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WORLD CHAMPIONS MIKEY GARCIA AND  ROBERT EASTER JR. TO MEET IN LIGHTWEIGHT  CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION

Unbeaten Stars Collide Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Tickets on Sale Today at 12 p.m. PT!

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES, (June 11, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. will square-off in a 135-pound unification showdown between unbeaten stars Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will see Garcia look to become a unified champion for the first time in a career that has seen him win titles in four weight classes. Easter, who enters with a 5-inch height and 8-inch reach advantage, looks to stamp his name amongst boxing’s elite by unifying titles at 27 years old, less than two years after capturing his first belt.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale today at 12 p.m. PT. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME Sports continues to lead the industry with the biggest events, the most important matchups, week after week, month after month,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc. “Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. is the third world championship unification match on SHOWTIME this year. A consensus top-10 pound-for-pound champion facing an undefeated young champion while both are in the prime of their careers. July 28 has all the makings of an instant classic.”

 

 

 

“Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter is an outstanding lightweight matchup that is sure to deliver drama for fight fans at STAPLES Center and on SHOWTIME,” Said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Garcia will look to unify in his hometown and further solidify his credentials as boxing’s pound-for-pound best. He’ll have perhaps the toughest test of his career in the unbeaten Easter, who has a lethal combination of size, speed and power that he brings to the ring. With both fighters defending their titles and undefeated records, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss night of boxing in downtown Los Angeles.”

 

 

 

“This is the kind of matchup that boxing fans love and a fight that I believe will certainly live up to expectations,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “With two undefeated world champions, and two of the top guys at 135 pounds, this fight is guaranteed drama. Mikey Garcia will look to become a unified world champion and add another accolade to a career that is already shaping up to be historic. Robert Easter Jr, a proud champion in his own right, is coming to STAPLES Center on July 28 to upset Mikey Garcia in his hometown. This is the quality of matchup that fans watching on SHOWTIME have come to expect and I suspect they will be fulfilled once again when these two warriors meet in the ring.”

 

 

 

“We are really looking forward to this incredible fight at STAPLES Center,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “These two fighters will undoubtedly headline an amazing night of fights for boxing fans in Los Angeles and we are looking forward to welcoming back Premier Boxing Champions and SHOWTIME for the second time in just two months.”

 

 

 

One of Southern California’s most popular fighters, Garcia returns to STAPLES Center for his first fight since becoming a world champion, and his first in California in seven years. Easter returns to the site of his professional debut, having started his career at STAPLES Center in 2012 after serving as an alternate in the London Olympic Games.

 

 

 

Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., became only the third fighter in modern history to become champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, when he defeated Sergey Lipinets for the IBF 140-pound title in March. The 30-year-old relinquished that title so that he can unify the WBC Lightweight World Championship that he won in January 2017 with a highlight reel knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin (ClickHERE to watch Garcia-Zlaticanin KO video)

 

 

 

These wins, combined with a summer 2017 victory over Adrien Broner, have seen Garcia return to the top of pound-for-pound lists after a layoff of two and a half years. Garcia accrued wins over a list of notable names while winning his first two titles at 126 and 130-pounds, including Orlando Salido, Roman Martinez and Juan Manuel Lopez.

 

 

 

“This is the toughest fight of my career to date,” said the four-division champion Garcia. “Robert Easter Jr. is an undefeated world champion who presents serious challenges that I’m going to have to work hard to overcome. Unifying titles is something I’ve dreamed of doing for many years, and to do it at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles will make it even more special. This is the kind of fight that will help my legacy. To be the best you have to beat the best, and Easter is certainly one of the best out there. I’m very thankful to have this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it on July 28.”

 

 

 

Representing his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Easter (21-0, 14 KOs) has made three successful defenses since winning his world title in an exciting contest over Richard Commey in 2016. The 27-year-old delivered a fifth-round destruction of former champion Argenis Mendez to earn the title shot, and since winning the title has held off challenges from Javier Fortuna, Denis Shafikov and Luis Cruz to retain his 135-pound belt.

