Tag Archives: Malik Hawkins

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DMITRY BIVOL TRAINING CAMP QUOTES IN ADVANCE OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Friday, April 14 Live on SHOWTIME

From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland

Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME(10 p.m. ET/PT) at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Known for his aggressive style, the 26-year-old Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a decorated amateur and former Russian National Champion at 178 pounds, who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes.  Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance onShoBox.

 

Bivol is managed by Los Angeles-based Vadim Konilov and trained by Gennady Mashianov. He has recently ended his sparring sessions at both Wild Card Gym and Wild Card West in Southern California where he has been training in the same camp with fellow countryman and 2010 European super heavyweight amateur gold medalist Sergey Kuzmin.

 

Here’s a quick question and answer session through an interpreter after visiting with Bivol at the apartment where he has been residing for the past five weeks in the heart of Hollywood.

 

Question: Overall, how would you assess how your training camp went?

 

Bivol: “I think that training camp went very good. One of the reasons I decided to come to Southern California to train was that there are so many different sparring partners here. We had a very spirited camp and I consider myself ready for the fight.”

 

Question: What kind of fight do you expect from such a strong opponent as Samuel Clarkson?

 

Bivol: “I’m expecting for him to get in the ring and push himself and come forward. I know he’ll come out aggressive and try to put the pressure on me. We’ll see.”

 

Question: You are young and have only nine pro fights, but are already fighting to defend an interim world title. Are you happy with the way your pro career has started?

 

Bivol: “To be honest, I don’t really ever think about the belt and the interim title. For me the main WBA belt is the most important one and I want to stay at the top of the rankings to get it. As far as my career going too fast, I don’t believe so. I think I have more than enough experience in the amateurs and that I’ve aligned myself with the best trainer and sparring partners out there. So I’m happy where my career is at right now. I don’t think it’s progressing too fast.”

 

Question: There are some that are picking this fight as 50/50? Why do you think they are predicting this fight can go either way?”

 

Bivol: “This is boxing and I think there are a lot of fights that are 50/50. Anything can happen. You never know; upsets can happen at any time. For me this is step-up fight. Not only because of how good my opponent is, but also because of what it means to me. Winning this fight will open the door to many opportunities.”

 

Question: How important is it to put on a good show and put on an exciting performance fighting in your first main event on SHOWTIME?

 

Bivol: “Sure everything is amped up a little bit more because it’s on SHOWTIME. But every time I step into the ring I want to put on a good show for the fans. This time, probably a little bit more so, but the most important thing is to get the win.”

 

Question: Is there one weaknesses you have worked on during this training camp?

 

Bivol: “I don’t think there are any weaknesses, so it’s been like any other training camp. I can’t talk about what I’ve been preparing for from my opponent. You will have to wait and see it in the ring.”

 

Question: What do you think about training in Southern California?

 

Bivol: “I love everything about it. The best thing though is the weather. In my hometown city in Russia, St. Petersburg, we don’t have weather like this. I like the atmosphere here and the people and where we train. I just like it all.”

 

Question: You have a large collection of amateur medals. Where are they displayed?

 

Bivol: “I keep them all in one place in my parents’ home. We don’t think we deserve them all. It is something they are very proud of.”

 

Question: What do you think about the other top Russian boxers like Ruslan Provodnikov and Sergey Kovalev?

 

Bivol: “I respect them all. There are some that are very famous in Russia, but also very famous here. And I see that. They are really good fighters and I’m ready to be at that same level, if not even at a higher level. I’m not in this sport just to stay in shape, I’m here to show and prove that I can be the best in the world.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

 

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

 

# # #

 

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, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

 

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

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UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS MALIK HAWKINS AND CARLOS SOTO MEET ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14 IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CO-FEATURE

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Live on SHOWTIME® From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland 

 

NEW YORK (April 6, 2017) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins meets fellow unbeaten Carlos Soto in the eight-round co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m.ET/PT) from The Theater at MGM National Harbor, MD., just outside Washington, D.C.

 

Malik was originally scheduled to face Venezuelan amateur standout Juan Ruiz, but due to an injury in his right hand, Ruiz was forced to withdraw.

 

In the main event of the ShoBox tripleheader, former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol defends his interim WBA Light Heavyweight belt against Samuel Clarkson and unbeaten Glenn Dezurn meets two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in an eight-round super bantamweight showdown.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing andUprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

 

Malik, (10-0, 7 KOs), of Baltimore, Md., amassed a 92-8 record in the amateurs and won the Bronze Medal in the 2012 Junior Olympics. He shares the same trainer –Calvin Ford– with stablemate and IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.

