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FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER

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TOMORROW/FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® At 10 P.M. ET/PT

 

“Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Meets Travis Peterkin in Main Event,

Ivan Baranchyk Takes On Wang Zhimin, Trey Lippe Morrison
Faces Ed Latimore, Ivan Golub Battles James Stevenson

At Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Okla.

 

 

Click HERE For Press Conference Photos

Click HERE For Weigh-in Photos

Photos by Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

MIAMI, Okla. (Sept. 22, 2016) – The eight fighters (combined record 114-3-1, 78 knockouts) featured on the ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 23, from the Buffalo Run Casino are set to go.

 

In the ShoBox main event, once-beaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Fla. will be opposed by undefeated Travis Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. in a 10-round light heavyweight scrap. Junior lightweight sensation Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., meets Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in the 10-round co-feature. Click HERE to watch a video of Baranchyk’s last fight, a 21 second KO.

Heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (11-0, 11 KOs), of Grove, Okla., the son of the late former world heavyweight champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, will make his television debut against fellow unbeaten Roc Nation prospect Ed “Black Magic” Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa, in a six-round bout and Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, N.Y. faces James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md., in an eight-rounder that will open the telecast.

 

The Weights: Kalajdzic weighed 175½ pounds, Peterkin 174; Baranchyk tipped the scale at 139¾ pounds, Zhimin 139½, Morrison weighed 221½ pounds, Latimore 219; and Golub weighed 146½ pounds, Stevenson 146.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say prior to Thursday’s weigh-in:

 

RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC

 

“This is my second 10-round fight and it is against another unbeaten southpaw from New York. I’m looking forward to this fight and I’m anxious to look ahead.

 

“I was very upset after my last fight [a controversial decision loss to unbeaten Marcus Browne]. I wasn’t really mad necessarily at myself or my team; it was mostly the referee. Then, afterward when I saw the reaction from the fans, who totally booed the decision, even took their Marcus Browne T-shirts off, I didn’t feel so badly.

 

“On Friday I want to come in and look great and hopefully stop this guy. I want to look better and cleaner than I did against Browne. I fought OK against Browne, but I should have used my jab more and not allowed him to grab and hold me so much.

 

“I was looking too much to land my right. I know I need to do better at setting it up by jabbing first. And by punching in bunches.

“A big win Friday won’t remove the overall sting of my last fight; nothing can erase the result. But since Browne doesn’t want to give me a rematch, I’m not going to just chase him. I have to move ahead.

 

“Against Peterkin, I want to keep it simple – jab, move and use the right hand. I need to keep him on the end of my punches. It looks like he comes at you but I’m going to come at him, too, in a smart way. I want to try and get inside, smother him. I never got that chance against Browne because of all the holding.

 

“Peterkin is undefeated, durable and coming to win. I expect a very tough fight. But everything is going according to plan. I had about sixth months of preparation.  The errors I made in my last fight have been fixed. They won’t happen again.  I have an opportunity in this fight to erase all the bitter memories of my last fight.’’

 

TRAVIS PETERKIN

 

“Making 175 pounds is OK. I can make the weight with no problem. So weight is no issue. If there was a weight class at 185, I’d probably be in it, but 175 is fine. I’m ready.

 

“I watched ‘Hot Rod’ closely against Browne. It was definitely a good fight. I feel Marcus could have won easily if he’d have finished the job in some of the rounds. If he stays outside he wins easily, but he wanted to make a point by going inside.

 

“Now ‘Hot Rod’ gets me, and this is a tremendous opportunity for me. He’s a good fighter and should have a zero there on his losses. He has power and is a decent counter-puncher. But we’ve prepared for him. We’re coming to win, box or brawl. This has been one of my best camps in a long time. I’m confident of a win.

 

“The key is controlling what goes on in the ring, be smart and listen to my corner. I feel this is definitely the toughest fight for me, and for him, too.

 

“’I’m looking forward to the fight and the opportunity to make a name for myself at 175. It’s been a long journey, but if I can be myself and do what I came here to do, I’ll be fine.’’

 

IVAN BARANCHYK

 

“This is like a second home for me, fighting in Miami. I like the people. They seem to like me. Friday should be an exciting night for everybody.

 

“My last two fights have ended quickly but I always train and plan to go 10 rounds. I never try for one-round knockouts. I look forward to the time when I can show off a little more of my boxing and overall skills. I do have patience.

 

“I think my opponent is very good and has a lot of experience. He’s better than the last two fighters I fought. I feel this fight could go some rounds. But I have power, so we’ll see.

 

“I work very hard in the gym. I spar 10 rounds every day. I got to spar a few rounds with Danny Garcia for this fight. Training with a world champion like him was a tremendous learning experience and it helped me a lot. I hope some of it shows on Friday.’’

 

WANG ZHIMIN

 

“I want to thank everyone for this chance to fight. I’m prepared for everything. My opponent is a very experienced boxer with a good reputation. This is definitely a step up and my biggest fight.

 

“I can promise you one thing: We’ll put on an exciting show for you.

 

“My goal is to ultimately be fighting for a world title. It takes a lot of time, patience and work inside the gym.

 

“I’m known for my aggressiveness but I’m constantly working on boxing more. I feel I’ve improved a lot since I was an amateur.