 

 

 

Easter will be making the move to work with Kevin Cunningham for the first time for this fight and conducting training camp in West Palm Beach with him. Cunningham, the longtime trainer of former world champions such as Devon Alexander and Cory Spinks, spurred Adrien Broner to a strong performance in a draw against Jessie Vargas and Gervonta Davis to a dominant knockout of Jesus Cuellar in their first fights together in April.

 

 

 

“This is a fight I’ve been waiting for and I’m really excited that the time is now,” said Easter. “This is the best fighting the best. These are the fights that boxing is all about. I made the move to train with Kevin Cunningham down in Florida and I think it’s going to help me reach another level. It’s just eat, sleep and train down there. We’re going to be ready on July 28 to put on a show and deliver fireworks.”

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

DEVIN HANEY DEFEATS MASON MENARD BY TKO IN DOMINATING PERFORMANCE FRIDAY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®FROM 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA

Joshua Greer knocks out Glenn Dezurn, Charles Foster dominates Alvin Varmall Jr. & Arnold Khegai defeats Adam Lopez in co-featured bouts

 

 

 

Catch The Replay Monday, May 14 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

 

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2018) – Blue chip lightweight prospect Devin Haney rose to the occasion in what was the toughest test of his career, defeating veteran Mason Menard via ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Haney (20-0, 13 KOs) entered the fight as a highly regarded prospect who had never been tested. He faced his first test on Friday in what was a scheduled 10-round bout against ShoBox veteran Menard (33-3, 24 KOs).

 

 

 

Haney took control of the fight from the opening bell and never relinquished it. The 19-year-old picked off Menard with a dominating jab from the outside and used lateral movement to avoid getting hit.  Menard was unable to land any meaningful punches and he looked sluggish compared to Haney’s consistent movement and athleticism. 

 

 

 

After nine rounds of domination, Menard’s corner had seen enough and stopped the fight following the round. Haney passed the toughest test of his career with flying colors, never once letting Menard take control of the fight.

 

 

 

“The plan was to go in there and work off the jab,” Haney said. “If the knockout came, I would take it but I just went in there, put on a boxing clinic and showed the world that I could go the full 10 rounds.

 

 

 

“I feel like I put on a performance. I was relaxed and did my job.  I’m definitely the next superstar.  There’s only bigger and better things from here on out.   I work very hard.  I went in and put on a good performance against a guy that people said could knock me out or hurt me.”

 

 

 

Following the fight, a defeated Menard was respectful of Haney’s performance.

 

 

 

“He never hurt me. He was catching me with the best shots he could and never hurt me. But the kid can definitely fight,” Menard admitted. 

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospect Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (17-1-1, 9 KOs) scored his third ShoBox knockout against Baltimore native Glenn Dezurn (9-1-2, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

The fight was explosive from the outset, with both fighters pushing the pace. Greer took advantage of Dezurn’s high guard to work the body, while Dezurn pushed forward to engage Greer on the inside. Greer began to dominate in the third round, when a big right hand hurt Dezurn with two minutes remaining.

 

 

 

“I knew he would come hard so I put I the work in the gym to make sure I was ready,” said Greer. “I’m just happy everything paid off.”

 

 

 

Greer hurt Dezurn again in the fifth round with a straight left, and eventually tied him up against the ropes with a succession of blows that almost had Dezurn’s trainer Barry Hunter stopping the fight. After the round, Hunter warned Dezurn that he would stop the fight if Dezurn didn’t fight back.

 

 

 

Despite almost going down in the fifth, Dezurn survived for three more rounds. The injured and exhausted Dezurn wasn’t able to put anything behind his punches and hit the canvas in the eighth round for the first time in his career before referee Benjy Esteves stopped the fight with 1:47 remaining.

 

 

 

“I got caught with a few good shots, but I recovered quickly and I was still in the fight,” Dezurn said.  “I have a lot of heart, which is a gift and a curse for me.”

