action in a scheduled eight rounder with NICK DELOMBA, (11-2-0, 2 KO’s), Cranston, R.I., facing off against LOUIS CRUZ, (12-3-0, 6 KO’s), of Bronx, New York.
The 27-year-old DeLomba looks to move back into the win column after a very hard fought 10-round decision loss to Jimmy Williams on April 7, 2017 in Lincoln, R.I.
The upset minded Cruz heads to Providence following the biggest win of his career, a ninth-round stoppage of local favorite Anthony Karperis on July 28, 2017, in Huntington, New York.
In an eight-round junior middleweight battle, JEREMY ‘J Flash’ NICHOLS, (7-1-1, 2 KO’s), of Las Vegas, NV clashes with Worcester, MA native ANDY GONZALEZ, (6-2-0, 5 KO’s).
Nichols looks towards the win column following the first loss on his record, a hard-fought majority decision to undefeated Peter Dobson on June 24, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Gonzalez is also looking for a return to the win column losing a six-round majority decision to Antonio Chaves Fernandez on June 10, 2017 in his hometown.
Also featured on the card in separate bouts will be Lynn, MA knockout artist, junior welterweight KHIRY ‘TNT’ TODD, (6-0-0, 5 KO’s), and junior lightweight TIMMY RAMOS, (4-0-1, 4 KO’s, of Framingham, MA.
Further details on this exciting card will be announced shortly.
Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to partner with The Strand Ballroom and Theatre, Medical Arts Radiology
([http://www.medicalartsradiology.com)/]www.medicalartsradiology.com)  and Venum ([http://www.venum.com)/]www.venum.com).
Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett

FNU Combat Sports Show: The MMA Report

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“Psychic” Tom Padgett and “Rabble Rousin'” Rich Bergeron catch up after a three-week hiatus. Tony “The Tornado” Penecale will join us again next week for the broadcast. This week we cover as much as we can jam into the show to make up for lost time. From GSP’s triumphant return to McGregor’s conditions to come back to the cage, we cover it all. Finally, Tom asks a very important question: Where are the legends of MMA?

 

boxing

Undefeated Prospects Jesse Angel Hernandez and Glenn Dezurn to Collide Saturday in Uniondale, New York

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Intriguing Super Bantamweight Match-up This Weekend on Jacobs vs. Arias Undercard
On the untelevised undercard of this weekend’s “Danny Jacobs vs. Luis Arias and Jarrell Miller vs. Mariusz Wach” blockbuster boxing event is an intriguing super bantamweight duel between undefeated prospects.
Jesse Angel Hernandez (9-1, 7 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Baltimore’s Glenn Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs) are set to collide at NYCB LIVE: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, this Saturday, November 11.
Jacobs vs. Arias and Miller vs. Wach are presented by Matchroom Boxing USA, in association with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Salita Promotions and Roc Nation Sports. It will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum.
While both fighters say this fight will be just another day at the office, Hernandez’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says there is considerably more on the line for both men.
“This is a significant fight, with the winner becoming the best American prospect in the super bantamweight division. This is the first ‘must win’ fight of both their careers and they’re both in tremendous shape.”
Dezurn’s promoter, Greg Cohen, agrees and says this tremendous fight is icing on a juicy cake for boxing.
“Glenn Dezurn has shown throughout his amateur and professional career that he is one of the hardest working and most dedicated competitors in the sport, who never shies away from a challenge. The combined records of his last three opponents are 30-2-1; that speaks volumes. Glenn is ready to make the leap from prospect to contender, and with a victory over highly respected Jesse Hernandez, he will do just that. What a great addition to an already sensational card!”
The 26-year-old southpaw Hernandez was last seen on August 4 of this year at MGM Grand Detroit, and televised live nationally on ShoBox: The New Generation, where he employed a wicked body attack to stop Russia’s favored Vladimir Tikhonov in round five. Last July, also on ShoBox, 30-year-old Dezurn fought to an exciting eight-round draw with the very capable Adam Lopez at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.
“Jesse has an exciting, aggressive style and is hungry to become a star in the 122-lb division,” continued Salita, “but Dezurn is a very accomplished, talented fighter as well. I look forward to this fight.”
FACTS:
 
