Tag Archives: Bryant Cruz

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REGIS PROGRAIS KNOCKS OUT ABEL RAMOS IN MATCHUP OF UNBEATEN 140-POUND PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

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Zenunaj, Rolls and Baranchyk All Impress With Knockouts

At Bayou City Event Center In Houston;

Heavyweight Challenger Artur Szpilka Interviewed During Telecast

 

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Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 12, 2015) – Regis Prograis dominated previously undefeated Abel Ramosen route to a ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME on Friday at Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs) was connecting at a more than 5-1 rate the last three rounds of the fight before Ramos’ corner asked referee Laurence Cole to stop the fight.

 

With the loss – and the previous results in the quadrupleheader – Ramos became the 139thfighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Prograis was the more aggressive and effective fighter from the outset.  He landed 53 percent of his power shots compared to just 28 percent for Ramos while throwing more than 250 more total punches.

 

Ramos (14-1-2, 9 KOs) simply couldn’t deal with Prograis’ speed and movement.  At the finish, he was a bloody mess from a cut around his left eye and a gash on the top of his head and had no answer for the onslaught of punches from his undefeated opponent.

 

“It was an incredible fight,” Prograis said.  “It was really, really tough and I didn’t think I was going to stop him, but I did.  We stuck to the game plan and I am happy.

 

“He was really messed up.  I don’t like to talk bad about my opponents, but I definitely hurt him and think that maybe they should’ve stopped it earlier. You never want to hurt anybody that bad where it can affect them in the long run.”

 

After the fight, Ramos complained that he wasn’t the same after the accidental head butt in the fifth that opened the gushing cut on the top of his head.

 

Late-replacement Dardan Zenunaj handed previously unbeaten lightweight prospect Bryant Cruz the first loss of his career after Cruz’ trainer Ronnie Shields called an end to the fight after the seventh round.  Zenunaj was ahead 67-64 on the three judges’ scorecards after the seventh.

 

Cruz was the more active fighter, throwing 754 punches through seven rounds compared to just 555 for Zenunaj, but it was clear that Zenunaj was landing the more powerful shots.

 

Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) knocked Cruz down midway through the fourth with a wide left hook.  Cruz survived the round, but continued to eat a series of big shots to close the round.  Cruz bounced back but couldn’t keep Zenunaj from picking his shots and landing damaging power punches.  Zenunaj floored Cruz again with another strong blow in the final seconds of the seventh, Cruz beat the count, but Shields had seen enough and halted the fight when Cruz (16-1, 8 KOs) returned to the corner.

 

Zenunaj out-landed Cruz 40-24 in the seventh, the only time in the fight that he out-threw and out-landed Cruz.

 

“I wanted it to be a war for all of the people watching and I did it, so I’m feeling really good,” Zenunaj said.  “He is really good, much stronger than I believed he would be.  He hung in there, but I did the work and I won.

 

“Today was my first fight in the U.S. and it won’t be the last. Next year is going to be a big year for me.”

 

After the fight, Cruz didn’t make any excuses for the disappointing performance.

 

“I came in really confident that I was going to win.  I had almost seven weeks of training and this guy took the fight on a week’s notice.

 

“I came in thinking I was going to win, but it didn’t go my way.  He was a tough opponent. He came forward and hit me with some really awkward shots.  He’s an awkward fighter and he hit me with different angles I hadn’t seen before. He caught me by surprise, but that’s the way that boxing is so I can’t really be too upset with myself by this loss. I will come back stronger.

 

“I did everything I could and gave it my all.  I tried to listen to the punch list from my coach, but he just out-hustled me and I give him all the respect for that.”​

 

In a matchup of middleweight prospects, Steve Rolls scored an impressive fourth round TKO over previously undefeated Steed Woodall.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHT:http://s.sho.com/1O1bf7g

 

After two close rounds, Woodall knocked Rolls down midway through the third.  While Rolls complained it was a slip, Woodall came out blazing after the count and legitimately hurt Rolls in the final minute of the round.  Rolls (13-0, 7 KOs) came back with a vengeance in the fourth, landing nearly a dozen big right hands.  With Woodall wobbling around the ring with his guard down, referee Laurence Cole stepped in to halt the contest at 2:46 of the round.