 

 

 

A confident Greer was pleased with his performance after the fight.

 

 

 

“I wasn’t surprised I could knock him out,” Greer said. “I knew I could break his will.”

 

 

 

In an eight-round featured attraction, light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster (16-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision win against Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-2, 12 KOs), scored 77-75, 78-74, 79-73.

 

 

 

Foster dominated the fight from the outset, controlling the scrappy Varmall, who became the 174th fighter to suffer his first loss on ShoBox. Varmall made a valiant attempt to get inside in the early rounds, but a more disciplined Foster held him at bay, with Vermall stumbling and getting tied up inside.

 

 

 

“My experience was the difference,” Foster said. “He was loading up on one punches and I was sticking to my game plan – sticking behind the jab, working the body.”

 

 

 

Foster peppered Varmall with his lead left hand, tagging his opponent enough to break him down and eventually tire him out. Varmall landed a couple of statement shots but wasn’t able to hurt Foster and by the later rounds, his punches lacked power.

 

 

 

“When he would come on the inside he couldn’t hurt me,” Foster said.  “I was the one controlling the entire fight.”

 

 

 

In the opening bout of the four-fight telecast, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai kept his unblemished record intact with a unanimous decision over veteran Adam Lopez, scored 77-74, 77-74, 78-73.

 

 

 

Making his U.S. debut, the controlled Khegai (12-0-1, 8 KOs) pressed the action from the start. Khegai worked the jab and stayed mobile, capitalizing on a wobbly Lopez (16-2-3, 8 KOs) with a perfectly timed counter punch with 30 seconds remaining in the second round. Khegai stayed busy in the early rounds with consistent counter punches, but earned a point deduction for a hit to the back of Lopez’s head with seconds remaining in the sixth round.

 

 

 

“That was my first fight in the U.S. and I wanted to show something special,” Khegai said. “Everyone was waiting for the knockout, but I wanted to show my boxing skills.  I could have gone for the KO in the middle of the fight, but I wanted to prove that I could box.”

 

 

 

Despite a slight dip in productivity in the later rounds, the Ukrainian stayed efficient, landing 31 body shots compared to just 15 from Lopez.

 

 

 

Lopez, caught off guard by Khegai’s fighting style, was disappointed by his performance in his record-setting seventh ShoBox appearance.

 

 

 

“I was expecting him to be a dirty fighter, but it kind of threw me off my game. The referee kept telling me ‘don’t retaliate, don’t retaliate.’

 

 

 

I couldn’t really land my hard shots. I landed a couple,” Lopez said. “I stunned him in the fourth or fifth with a right uppercut. He got rocked a little bit, but he’s a good fighter. He got out of it.”

 

 

 

 

The event was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Devin Haney Promotions and Hard Hitting Promotions.

 

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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 Richard Gaughanproducing 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.

‘MIKE TYSONESQUE’ LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALVIN VARMALL JR LOOKING TO IMPRESS AGAINST CHARLES FOSTER ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11

A short, but murderous puncher, fighting behind a squat, peekaboo style, light heavyweight Alvin “Iron Majik” Varmall Jr. enjoys the comparisons people make between himself and former heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson.

 

 

 

“I always appreciate the comparison,” said Varmall, “I added ‘Iron’ to my old nickname ‘Majik’ because Mike Tyson is one of my favorite fighters and, by the grace of God, I ended up training at Cus D’Amato’s KO Boxing Gym in Catskill, New York, the same gym that Tyson did, and learning his style in its purest form.”

 

 

 

Currently the only pro fighter training out of the famed gym, Varmall (15-0-1, 12 KOs), originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, will take on New Haven, Connecticut’s Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) this Friday, May 11 in an eight-round featured attraction of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

In the 10-round main event Louisiana’s Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) takes on undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship. In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospects Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) will meet and in the opening televised fight, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout. 

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

The 26-year-old Varmall says he’s been emulating the all-time-great Tyson from his earliest days in boxing.