 

“So I’m ready for this fight. He may be a big puncher but I don’t look at his numbers. This is a solid matchup, a crossroads fight and a good opportunity for both of us.’’

 

TREY LIPPE MORRISON

 

“This is a real, significant step up for me but I have to approach it like I always do.

 

“Moving to Hollywood [Calif.] was a big change for me, but it meant I could train with Freddie Roach. He boosted my confidence just by the fact he agreed to take me on. So he must have seen something.

 

“There are so many things we work on: ring generalship, footwork, things to look for, stuff to avoid.

 

“This is a tough fight for both of us, a dangerous test. Latimore is definitely my toughest opponent so far.

 

“I know a lot of people are interested in watching me and seeing how I do because of my dad. But as I go on, they’ll see I’m my own person.

 

“Fighting here again at the Buffalo Run is always exciting but a ring is a ring; there is no home field advantage. I certainly appreciate the fans’ support but I can’t think about it.

 

“One of these days I’ll fight someone who can take my shots. It might be Latimore, but if it happens, I’ll be ready for it. As for me taking a shot, I’ve been rocked in sparring but not in a live fight.

 

“Hurting my right hand in my last fight was a real blessing. I knew I always had power in it but now I have speed and accuracy to go along with it. My hand hasn’t given me any problems at all in training. So I don’t think about it. If I hurt it again, I’ll just deal with it and fight on.’’

FREDDIE ROACH, Morrison’s Trainer

“I was supposed to be in the Philippines, but I’m very close with Manny Pacquiao and I told him, ‘Listen, Manny, I’m going to be a week late because I have a big fight with Trey coming up,’ and he said, ‘I’ll see you in a week. Get the win.’

“We are a 100 percent ready. We have great sparring partners. We’ve done great work and I know he’s coming from a broken hand and he hasn’t fought in a while, but his strengthening and conditioning is going really well. This is going to be a great fight and I expect him to be at his best. [Looking at Ed Latimore] You are going to feel his power.

“Trey has very good power and breaking his hand helped him. We got to develop both hands and now he has knockout power in both hands.

“Ed Latimore is a very difficult opponent, but I think Trey will beat him.’

ED LATIMORE

 

“My whole goal is to be totally calm, relaxed and in control. It’s not a physical or mental thing.

 

“I feel I’ve come a long way and I’m improving all the time. There were times when I was overthinking in the ring, but no more. I work on technique each and every day; my work ethic is impeccable.

 

“I’ve become such a better student of boxing. When I first started watching, I thought it was boring. Then I learned how to watch, and began to notice the subtle things going on. I now know what I’m looking at when I watch films and I see things totally different than I did before. Now I know what to do with what I learn.

 

“I may be small for a heavyweight but I’m never going to be one of those big guys so I do not put a lot of emphasis on size. If you can fight, you can fight. I work on developing skills. Punching power comes from technique and repetition, not always from size.

 

“I’m looking forward to a good fight. I have to stay composed. Morrison likes to come right out at you but I’m not planning to just let him come at me like he did his other opponents. I have something I plan to do that will give him something to think about.

 

“Fighting him is huge for me. His name means a lot. He’s the toughest guy I’ve fought. But I don’t think about my emotions and fighting in his hometown. We knew what we were getting into and there’s nothing we can do about it. There are things that are beyond your control.

 

“I’m still in school, majoring in physics, but I took a semester off. Then, this opportunity came along. No way I could do both right now. I enjoy how far I’ve come in boxing. I think the hard work is paying off.

 

“I’m confident I’ll win Friday. It’s going to be a great.’’

IVAN GOLUB

 

“I’ve been working mainly on my inside game and setting down on my punches lately. I know Stevenson is a good boxer, a slick guy who knows what do to. I have to try and stay patient, work the jab, work the body and put on pressure.

 

“In the amateurs it was more about points. Winning was OK with points but in the U.S. you need more than that.

 

“My mindset going into every fight is on going the distance. I’m looking forward to fighting Stevenson. Besides his boxing ability, he takes a good shot.

 

“This will be a real test for me, my toughest test. I’m a natural 160 but can make welterweight easily. It’s been a good camp for me.’’

 

JAMES STEVENSON

 

“I think my opponent is probably taking me lightly. But he’s going to see a different me. I’m looking at this as a must-win, can-win fight. The birth of my daughter recently totally woke me up. It made me realize it was time to straighten up, stop running the streets and totally focus on my job. I have to take care of her. The added responsibility made me change my ways.

 

“So this training camp has been totally different than any I’ve had before. I’m really prepared. I didn’t come here to run, I’m coming to win. I’m certainly not here to be anyone’s opponent.

 

“It’s been crazy in my hometown. The whole city of Baltimore is behind me, and that is very exciting. Fridayis the most important fight ever for me and I am looking forward to it.

 

“I’m confident I can be the first to defeat Golub.’’

GORDON HALL, Senior Vice President of Production, SHOWTIME Sports & Executive Producer,ShoBox: The New Generation

“Tomorrow night we have eight fighters with a total combined record of 114-3-1. We have undefeated fighters facing each other. We had 151 fighters fight on ShoBox, and lose that 0. Tomorrow night, on the second matchup of the night, we have two undefeated heavyweights. Trey Lippe Morrison’s father may have been Tommy, but we are not here because he’s Tommy’s son. We are here because we believe that Trey Lippe Morrison can fight and he’s taking a big step up in taking on Ed Latimore. It’s a big fight for both fighters and I credit them for taking the matchup.