 

“I’m excited and eager to get in the ring,” said 21-year-old Hawkins, “My new opponent is another reason for me to stay focused and work ever harder.  There’s a lot at stake for me. This is the first step to give my child the life I never had.

 

“I don’t know anything about the dude,” he laughed, “But I never really look up at who I’m fighting anyway. Training is going great and I’m in the best shape I have ever been in my career. I can feel it; it’s going to be an epic night for me.”

 

With a new mouth to feed, just before the biggest fight of his career, Hawkins could be excused for feeling some extra pressure. “I’ve fought on TV before, but there’s no doubt this is a bigger stage. I can’t say how I will win, but let’s just say that by the end of the fight, you’ll all know I won.”

 

 

Soto, (13-0-2, 7 KOs), a seven-year pro from Torreon, Mexico is making his United States and television debut. He’s coming off of a third-round TKO over Alonso Martinez in February following a three-year hiatus due to issues with his promoter. He’s a licensed engineer and a full time, CrossFit-certified personal trainer and.

 

“I’ve been active in the gym and I’m very confident in my abilities,” said the 28-year-old.  “I’ve been training for about a year, and I’ve been in fighting shape for about a year. I also ran two marathons during that time.

 

“I see myself as a boxer-puncher. I can box on the outside, but I can also mix it up on the inside. I’m intelligent in the ring and aggressive – I can go forward – but I have the option to either box or punch. I can be effective either way, depending on how the fight goes.

 

“I’ve seen a couple of videos of Malik Hawkins. He’s tall, he’s got good distance. He’s fast and intelligent, but I haven’t seen him put together many punches. I see him more as a passive, tactical type fighter, not someone who’s going to be aggressive like me.

 

“I’m there to fight, I won’t ever quit on my stool. I’ve got a lot of heart and a lot of desire. I’m very proud of my undefeated record, and I’m very motivated to keep my winning streak alive.”

 

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, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

 

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

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated Justin Hurd added to non-televised card on Friday, April 14th at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland

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Tickets On Sale Now!
 NEW YORK (March 31, 2017) – Undefeated junior middleweight, Justin Hurd has been added to the non-televised undercard on Friday night, April 14th at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.
The ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader will feature undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) in the main event and a matchup of undefeated welterweights in the co-feature, Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) squaring off in an eight-round bout. Super bantamweight prospect Glenn Dezurn will meet unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in the eight-round telecast opener  live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) .
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.
Hurd of Accokeek, Maryland has a record of 2-0 with one knockout, and is the brother of current IBF Junior Middleweight champion, Jarrett Hurd.
The 23 year-old Justin Hurd had an 18 bout amateur career, and like his brother, he is trained by Ernesto Rodriguez.
“My training has been great  I have been staying ready, and I am excited to fight at MGM National Harbor.  I expect to have a lot of fans at the fight,” said Hurd.
Being around an accomplished brother, Hurd is grateful for the success that Jarrett has achieved and has learned a lot from the journey that garnered Jarrett a world title.
“Jarrett has opened a lot of doors, but when people see us fight they will see that our styles our different.  He has power, and I go by the name of “Slick” Justin Hurd.  I like to use my combinations and I show my quickness.”
That is a sentiment that trainer Rodriguez echoes.
“Justin is different then Jarrett.  He uses hand-speed, Jarrett uses his size.  You will see that Justin fights in much of the same manner of Meldrick Taylor, and he mixes in some deceiving power,” said Rodriguez.  “Justin is electric, and is calculating with good reflexes.  He will be a force to be reckoned with.  He is fighting at 154 pounds now, but we will slowly be taking him to 147.”
Justin Hurd considers himself a real student of the game and has followed the advice of both his big brother and trainer.
“What I have learned by watching Jarrett go through his run is to listen to our trainers.  I learned that my trainers tell us what to do for good reason.  With that in mind, I just am ready to put on a show and am grateful to be added to the card on April 14th.”
Hurd joins Hasim Rahman, Jr., Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover on the non-televised undercard.
# # #
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,
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SAMUEL CLARKSON IN ‘THE SHAPE OF HIS LIFE’ FOR TITLE CHALLENGE AGAINST DMITRY BIVOL APRIL 14 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN MARYLAND

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NEW YORK (March 29, 2017) – Light heavyweight title challenger Samuel Clarkson says he’s in the shape of his life for his shot at Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol on Friday, April 14, live on SHOWTIME.
 
Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) will face the undefeated Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.  In the co-feature, undefeated welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round bout.  
 
NOTE: In a matchup that was confirmed on Wednesday as the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast, Baltimore’s undefeated Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) will face unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KOs), of New Brunswick, N.J., in an eight-round super bantamweight bout. 
 
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.
 
“I upped intensity 1000 times for this camp,” said Clarkson.  “I had better sparring, did more miles running and way more rounds doing bag work.  Everything I’ve done has been intense and we added a lot more into it.”
 
Clarkson did half his training in his home state of Texas and the second half in Brooklyn, where he has sparred with some well-known names.
 
“I’ve been working with guys like Sean Monaghan and Joe Smith Jr.  I’ve had over 110 rounds of sparring since coming to Brooklyn.  I wanted to push my sparring to the max.  I’m not saying there isn’t competition in Dallas, but I wanted different looks and to be out of my comfort zone.  I got what I was looking for here.”
 
Clarkson says he can tell he’s in the shape of his life for this fight.
 
“I’m seeing new muscles,” said Clarkson, who has won nine straight fights.  “The power was already there, but my speed is great now too.  I will most definitely come in under weight.  We’ve put a lot of focus on weight this time.  The goal is to eat breakfast before weighing in.  I have kept on a very strict diet – my dad cooks everything and we’re eating right.
 
“I’m ready for war.  I’m not afraid of this guy.  I’m ready to fight.”
 
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, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,
ww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.
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 68 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 
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Heralded Prospects Ruben Villa & Michael Dutchover to make East Coast-debuts on Friday, April 14th at The MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland

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Tickets On Sale Now !
Ruben Villa (left) and Michael Dutchover 
Oxon Hill, Md. (March 28, 2017) -Highly regarded and undefeated prospects, Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover will make their East Coast debuts as part of the non-televised undercard before a championship tripleheader on Friday night, April 14th at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. 
Villa and Dutchover will fight on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live SHOWTIME telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT).  In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.
Villa of Salinas, California will see action in a six-round featherweight bout, while Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California will compete in a six -round junior lightweight contest.
Villa has a record of 4-0 with two knockouts and will be looking to continue his winning ways on April 14th.
The two-time National Golden Glove winner, turned professional on July 29th with a 1st round stoppage over Gerardo Molina, and his young career has been highlighted by a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Aaron Lopez (4-0).
The 19 year-old Villa had a steller amateur career, which consisted of the aforementioned Golden Gloves wins, but also he was a champion of the Desert Showdown, National PAL, Silver Gloves and two-time National Silver Gloves champion.  He finished 2nd in the 2015 Olympic Trials and finished up his amateur career with an astonishing 164-17 record.  Ruben split four amateur contests with eventual 2016 Olympic Silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.
“I am pretty excited to be on this card.  I trained three weeks in Big Bear, California.  I have had great sparring, and this has been a really good camp,’ said Villa.
“This is a real exciting opportunity.  I am just going in there and do what I do best, and look good in front of the East Coast fans.”
“I have been working very hard, I have been working with a new coach named Max Garcia to go along with my head trainer Danny Zamora, and I feel real strong.”
Dutchover, 19 years-old was 130-17 as an amateur and was a runner up in the 2016 National Golden Gloves tournament at 132 pounds.
Dutchover began his career by stopping previously undefeated Cesar Partida in three rounds on October 21st .  He has stopped all three of his opponents, which includes a devastating 1st round stoppage over Jose Mora on February 10th.

“I am excited for this opportunity to fight on the East Coast.  I am looking forward to showing my skill set to a new audience,” said Dutchover.

“This is my first big card where there will be a world title on the card and I will be prepared more then I ever have.  I am in great condition and I am ready to show my talent on the other side of the country.”
“It is most important that I get this win, and if I can get my 4th straight knockout, that would be great.  I am just looking to set up my shots and put on a great performance.”
“We are really looking forward to showcasing these two fine young fighters on April 14th,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.
“They have thrilled fans in California over their first handful of fights, and now fans on the East Coast will get to see why we are very high on Ruben and Michael.  Fighting in different parts of the country will help raise their profiles, and we expect them to have terrific performances on April 14th.”
Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
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, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HASIM RAHMAN JR. PRO DEBUT MOVED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 14 MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN OXON HILL, MD

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RAHMAN TO FACE IMES ON UNDERCARD OF BLOCKBUSTER SHOBOX EVENT  
 
NEW YORK (March 27, 2017) – When promoter Greg Cohen announced he had finalized arrangements for his next event, the decision to delay his promising heavyweight hopeful, Hasim Rahman Jr.‘s, professional boxing debut two more weeks became an easy one.
 
