Tag Archives: Joshua Greer

GH3 Promotions Antoine Douglas wins; Adam Lopez battles to a disputed draw this past Friday night in Miami, Oklahoma

   
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nutley, NJ (July 19, 2017)–Middleweight contender Antoine Douglas and super bantamweight Adam Lopez are coming off strong showings this past Friday night at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.
Douglas took out late-replacement Juan De Angel in round four of a non-televised bout, while Lopez battled to a disputed draw in a bout that most ringside observers and fans watching throughout the country on ShoBox: The NewGeneration had Lopez coming out on top of his eight-round battle with undefeated Glenn Dezurn.
Douglas of Burke, Virginia won via 4th round stoppage when he landed a hard right to the body  that put De Angel down for the ten count .
With the win, The 24 year-old Douglas is now 22-1-1 with sixteen knockouts and he retained he won the WBA-NABA title and retained his WBC Fecarbox title.
Douglas is currently ranked number-9 by the WBC and he will be ranked by the WBA.
Lopez and Dezurn locked up in a high spirited bout that saw him take control of the bout with hard body shots.  Each guy took a card 77-75, while the third card read even at 76-76.
The draw pushed Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas to 16-1-2.
“Antoine had a very solid performance on Friday night.  He scored his 3rd straight stoppage since his time off.  He is coming along very nicely and he is just about back to the level where he was before his setback.  At that point he was one of the hottest prospects in boxing, and he is a fight or two away from a big fight.  As I have said time and again, we have not seen the best Antoine Douglas,” said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki.
“Adam had a very nice bounce back performance.  He 100% was robbed of a win.  He won five rounds for sure and very easily he could have won six rounds.  He did his training camp in New Jersey and the change of scenery really showed up on Friday.  He is with trainer Wali Moses, and Adam is very focused.  He knows he has championship level talent, and like Antoine he is just another fight or two away from getting back to a bout that will put him in position for a big fight.”

HOMETOWN FAVORITE IVAN BARANCHYK DECISIONS KEENAN SMITH IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLA.

 

Rolando Chinea Upsets Previously Unbeaten Kenneth Sims Jr.

Glenn Dezurn and Adam Lopez Fight To a Split Draw

Joshua Greer Jr. TKOs Leroy Davila After Round 5

 

Catch The Replay Monday, July 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MIAMI, Okla. (July 15, 2017) – Ivan Baranchyk went the distance with Keenan Smith in front of Baranchyk’s adopted hometown in the main event of a quadrupleheader featuring eight returning fighters on Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generationfrom Buffalo Run Casino & Resort.

 

In a battle of undefeated fighters, the hard-hitting Baranchyk (15-0, 10 KOs) took advantage of a one-point holding deduction against Sims in the fifth round to earn the decision in his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series and six consecutive fight out of Miami.

 

“I’m happy to be fighting back home in Miami, I love to fight here,” said Baranchyk, who was happy with his win but displeased with his overall performance. “I came out too hard and tried too hard to knock Smith out. I really wanted to knock him out which is why my punches were wild.”

 

Smith (11-1, 5 KOs) sealed his fate when he was deducted a point by officials after excessive holding throughout the first half of the fight. He became the 166th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

 

“They weren’t playing fair,” Smith said. “Anything that I did, the referee was on me. I was hitting him with clean body shots, and he kept telling me to keep them up, and then he took a point for holding. I don’t know what fight [the judges] were watching.”

 

The fight was a hard-hitting and physical affair from the beginning. Baranchyk came out swinging, landing just 21% of his jabs and 29% of total punches, edging out Smith who landed just 22% of his total punches.

 

“I came out too hard and tried to knock him out, which is why my punches were wild,” said Baranchyk.

 

In the co-feature, Rolando Chinea upset previously unbeaten former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. in a close majority decision.

 

“I was most confident after the second round of the fight, when I noticed he was sticking his tongue out and making certain gestures that showed he was tired,” Chinea said. “If I had to grade myself I would rate my overall performance as a B… I have a lot to improve on and my job here is never finished.”