 

“Ivan Golub had 300 amateur fights. He’s an accomplished fighter, we had him once before on ShoBox and he’s taking on James Stevenson, a veteran fighter, who’s not coming here to lose.

 

“Ivan Baranchyk, the adopted son of Buffalo Run Casino here in Miami. He’s one of the fighters you want to pay to see. He’s all action. His skill level is A-plus and Wang Zhimin knows that and he’s not afraid.

 

“The main event, Rod Kalajdzic vs. Travis Peterkin is the one to watch out for. Kalajdzic loss on his record against Marcus Browne is debatable to those who saw the fight. Travis Peterkin is undefeated, so for me this is a fight of two undefeated fighters in the light heavyweight division, which has Adonis Stevenson, Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev. It’s a hot division and looking for new blood and hopefully we’ll see it heretomorrow night.”

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.

 

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Baranchyk Excited to Impress New Hometown Fans Friday in Miami, OK

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Miami, OK (September 19, 2016) – When junior welterweight buzzsaw Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk first fought at the Buffalo Run Casino in March, he was not known by locals. Many of the fans packed the venue primarily to support “Four State Franchise” members Kenzie Morrison, Jesse Cook and Dillon Cook. Things however quickly changed.
On that evening, Baranchyk destroyed fellow unbeaten Nicholas Givhan in 21 seconds with a crushing left hook. Exactly three months later, Baranchyk returned to the Buffalo Run Casino and had the fans watching him closely. The explosive 23-year-old delivered again, stopping another unbeaten fighter Eliseo Cruz Sesma in less than three rounds. A fighter previously unknown to locals quickly became in demand.
“The fans here fell in love with Ivan,” said Promoter Tony Holden, who has promoted fights for more than 25 years. “He’s got a great style that can win over a crowd that may not have known much about him and that’s exactly what he did in his last two fights.”
In August, Holden signed Baranchyk to a co-promotional agreement, working in association with DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc.
Now a member of the “Four State Franchise,” Baranchyk looks to run his record to 12-0 with 11 knockouts when he meets 7-0 Zhimin Wang of China in a ten round contest for the USBA junior welterweight title Friday evening at the Buffalo Run Casino. The Branchyk-Wang bout takes places on a ShoBox quadrupleheader featuring three other exciting matchups between fighters with a combined record of 96-3-1. The card airs live on Showtime at 10 pm ET and tickets to the fight are sold out.
With a win, Baranchyk will likely be ranked in the top 15 and move onto bigger fights. However, the Brooklyn, NY based Russian is solely focused on entertaining his newfound supporters.
Baranchyk said of his upcoming bout, “I’m excited beyond belief to once again fight on Shobox and in my new hometown of Miami, OK. This time (my opponent) is much more serious but I am prepared to fight anyone. I am going to show a high level of boxing and god willing the fight will end early in a knockout.”
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Holden Productions Looks to Add to Four State Franchise; On Worldwide Search

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Miami, OK (May 21, 2016) – Promoter Tony Holden is searching the globe for prospects he believes can develop into world champions.
Currently, Holden’s company Holden Productions promotes five local boxers known as the “Four State Franchise” and they routinely sell out the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK. The members of the “Four State Franchise” are unbeaten heavyweights Trey Lippe-Morrison and his step brother Kenzie Witt along with undefeated junior middleweight Jarrett Rouse and the Cook Brothers Dillon and Jesse.
Holden also promoted a number of big name fighters in the past including former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison, boxing legends Naseem Hamed and Johnny Tapia, top contender Joe Mesi and world title challengers Allen Green and Zahir Raheem.
With many changes taking place in the boxing business and great local support for his fighters in the Sooner State, Holden’s expanding his horizons. Ultimately, his goal is to find the right fighter or fighters to compliment the “Four State Franchise” while also making them crowd attractions.
“There are so many great fighters out there, many in places where people aren’t looking,” said Holden. “When I co-promoted the Showtime card here in March, we had two very talented Russian fighters on our card. Both fighters look like future world champions but still have gone a bit under the radar from a recognition standpoint. One of those fighters, Ivan Baranchyk, is somebody I believe would be a perfect fit.”
Ultimately, Holden is confident in his ability to scout talent and believes he’ll find the right boxers for his stable.
“I’ve had all kinds of people reach out to me from trainers to managers and other promoters. I’m currently reviewing the fighters presented to me, carefully scouting each of them and putting together a list of fighters I plan to meet with. We will definitely be making some significant moves in the very near future.”
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Friday’s Knockout-Filled ShoBox: The New Generation To Re-Air TONIGHT At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

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Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE To Download Photos

 

Friday’s knockout-filled ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will re-airtonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Tune-in to watch Paul Williams pupil Justin DeLoach stop previously undefeated Dillon Cook in a KO of the Year contender (VIDEO:http://s.sho.com/22LV0i0), Ivan Golub shine in his ShoBox debut, can’t-miss prospect Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk finish Nick Givhan in just 21 seconds (VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1TakSkM), and emerging star Regis “Rougarou” Prograis make quick work of veteran Aaron Herrera. 