Originally scheduled to turn professional on March 23, Baltimore native Rahman will now have his first four-round fight in front of a huge contingent of hometown family and friends on Friday, April 14, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
 
Rahman will face Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT).  In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.
 
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.
 
“You only get one pro debut, so when Greg announced this show, he and I thought it would be a great idea for me to turn pro on this show instead, in front of my hometown friends and family,” explained Rahman.
 
The 25-year-old, son of Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, says to being at home is a very important part of his mission.
 
“I’m doing this for my family and my friends and my city, so I think I should start right in front of them,” Rahman continued. “And someday I’ll bring them back the heavyweight championship. I can’t wait to fight on the same show as my brother with all my loved ones watching. It’s going to be a very big night.”
 
“We didn’t get the final word we were doing the Maryland show until a few days ago,” said Greg Cohen. “But once we knew it was happening, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Hasim Jr. turn pro at home. It just worked out perfectly.”
 
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, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.
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UNDEFEATED DMITRY BIVOL TO DEFEND INTERIM WBA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST SAMUEL CLARKSON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14 IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Unbeaten Welterweight Prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins Square Off In Co-Feature; Baltimore’s Glenn Dezurn To Open ShoBox Tripleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland

 

Tickets On Sale Today!

 

NEW YORK (March 21, 2017) – Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Known for his aggressive style, Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a prominent amateur who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes.  Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance on ShoBox. 

 

In a co-featured matchup of undefeated welterweight prospects, former amateur standouts Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round 147-pound bout.

 

In the telecast opener, Baltimore featherweight Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by the renowned Barry Hunter, will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.

 

Dmitry Bivol vs. Samuel Clarkson – 12 Round Light Heavyweight Bout:

Bivol, who compiled an impressive amateur record of 285-15, is looking to break through in a division which features the likes of Adonis Stevenson, Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev and Badou Jack.  Last May in Moscow, the 26-year-old won the Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title in only his seventh professional fight with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Felix Valera.

 

Bivol has since won twice, both times on Russian soil, including a fourth-round knockout of Robert Berridge in defense of his interim belt. 

 

“I am very glad that this will be my first fight televised in the U.S.,” said Bivol, who is fighting for the third time in America.  “It’s great that this is main event because that motivates me.  Clarkson is a good defensive fighter.  He can be aggressive and I expect this to be a tough fight.  I look forward to introducing myself to American fans with a great performance, and I plan to defend my title with an exciting victory.”

 

Clarkson has registered nine consecutive victories following a loss to the current unbeaten Jesse Hart (21-0).  Clarkson moved up in weight to beat Cedric Agnew (27-1) in February 2015, and has ShoBox knockout wins over Jerry Odom (13-1) in July 2015 and Lavarn Harvell (15-1) in October 2015. 

 

“This is a huge opportunity to prove my abilities to the world,” Clarkson said. “Bivol is a crafty fighter from Russia and had a very impressive amateur career, mostly at 165 pounds. He’s a good fighter and I definitely have to bring my A-game.  

 

“I’m ready for the challenge because I do really well against European fighters.  European fighters are slow and come forward a lot, and they’re not big on head movement.   We are working hard and have a lot of guys in the gym who fight with a similar style.  By fight time I’ll be ready for anything he has. 

 

“I had to make up my mind if I wanted to be the lion or the lamb and, in the end, I decided I don’t like losing. I rededicated myself and now I can’t be stopped.”

 

Juan Ruiz vs. Malik Hawkins – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout:

The son of a former fighter, Ruiz is originally from Venezuela and fights out of Baja California, Mexico.  He lost just eight times in 220 amateur fights, was a six-time Venezuela national champion and was part of the Venezuelan National Team.  The undefeated Ruiz has won via knockout in seven of his last nine fights. 

 

“This is a golden ticket for me to show what I’m capable of,” Ruiz said. “I will do my best to give the fans watching on TV and those attending the fight the best show possible.”