 

 

 

“The Cus D’Amato style, I guess you could say, is my foundation. From the beginning of my career as an amateur, my first trainer, Rodney Jenkins, he started me out with the peekaboo style and it works the best for me. I ended up having 21 fights with 19 KOs and won the USA Nationals at heavyweight.”

 

 

 

Varmall says he’s in perfect shape and ready to begin carving out his own prize fighting legacy.

 

 

 

“I’m absolutely ready for this opportunity. I’ve waited a long time for it and it’s finally here. I trained the hardest I’ve ever trained and did a lot of things different for this camp. I’m definitely ready to showcase my talents and abilities. To say I’m not nervous, I’d be lying, but it’s about controlling that feeling. That’s what we learn at the Cus D’Amato Gym, how to control our feelings and use that as something to catapult us, instead of hindering us. After it’s all said and done, everyone can say what they want about my performance because I always come to bring my very best.”

 

 

 

Varmall says he realized early in his career that his punching power was well above average by sparring with a full-size heavyweight veteran in Louisiana.

 

 

 

“I was sparring with this guy, “Big” Fred Kassi. He’s from New Orleans. You know how big Fred is. One time, before sparring, he came to the corner and he said, ‘Majik, let me check your gloves. I just want to make sure we’re playing fair.’ After that, my trainer said, ‘see? I told you, you punch hard!”

 

 

 

At the end of the day, Varmall says, he’s not out to match the great Tyson in achievement or legend. He’d rather carve out his own place.

 

 

 

“At the end of the day Mike Tyson was Mike yson and Alvin Varmall Jr. is Alvin Varmall Jr. Even though we both have the foundation of the same style, I do it in the way that is most comfortable for me. That’s what Mike did too. That’s what’s going to help me reach my full potential.”

 

 

 

About Greg Cohen Promotions

 

 

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

 

 

 

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

 

 

 

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

 

 

 

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

 

 

 

Cohen currently promotes undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion a top contender Jarrell Miller, top-rated middleweight contender Robert Brant, and former WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and world-rated contender Mason Menard, among many others.

 

 

 

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

 

 

 

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Adam Lopez Reunites With Former Trainer For Must-Win Fight This Friday On ShoBox: The New Generation

 

Lopez Battles Undefeated Arnold Khegai Live on SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia

 

Nutley, N.J. (May 9, 2018) – Super Bantamweight prospect Adam Lopez has reunited with his former trainer for his eight-round matchup with undefeated Arnold Khegai this Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation in the opening bout of a four-fight SHOWTIME telecast (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) is back under the tutelage of former world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, returning to his hometown of San Antonio after completing his previous two camps in New Jersey.

 

 

 

“This fight is do or die,” Lopez said. “In the situation I am in now, this could make or break my career. Everything is really good and I’m happy to be back with Carlos Hernandez. Once I got back with him, a lot of what we worked on before is coming back. The sport is repetitive, and I have been sparring with aggressive guys.”

 

 

 

In Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lopez is facing a tough and hard-nosed fighter from Ukraine. Lopez has done extensive scouting on his adversary, who will be making his American debut.

 

 

 

“I have seen just about all of his fights, and he is definitely aggressive,” Lopez said. “I know he is a former kickboxer. He is a rugged guy, but I am a veteran, who has faced many styles, so I am ready for whatever he will bring on Friday.”

 

 

 

Lopez has become a favorite on ShoBox and Friday is his record seventh appearance on the prospect developmental series. He is committed and ready to seize this opportunity against an undefeated prospect.

 

 

 

“I need to take advantage of this opportunity,” Lopez said. “I think I have always performed well on ShoBox, and I have gained a lot of fans because I have been on a handful of times.Friday, I want to put on a great show, and then get in the mix with all of the top 122-pound fighters. I am recently married, and on Friday night, it will prove to be my time.”