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader is also available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

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REGIS PROGRAIS SCORES FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OVER AARON HERRERA IN THE MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

Ivan Baranchyk Knocks Out Nick Givhan in 21 Seconds – VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1TakSkM

Ivan Golub Finishes Marlon Aguas in the Sixth,
Paul Williams-Trained Justin DeLoach Stops Dillon Cook in Fourth – VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/22LV0i0

 

Catch The Replay Monday, March 28, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®

 

MIAMI, Okla. (March 26, 2016) – On a night of knockouts, unbeaten super lightweight Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs), of Houston, scored his third consecutive dominant victory on ShoBox: The New Generation, knocking out Mexico’s Aaron Herrera (21-5-1, 12 KOs) at 2:17 of the first round Friday in the main event onSHOWTIME from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

In scheduled eight-round bouts that all ended early, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (10-0, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., registered a 21-second, first-round knockout over Nick Givhan (16-1-1, 10 KOs), of Kalamazoo, Mich., in a super lightweight scrap, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (16-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 in World Series of Boxing), of Brooklyn, N.Y., scored a sixth-round TKO over Marlon Aguas (9-1, 6 KOs), of Quito, Ecuador, and Justin DeLoach (14-1, 8 KOs), of Augusta, Ga., who is trained by former world champion Paul Williams, registered a fourth-round knockout over undefeated super welterweight and local favorite Dillon “White Lightning” Cook (16-1, 6 KOs).

 

All but Prograis and Baranchyk were making their ShoBox debuts. Cook, Aguas and Givhan became the 143rd, 144th  and 145th  boxers to suffer their first pro loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

“I can’t remember in 15 years of working ShoBox a show with such emphatic knockouts – and two of them being spectacular knockout of the year candidates,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood.

 

Prograis, a 5-foot-9, 27-year-old originally from New Orleans, was fighting in his second consecutive ShoBox main event and second scheduled 10-rounder. The aggressive-minded southpaw pounded Herrera’s body from the opening bell; five of his six power punches were targeted to the Mexican’s midsection.  A left hook to the body downed Herrera, who crumpled to the canvas and wasn’t able to beat the count.

“I was prepared to go 10 full rounds, the last thing I was expecting was a first-round knockout,’’ said Prograis, who was making his 2016 debut. “I’m making hard fights look easy but they’re really not. It’s all the daily work in the gym all day every day that is paying off for me. Tonight was fun. I’m very satisfied.

“I want all the fighters in my division to know one thing: I’m coming after all of you.’’

“He just got me with a great shot, it was simple as that,’’ said Herrera, who making his second start in the United States. “There’s really not that much that I can say.’’

 

The highly regarded Baranchyk – making his second eight-round start and second in a row on ShoBox – knocked out Givhan with a huge left hand with the first power punch of the fight. He required only two punches to finish the 17-fight veteran. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the quickest professional KO for the Belarus native. Baranchyk owns a three-second KO over Angel Figueroa from 2015.

 

“I’m very happy,’’ Baranchyk said. “I was expecting a much longer fight.  I was focused on a full fight. But knockouts are good. I know fans like knockouts.

 

“I’ll take a week off and then go back to the drawing board. I’m looking ahead to fighting again soon and on ShoBox again.’’

 

Givhan was shocked with the result.

 

“I’m good but I am very, very disappointed,” Givhan said. “This is the lowlight of my life. For me to get knocked out by someone I know I can beat is just the worst feeling. And there’s nothing worse than for it to happen on national television.

 

“No one expects 20-second fights. I just got caught, that’s all.”

Golub, a former standout amateur from Ukraine, had to rally from the first knockdown of his career. “This was a little tougher than I expected,’’ he said. “But it’s all about learning. I had to go through some adversity to win. You don’t know adversity until it hits you in the face.”

Golub was the more active fighter against the awkward Aguas, who was at his best when matters turned ugly.  In a bizarre second round, southpaw Golub scored a questionable knockdown as Aguas hit the canvas while clinching and off-balance. Aguas bounced back seconds later to knock down Golub with a short right, sending the Ukrainian to the canvas for the first time in his career.

“I was surprised that I got knocked down, but he caught me off-balance,’’ Golub said. “Overall, I am very happy with my performance.”

Golub resumed control after the second and a series of combinations in the sixth sent a gassed Aguas falling back through the ropes in the closing seconds of the round.  Aguas somehow rose to his feet to beat the count, but his trainer quickly waved off the bout when the Ecuadorian returned to the corner.

Aguas said an injury, not fatigue, was the reason his corner stopped the fight at the end of the sixth. “I hurt my right bicep in the fifth round,’’ he said. “That’s the reason we stopped it. I wasn’t that tired.”

In the opening fight of the telecast, DeLoach made Williams a winner in his training debut.  With Williams looking on from his wheelchair in the corner, DeLoach, a winner of four in a row, dropped Cook with a devastating, counter-overhand right at 2:47 of the fourth that sent Cook awkwardly to the canvas in a knockout of the year candidate.

