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Rising Star Tim Tszyu Makes Much Anticipated U.S. Debut Facing U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Saturday, March 26 Live on SHOWTIME

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Rising Undefeated Lightweight Contender Michel Rivera Duels Fellow Unbeaten Joseph Adorno in Co-Main Event
 
Super Lightweight Contender Elvis Rodríguez Takes on
Juan José Velasco in Telecast Opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
MINNEAPOLIS – March 9, 2022 – Top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu will make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez faces Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.
 
“Tim Tszyu has risen up the rankings and established himself as a serious contender at the top of the loaded 154-pound division, and he’ll look to make a splash stateside when he faces the highly-skilled and experienced Terrell Gausha,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The action will be coming throughout this lineup, as lightweight phenom Michel Rivera takes on the undefeated Joseph Adorno, while Elvis Rodríguez looks to continue his ascent in the super lightweight division against the always tough Juan José Velasco.”
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
 
The son of former unified champion Kostya, Tim Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising contenders at 154-pounds. Tszyu headlines on SHOWTIME following in his father’s footsteps after Kostya competed 10 times on the network, including memorable knockouts of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Zab Judah. Fighting out of his native Sydney, Australia, Tszyu will make his U.S. debut on March 26 after earning his first 20 pro wins in his home country. The 27-year-old went the 12-round distance for the first time in his last fight, dominating Takeshi Inoue on his way to a unanimous decision in November 2021. The decision victory came after Tszyu had put together stoppage wins in eight of his previous ten outings.
 
“I’m very excited to be fighting in the U.S., especially on SHOWTIME, where my dad was featured for most of his career,” said Tszyu. “I’m proud and excited to continue on the Tszyu name with SHOWTIME. Once I take care of Gausha, I will be coming for the title.”
 
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif., where he is trained by Manny Robles and Prenice Brewer. The 34-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Erickson Lubin. Gausha showed improved power in his most recent bout, stopping rising contender Jamontay Clark in two rounds in March 2021.
 
“I’ve been ready for this fight for a long time,” said Gausha. “I came into this game to be a world champion and fight the best. I expect Tim to come in great shape and I’ll also come in my best shape to put on a great fight for the fans. My coaches are getting me prepared perfectly for the kind of fight I need to put on so that I can leave the ring victorious.”
 
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (22-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron on SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Rivera carried his dominance into 2021 with three more victories, including a stoppage of Anthony Mercado in February before delivering a highlight-reel knockout of Jon Fernandez in July on SHOWTIME. He most recently scored a shutout unanimous decision over Matias Romero in October.
 
“This is a great opportunity for me to display my talents once again against a high-quality opponent in Joseph Adorno,” said Rivera. “I’m ready to take on anyone willing to challenge me until my time comes to fight for the world title. My goal is to be victorious on March 26 and then face Gervonta Davis for his title. With each fight I’m getting closer to reaching that goal. I can’t wait to show off all the hard work that I’ve put into this camp on fight night.”
 
Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs) has fought to a draw in each of his last two fights, dropping fellow unbeaten Jamaine Ortiz twice in April 2021 after dueling Héctor “Guadaña” García in January 2020. The 22-year-old was born in Union City, New Jersey and now resides in Allentown, Pa., having fought in nearby Philadelphia five times throughout his career. Adorno turned pro in 2016 at the age of 17 after a standout amateur career where he amassed a 178-22 record and beat Shakur Stevenson’s twice.  He has scored knockout victories in nine of his first 10 pro fights.
 
“This fight is a chance for me to show my true talents,” said Adorno. “Not taking anything away from Rivera, but I know I’m going to be the better fighter on March 26. I’m working with a new trainer, Raúl ‘Chino’ Rivas, who has trained many talented fighters, and I’m ready to showcase myself at my very best. I’m more focused than ever and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Everybody better be ready for a show on March 26.”
 
Rodríguez (12-1-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from his first career defeat, a majority decision loss to Kenneth Sims Jr., to knockout the previously unbeaten Juan Pablo Romero on the Canelo vs. Plant SHOWTIME PPV® undercard in November. The 26-year-old burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights and put together an impressive five wins in 2020. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez now lives in Los Angeles
 
“March 26 is another step toward my world championship goal,” said Rodríguez. “I am fighting a tough veteran fighter who has faced top-level competition. I’ve stayed in camp through Christmas so that I can be 100% ready for this fight. Winning on March 26 means a lot for my career and I hope that a win will put me in contention for a title shot this year. I want to show the world that I’m ready for the big names in the division.”
 