 

Like Smith, Sims (12-1, 4 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career, becoming the 165th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

 

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

 

“My body just didn’t respond tonight,” Sims said. “I am done at 140 pounds. I just did not feel right from the opening bell. I am going to 147 pounds.”

 

In the sixth round, Chinea took control and was the busier fighter against a fading Sims. While both fighters exchanged numerous punches in the seventh and closed the fight out with a flurry of activity, Sims clearly struggled at 140 pounds.

 

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

 

In the second fight of the night, Glenn Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs) stepped up to the 121-pound super bantamweight division to go the distance with ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez (16-1-2, 8 KOs) in an action-packed eight-round slugfest that ended in a split draw. Both fighters were visibly disappointed by the judge’s decision.

 

“I thought I did enough to win,” said the still-undefeated Dezurn, who spars with his wife, women’s pro fighter Franchon Crews. “I’m just fortunate for this opportunity and hope [Lopez] and I can come back strong and fight again someday.”

 

The first round was a round of give-and-take where both Dezurn and Lopez landed and sustained an impressive amount of body punches. It was Lopez who originally appeared more subdued, foregoing the counterpunch as Dezurn worked the jab.

 

By the fifth round it was clear Dezurn was losing steam when Lopez began to break him down and force him against the ropes. Lopez went on to dominate the sixth and seventh rounds, when Dezurn, clearly out-fought, looked tired and began to lean over.

 

“After the first round, I dominated the action,” said Lopez, who has now fought on ShoBox a record-tying six times. Maybe [Dezurn] won the seventh, but I whipped him. I should have won the fight, this was a redemption for me. Once I got used to his speed, I feel I won rounds six to two. The whole fight, his back was against the ropes and I beat up his body.”

 

Trained by the famed Coach Barry Hunter, the still-undefeated Dezurn made a valiant comeback in the final round, where he came back to life.

 

“I thought it was fair,” Hunter said. “We came on in the middle rounds, and Glenn won the seventh and eighth to get us the draw. It all came down to the stretch and I thought we did enough to win those rounds.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, former knockdown-of-the-year candidate Joshua Greer Jr. (14-1-1, 6 KOs) stopped Leroy Davila (5-2, 3 KOs) after five rounds, when Davila’s corner called the fight at the conclusion of the fifth.

 

“The game plan was to box and hit hard, and that’s what I did,” said Greer, who earned a memorable knockout against James Gordon Smith in his last ShoBox appearance. “I had to put on a good show. I will fight whoever has the belts. I want to fight for a world title.”

 

The 23-year old Greer landed a number of aggressive combinations that had Davila against the ropes from the onset. While Davila appeared to come alive in the second round, the 29-year old southpaw became stationary and had trouble recovering from a shot to the face that had him bleeding out of the left side of his nose and struggling for the second half of the fourth and the fifth. His corner called the fight just after the bell sounded, ending the fifth round.

 

The event was co-promoted by GH3 Promotions and Holden Productions.

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Monday, July 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

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

# # #

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

KEENAN SMITH vs. IVAN BARANCHYK SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR QUADRUPLEHEADER LIVE ON SHOWTIME

    
Ivan Baranchyk, left, faces off with Keenan Smith
Tomorrow/Friday, July 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT from
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

“I’ll fight him in his own backyard if I have to.” – Keenan Smith

“I love knockouts, and I can’t wait to get another one tomorrow.” – Ivan Baranchyk

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Weights
Keenan Smith 140 – Ivan Baranchyk 140
Kenneth Sims, Jr. 139.4 – Rolando Chinea 139.6
Glenn Dezurn 121.6 – Adam Lopez 121.8
Joshua Greer 117.4 – Leroy Davila 117
NON-TELEVISED WEIGHTS
Antoine Douglas 159.6 – Juan De Angel 168.4
Charles Conwell 155.6 – Rick Graham TBA
Isiah Steen 163.4 – Travis Nero TBA
MIAMI, Okla., (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweights Keenan Smith and Ivan Baranchyk officially made weight on Thursday, one day before they headline a quadrupleheader tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Okla.