 

“I was prepared to do what I came here to do,” said Rolls, who landed 41 percent of his power shots.  “I didn’t agree with the knockdown, but that’s the nature of boxing. That kind of stuff is going to happen and you just need to pick yourself up, collect yourself and fight on.

 

“I’m going to rest a bit and really just soak it in and relax.”

 

Woodall (8-1-1, 5 KOs) complained that the stoppage was premature.

 

“I didn’t agree with the stoppage,” Woodall said.  “I was caught on my ear so that threw off my balance a little bit, but I was totally fine.  I’m wise enough to take a knee if I wasn’t able to continue, but that wasn’t the case.  I definitely feel that was a premature stoppage but I’m not a sore loser.

 

“Now it’s back to the drawing board. I need to sit down with my manager and get back to training camp.  I know it’s soon to say this after the fact, but I’ll definitely be looking for the rematch at some point.  But, for now, it’s back to the drawing board.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ivan Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs) knocked out previously undefeated Shadi Shawareb (9-1-2, 5 KOs) with a steady diet of power shots at 2:28 of the first round.

 

Polish southpaw Artur Szpilka was interviewed by ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhoodduring Friday’s telecast as he prepares to challenge undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder on Saturday, Jan. 16 on SHOWTIME.  During the interview, Szpilka warned Wilder that he’s coming to take his belt:

 

“Artur Szpilka is future heavyweight champion, future Polish champion and a wonderful person.  I can’t wait, man.  I can’t wait.

 

“I was so excited.  When I was very young I dreamed that one day I would be champion, and now I have that opportunity.  Thank you to the champ for giving me the chance.  But you don’t see what you’re doing.  This is no joke.  This is no (expletive) joke.

 

“This is very important for Polish fans.  This is when I change my story, change my life, change what people think about Polish people here.  Polish people have heart, we have everything.  And now I must show everyone what I want.  I am so confident, you will see.  I can’t wait.

 

“Listen, I don’t care what everyone thinks.  I care what my team thinks.  I care what my family, my people think.

 

“I’m going to kick his ass.  Remember, champ, I’m going to kick your ass.  Happy Holidays, champ.  Do not sleep.”

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader will re-air on Monday, Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Saturday, Dec. 12

 

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 Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR QUADRUPLEHEADER TOMORROW/FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect Abel Ramos in Main Event
From Bayou City Event Center In Houston

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – Eight fighters, including seven undefeated prospects, with a combined record of 92-1-5, weighed-in Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader taking place tomorrow/Friday, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment- and Savarese Promotions-promoted event will be talented local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces fellow unbeaten Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Dardan Zenunaj (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match, and fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweights Main Event – 10 Rounds

Regis Prograis – 140 Pounds

Abel Ramos – 139 Pounds

 

Lightweights Co-Feature – 8 Rounds

Bryant Cruz – 132¾ Pounds

Dardan Zenunaj – 131½ Pounds

 

Middleweights – 8 Rounds

Steed Woodall – 159¼ Pounds

Steve Rolls – 159½ Pounds

 

Super Lightweights – 8 Rounds

Ivan Baranchyk – 139¼ Pounds

Shadi Shawareb – 141¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS:

 

“He’s a tougher opponent than the guys I’ve faced, and a bigger guy, but I’m coming to win.

 

“I’ve been living in Houston fighting those rugged Mexican fighters for the last 10 years.  I know how to fight tough guys like that.  I know what he’s bringing.

 

“I didn’t get the knockout [against Amos Cowart], which is what I wanted, but I did land a lot of punches.

 

“I think if I hurt Ramos early I’ll be able to take him out, but I feel that he won’t hurt me.

 

“I have a lot of people coming out from New Orleans.  I’m not worried about the crowd – I’m here to do what I have to do.

 

“We can fight on the inside and pound it out or fight on the outside.  We’re ready for anything.”

 

ABEL RAMOS:

 

“I don’t feel like I’m coming in as the underdog at all. I have much more amateur experience and I have more of an edge over him.