The 34-year-old Velasco (23-2, 14 KOs) enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak, having most recently earned a split decision victory over Zachary Ochoa in February 2021. A native of Jujuy, Argentina, Velasco has tangled with some of the toughest fighters in the 140-pound division, including former champions Mario Barrios and Regis Prograis. Velasco will fight in the U.S. for the fifth time on March 26.
 
“I’m very honored to be on a great card like this,” said Velasco. “This is actually the second time that I’ve been preparing to face Rodríguez, so I know what I’m up against. He’s going to come into the right at 100%, just like I will. May the best man win on March 26.”
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.
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Silva confident ahead of Saturday bout with Lopez

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New Orleans, LA (July 12, 2018) – When lightweight William “Baby Face” Silva arrived in New Orleans yesterday afternoon, he stepped off the plane and raised both hands in the air.

 

 

 

Every time a plane lands in New Orleans, happy travelers throw their hands up in a pre-celebratory fashion of what’s to come during their time in the Big Easy. Silva’s pose however is one he expects to replicate Saturday evening after he defeats hot prospect Teofimo Lopez when the two face off at New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena.

 

 

 

Silva, 25-1 (14 KO’s), completed an intense training camp under head trainer Jose Rodriguez in Plant City, FL. Originally from Brazil and now fighting out of Florida, Silva is cool, calm and confident heading into his bout with the highly touted 9-0 Lopez, who many consider one of boxing’s future stars.

 

 

 

“Everything was perfect in camp and this is the kind of opportunity I need to show everybody the fighter I truly am. Lopez is a talented boxer but I’ve got a big edge in experience and know what it’s like to be in a big fight. I’m ready or Saturday night and will do whatever is necessary to have my hand raised at the end of the fight.”

 

 

 

Silva’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, immediately jumped at the opportunity for his fighter to challenge Lopez and anxiously awaits Saturday night.

 

 

 

“William needed a fight like this to get him to the level we know he’s capable of. Team Silva has respect for Teofimo Lopez and know he’s rated as one of the top young boxers but William is going to show the world that he’s among the best 135 pound fighters Saturday night.”

 

 

 

Promoted by Top Rank Inc. in association with DiBella Entertainment, Silva-Lopez fight is scheduled for 10 rounds and is for the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight title. It airs live ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 pm E.T. It precedes the WBC interim 140 pound championship matchup between champion Regis Prograis and Juan Jose Velasco.

 

 

 

Fans can follow Silva on Instagram @Willian_Baby_Face and for more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit www.firefistboxing.net.

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Silva ready to shine against Lopez

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Plant City, FL (June 26, 2018) – Lightweight William “Baby Face” Silva has an outstanding professional record of 25-1 with 14 wins by knockout. The Plant City, FL based Brazilian won most of his bouts comfortably and has been top 15 rated.

 

 

 

Teofimo Lopez is considered a blue chip prospect though he’s yet to face a stiff challenge as a professional.

 

 

 

The talented 20-year-old represented Honduras at the 2016 Olympics and is 9-0 with 7 wins by knockout. Following a recent ESPN televised first round KO, Lopez received much attention for a victory dance he did honoring the popular game Fortnite.

 

 

 

On July 14, Silva and Lopez square off over ten rounds for the WBC Continental Americas lightweight title. The bout will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA. A large crowd is expected.

 

 

 

With just over two weeks until the opening bell sounds, Silva’s sharpening his tools in an intense camp with head trainer Jose Rodriguez at Plant City Boxing Gym. Between extra time in the gym, world class sparring and an added motivation from the public viewing him as an underdog, Silva is confident July 14 will elevate his career, not Lopez’.

 

 

 

“I feel great and our preparations have gone exactly as planned so far,” Silva said following a training session at Plant City Boxing Gym. “Lopez is a good fighter but this is a great opportunity to show that I’m also a top talent. My team and I will be prepared for victory July 14.”

 

 

 

Silva’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing, has seen a significant improvement in his fighter in the last six months and believes that Lopez is in for a surprise.

 

 

 

“I believe some people are probably expecting to see the William Silva they did against Felix Verdejo but they’re in for a major surprise. He’s a totally different fighter now and improvements have been made across the board that I’ve seen firsthand in the gym. If Lopez and his supporters are viewing Silva as a stepping stone with a good record it’s not only motivation for our side but a major mistake on theirs.”