JACOBS vs. ARIAS and MILLER vs. WACH are presented by Matchroom Boxing USA, in association with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Salita Promotions and Roc Nation Sports. The SELDIN vs. ORTIZ bout is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing.  NIYAZOV will fight on the non-televised portion of the undercard. The event takes place Saturday, November 11 at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at10:00 p.m. ET/PT.  BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of SE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.
Tickets for the live event, on sale now, can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,NYCBLIVE.com or by calling 800-745-3000.   Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TOMORROW/FRIDAY, NOV. 10

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Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland

“I think I can be three or four fights away for the chance at a world heavyweight title.”

– Junior Fa, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

CLEVELAND (Nov. 9, 2017) – SHOWTIME Boxing fans will get their first look at eight promising prospects  with a combined record of 97-2 – including two undefeated up-and-coming heavyweights and a 2016 Super Welterweight Olympian – as ShoBox: The New Generation takes place this Friday, November 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

Featherweight prospects Luis Rosa Jr. (23-0, 11 KOs) and local favorite Yuandale Evans (19-1, 14 KOs) will square off in a 10-round main event as all eight fighters made their respective weights on Thursday. The ShoBoxquadrupleheader features undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSB: 9-1) taking on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez (18-0-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup, and New Zealand’s undefeatedJunior Fa (12-0, 7 KOs) facing former Golden Gloves champion Freddy Latham (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight bout. In the telecast opener, 2016 Olympian Charles Conwell (5-0, 5 KOs) will take on Roque “Rocky” Zapata (4-1-3), who is coming off a three-bout winning streak.

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are still available for purchase via the following link HERE.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, REFS AND JUDGES:

 

Luis Rosa Jr. vs. Yuandale Evans – 10-round Featherweight Bout

 

Rosa Jr.: 125 Pounds

Evans: 125 ½ Pounds

Referee: Shawn Clark (P.A.); Judges: Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

 

Radzhab Butaev vs. Janer Gonzalez – Eight-round Welterweight Bout

 

Butaev: 146 Pounds

Gonzalez: 147 Pounds

Referee: George Nichols (C.A.); Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.)

 

Junior Fa vs. Freddy Latham – Eight-round Heavyweight Bout

Fa: 262 Pounds

Latham: 261 Pounds

Referee: Clifford Pinkney (Ohio); Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Phil Rogers (Ohio), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.)

  

Charles Conwell vs. Roque “Rocky” Zapata – Six-round Super Welterweight Bout

Conwell: 153 Pounds

Roque Zapata: 155 Pounds

Referee: George Nichols (California); Judges: Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard (N.J.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

LUIS ROSA JR.:

“There was a time in my career when I was one fight away from fighting for a world title at 122 pounds, but I’m a natural featherweight. This fight is at 126 but I’ll fight at 126 or 122. Wherever the opportunity is, I’ll take it.

“I’m going to show a lot of different things. I have more to show than just my boxing skills. Whatever I have to do to get the win, I will do it.

“My opponent is a southpaw, but he’s not the slickest southpaw I’ve seen. We’ve been training with a lot of southpaws. Fighting southpaws is not a big deal for me. I fought so many of them in the amateurs.

“I don’t think I’m going to have any problem with him. I know his left hook is his favorite punch so I’m going to try and take that away from him.

“I think putting together some timely combinations is going to be the key to this fight.

“After I beat [Jorge] Diaz and [Luis] Del Valle in 2015 my opposition dropped. I was knocking on the door but just never got the call. That’s why this fight is so big for me. I’m ready to showcase my skills on national TV. I’m ready for the next step on my career.”

YUANDALE EVANS

“I know all the bigger names are at 126 so I’m going to stay right here. I’ve bounced around from 126 to 130. Lou DiBella, my promoter told me to stay ready and that’s what I did; I’m ready.”

“It took me awhile from me to come back after the loss to Javier Fortuna [in 2012]. But I’ve always stayed sharp and I’ve been in various camps. I’ve trained with guys like Lamont Peterson, Gervonta Davis and Rau’Shee Warren.