 

“This time you’re going to see the real Abel Ramos. I’m feeling really good. I’m prepared and conditioned. You’re going to see a little bit of everything in the ring on Friday.

 

“He’s [Prograis] a very busy guy in the ring and throws a lot of punches but we will see how we handle it in the ring.

 

“I know he throws a lot of punches and I believe I can do the same but better. He throws a lot, but they’re not effective.  Going anywhere from eight to 10 rounds, I have an advantage to wear him down.

 

“I want to dedicate this fight to my cousin Margarito Camacho who passed away of a heart attack this Monday at only 43 years old.”

 

BRYANT CRUZ:

 

“I’ve been living here [Houston] and training here.  I’m trained by the best with Ronnie (Shields) and I’ve learned a lot from him.  I’m getting a lot of attention with him as my trainer and I’m getting to learn much more about myself as a fighter and my technique.

 

“Of course I believe there’s always more to learn and with a trainer like Ronnie I’ve gained much more confidence.   I feel the difference improving my technique.

 

“Sometimes I just have the instinct [to get aggressive] and I want to go at it and put the pressure on to really please the crowd.

 

“He’s [Dardan] not hard to look for and he likes to come forward.  I know he will be right in front of me and I know what to look for there.

 

“I’m a New York guy, so here in Houston I am a little bit out of my element, but I do have some people from back home coming out to support me.  I am going to go out there and go for it.

 

“I want to put on a good show but I’m also going to be a smart fighter and go in with my game plan to do what I came here to do.

 

“I knew I was serious about boxing after my first time sparring. I got beat up and I knew I couldn’t just give the guy that. After that, I stopped partying, stopped drinking and started running and training. When I went back I knew I was ready to beat him and I did.

 

“Since I started, I haven’t missed a single day in the gym; even when I’m not training for a fight I’m always training and refuse to miss a day in the gym.”

 

DARDAN ZENUNAJ:

 

“Moving to Oxnard to work with Robert (Garcia) has been a big step in my career.  I’ve sparred with (Vasyl) Lomachenko, Mikey (Garcia), (Jesus) Cuellar, Brandon Rios, some of the best fighters in boxing.

 

“I spared with Lomachenko for four weeks for his last fight.

 

“This is my first fight after moving to Oxnard so we are excited to show what we have been working on, show how we’ve improved.

 

“I took this fight on short notice, but we’ve been working in the gym.  This is a good opportunity for us.  This is the fight we’ve been waiting for.  He’s undefeated but beatable.

 

“I wasn’t worried because I was only about four pounds off-weight.

 

“I’m the type of guy who wants to fight the toughest fights.

 

“I knew that if I wanted to make a real name for myself in boxing I would have to go after it myself.  I knew I would have to come to America for I wanted to accomplish.

 

“I have watched Cruz and I know the way he fights.  It’s all mental.  I have that drive – I’d die in the ring.  I’ve seen Cruz and he doesn’t have that.”

 

STEED WOODALL:

 

“We’ve been working with Ronnie Shields for about five months now, sparring with Jermall Charlo and Edwin Rodriguez.  Having those guys around is a great experience.  I’m always in competition with them, pushing myself to the limit and learning from them.

 

“I have a naturally aggressive approach, even when I started as an amateur at 14 years-old. Now I am working off different approaches and know that I just need to let my hands go.  Ronnie is putting the finishing touches on me.

 

“Through training I’ve learned different approaches with my style. Different guys come in and with each of the different fights I learn different styles. I am always in competition to learn more and I am always training.

 

“I want to show the judges and the fans how much this fight means to me. I am going to be aggressive but will be fighting intelligently as well.

 

“This is a pivotal fight for me because I’ve been alone in most of my fights, but this time by mom will be here along with my brother, sister and brother-in-law. My mom is my biggest inspiration and to have her here means the world to me.”

 

STEVE ROLLS:

 

“He’s a young hungry guy that is coming to fight.  I’m not taking him lightly.  This is definitely the toughest fight for both of us.

 

“I feel great. I have had six to eight weeks of training and I feel great and ready.

 

“I’ve watched a little bit [of Woodall] and learned about him.  He looks aggressive and has a good amateur background, as do I.