 

“I’m happy with my performance,’’ said DeLoach, who was the more active fighter, throwing nearly 100 more punches over the four rounds. “This was a great experience fighting a guy like this in his backyard. I enjoyed the crowd and their enthusiasm. It motivated me. I got a little lazy in parts of the second and third rounds, but I listened to my corner and picked it up on offense and got my punch count up and going again.

 

“Dillon was a good fighter who moved a lot. I know I have to do better cutting off the ring. He landed with a left a second before I landed that big right. This was a great win for all of us. I’m ready to do this again.’’

 

“Look at me, look at my shirt. It feels like I was sweating worse than when I fought,’’ said Williams, who’s pro career came to a sudden and tragic end when he was paralyzed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident in May 2012. “I am very relieved to get this one out of the way. I’m very happy for Justin and Mr. Pete (Paul’s longtime manager and trainer and DeLoach’s assistant trainer, George Williams)

 

“I’m OK, all things considered,’’ said Cook. “He was a tough guy. I’ve never been knocked out before so I don’t exactly know how to act. I felt I was in the fight until I was caught.  It’s disappointing, but this was a great learning experience for me. It can only help me in the long run.’’

 

A taped interview with Williams and ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood aired prior to the bout.  In the discussion, Farhood asked the former two-time champ why he chose to return as a trainer for the first time since the 2012 motorcycle accident left him paralyzed.   Full Interview:http://s.sho.com/1WPrJ28

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will re-air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, March 26.

 

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 Gaughanproducing 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 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.

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ALL EIGHT FIGHTERS HIT THEIR MARKS FORSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER  TOMORROW, FRIDAY, MARCH 25, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

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Undefeated Super Lightweight Prospect Regis Prograis Takes On Veteran Aaron Herrera in Main Event; Telecast Begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

Click HERE For Weigh-In Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Images Of DeLoach & Trainer Paul Williams; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

MIAMI, Okla. (March 24, 2016) – All eight fighters, including the six undefeated ones, made weight Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader tomorrow/Friday March 25, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino.

 

In the main event, unbeaten emerging star, Regis “Rougarou”Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs), of Houston by way of New Orleans, will meet Mexico’s Aaron “The Jewel” Herrera (29-4-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout.

 

Four unbeaten boxers will collide in two of the three eight-round bouts: Hard-hitting Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces upset-minded Nick “King Beamen” Givhan (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Kalamazoo, Mich., in a super lightweight scrap and Ukrainian Ivan “The Volk” Golub (10-0, 8 KOs, 5-0 in World Series of Boxing), of Brooklyn, N.Y., takes on Marlon Aguas (9-0, 6 KOs), of Quito, Ecuador, in a welterweight match.

 

In the eight-round telecast opener, undefeated super welterweight and local favorite Dillon Cook (16-0, 6 KOs), of Seneca, Mo., will meet once-beaten Justin DeLoach (13-1, 7 KOs), of Augusta, Ga. DeLoach is trained by former ShoBox fighter and two-time world champion, Paul Williams, who is making his training debut.

 

Tickets for an event presented by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $45, $55 and $75 and are available for purchase at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com. The first live fight is at 8 o’clock.

 

The Weights:

Prograis: 141 pounds

Herrera: 142 pounds

 

Baranchyk: 139 ½ pounds

Givhan: 140 ¼ pounds

 

Golub: 146 ½ pounds

Aguas: 147 pounds

 

Cook: 154 pounds

DeLoach: 153 ¼ pounds

 

Here’s what the fighters said Thursday:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS

 

“This is my biggest fight. We’ve been in the gym for two months getting ready. We’re sparring with every style, anything it takes to get me ready.

“I had a whole lot fun in my last fight because (Abel) Ramos just kept coming. I’m fighting a veteran, a different kind of guy tomorrow.  He’s tough with the Mexican style so I expect him to be smart and know all the tricks.

 

“Herrera is coming with nothing to lose, but I love fighting the Mexican style. I’ve been training in Houston, so he won’t bring anything I haven’t seen before.

 

“I can be a slick southpaw or I can brawl. I just love to fight, which is why I started in boxing. My mindset is to bang and fight, when it comes down to it. Sometimes if I don’t hit I get bored so I mix it up a little more so I will get hit and then I can come back. I can adjust to any style.

 

“This is my third fight on ShoBox and second main event. I welcome the pressure but at the same time I know I have to ignore it and just enjoy and have fun in there.

 

“Mentally, I feel I am ready for a major fight against any of the top contenders, but I know those kinds of fights are still a little down the line for me. I still have a lot of work to do; I need to keep pounding it until I get it all right.

 

“I’m looking forward to a good fight tomorrow.’’

 

AARON HERRERA

 

“This is an interesting fight because we’re both coming up in the sport. I’ve seen a few of his fights and know what I’m up against. It looks like Prograis likes to come forward and comes to fight, and I will do the same, although I am probably more of a boxer than a slugger.

 

“This is about taking care of business. I’ve been 12 rounds before.  I’ve fought some good fighters with good records. This is only my second fight in America but I learned a lot from the first one and that will definitely help me. I have more confidence. This won’t be a new experience for me.

 

“I’ve fought with left-handers before so after a couple of rounds, I’m sure I’ll feel comfortable. I’m definitely coming to win. I can’t wait to hear the opening bell ring.’’