“I’ve been doing this since I was 10 years old, but I’m a lot wiser and smarter than in the past. I have knowledge and have been talking to a lot of managers and champions. I’m like an Einstein now. I’m a lot sharper, and craftier. And I have defense now.

“This fight will show the boxing world that I belong. I can be in the top five. This fight means a lot for me and the people of Cleveland.

“I’ve been working with [famed trainer] Barry Hunter for this fight and he’s taught me so much. My opponent has been spoiled and has never had to travel into enemy territory. Until now.

I’ve been a road warrior my entire career. I know the crowd can win the fight for me. Just the energy and hearing them when I’m tired. It’s a big advantage for me to be fighting at home. I will have a lot of fans here and it’s going to be big. I still got guys’ texting me for ringside seats, but there’s none left.

“I want ShoBox to say, ‘We have to have this guy back. We have to go back to Cleveland.’ ”

“[Rosa] is my height. He’s going to be right in front of me. He’s going to come straight at me. He has to.”

“They call me ‘Money Shot’ and ‘Southpaw Machine’ and the ‘Black Mexican’ in the gyms here in Cleveland.”

JANER GONZALEZ

“I’ve been training with Ruben Guerrero for the past couple of weeks, and I like training a lot better here in the United States. I felt like I was mistreated in the past back in Colombia.

“Fellow Colombian Oscar Escandon introduced me to Ruben and here we are. It’s the United States and everyone wants to be over here. The sparring and the training is just so much better here.

“I’m 30 years old now and I have a family back home in Colombia to support. This is my shot. I will not fail them. I have Team Guerrero on my side so I’m ready.

“We all know skills pay the bills and I just have to do my job and not get too crazy in there and get the win.

“I watched Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard when I was younger. I liked how smart and intelligent they fought.”

RADZHAB BUTAEV

“I’ve been in the United States for a year now and really liked training at Wild Card Gym and Wild Card West in Southern California.

                                                                                                                                                      

“I can punch as hard as [Gennady] Golovkin and can move better than [Vasyl] Lomachenko. I’m very confident and my experience is the reason for that.

“I sparred with Demetrius Andrade and Shawn Porter and I have held my own.

“The welterweight division is the best in boxing, everyone knows that. And I’ll fight anybody.

“It doesn’t matter that there’s no YouTube video on Gonzalez. He’s tough and competitive and a boxer who will come to fight.”

JUNIOR FA

“When I beat Joseph Parker [in the amateurs twice] it was my movement and my footwork that was key. He’s such a big puncher I just kept moving because I didn’t want to stand right in front of that.

“I’m a multi-dimensional fighter and my strengths are my mobility.

“Deontay Wilder showed that he has plenty of power. He’s always there from the first bell… I like the guy, he’s got plenty of power and is very explosive.

“I like Anthony Joshua’s boxing brain. He’s got power, but it’s a different kind of power from Wilder. I like the way he sees his punches.

“For myself to be known, I’ll definitely have to fight in America. I don’t think I can make too much of a statement being back home in New Zealand.

“I think I can be three to four fights away for the chance at a world heavyweight title. I have to be entertaining in this fight for the American people to get to know me.

“Boxing used to be the biggest thing in New Zealand, but then rugby blew up.

“I live 40 minutes from Joseph Parker but we’ve never sparred. It’s too competitive.”

FREDDY LATHAM

“This is my first time on national TV so I’m excited and nervous.

“He’s taller, but I feel like I’m just as long as he is. I can put my head in his chest and go to war. If it’s going to be a dog fight I’ll get into his chest.

“Yeah, I’ve watched both the heavyweight world champs. I’d beat Joshua now. Wilder, I would have to get serious sparring in. I’d have to change everything I do in my life – the way I train and my lifestyle and everything. Deontay’s the man right now. Joshua burns out after six rounds and that’s why I’d beat Joshua now. I’m two years away from those guys. Tomorrow night is my first step.

“Boxing’s coming back in Pittsburgh and we’ve got two or three other heavyweights there that are popular right now.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL

“When you have a good crowd around you, you know it hypes you up.

“I was the youngest member of the 2016 Olympic team at age 18. It was cool being in high school and making the Olympic team.

“I’m very tenacious and determined, that’s why I’ve been successful so far in my young pro career.