 

“I let my trainers watch the fight footage and I just see whatever I need to see. I love to capitalize on my opponent’s mistakes.

 

“I feel better than ever. During running and training I feel much better than when I was in my twenties. Regardless of my age, I still feel that I haven’t even reached my prime.

 

“Now, as a fighter, I am much more confident and more relaxed with my strategy.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight on national TV against an undefeated guy.  This is my big shot.”

 

IVAN BARANCHYK:

 

“I have been training very hard for this fight.  This opportunity is what I have been working so hard for.

 

“As a young, motivated fighter, I want to continue to improve and never stop working towards getting better every day.

 

“When I first started training, even as an amateur, I realized the potential and the impact of my power punch.

 

“I do not stop training.  I am extremely motivated and will keep working harder than anybody else to get where I want to be.”

 

SHADI SHAWAREB:

 

“I am not worried that I took the fight on short notice.  I stay prepared and I have been in the gym staying in good shape.

 

“I am always busy.  When I’m not working, I’m in the gym training.

 

“I know I need to mix it up, get inside and outside.  I’m going to throw out a little bit of everything.”

 

# # #

 

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 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

EIGHT UNBEATEN FIGHTERS SQUARE OFF ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION AS DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT CLOSES OUT 2015 WITH CAN’T-MISS QUADRUPLEHEADER, FRIDAY, DEC. 11 FROM BAYOU CITY EVENT CENTER IN HOUSTON

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Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect  in Main Event
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation returns on Friday, Dec. 11 live onSHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT), with a quadrupleheader featuring eight undefeated prospects with a combined record of 92-0-3 in the final ShoBox telecast of 2015.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment and Savarese Promotions-promoted event at the Bayou City Event Center in Houston will be talented 140-pound local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Wesley Ferrer (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Andrew Ruiz (9-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout and Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match.

 

“I am thrilled to present such a tremendous card for SHOWTIME on Dec. 11 featuring eight unbeaten up-and-coming prospects with a combined record of 92-0-3,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With each boxer looking to reach the next level, these types of matchups are exactly what ShoBox is all about.”

 

“I’m excited to team up with DiBella Entertainment and SHOWTIME on this great event Dec. 11,” promoter Lou Savarese said. “We can’t wait to feature these eight young, undefeated fighters in their toughest tests to date at Houston’s premier venue, the Bayou City Event Center.”

 

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $40 GA, $60 GA, $150 Table Seats & $200 VIP Ringside. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.savaresepromotions.com or by calling (713) 658-0299.

 

To date, 135 fighters have suffered their initial defeats on ShoBox. With eight undefeated fighters on the card, four more O’s figure to go on Dec. 11. The question is, which four?

 

Prograis vs. Ramos

Last Aug. 7, Prograis made his ShoBox debut with an impressive eight-round decision over then-undefeated Amos Cowart. The hard-hitting Prograis landed an impressive 381 out of 909 total punches thrown, the 18th-highest connect total for a junior welterweight fight counted by CompuBox over eight rounds.

 

Originally from New Orleans, Prograis and his family have called Houston home since relocating following Hurricane Katrina. The bout on Dec. 11 will be Prograis’ first in Houston since June 2014 and he is expected to draw a raucous crowd. The highly regarded Prograis has tremendous power and speed, but if he’s going to compete against the elite of the 140-pound division, he must first get by Ramos.

 

“I want to thank the cities of New Orleans and Houston — New Orleans for making me who I am and Houston for taking me in and making me feel at home,” Prograis said.  “I am glad to be fighting back in Houston; this truly is my second home. The city took me in as one of their own after I moved here during Hurricane Katrina.  Houston is close enough to New Orleans and I am expecting a great turnout come fight night.  My opponent is undefeated and that’s all I need to know.  He’s coming to win, and I am sure he will be tough.  I am preparing for this fight just like I do all of my fights, with the mindset that this is the toughest fight I will ever have.  Come Dec. 11, you will see a spectacular performance.”