 

 

 

The card is headlined by a battle of unbeatens between New Orleans’ very own Regis Prograis and Argentina’s Juan Jose Velasco for the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim super lightweight title.

 

 

 

Promoted by Top Rank in Association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets from $40 are on sale now at the Lakefront Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-8000. Military, student and New Orleans Police Department members can receive discounted seats with a valid ID at the box office.

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Velasco Looking Forward to War with Prograis

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Upcoming world super-lightweight challenger Juan Jose “El Pitbull” Velasco says he’s happy to be facing a fighter being labeled a potential new star in boxing on Saturday, July 14.

 

 

 

Velasco (20-0, 12 KOs), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, will challenge interim WBC World Super Lightweight Champion Regis Prograis at the Lakefront Arena in Prograis’ birthplace of New Orleans, Louisiana.

 

 

 

The southpaw Prograis became champion last March with a head-turning TKO 2 over capable former champion Julius Indongo.

 

 

 

“I am glad he is being called a new star,” said Velasco. “I only want to fight the best, so I can become the best myself. He’s a very good fighter and I know it will be a true war.”

 

 

 

31-year-old Velasco says he’s in great shape, training in Miami, and looks forward to making his dream of a world title come true.

 

 

 

How is training going?

Training is going fantastic! I am in Miami at Caicedo Sports Training Camp, working with Herman Caicedo. Herman is relentless. As soon as he picked me up, traveling from Argentina to Miami. He took me straight to the track and ran drills for an hour.

 

 

 

Talk to me about the opportunity to fight for world championship?

It’s a dream come true. My whole pro career it has been my dream. I found out I was fighting for the championship immediately after my last fight. My promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, informed me of the opportunity and told me I would be training in Miami with Herman.

 

 

 

You haven’t left your home country to fight much, are you going to be your usual self fighting basically in his hometown in the US?

No, I haven’t been out much and it’s an honor to be fighting in the USA. I don’t know any other way than to be myself in a fight. Herman is improving on my skills and adding some details to it. Herman and I have gelled immediately. I am sure, due to his experience with champions, that he knows how to adapt to individuals. Fighting in his hometown is on him. I have zero pressure and can only gain fans fighting there.

 

 

 

Why will you win this fight?

I will win this fight because I am hungry to be a champion. I’m hungry to be where he is at and hungry to better my family.

 

 

 

Describe yourself as a fighter for American fans who haven’t seen you yet.

I am a boxer puncher who can adapt to what is in front of me. Are you doing anything different in training for this fight? Answer: yes, the major difference is training with Herman Caicedo in Miami. He has had great success with lots of fighters and one of the few coaches to develop a fighter into a champion from pro debuts. He is a teacher. I look forward to much success with him.

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Silva to face Lopez July 14 on ESPN

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Plant City, FL (May 16, 2018) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ William “Baby Face” Silva will challenge undefeated Olympian Teofimo Lopez in a ten round lightweight contest Saturday, July 14 at the Lakefront Arena at the University of New Orleans.

 

 

 

Silva-Lopez opens a Top Rank promoted ESPN telecast headlined by New Orleans’ own Regis Prograis, 21-0 (18 KO’s), against Argentina’s  Juan Jose Velasco, 20-0 (12 KO’s), for the WBC interim junior welterweight championship.

 

 

 

Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil and fighting out of Plant City, FL, Silva has an outstanding professional ledger of 25-1 with 14 knockouts. In his most recent bout, Silva shutout Rogelio Casarez to capture the IBO Continental and NBA World lightweight championships. The 31-year-old Silva trains under Jose Rodriguez at the Plant City Boxing Gym and made significant strides since his lone setback against Felix Verdejo in 2016.

 

 

 

Widely regarded among America’s best young fighters, Lopez is a perfect 9-0 with 7 wins by knockout. On May 12, Lopez demolished once-beaten Vitor Jones Freitas in 64 seconds. Born in Brooklyn, NY and based in Davie, FL, the highly-touted Lopez represented his parents’ home country of Honduras in the 2016 Olympics but lost in the opening round eventual silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha of France.

 

 

 

The Silva-Lopez bout is for the NBA World and IBO Continental lightweight titles.

 

 

 

“We’re extremely excited for the opportunity to get William back on a major platform,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Lopez is a very talented fighter and we respect his ability but William has a major edge in experience. He’s improved tremendously since his last big fight against Verdejo and I think the boxing world is in for a surprise July 14.”

 

 

 

More information on the card will be available shortly.