“There’s no rush for me. People want to see me, sure. But there’s no reason to move fast at this point.

I think the competitiveness of boxing is what drives me. Sure the money and the fame are going to be great, but I just love everything about this sport.”

ROQUE “ROCKY” ZAPATA

“I haven’t surprised myself when I’ve beaten undefeated fighters.

“I’m an awkward fighter, in a good way. My angles I learned when I was fighting in MMA.

“The risk and the reward wasn’t worth it [to continue] in MMA. I was making a couple hundred bucks and getting elbows to the face. It just wasn’t worth it.

“Conwell is good and aggressive and I’ve seen him on YouTube. He comes forward and he looks to put you down.

“I just feel so much more comfortable in a boxing ring. I was good at takedowns.

“Conor McGregor went 10 rounds with Floyd [Mayweather] and he got paid, so good for him. I’m one of the few guys who have been able to do both MMA and box professionally.”

# # #

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 Richard 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.

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LUIS ROSA JR. vs. YUANDALE EVANS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Featherweight Prospects Headline ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader Friday, Nov. 10 from Cleveland, Ohio

 

Click HERE for Photos from Henry Epstein/DiBella Entertainment

 

CLEVELAND (Nov. 8, 2017) – Featherweight prospects Luis Rosa Jr. and Yuandale Evans worked out for the media today at the Thurgood Marshall Recreational Center in Cleveland, Ohio prior to their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event matchup this Friday, November 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader features undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev taking on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez in an eight-round welterweight matchup, and undefeated New Zealand’s Junior Fa facing former Golden Gloves champion Fred Latham in an eight-round heavyweight bout. In the telecast opener, decorated fighter Charles Conwell will take on Roque “Rocky” Zapata, who is coming off a three-bout winning streak.

 

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are still available for purchase via the following link HERE.

 

In addition, 2016 U.S. Olympian Conwell and local Cleveland fighters Willie Nelson and Isaiah Steen worked out in front of the media Wednesday.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say:

 

LUIS ROSA JR.

 

“Yuandale’s a solid, tough fighter. He’s got good pop, but I’m ready for everything, I’m here to win.

 

“He wasn’t really on my radar, he sort of came out of the woodwork. We’re looking for a world championship and this is a step closer.

 

“I have no problem coming to Cleveland. I want to be a world champion, not a state champion or the champion of one country. I’ll go anywhere and be victorious.

 

“Boxing fans can expect a powerful, fast, smart fighter-I’m the full package. I fight with both hands, we’ll see if he can take it.

 

“This fight is dedicated to all the people of Puerto Rico. Most of my extended family still lives there and thank God everyone is okay after the hurricane.”

 

YUANDALE EVANS

“I know that’s he a Puerto Rican at heart. He’s a strong fighter that comes forward, a good body puncher. But he doesn’t have any boxing skills. He’s just a banger who keeps coming forward.

“Defensively he leaves himself open with his aggressiveness.

“He was not on my radar. I’ve wanted to fight much tougher guys, higher ranked guys. But once the fight was offered I said yes.

“I want to fight Carl Frampton, Leo Santa Cruz, Gary Russell Jr., and a rematch with Javier Fortuna. I want to fight all the top guys because that’s where I belong.

“Feels great to be fighting at home, been a long time. Just want to give back to the city and community for them supporting me while I’ve been on the road. Even as an 11-year old amateur they supported me.

“Expect a show, this will be a war, I can box and everybody knows I’m a puncher. Fans should be expecting a good fight. I’ll have a huge amount of people backing me.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL

“Means the world to me that I can fight at home and show everyone what they’ve been missing. Last time I fought here [in Cleveland] was in 2015.

“I know Rocky is a tough fighter, he’s beat a couple prospects and he’ll be coming to win.

“I’ve heard from many of my Olympic teammates this week and I’m excited to show them how I look as a professional. I’m looking forward to showing all the boxing fans around the world my skills.

“Should be an entertaining, good fight, I’m ready to go and hopefully close the show early. I’m ready for all six or a first round knockout.

“No pressure fighting at home or on Showtime. After fighting in the Olympics I’m ready for anything.”