 

Like Prograis, the 24-year-old Ramos was a stellar amateur, winning the bronze medal at the 2010 U.S. Boxing National Championships before turning pro the following year.  Ramos ran his record to a perfect 8-0, and then met fellow undefeated prospect Maurice Hooker (currently rated No. 10 by the WBO) onShoBox in January 2014.  Ramos and Hooker slugged it out for eight rounds, battling to a majority draw in one of the most exciting fights on ShoBox that year. The only other blemish on Ramos’ record is another majority draw against Levan Ghvamichava (15-1-1, 12 KOs).  Ramos has reeled off four consecutive victories with three by knockout, including an impressive second-round TKO over previously once-beaten Roberto Ramirez in June.  The bout against Prograis will be his first since signing an exclusive promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment.  Ramos knows that a victory over Prograis will show the boxing world that he is one of the most talented up-and-comers in the division.

 

“I am very excited to have signed with Lou DiBella,’’ Ramos said. “He’s guided so many fighters to the championship level and I look forward to being added to that list.  Right now though, all of my focus is onDec. 11 and Regis Prograis.  He is unbeaten just like me.  I am sure he will be my toughest fight, just as I will be his.  I am ready to rise to the occasion and show the boxing world I am one of the best in the division.’’

 

Cruz vs. Ferrer

Both fighters in the co-feature, Cruz and Ferrer, are New York natives.  Cruz was a 2012 National Golden Gloves runner-up while Ferrer (a 2009 and 2013 Golden Gloves champion) competed at the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships, defeating 2011 National champion Semajay Thomas.  The matchup features two exciting come-forward boxers aren’t afraid to mix it up.  Cruz, now living and training in Houston under the tutelage of Ronnie Shields, has shown vast improvement since linking up with the renowned trainer. The bout will be the ShoBox debut for both young prospects, who will be looking to show they have what it takes to compete at the next level.

 

“I finally have the chance to show the world who I am and what I am about,” Cruz said.  “I am excited to be stepping in there with another undefeated fighter who is going to bring the absolute best out of me.  I have been working hard for an opportunity like this and it is finally here.’’

 

“I will be extremely focused and go in there to do what I do best,” Ferrer said.  “I know Bryant Cruz personally and he is a great fighter, but I have a job to do and will not let him take away the victory from me.”

 

Baranchyk vs. Ruiz

Prospects Baranchyk and Ruiz could produce “the fight of the night” in a matchup that has the makings of a slugfest.  The Ukrainian Baranchyk, 22, has been impressive since arriving in the U.S. in 2014.  He’s been on a tear this year, going 5-0 with five knockouts, all coming in three rounds or less.  Baranchyk, a stablemate of Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov, is looking impress when he makes his ShoBoxdebut against his toughest opponent to date in former nationally ranked amateur standout and now Robert Garcia-trained Andrew Ruiz.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Baranchyk said. “I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of my stablemates Sergiy and Ievgen, who have had some of their best performances on ShoBox.  I know that Ruiz is coming to fight, and he is going to be the toughest opponent I’ve faced, but my dream is to become a world champion and there is nothing and no one that is going to get in the way of that.”

 

Ruiz was one of the most sought-after amateurs coming out of the West Coast when he turned pro at 18 in 2012.  After his first year and half as a pro, Ruiz had gone a perfect 7-0, getting major exposure fighting on a number of high level cards, included Pacquiao-Bradley I.  Following a victory in August 2013, Ruiz took a break from the sport as he dealt with managerial and promotional issues.  Ruiz signed with DBE last January and made his anticipated ring return in February, shaking off a bit of ring rust to get his career back on track.  Ruiz, 22, last fought in August, scoring a sixth-round TKO over Andres Bustamante, his fifth knockout in nine career victories.  Ruiz is looking to prove that he is the top prospect that so many thought he was when he takes on the dangerous Baranchyk.

 

“Baranchyk was an accomplished amateur and is currently undefeated, but I am ready for the challenge,” Ruiz said.  “This is my shot to prove myself and I’m not going to let it slip away.”