Philadelphia’s rising prospect Smith (11-0, 5 KOs) takes on the hard-hitting Baranchyk (14-0, 10 KOs), who trains in Los Angeles and fights out of Miami. This will be Baranchyk’s fifth appearance on the ShoBox series, and his sixth consecutive fight in his adopted hometown of Miami.

“I respect all fighters, but he’s talking a little smack,” Smith said right after both fighters weighed in at exactly 140 pounds. “It doesn’t matter where we fight. I’ll fight him in his own backyard if I have to.”

Former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten when he meets aggressive five-year pro Roland Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.

Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) and Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) recently went the distance in a grueling eight-round super bantamweight bout that opened April 14‘s ShoBox telecast, where Dezurn earned a unanimous decision. Both fighters return in the opening two bouts of tomorrow night’s telecast. Dezurn will take on ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight clash, where Lopez will make his record-tying sixth ShoBox appearance. Davila will battle Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) in the eight-round telecast opener.

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

FINAL QUOTES:

KEENAN SMITH:
“I’ve been through a lot and it’s been hard, but I’ve been using it as motivation.

“I can box and I can punch. I’m not looking to go in and trade with this guy.

“I liked going away for camp for the first time. It made me focus and just kept my mind on boxing.

“I’m not worried about the hometown advantage.

“I’ve been training hard for this fight and tomorrow you’re going to see the best. We are looking to kill the beast. [Baranchyk] comes to fight, he swings a lot of wild punches. I’m a boxer and a puncher, I’m good at making fighters feel uncomfortable. It’s a blessing to be up here, and it’s a blessing to fight on ShoBox and it’s a big opportunity to move up the ladder.”

IVAN BARANCHYK:
“Training camp went great and we did eight weeks. I’m going to be shortening my punches up. I know Keenan is an American-style fighter and will be doing a lot of moving forward.

“I love knockouts and haven’t had one in my last three fights. I can’t wait to get another one tomorrow.”

“Everything is perfect in Los Angeles for me. The weather and the training are amazing.

“Everyone knows I had a great fight with Abel Ramos on ShoBox. It’s a pleasure people think that was the fight of the year, and maybe the best ever on ShoBox, but I’m just focused on the future.”

“I’m not going to talk much, I’m going to get inside the ring and do all my talking inside the ring.”

KENNETH SIMS JR.:
“I’ve had some good friends recently who have lost their lives, and it’s been emotional. I haven’t been using my head and I want to get back to boxing.

“I love punching to the body. I lot of people think I lack power, and I get hit with a lot of punches. My goal is to be a pure boxer and to keep putting my punches together. .

“I feel like I’m an exciting fighter. I’ve been fighting since I was 8 years old and I’ve put in the hard work.

“I think my jab is going to be the difference and a key in this fight. That and my footwork.

“I had a good training camp, no distractions. I was focused. I’m ready to put on a great show.”

ROLANDO CHINEA
“I’m a lot stronger than I was in my last fight. This is the best I’ve felt for any fight.

“My nine month layoff doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t make any difference

“I’ve been stalking Kenneth for a while now and we’ve watched a lot of tape of him.

“People still don’t believe in me, and I still have a chip on my shoulder. I’ve fought some experienced guys and tough guys on the ‘A’ side. I’m ready to move from the ‘B’ side to the ‘A’ side.

“I’m going to show I’m here for good. You are going to see a new Rolando Chinea tomorrownight.

“I’m a workhorse and at times I’m my own worst critic.

“I watched a lot of boxing growing up. Felix Trinidad was my favorite.”