WILLIE NELSON

“Right now, I’m at the rebuilding stage of my career to become a world champion.”

“I know a lot about Alexis Hloros, so no issue being a late addition as an opponent, I’m ready.

“I haven’t fought in Cleveland since 2009. I love being able to fight at home, means a great deal to me.

“I want my next opponent to be a top 20 opponent and to fight on Showtime.”

ISAIAH STEED

“I know Nunez is a very strong, come forward fighter, but he’s got no chance on Friday night.

“Last time I fought in Cleveland was as an amateur, three or four years ago.

“No pressure at all fighting at home, thrilled to be fighting at home.

“Charles and I spar all the time helping each other, he’s like my little brother, we make a great team.

“Sign the contract. I’m ready to fight anyone.”

# # #

 

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 Richard 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 atwww.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. TheShoBox 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 73 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.

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Training camp quotes for featured bouts for November 18th card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

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Thomas LaManna to take on Samuel Amoako for LBF Intercontinental Welterweight title

Devin Haney appears in special attraction

Raymond Serrano battles Enver Halili in 10-round co-feature

Adam Lopez fights Jorge Diaz

Plus undefeated Alvin Vermall, Frederick Julan & Yurik Mamedov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (November 8, 2017)–Below are quotes from some of the featured fighters that will be on display for the big championship boing card that will take place on Saturday, November 18th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The card is promoted by Rising Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions, Devin Haney Promotions & Winner Take All Productions.
In the main event, Thomas LaManna will take on Samuel Amoako in a ten-round bout for the LBF Intnerconinetal Welterweight championship.  In the eight-round co-feature undefeated sensation Devin Haney will appear in a junior welterweight bout.  Raymond Serrano takes on undefeated Enver Halili in a ten-round welterweight bout.  Also featured is a WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title fight between Adam Lopez and Jorge Diaz.
Thomas LaManna – “This training camp has been good. I have a strong support system behind me so it keeps me focused on what I have to do. I’m looking forward to being apart of this great card and putting on a show. I never take any fight lightly and this is just another step towards a world title.”
Devin Haney--“I’m happy to be making my Atlantic City debut on November 18th.  As always, I’ll be looking to bring an exciting fight to all the fans in attendance.   All the fans can expect me to be at my best since I just fought on November 4th.  I’m ready to do some damage.”
Raymond Serrano–“My training camp has been great.  I am at The Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, and I have been sparring with Miguel Cotto.  I really do not know much about Halili other than he is undefeated.  I know he is coming to win as no undefeated fighter wants to lose.I have been here before and this is my moment.  I am ready to take his 0.  I am looking forward to perform in Atlantic City on the 18th.”
Enver Halili- “Victory!! That’s all I know, I’m excited about this opportunity and it’s going to be another great win for me. I belong at the top, and nobody will stop me! Got a good opponent in front of me, but like I said nobody is going to stop me from where I’m meant to be!”

Adam Lopez--“Training camp has been good.  I have been working hard.  I have been fine tuning a lot of stuff including my jab.  I have been working with Shakur Stevenson’s grandfather Wali Moses and a gentleman named O Elliott.  Diaz is a good opponent, who ha been in a lot of good fights.  He is no pushover who I am not looking past.
Jorge Diaz– “Everything is going great.  I am in the best shape of my life.  I have more muscle.  I have been doing my strength and conditioning with Dr. Shawn Arent of Rutgers University.  He is the President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.  My BO2 (Blood/Oxygen Intake) is the highest it has ever been at 70.2.  Adam Lopez is a good aggressive prospect, who is very determined.  May the best man win”
In an four-round junior middleweight bout fights Jeff Lentz (5-1, 1 KO) of Bellmar, NJ takes on Darryl Gause (2-0, 1 KO) of Vineland, New Jersey
In a six-round welterweight bout, Yurik Mamedov (7-0, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY battles Vincent Floyd (3-3-1, 2 Kos) of Philadelphia in a welterweight contest.
Alvin Vermall, Jr. (13-0-1, 11 KOs) of Catskills, NY will take on Nicholas Lavin (5-6, 4 KOs) of Shelton, Connecticut in a six-round cruiserweight bout.