 

Woodall vs. Rolls

The Woodall-Rolls bout pits two former amateur standouts in their toughest pro fight to date. Woodall was a five-time England National champion, two-time British champion and a quarter-finalist in the World Youth Championships before relocating to the U.S. and embarking on his professional career at the age of 19.  Now 21, Woodall has relocated his training camp to Houston and linked up with world-renowned trainer Ronnie Shields.  The always-exciting Woodall is an aggressive come-forward banger with good power in both hands.  Woodall made his debut under Shields last Oct. 7 in New York City and looked sensational leading Shields to believe that he has what it takes to one day become a world champion.

 

“I have a great team that is working with me day after day,” Woodall said.  “I have had the chance to spar some of the best fighters in all of boxing, including Edwin Rodriguez and Jermall Charlo, and I am looking forward to putting all that work into action come Dec.11.  I’ve been putting in the work in the gym and now is my chance to prove it in the ring.”

 

As an amateur, Rolls competed on both the 2009 and 2010 Canadian National Boxing team, compiling an impressive 83-14 record.  In September 2009, he went to the 2009 International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s Boxing Championship in Milan, Italy, where he lost in the round of 16 to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh of India.  Rolls, who will make his ShoBox debut, is coming off a unanimous decision last Sept. 19 in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

 

“Come fight night, I will be more than ready,” Rolls said.  “I am looking forward to putting on a great performance in my national TV debut and showing the world I am a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.”

 

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.

 

# # #

 

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 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

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PETER QUILLIN DEFEATS MICHAEL ZERAFA VIA FIFTH-ROUND KNOCKOUT ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT

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Jermall Charlo Wins Junior Middleweight World Title With Third-Round Stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage
Rising Star Marcus Browne Stops Former Champion Gabriel Campillo In 55 Seconds Into Round One
 