 

IVAN BARANCHYK

“This is 100 percent the best guy we’ve faced. Nick is a great fighter and we can’t underestimate him. We know that anything can happen in boxing. I put the work in the gym and now I need to do my job in the ring.

 

“I’m a puncher, I like to bring it and I’m coming for the knockout.

 

“I’m only 23 but I work very hard and feel I’m coming along. I’m in the gym all the time. One of the main things we work on the most is composure inside the ring. I feel like I’m settling down more and working the jab, but it is still something we work on.

 

“You just can’t go in and knock everybody out. It’s not that easy. You need to set up your punches sometimes. I am never going to change from being a natural puncher, my team is not trying to take away the fire in me, they just want me to settle down.’’

 

NICK GIVHAN

 

“This is a big opportunity and I feel blessed to be getting it, but it’s something I’ve been working towards for years. I feel this is where I’m supposed to be at this stage of my career. I just need to get in the ring to make sure I handle my business in the ring

 

“He’s definitely one of the toughest opponents I’ve faced. He’s big, powerful and hits hard the whole fight. But I’m the toughest he’s faced.

“This shapes up as a boxer versus puncher fight that favors me. He may come out jabbing at first, but once he’s touched he can be frustrated. That’s what I will take advantage of, his over-aggressiveness.

 

“I’m looking forward to seizing the moment tomorrow night.’’

 

IVAN GOLUB

 

“I’m very excited to be on this card and looking forward to fighting on my first ShoBox card. This is a big step up and it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“When I got the chance to fight on ShoBox, I didn’t even ask who I was fighting. I spar with some of the best out there (Ievgen Khytrov,Sergey Derevanchenko, etc.). But I’m more of a boxer-puncher than some of my teammates.

 

“I work very hard. I study boxing a lot. I know my time is coming. As long as I show good boxing skills, the knockout will come.”

 

MARLON AQUAS

 

“You have to be careful with hungry fighters you don’t know anything about, but I’m going to give 100 percent in there. I’m here to show that I have what it takes to become a world champion.

 

“I am very motivated. This is my first fight in the U.S. and on SHOWTIME so I’m looking to make a statement. I know that after this fight a lot of doors will open. People may not know me now, but they will know me after tomorrow night.

 

“I have a lot of movement but can also stand there toe to toe and brawl. They are making a mistake taking a step up and fighting me. They don’t know what they’re getting into.

 

“I’ve been off because of an injury to my left hand but it is totally healed and I am ready. I’ve had lots of sparring.

 

“I’m more of a stylist, a boxer. I like to move around a lot. But if I have to go at it and brawl I will. I really want to show the fans that I am worthy of watching again.’’

 

DILLON COOK

“This will be my toughest fight but I’m feeling great.  I’m excited but not all that nervous. There is some pressure fighting on TV the first time, but it hasn’t been nerve-racking.

 

“This is such a big fight; I’m ready for anything he brings. I’m not trying to over-think anything. I just want to do what I do.

 

“This is a home game for me. I live about 25 minutes away. So it helps that I’m used to the atmosphere and don’t have to travel.

 

“I’ve seen a little of him. I feel the things he does all the time will work against him. His come-forward style is a good one for me. I’ve had plenty of time to prepare (five weeks) so there will not be any surprises.

 

“I believe I have the skills to go a lot father, so I want to leave a good impression.

 

“Speed and footwork are my biggest weapons.  I’ve been dazed before, but not knocked down.’’

 

JUSTIN DELOACH

 

“Everything to this point has been a blessing for me. This is definitely a big fight and I’m looking forward to doing what I do and putting on a great show. I haven’t seen a lot of Dillon but he is undefeated and is coming to win. I’m ready for whatever he brings.

 

“I feel I have a lot of raw talent that has yet to be seen. My main thing is to take control of the fight from the start.

 

“This is so exciting. My biggest and most important fight yet.  If I do what I’m supposed to I’ll be OK. This is my first eight-rounder but I’m not worried about that at all.

 

“We’re part of a great ShoBox show. I can’t wait.’’

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raúl Márquez 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 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.

Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT REGIS PROGRAIS HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

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 http://s.sho.com/1pHhJxQ

 

Prograis To Face Veteran Aaron Herrera This Friday, March 25
In Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs) scored consecutive victories over unbeaten prospects in 2015 on ShoBox: The New Generation.  This Friday, the southpaw super lightweight puts his unblemished record on the line against Mexico’s Aaron Herrera (29-4-1, 18 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox quadrupleheader, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

Check out THIS highlight video of Prograis, a New Orleans native who relocated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Prograis wears a werewolf mask during his ring walk as homage to his “Rougarou” nickname.  According to New Orleans lore, “Rougarou” is a legendary half-man, half-beast werewolf creature.  It’s a deviation of Loup Garound, which means “wolfman” in French.

 

“Parents use the Rougarou to scare children and keep them in line,” Prograis said.  “My father first started calling me that because in the gym everyone would say, ‘Your son is a beast’.  He would say, ‘My son is from New Orleans, so he is a Rougarou.’

 

“It represents my fighting style, my work ethic, and my Louisiana heritage.  Basically it means a swamp beast, with the mind and intelligence of a man.  In the ring I am ferocious, but I also use intelligence to win.”