GLENN DEZURN:

“I know people are still talking about the eighth round of my last fight on ShoBox against Davila, and the crowd was going crazy, but I never focus on the crowd. I just focus what I have to do in the ring.

“I’m an old-school fighter and I’ll fight anyone. We can go out in the back alley and fight.

“I loved Sugar Ray Robinson and the approach he took in his fights.

“But at the end of the day a lot of old-school fighters have had to just get it done, fight by fight, to keep putting food on the table.

“I don’t see this as a big step up for me. I’m a pro now and I do everything like a professional. It’s been hard work, but that’s what it takes to become a world champion.

“I’m honored to be fighting on SHOWTIME once again. I’m an entertaining fighter and I put a lot of pressure on myself.”

ADAM LOPEZ:

“I need to mature more as a fighter. I wasn’t as prepared for my last fight as I should have been.

“I should win this fight easy. I watch the ShoBox fights I’ve been in and I’ve used different styles.

“We’ve worked on everything for this fight: quickness, defense, movement. If he wants to bang it out I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

“I’ve busted my ass in the gym every day and I’m ready. This is where all the hard work pays off.

JOSHUA GREER

“My last knockout was a KO of the year candidate. Everyone knows I’m an exciting fighter and I’m a prospect looking to make things happen.

“The knockouts are addictive and it’s important to remember to stay humble and know who I am as a fighter. We’ll take them, but I’m not looking for the knockout.

“We’ve worked on the mistakes we’ve made in the past and corrected all the problems we’ve seen.

The pillow is only going to come out if there is some trash talking, and I know there will be. So you’ll be sure to see the ‘Night, Night’ pillow.”

LEROY DAVILA

“Last time I fought on ShoBox I did not strategize enough like I should have.

“He might bring the pillow into the ring, but it won’t make it out after the fight. He’ll be able to use it on himself.

“I’ve got to take him out of his game. I have to take away his biggest weapon, his right hand.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Antoine Douglas now to take on Juan De Angel for NABA & WBC FECARBOX  Middleweight Titles onFriday July 14th at The Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma

PRESS CONFERENCE & WEIGH IN TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON GH3 PROMOTIONS FACEBOOK PAGE AT 3 PM AND 5:30 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nutley, NJ (July 13, 2017)–World ranked middleweight Antoine Douglas will now take on late-replacement  Juan De Angel.  this Friday, July 14th  in a 10-round bout that will be contested for the NABA & WBC FECARBOX Middleweight titles.
The bout will headline the non-televised portion of a ShoBox: The New Generation card, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT, Delayed on the West Coast) at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.
The bout will precede a televised quadruple-header that will feature Keenan Smith (11-0, 5 KOs) fighting Ivan Baranchyk 15-0, 10 KOs) in the eight-round junior welterweight main event.  In co-featured bouts, Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) battles Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout, and  Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) takes on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, 8 KOs) in a super bantamweight fight.  The televised card will kick off with a super bantamweight fight that will pit Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) against LeRoy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs).
Douglas of Washington, DC has a record of 21-1-1 with 15 knockouts, and is ranked No.10 by the WBC.
Since suffering his only professional defeat, Douglas has comeback to score two consecutive knockouts, with the latest being a second round stoppage over Eduardo Mercedes on March 27.  In that bout, Douglas captured the WBC FECARBOX Middleweight title.
De Angel of Barranquilla, Colombia has a record of 20-6 with 18 knockouts.
De Angel, 30 years old is a former WBO Latino Welterweight and Middleweight champion, who has a career best victory over Jose Pinzon.
De Angel is a nine-year veteran, who has shared the ring with world champion Gilberto Ramirez as well as undefeated contenders Knat Islam and Caleb Plant.