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (September 12, 2015) – Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 22 KOs) knocked out Michael Zerafa (17-2, 9 KOs) in the fifth round on Saturday afternoon from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC.
Quillin and Zerafa exchanged power punches throughout the affair, with the underdog Zerafa landing several big shots that stopped Quillin in his tracks. In the fifth round, a powerful right hand from Quillin connected with Zerafa and sent him tumbling to the ground as referee Arthur Mercante Jr. waved-off the fight. Quillin landed 47 percent of his power punches and out-landed Zerafa 54-38, per CompuBox.
Zerafa exited the ring on a stretcher and was taken to Backus Hospital in Norwich, Connecticut as a precautionary measure. During Quillin’s post-fight press conference, he was put on the phone with Zerafa, who said that he was okay. Zerafa has been undergoing tests, his CAT scan is normal, and all indications are that he is likely to be released from the hospital tonight.
The victory for Quillin sets up an all-Brooklyn middleweight world title fight with Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs tentatively set to take place this December. Jacobs was ringside as part of the PBC on NBC broadcast team and was interviewed after the fight to share his thoughts about the future collision.
In the co-main event undefeated star Jermall “Hitman” Charlo (22-0, 17 KOs) knocked down Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (35-6, 19 KOs)four times en route to a third round stoppage to win a junior middleweight world title at 25-years-old.
Charlo came out firing, knocking down Bundrage in the first round with a sharp overhand. He followed that up in the second round with a straight left that again sent Bundrage to the canvas. Charlo began the third round with a barrage of punches that ended in Bundrage tumbling to the mat. One final flurry late in the round put Bundrage on the mat for the fourth time, prompting referee Johnny Callas to stop the fight.
Charlo’s twin brother and fellow undefeated boxer Jermell cheered him along in his corner and the two embraced immediately upon Jermall’s victory. Charlo out-landed Bundrage 33-20 over the three rounds, per CompuBox.
In a light heavyweight bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated rising star “Sir” Marcus Browne (16-0, 12 KOs) stopped former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-8-1, 12 KOs) 55 seconds into the first round, after unleashing a series of shots to the body that knocked Campillo down twice.
PETER QUILLIN
“It is hard to celebrate a performance like that, especially when someone is leaving on a stretcher. Unfortunately that is part of the game. I just pray that he gets better and gets home to Australia safe and sound.
“I made a bad mistake in my past when I fought Miranda.  I learned that you have to give every guy credit.
“What’s important is that I’m ready for Danny Jacobs. Now it’s time for Brooklyn to see me and Danny Jacobs. We’ve waited for a long time for it.
“I like Danny because I’m a big fan of his. But business is business unfortunately.
“[To Jacobs] We can do it right here if you want to take off that suit and put on those gloves. Lets do it right now.
“I’m back in camp on Monday. I’m getting ready for Danny Jacobs.
“Right now he’s the champ, I’m the challenger. I like to be in that position. It motivates me. I fight for all the kids who were told they wouldn’t make it.”
DANIEL JACOBS, Middleweight World Champion is expected to take on Quillin on December 5.
“I’m from Brownsville in Brooklyn. I never ran and I never will.
“December 5 at Barclays Center.  I’m the champion and he’s the challenger.
“I don’t know how it’s going to go down, but it’s going to be a great fight.
“In the sport of boxing, you can’t make too many friends.
“It will be one of the biggest fights that Brooklyn has had in a long time.
“I’m a mover, I’m a power puncher and I have a high boxing IQ. He has trouble with guys that move and I can think on the fly.
“This [fight] is all the motivation I needed…what other motivation do you need to get your butt in the gym and get prepared?
“They call me the ‘Miracle Man’. It’s no secret that I have motivation to be the best I can be. Come December 5, Brooklyn is going to have a new star.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“I’m the champion of the world. It’s all God-given. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I feel good.
“You never put a dog in a pen with a lion. I said I was going to do what I was going to do.
“This is the future. I am the future of boxing.
“I studied and I stayed ready. K-9 got cut and I stayed ready.  When I turned pro seven years ago, I didn’t know this would be possible.
“I was ready for 12 rounds, and I knew he was ready for 12 rounds.
“I’ve finally made it to the championship status. To be classified as a world champion, it’s history.
“The fight went exactly how we thought it would. It was getting rough and I was ready for it. It was just a matter of time. It’s the best feeling in the world.
“I want to become even better. I want to defend my title and show everyone how good I am.”
CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE
“You win some, you lose some. The problem was, I’ve been inactive. I was in there with a good fighter who has been active and is hungry.
“I’m older and have to stay active to stay with these young guys. I’m not going anywhere. I have to stay active to see punches coming.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“My performance was definitely a statement to everyone in the light heavyweight division – watch out. We’re here!
“He was standing straight up and my trainer said to hit him with a nice straight jab. I threw the 1-2 and then I followed up.
“I took my time and just let it come.
“My trainer Gary Stark told me to come around the arms and that’s what I did. You can see it.”
#          #          #
PBC on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.comand www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm,
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PETER QUIlLLIN, MICHAEL ZERAFA, MARCUS BROWNE & GARY STARK JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (September 8, 2015) – Former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Australian middleweight Michael Zerafa, 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and Staten Island’s Gary Stark Jr. took part in a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Tuesday before their respective showdowns on Saturday, September 12 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Quillin and Zerafa face-off in a 12-round middleweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with a super welterweight world title clash between Cornelius “K-9” Bundrageand Jermall Charlo. Browne will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo in a 10-round light heavyweight affair that may appear on the NBC portion of the broadcast, while Stark Jr. takes on Anthony Napunyi in six-rounds of super featherweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
PETER QUILLIN
“I was just telling Zerafa when we faced-off that I’ve been in his shoes before and I know how it feels. No disrespect. He doesn’t have to tell me that he’s got nothing to lose, I know that. I’m worried about looking good in this fight and doing what I’ve been working on in the gym.
“I know he’s beaten all the best in Australia, but I’ve beaten the best all over the world. He’s not going to be in his backyard and have that comfort he’s used to.
“We’re at a point now where I need to showcase my talent at this level. The exposure on NBC is great. We can be seen by so many people and build something that will last for years to come.
“Not everyone knows I was raised all my life in Grand Rapids, Michigan just like Floyd Mayweather and he was really one of my biggest inspirations. Fighting on the same day as him is the closest I’ll get to fighting on his undercard, which I’ve always wanted to do. I still get to headline my own event on NBC and I hope that people are inspired by how hard Floyd and I have worked to get to where we are.
“I’m excited for the possibility of fighting Daniel Jacobs. He’s been calling for it for a long time and the seats are reversed now, because he’s a champion and I’m not. I’m motivated regardless of the belt, but I want the opportunity to fight one of the best in the world and showcase my talent and show I’m the king of Brooklyn.”
MICHAEL ZERAFA
“It’s been a good experience coming to the U.S. for my first time. It’s a lot of adrenaline and I have as we get closer to the fight and I’m just looking forward to fighting one of the best in the world.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight and I’m going to give it my absolute all. We know it’s going to be a hard fight and our team has trained extremely hard. We have a great game plan and we’re going to give it our best shot.
“I didn’t know too much about Quillin when I accepted the fight but he is one of the best in America so we know that it’s going to be a hard fight and we’re going to make it a war. We’ll leave it all out on the table and the better man will win.
“I feel good at this weight. I’m strong and smarter with less stress on my body. I’m feeling switched on and very confident.
“Losing has made me a better, tougher and stronger fighter. There’s nothing to lose in this fight, I have everything to gain.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“I’m blessed to be in this position and I’m looking forward to getting into this fight and putting on a great show.
“Everything is part of the plan. I’ve just taken it one fight at a time and now we’re here in a great position.
“Training camp has been great. We’ve worked on everything and covered all the corners we need to. The sparring with Charles Foster and Lennox Allen has been great and they’ve gotten me ready for the lefty.
“Campillo is a veteran and he’s going to be there. You just have to find him and get him out. I’m going to use my use, my speed, my strength my power. All of that will get me the victory.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I just want to keep putting on a better performance every time I’m out there.”
GARY STARK JR.
 