 

 

 

“Adam knows that this is a big opportunity,” said GH3 Promotions CEO, Vito Mielnicki. “Adam has shown his willingness to take on all comers, and Friday will be no different.   For him to be making his seventh ShoBox appearance, shows what kind of fighter he is.”

 

 

 

Lopez is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

‘BLUE COLLAR’ DEZURN NOT FAZED BY PRE-FIGHT HYPE, READY TO GO TO WORK AGAINST JOSH GREER ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 11

Maryland native Glenn Dezurn says it really doesn’t matter what his normally talkative opponent, Chicago’s Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) says or does before they meet in their 10-round super-bantamweight showdown Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

When you’re where he’s from and seen what he’s seen, inside the ring and out, an opponent who likes to talk doesn’t faze you. Not at all.

 

 

 

The pair will meet in the co-featured bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs), who had 94 amateur fights before turning professional five years ago, says opponent Greer, known for pre-fight hype including a pillow emblazoned with “Night Night,” is only hurting himself with the trash talk.

 

 

 

“The pressure isn’t on me,” he explained. “Where I come from, if you talk it, make sure you can walk it. The pressure is on him to back up whatever he says. It doesn’t bother me. I’m more of a doer than a talker. I only speak when I need to.”

 

 

 

Describing himself as a “blue-collar” fighter, the humble Dezurn won’t make a pre-fight prediction heading into battle, but will only say that he and trainer Barry Hunter are treating this fight no differently.

 

 

 

“Nothing is written in stone in boxing and there is no guarantee of winning against any fighter. You put in the work and believe in yourself. Fights are won in the gym with hard work. I will win because of my personality and my work ethic. I come to do my job and put my life on the line to entertain. My game plan in every fight is always the same: I just make adjustments in the ring as the fight goes on and react to whatever he is doing. I have a high ring IQ and I can adjust to anything.”

 

 

 

The 30-year-old says he’s set one goal in boxing and is enjoying his journey to reach it.

 

 

 

“I want to win a world championship. I set that goal for myself and once I achieve that, I can go on to my other goals in other areas of life. I’m earning my way to the championship the hard way against good fighters. That’s what I want. I’m living my dreams right now. And I will get there one day.”

 

 

 

“You will not meet a more humble, more down-to-earth fighter than Glenn Dezurn,” said his promoter, Greg Cohen. “He and his wife, Franchon, are very nice people who work hard to get they are. Glenn isn’t about flash. He’s about doing everything you have to do to be successful and he will get wherever he wants to be in life because of that.”

 

 

 

In the 10-round main event on SHOWTIME, Louisiana’s Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) takes on undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship. In other televised action, light heavyweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) over eight rounds; and in the opening bout, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

VIDEO: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY HAS ASPIRATIONS OF GREATNESS HEADING INTO SHOBOX DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

“I’m not going to stop until I am the face of boxing.”

 

Haney Faces Mason Menard In The Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME At 10 p.m. ET/PT


Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2I1ziSC

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WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports delivers a behind-the-scenes look into the life and training camp of blue-chip prospect Devin Haney as he prepares for the toughest test of his career against Mason Menard in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, May 11, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.

 

 

 

The undefeated Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) makes his ShoBox debut against the seasoned Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast featuring a number of ShoBox veterans.

 

 

 

The young and flashy Haney turned professional at the age of 16 in Mexico. He has earned a reputation as a boxing prodigy, having sparred with Sean Porter, Jessie Vargas and Floyd Mayweather, who he aspires to emulate both in and out of the ring.

 

 

 

“Coming up in the area with Floyd, you see all the cars, all the jewelry, all the money he has,” Haney said. “That’s what I’m working for.

 

 

 

“I’ve been calling out all the big games names in my weight class. A lot of them have been turning me down.”

 

 

 

In the co-feature, super bantamweights Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) both return to ShoBox for the third time. In an eight-round featured attraction, former national champion Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) in a matchup of undefeated light heavyweight prospects.

 

 

 

In the eight-round opening bout, undefeated super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will take on skilled veteran Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs). It will be the record seventh appearance for Lopez on ShoBox.