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Dillon Cook Counting Down Days for ShoBox Debut!

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D Cook.jpg

Seneca, MO (March 18, 2016) – On March 25, junior middleweight prospect Dillon “White Lightning” Cook will find himself in a familiar place but with a new challenge when he battles Justin DeLoach in an eight round bout on ShoBox: The New Generation at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions are $45, $55 and $75 and can be purchased by logging onto Buffalorun.com or Stubwire.com.

 

Unbeaten in 16 professional bouts with six wins by knockout, Cook’s fought five of his last seven matches at the Buffalo Run, winning handily each time. A member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise”, the popular Cook is from nearby Seneca, MO and fought in front of sellout crowds on multiple occasions. While these are definite advantages for Cook, DeLoach comes into the ring with an impressive background.

 

Against DeLoach, 13-1 (7 KO’s), Cook is taking a significant step up in competition and will do so before a national audience. Hailing from Augusta, GA and based in Houston, TX, DeLoach trained alongside top fighters including IBF junior middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, undefeated Jermell Charlo, Bryan Vera and Edwin Rodriguez amongst others. Recently, Team DeLoach announced that his new chief second is former two division champion Paul Williams and highly respected George Peterson will work as an assistant.

 

To prepare for DeLoach, Cook’s been training out of the Heartland Boxing Gym and travels to various gyms for sparring as he anxiously waits for the opening bell on March 25.

 

“I’m excited for the fight but trying not to let the pressure of fighting on TV get to me,” said Cook, a former National Junior Golden Gloves titlist and six time Kansas City Golden Gloves winner. “(To specifically prepare for DeLoach) we’re working on (technique to counter) his style. DeLoach is a good fighter I’ve seen him fight a few times he’s fast and a busy fighter but I’m pretty fast myself. I expect to match his speed, if not beat it.”

 

Cook also acknowledges his advantages and never second guessed taking the step up in competition.

 

“I’m a smart fighter and can adapt well (plus the) hometown crowd is definitely a benefit. I knew we’d step (up the competition in the near future) and this is a great time for it. I’ve had 16 professional fights and am ready to show the world that I’m capable of going to the next level.”

 

Cook’s promoter, Tony Holden, is confident in his fighter and believes the locals will come out droves to support him.

 

“I’m proud to see him get a shot on a national stage. He’s a key part of the “Four State Franchise” and is a big crowd draw. He’s worked very hard and I expect him to put forth a tremendous performance. I’d like to personally thank Showtime as well for this incredible opportunity.”

 

The Cook-DeLoach bout opens up a quadrupleheader live on Showtime (10:30 PM ET). The card also features highly regarded junior welterweight Regis Prograis (16-0) against Aaron Herrera (29-4-1), two showdowns where somebody’s 0 must go between unbeaten welterweights Ivan Golub (10-0) and Marlon Aguas (9-0) and junior welterweights Ivan Baranchyk (9-0) vs Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1).

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

PAUL WILLIAMS RETURNS TO BOXING AS A TRAINER

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FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TO TRAIN PROSPECT JUSTIN DELOACH

IN FOURTH FIGHT ADDED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 25,

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TELECAST

 

“I’m scared all over again, like this is my first fight.” – Paul Williams

 

Super Welterweight DeLoach Takes on Undefeated Local Favorite Dillon Cook;

Promising  Meets Aaron Herrera in Main Event;

Live on SHOWTIME® At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (March 15, 2016) – Former two-time world champion Paul Williams, who’s pro career came to a sudden and tragic end when he was paralyzed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident in May 2012, is back in boxing as a trainer.

 

The popular Williams will work the corner of once-beaten Justin DeLoach (13-1, 7 KOs) when DeLoach faces undefeated super welterweight and local favorite Dillon Cook (16-0, 6 KOs) in the opening eight-round bout of what is now a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, March 25, live onSHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

DeLoach is the first boxer to be trained by Williams, the former 154-pound southpaw who has been confined to a wheelchair since the accident.

“I guess I was being selfish at first,” Williams said.  “I didn’t want to deal with the fight game.  I wanted to be the one fighting.  But that changed.”

 

Williams was reluctant to train fighters for a long time.  It wasGeorge Peterson, who managed and trained Williams from the time the boxer was a skinny kid with little amateur experience until his career ended, that helped persuade “The Punisher” to return to the ring.  Williams trains his pupil at a private gym in his hometown of Aiken, S.C.

 

“You know me, I really didn’t want to do this,’’ Williams said. “But finally after three or four years of George practically begging me to try and do it, this opportunity came along and I decided to give it a shot.

 

“Everything is about timing.  I started thinking about it, George kept asking me and messing with me about it, one thing led to another, and I finally said I’d take a stab at it.
Williams, who is enjoying his new job description, admits there are some pre-fight jitters.

 

“I’m scared all over again, like this is my first fight.  Now, I have to think about everything that Mr. Pete was thinking about when I was fighting.  I have to try and teach Justin what I knew how to do.

 

“George and I accomplished a lot.  He made me a world champion; before that, no one knew who he or I was.  We were just a couple of guys from Aiken, S.C.  We gave fans fights to remember.