“I feel great, It’s been a very good camp. It’s tougher with the baby at home but it’s all a blessing. I feel like I’m resurrected.
“I fought recently and that first fight back there were some jitters. By the fourth round of that fight I really wanted it again. It’s great to be on a ‘Kid Chocolate’ show. I remember when he first started, he was on some of my shows, throwing chocolates to the crowd. Now look where he is now.
“I’m looking to work my way towards a title shot. My team pushes me very hard. Everybody believes in me and that’s big. Boxing is all confidence. I’ll always have tons of confidence.
“We’ll see the old me back in the ring Saturday afternoon. It’s so great to be back in the ring again.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.dbe1.comand www.nbcsports.com/boxing,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm,
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TOP NORTHEAST PROSPECTS SHOWCASED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT

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PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURED PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC BOUT
AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
 
Action Begins Inside the Arena at 1 p.m. ET!
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (August 31, 2015) – Some of the top prospects from the Northeast including undefeated super featherweight Bryant “Pee Wee” Cruz (15-0, 8 KOs) will be showcased on a stacked undercard Saturday, September 12 live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT with the first bout beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
The September 12 Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) taking on Michael “Pretty Boy” Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout with world title implications on the line for former world champion Quillin. Super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) will defend his title against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
As part of the previously announced featured undercard bouts, two of the most promising prospects in boxing will put their undefeated records on the line as 2012 U.S. Olympian and highly-touted light heavyweight “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs), takes on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs), and undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno (22-0, 12 KOs) meets Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs).
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Fighting on the non-televised portion of the undercard are top prospects representing New England, New York and Washington D.C.
The Undefeated super featherweight Cruz, fighting out of Port Chester, NY, puts his perfect record on the line in an eight-round bout.
Popular New York City super featherweight Gary Stark Jr.  (24-3, 8 KOs) will be gunning for his second straight win of his comeback bid against former African champion Anthony Napunyi (15-15, 6 KOs) in a six-round match.
Washington D.C. super featherweight Antonio Russell (3-0, 2 KOs), the younger brother of reigning world super featherweight champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Gary Russell, Jr., will compete in a six-round bout while undefeated super bantamweight world champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (14-0, 1 KO) squares off against former Youth champion Brittany “Pretty Girl” Cruz (10-6-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round non-title fight.
Also fighting on the undercard in a four-round matchup is Elmont, NY super featherweight Titus Williams (1-0), a 2013 New York Golden Gloves champion, taking on Benjamin Burgos (2-12-1), and a four-round featherweight bout featuring Timmy Ramos (1-0, 1 KO) of Framingham, MA.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com andwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.