REVAMPED AND RENEWED MASON MENARD RETURNS TO FACE HOT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11, IN PHILADELPHIA

Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard is focused and determined like no other time during his career.

 

 

 

The lightweight contender moved six hours from his home and two children in Louisiana to train with a new team in Dallas alongside the likes of WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr.

 

 

 

Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) will face undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship on Friday, May 11, in the 10-round main event of the popular prospect series ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospects Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) will meet. In an eight-round featured attraction, light heavyweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs); and in the opening televised fight, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

“Everything has changed,” said Menard. “The way I eat in my off-time, my team, my management, my trainers, the way I train. Everything.”

 

 

 

The 29-year-old Menard says his home state of Louisiana simply couldn’t offer the level of training he is now getting, working with new trainers Nathan Pipitone, Maurice James and Aaron Navarro, while sparring with world champions.

 

 

 

“I’m in Dallas to better my career,” Menard continued. “Louisiana just doesn’t have what I need to take it to the next level and compete. I’m working hard here and it’s what I need. I’m pushing the tempo and sharpening my skills.”

 

 

 

Fighting live on ShoBox in 2016, Menard scored a brutal Knockout of the Year candidate over previously undefeated Eudy Bernardo and got another ShoBox win later that year with an impressive KO over Bahodir Mamadjonov. He then suffered his only loss since 2008, in a short-notice showdown with WBO Lightweight Champion Raymundo Beltran.

 

 

 

He returned from the setback in March 2017 with a decision win, but suffered a serious injury.

 

 

 

“I had a detached front rotator cuff tendon and partial torn biceps tendon. It gave out on me in my last fight in the first round. I’ve had surgery on it, and rehabbed it, and now I’m ready to return to the world stage. I’m in with a good, slick boxer, but my trainers have a game plan and we have been working on a few things that he does, just to be prepared for what’s to come against him. I’ll be ready.”

 

 

 

Menard says the hardest part of preparing to face one of boxing’s most talked-about prospects on national television is the loneliness of missing his two beloved daughters, Demi (8 years old) and newborn Amelia.

 

 

 

“I get homesick. I miss my babies back home, but it’ll all be worth it,” he said. “It’s my job and I’m going to do it.”

King’s Promotions signs former world title challenger José “Chelo” González to a promotional contract  

Reading, PA (December 27, 2017) – King’s Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of former world title challenger José “Chelo” González to a promotional contract.
González, 34 of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico has a record of 24-2 with 19 knockouts.
González won his first 19 bouts with wins over Osenohan Vázquez (1-0), Eric Cruz (5-1-2), Hector Marengo (5-0-4) & Edgardo Soto (12-2). 
On June 3, 2011, González won the WBO Latino Lightweight title with a 6th round stoppage over Gerardo Cuevas.
González made five successful defenses before challenging WBO Lightweight world champion Ricky Burns on May 11, 2013.
González was dominating that bout and well on his way to becoming a world champion before injuring his wrist and retiring from the bout after the 10th round.
González rebounded by re-winning the WBO Latino Lightweight title and defending it with a 5th round stoppage over Marvin Quintero (26-5).
González will be looking to come back after a two-and-a-half year layoff.
González stated: “I am very happy with this new chapter in my career.  I am returning to the ring with plenty of excitement and with the same dedication I have always had.  I thank Marshall and King’s Promotions for the opportunity and I have no doubt that together we will return to a world title.”
“We are excited to bring Jose into the fold.  He is a world championship caliber fighter, and is a terrific addition to King’s Promotions.  We are looking to make his debut in early March, and if he performs we can see very big opportunities in his future,” said King’s Promotions CEO Marshall Kauffman.
For more information and media credentials, Contact:

Jessica McCaskill Gets Her Wish to Face Katie Taylor: Social Media Challenges Turn to Women’s Super Fight on December 13 in London

Christmas comes a little early this year for hard-punching Warriors Boxing lightweight Jessica ‘CasKILLA’ McCaskill.