Adam Lopez and LeRoy Davila looking to rebound this Friday as part of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

        
Live on SHOWTIME, Friday, July 14, 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (July 11, 2017) – This Friday night two members of the GH3 Promotions stable are looking to get back in the win column in highly anticipated bouts as part of a quadrupleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
Adam Lopez (16-1-1, 10 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will take on undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) of Baltimore in a super bantamweight bout.  Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) of New Brunswick, N.J., will take on Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of Chicago in a bantamweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.
The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.
In the main event, dangerous southpaw Keenan “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Ivan Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Belarus, fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.
In the co-feature, undefeated junior welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-0, 4 KO’s) of Chicago will take on Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) of Lancaster, Pa. in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.
Sims, a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his second ShoBox appearance.
Lopez of San Antonio, Texas will be making his sixth appearance on ShoBox.  The 26-year-old was on the cusp of title shot before being stopped by Daniel Roman on Jan. 20th in Atlantic City.  Lopez has not lost confidence as he is approaching this big fight against the undefeated Dezurn.  Lopez also has a new focus as he moved his training camp from Texas to New Jersey.
“This was a tremendous camp in New Jersey.  I learned a lot of new stuff, and now I am ready for the fight,” said Lopez.
“I needed a change of scenery, and needed to get out of Texas.”
He knows he is in with a solid fighter in Dezurn, and is prepared for a hard fight.
“Dezurn is a good fighter.  He throws a lot of punches, and I am ready for whatever he brings.”
Lopez cites many factors on why he believes his hand will be raised in victory.
“My experience speaks for itself.  I am a real 122 pound fighter, and a win should be get me close to knocking of a door of a title shot.”
Davila, 29 years-old will be making his second ShoBox appearance in just his seventh professional fight.
He is coming off a tough eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Dezurn on April 14 in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
The 2016 U.S. Olympic Alternate is ready for the streaking Greer.
“I had a full camp, and it went great.  I am just waiting for the last few days, and I am ready for whatever he will bring.”
Despite Greer being on a ten-fight winning streak, Davila is not fazed by Greer.
“Greer is coming to win just like anyone else that I fight. The fact that I have already gone through this once, being on ShoBox, I am much more comfortable and I will have a great performance on Friday.”
Said GH3 Promotions, Vito Mielnicki, “Adam and Leroy are very hungry.  After their last bouts I think they learned a lot.  I have seen the great camps that they have had in New Jersey, and I expect them to have great performances on Friday 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 Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

Undefeated Kenneth Sims, Jr. ready for complete performance this Friday night as part of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

        
Live on SHOWTIME, Friday, July 14, 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (July 10, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-0, 4 KO’s) is looking for a complete performance when he takes on Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KO’s) of Lancaster, Pa., as the two prepare to meet in an eight-round bout on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.
Dangerous southpaw Keenan “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Ivan Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.
Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.
Sims, a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his second ShoBox appearance.
The Chicago native has stayed active as a pro; he fought four times in 2016 and this will be his third start of 2017. In his last outing, he stopped Israel Villela with a third-round TKO.
The 23-year-old Sims was a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) and Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather). He is known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body.
“My camp has been great,” Sims said. “I feel like I am a lot mentally stronger going into this bout then I was for my last ShoBox fight. I was going through a lot and that was documented. “
Sims was mourning the loss of close friend and undefeated welterweight, Ed Brown.
“This fight on Friday will be a case of me just going out there and doing what I need to do.  I am just going to go out there to box and use my physical attributes, and make this fight easy.”
Sims will be looking to improve on his ShoBox performance when he took a unanimous decision from Emmanuel Robles on Jan 20.
“I think that fight helped me a lot going into this fight. It taught me that I can go eight hard rounds. I want to stay ready, and I plan on getting started earlier in the fight. I am going out there to have fun. That is when I am at my best.
“I will show everyone a big difference on Friday night. I have been working very hard, and I will be in better shape, and overall the fans will see a better Kenneth Sims.”
Said Sims promoter, Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions, “Kenneth has all of the talent in the world, and on Friday I feel he will show it. He has a clear head going into this fight and is extremely focused. Chinea is a very solid opponent, and I feel that will bring the best out of Kenneth on Friday 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 Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