 

“I was the fighter the press labeled as ‘Most feared in boxing.’  But that’s over for me now.  I’m jumping into a whole new thing.  It’s been an adjustment but I’m glad I’m doing it.’’

 

In his role as a trainer, Williams’ mindset has changed drastically from his fighting days.  “Look, I always feel good,’’ he said.  “What’s happened has happened.  It is what it is.  This is my first time stepping back into the world.  I love boxing.

 

“What I don’t want to see is a fighter getting hurt.  This is a hard sport.  I know when I was in there I was always going for broke.  But I want Justin, all fighters actually, to come out of the ring the same way they came in.  Win or lose, I don’t want to see anybody get hurt.’’

 

On DeLoach, Williams said, “He’s a good fighter and now he’s in the spotlight.  I want to do my best in the training world to get him at his peak.  I hope he does his best.  I’d love to one-up George with Justin.’’

 

Becoming the best takes strenuous work on a daily basis, and Williams was no stranger to putting in the hours.

 

“I never took a shortcut,’’ he said.  “You take shortcuts, you know what’ll happen.  I took the long road home when I was fighting and fans, fighters, everybody knew what to expect when I stepped in the ring.

 

“Justin isn’t like this, but one thing I know is that fighters think they’re slick.  Well, you can’t pull anything over me.  I’ve been there, seen it all.’’

 

And, as always, he’ll have George Peterson by his side.

 

“I’m just helping Paul,’’ said Peterson, who will serve as Williams’ assistant trainer. “So far, he’s doing great.”

 

It will be the ShoBox and 2016 debuts — and toughest fight to date — for both DeLoach and Cook.

 

DeLoach was a top amateur, competing in the USA Boxing National Championships in 2012.  He won a National Silver Golden Gloves title when he was 13.

 

The 22-year-old DeLoach, of Augusta, Ga., has won three in a row since suffering his lone loss to Cesar Villa on Feb. 6, 2015.  That was before he started training with Williams.

 

“This has been a total blessing, and I say that every day,” DeLoach said.  “Thank God.  He’s the one who brought the two of us together, that’s the main thing.  Paul loves it, just to be back.  I think he was scared at first, his reputation was at stake and so was mine.

 

“But he’s been so helpful – just in the mental side of things. I was already a good boxer but he’s taken me to another level mentally. He’s been pushing me, criticizing me, giving me instructions and picking my brain.”

 

DeLoach and Williams grew up just 30 minutes down the road from each other.

 

“Me and Paul, we’ve known each other our whole lives,’’ DeLoach said. “I’m from Augusta, Ga., and he was right across in Aiken.  We knew each other when I was coming up as an amateur.  He came to my last pro fight that was in San Antonio.  When I saw him, I got so excited.  We started to talk and I said something like, ‘Hey, Paul, wouldn’t it be cool if we got together?’

 

“Once I came home, we started working together and he’s been training me since.  I think we’re going on about three months now.  It’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to work with one of my favorite fighters.”

 

In his last outing, DeLoach won a shutout four-round decision overSantos Benavides last Dec. 12. DeLoach, a pro since March 2013, fought six times that year and four times each in 2014 and 2015.

 

“I’m really looking forward to fighting for the first time for him,” DeLoach said.  “I’ve gone crazy waiting for my break and an opportunity like this to fight on SHOWTIME.  I know it’s not easy fighting in your opponent’s backyard, but with Paul, George Peterson and me and my skills, we are confident it will be a good fight.’’

 

Cook, 25, is from Seneca, Mo., which is located about 20 minutes from Buffalo Run Casino where he has fought six times. A top amateur, he won six Golden Gloves titles, a Junior Golden Gloves National title, a Heartland title and four regional Silver Gloves titles.  He is popular at Buffalo Run and will be making his premium network television debut against easily his most dangerous assignment as a pro. Cook’s brother, Jesse, a welterweight with a record of 15-1-1, will box on the non-televised portion of the event.

 

Dillon Cook turned pro in August 2012, fought twice that year, seven times in 2013, four times in 2014 and three times last year. Five of his last seven took place at Buffalo Run, including two out of three in 2015. He’s coming off a lopsided eight-round decision overRahman Yusubov last Nov. 14.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about making my ShoBox debut, right at home, at the Buffalo Run Casino,” Cook said.  “This is a huge opportunity for me, and I plan on putting on a spectacular showing, for all my fans there that night and everyone watching on TV.”

 

In the ShoBox main event, unbeaten super lightweight knockout artist and emerging rising star, Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs), Houston by way of New Orleans, will meet experienced Aaron “The Jewel” Herrera (29-4-1, 18 KOs), of Valladolid, Mexico, in a 10-round match.

 

Four undefeated fighters will clash in the two other eight-rounders on the telecast: Hard-hitting Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces Nicholas “King Beamen” Givhan(16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Kalamazoo, Mich., in a super lightweight scrap and Ukrainian Ivan “The Volk” Golub (10-0, 8 KOs, 5-0 in World Series of Boxing), of Brooklyn, N.Y., meets Marlon Aguas (9-0, 6 KOs), of Quito, Ecuador, in a welterweight match.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $45, $55 and $75 and are available for purchase at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside withSteve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall withRich 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 65 fighters who have appeared onShoBox 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.