Frederick Julan (6-0, 4 KOs) of New York, NY will fight Willis Lockett (15-21-6, 5 KOs) of Takoma Park, Maryland in a six-round light heavyweight fight.

Sidell Blocker (1-9-1) of Pleasantville, NJ will fight a rematch with Tomas Romain (4-1) of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight bout.

 
Jonathan Arroyo of New York will make his pro debut against Steve Moore (0-1) of Orange, NJ in a welterweight bout.
Tickets for the November 18th fight card at The Claridge are priced at $200, $125, $80 and $55 (General Admission) and can be purchased at www.RisingBoxingPromotions.com
     
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Prince Ranch Boxing Partners up with Pro Fighter Group to Assist in Helping Guide the Career of WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder

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Photo Credit – Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS, NV (November 8, 2017) – Prince Ranch Boxing (PRB) is happy to announce that they have partnered up with Pro Fighter Group (PFG), the management company that guides the career of undefeated WBC Heavyweight Champion, Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs).  PRB will work closely with PFG as Wilder takes his career to new heights.
“Deontay Wilder is one of the best heavyweight champions America has seen in decades,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Here at Prince Ranch Boxing, our goal is to associate ourselves with the best people in the sport, and the folks at Pro Fighter Group are wonderful to work with.  It’s an honor to be allied with such a tremendous fighter like Wilder”
After his stunning first round knockout against Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs), Wilder was adamant about his quest to fight Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs), who holds the WBA, IBF and IBO belts, and unify the titles.
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CLARESSA SHIELDS TO DEFEND WOMEN’S SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES AGAINST UNDEFEATED MANDATORY CHALLENGER TORI NELSON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Unified Champion & Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation From Turning Stone Resort Casino In Verona, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 8, 2017) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.

 

A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Shields dethroned previously unbeaten Nikki Adler Aug. 4 on SHOWTIME to pick up the WBC and vacant IBF titles less than one year after she became the first American boxer to capture back-to-back Olympic gold medals.  The 22-year-old native of Flint, Mich., returns to face Nelson, a seven-year veteran with seven times the professional ring experience.

 

“I’m truly excited to have the chance to demonstrate my skills against an opponent the caliber of Tori Nelson,” Shields said.  “I’m honored to be headlining the firstShoBox of 2018, and I know January 12 will be a great night for the fans.  This will be the beginning of a historic year for me and for women’s boxing.”

 

Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) won a middleweight world championship in 2011 and owns wins over previously unbeaten Alicia Napoleon and Mia St. John.  The 41-year-old Ashburn, Va., native looks to capture her second world title in a showdown with the fastest rising star in women’s boxing.

 

“Ever since Claressa turned pro, I have wanted this fight,” Nelson said.  “She’s young and talented, but my experience will make the difference. Since I became a boxer, I have dreamed of being in big fights on television. I am confident that I will win this fight and remain undefeated. And I plan to retire as an undefeated world champion.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale Monday, Nov. 13 for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711or online at Ticketmaster.

 

“Claressa’s determination to challenge the best available contenders shows why she is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport today,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said.  “This is a great matchup and I am confident that we will witness another memorable performance.”

 

Said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation: “Claressa is a star both in and out of the ring who possesses all the intangibles to become the face of women’s boxing.  In just four professional fights, two as headliners on ShoBox, she is already unified champion at 168 with plans to conquer the 160 and 154-pound divisions.  Tori Nelson is undefeated, a former champion, and represents what should be the toughest test of Claressa’s young career.  Only time will tell, but I don’t know if there is any fighter in the world who can stop Claressa Shields.”

 

Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the 2012 London Games.  She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.

 

In March 2017 in Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds in the first women’s main event in premium television history.  Shields returned to headline her second ShoBox telecast in August, knocking out Adler in the fifth round to become unified champion in just her fourth professional fight.  With the win, Shields became the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.

 

Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.

 

Nelson turned professional at the age of 29 and won the WBC 160-pound title in just her fifth professional fight.  She twice fought to a draw in middleweight world title bouts with Teresa Perozzi.

 

The high-pressure Nelson is one fight removed from a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Napoleon, and is fresh off a second round knockout of Latashia Burton in her first hometown fight in Ashburn, Va.

 

Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.