Undefeated Keenan Smith Confident and Ready To Face Fellow Unbeaten Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk In Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

        
Live on SHOWTIME, Friday, July 14, 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
“I Will Kill the Beast” – Keenan Smith
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (July 7, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith is ready and confident for his upcoming bout with Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk as the two prepare to meet in an eight-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.
Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.
In the co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap. Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.
Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, debuted on ShoBox in November of 2015, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. The 5-foot-7, 26-year-old, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.
Smith set up training camp in Southern Jersey, and has prepared for this bout with complete focus, and is ready to become a player in the junior welterweight division.
“Camp has been good, and I had a lot of top-notch sparring,” said Smith. “I have been doing a lot of strength and conditioning. This has been a wonderful camp, and on July 14th, the fans will see the best Keenan Smith.”
He continued: “My confidence is at 100%. I will beat him, and I am looking to kill The Beast.”
With a win over Baranchyk, Smith feels he can become an immediate contender at junior welterweight.
“The fight will open doors for me and get me bigger and better opportunities.”
Smith’s promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions is fully behind his fighter and believes a breakout performance is in store for July 14.
“This will be Keenan’s chance to show what we already know: That he is a vastly talented fighter who has the goods to go a long way in this sport,” Mielnicki said. “He has the pedigree and now this is the stage where he becomes a real commodity in boxing. We are looking for a shining performance on July 14.”
Smith is trained by his brother Lemar Smith, and is managed by Doc Nowicki and David Price.
# # #
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

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

 Undefeated Keenan Smith and Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk

Meet In Main Event

 

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

From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

# # #

 

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

 

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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

ESHO TO HEADLINE WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT IN CHICAGO, THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

The entire card has been announced for this weekend’s (Saturday, October 1) Windy City Fight Night at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
 
In the night’s main event, popular super welterweight Achour Esho (11-0, 7 KOs) of Skokie, Illinois, will attempt the second bout of his comeback against capable Eduardo Flores (24-22-3, 15 KOs) of Quito, Ecuador in a six-round battle. 
 
Tickets for Windy City Fight Night are priced at $101, $76, $51 and $36 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000, or the Warriors Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740 or the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) or can be Purchased the night of the event.
 
A battle between an undefeated fighter and a once-beaten fighter will serve as the main supporting bout, as Joshua Greer (9-1-1 3 KOs) of Chicago will take on Juan Gabriel Medina (10-0, 9 KOs) of Dominican Republic in a six-round bantamweight bout between up-and-coming contenders.
 
In one of the featured bouts, exciting knockout puncher Josh Hernandez (3-0, 3 KOs) of Chicago will face Juan M Saldana (2-3) of Tijuana, Mexico, in a four-round super featherweight contest.
 
Also featured is a four-round battle of undefeated fighters, as super featherweight Giovanny Cabrera Mioletti (2-0, 1 KOs) of Chicago takes on Gavino Guaman (4-0) of River Falls, Wisconsin.
 
On the undercard, Chicago’s Yousif Saleh will make his professional debut against Hector Fernandez (2-4, 1 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico in a four-round super featherweight bout; and Chicago lightweight Jessica McCaskill (1-1, 1 KO) will look for her second professional victory against debuting Alexandria Williams (pro debut) of New York City.
 
Windy City Fight Nights were conceived and presented by Warriors Boxing Vice President Dominic Pesoli to introduce and develop local boxing talent. Windy City Fight Nights featured a number of up-and-coming fighters, including nearly all of professional boxing’s current champions and top contenders from the Chicago area including top-rated local talent as Andrzej Fonfara and Adrian Granados, as well as international imports such as current light heavyweight champion Sergei Kovalev.
 
Windy City Fight Night is proudly sponsored by Estrella Jalisco and Bud Light, Unanimous Boxing Gym, Star Auto Body and Repair, and Volver Mexican Cantina & Grill. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 and the action starts at 8:00 pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago. The entire bout card is subject to change.