All year, she and manager/trainer Rick Ramos have been expressing their wish, via social media, to face Irish gold medalist turned professional world champion Katie Taylor.
On Wednesday, December 13, they will get their wish, as Chicago-based McCaskill (5-1, 3 KOs) will challenge Taylor (7-0, 4 KOs) for her WBA Lightweight Championship at York Hall in London, England, and live before a massive audience on Sky Sports.
“I’m relieved. I’ve been working toward this fight for a long time,” said McCaskill, rated #2 in the world at 135 lbs and #1 in the United States in women’s boxing. “We have been training for this fight since my last fight because we knew it was coming and we’ve definitely bumped up the intensity.”
Before turning professional a year ago, the popular Taylor, from Bray, won lightweight gold at the 2012 London Olympics, as well as an impressive assortment of world and European amateur championships. Known as the Irish athlete of her entire generation, Taylor is regarded as a superstar in the UK because of her aggressive and crowd-pleasing style.
“I’ve never watched a full fight of hers,” professed McCaskill. “I’ve seen some highlights. I see mistakes she makes, but it’s not so much what I see in her. It’s what I see in all her opponents. They’ve all been scared of her. I am not. You won’t see any fear in me. Everybody else was terrified to engage her. They just showed up. I’ll be fighting to the last bell.”
Much of the credit for landing the fight must go to Ramos, who doggedly pursued Taylor and her promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, on social media.
“I felt like offended about comments Katie and Eddie made about how no one wants to fight her,” explained Ramos. “I remember thinking, ‘well, NO ONE called Jessica. We would love to fight Katie!’ That kind of started everything. Eddie Hearn finally did contact me via Instagram and things started getting real. I was happy that my social-media tactic worked!”
McCaskill, who also works full-time in Regulatory and Reporting at R.J. O’Brien & Associates investment bank in Chicago, says she’s not intimidated about stepping into Taylor’s home field for this fight. In fact, she’s expecting a number of her fans to be there as well.
“It’s funny because of my job and my previous investment banking job, I have a lot of contacts and friends over there who are excited to show up for me. My company I work for has a branch that is three miles from the venue. I’ll be expecting a lot of fans there for me as well that night. It would be incredible to headline over there and to break her undefeated record and get my first world title in one night in front of them. I can’t wait!”
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Lightweight Prospect Thomas Mattice stops Orlando Rizo in 7 

Nutley, NJ (November 17, 2017)–This past Saturday night, lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice remained undefeated by stopping grizzled veteran Orlando Rizo in round seven of their scheduled eight-round bout at the Atrium Arena in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Mattice is promoted by GH3 Promotions.
Mattice of Cleveland, Ohio improved his mark to 10-0 with eight knockouts.
The 27 year-old Mattice took out a veteran who has been in the ring with several world champions and contenders.
“I feel good.  He was a tough veteran, but I caught him with some good shots, and as veterans do, he kept on coming, but I kept on landing and eventually got him out of their,”said Mattice.
Mattice is developing into a young veteran, as he went in there with a good idea of what he wanted to do.
“I learned a lot in that fight.  I took my time, and worked off the jab.  I picked my shots and was not in a rush.  I started to work the body and eventually broke him.”
Even though there is only six weeks left in the year, Mattice would not mind getting in another fight before the calendar changes to 2018.
“I may try to sneak one more in before the end of the year.  If not, I will be back in there in January or early February.  2018 is going to be a big year for.  I can see myself being ranked across the board by this time next year as I want to go from a prospect to a contender.  This was a great fight for me, but expect to see me in bigger fights in 2018.”
His promoter Vito Mielncki of GH3 Promotions is on the same page as the three-year veteran, Mattice.
“That was a quality win over Rizo.  Rizo is a guy who is a veteran who has faced everybody.  That is 4 straight knockouts for Thomas and now he is coming into his power.  He is really developing and I can see some great things for him as we look towards 2018.”