 

The 21-year-old Baltimore-resident Hawkins was 92-8 as an amateur and shares the same trainer – Calvin Ford – as stablemate and IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.  Hawkins, who was the 2012 Bronze Medalist in the Junior Olympics, will face his toughest test to date in fellow undefeated Juan Ruiz. 

 

“This is a huge chance for me to showcase my skills and show I belong among the best in the welterweight division,” Hawkins said. “There’s nothing he can bring I haven’t seen, and I plan on making him fight my fight. 

 

“I get better when I fight talented fighters.  To be honest, nobody I have fought so far has brought out the best in me, but I’m hoping that Ruiz does just that.  A victory over him would put me in position to fight the opponents I need to fight to take that next step toward becoming a contender.”

 

Glenn Dezurn vs. TBD – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout:

The undefeated Dezurn, who was a three-sport star athlete in high school, was 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.

 

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.

 

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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, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

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Brant Stops Hloros with Body Shot and Defends WBA-NABA Championship in Hinckley

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On Friday, January 20, in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 3000+ at the Grand Casino’s Events & Convention Center in Hinckley, Minnesota, WBA #3-, IBF #13- and WBO #5-rated middleweight contender Rob “Bravo” Brant stayed busy and defended his WBA-NABA Middleweight Championship by stopping Detroit’s Alexis Hloros.
With a possible title-shot opportunity on the near horizon, the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based Brant (22-0, 15 KOs) wasted no time in dispatching Hloros at2:33 of the first round. A huge body shot dropped Hloros for a count of nine, but he arose still wincing in pain, and was in no condition to continue.
“I was happy with the way the night ended up,” said Brant. “When you get a guy last minute like Alexis Hloros, you have to treat them like they have been training to be the best version of themselves. Overlook them and you can get beat. I feel like I am ready for a bigger name now and am ready to showcase myself at the top level.”
The event, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, also featured GCP’s always exciting super welterweight KO artist Skender Halili.
Halili (13-1, 13 KOs) kept his KO percentage at 100% by stopping Wichita’s Romon Barber (7-13, 6 KOs) in the fifth round.
The anvil-fisted Halili landed some bombs early that Barber was able to absorb. However, Halili’s power eventually wore him down. In the fifth, he caught Barber with an uppercut that staggered him backwards into the ropes where he then pounded him relentlessly until the referee stopped the fight. It was a spectacular show of brutal punching power.
“I was very impressed with both our fighters tonight,” said Greg Cohen. “Rob Brant is clearly at the top of his game and ready for a big opportunity. Despite the opponent change on short notice, he handled it the way a future champion should. And Skender Halili continued his run as one of the most exciting punchers in boxing with another fan-friendly win. It was a great event in front of a huge crowd of fans. I am proud to have been able to promote it.”
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Top-Rated Brant Defends WBA-NABA Championship Against Hloros This Friday in Hinckley, MN

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On Friday, January 20, at the Grand Casino’s Events & Convention Center in Hinckley, Minnesota, WBA #3-, IBF #13- and WBO #5-rated middleweight contender Rob “Bravo” Brant will put his lofty rankings and his WBA-NABA Middleweight Championship on the line against Mount Clemens, Michigan’s Alexis “Hurricane” Hloros (18-5-2, 12 KOs) in a 10-round slugfest.
A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Brant (21-0, 14 KOs) will return to his home state to headline “Grand Friday Night Fights” a nine-bout professional boxing event, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s winner take all productions.
Tickets for “Grand Friday Night Fights” are priced at $800 Table, $100 Ringside, $50 Reserved and $35 General Admission and are available at grandcasinomn.com, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. The entire event will also be streamed live on FloBoxing.tv (7:30 p.m. CST).
“It has been five months since I’ve been in the ring, but haven’t taken much time off,” said Brant. “I have focused on nothing but preparing for the top level of the middleweight division. Though my original opponent fell through last minute, I am well-prepared for whoever is across from the ring from me. I treat everyone across from me like a world champion and I am prepared to showcase the best version of myself.”
“He’s going to have get past me if he wants to fight the best in the division,” said Holoros. “How he does against me will give a good indication of who he is. If he beats me he’s got something. I know he’s undefeated and coming to fight and so am I. I’ve been fighting a lot of years. I’m ready and I’ll put on a performance the fans that night will remember.”
Other Greg Cohen Promotions prospects in action will be all-action super welterweight Skender Halili from Fort Worth, Texas, via Klina, Kosovo; and ultra-talented welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) from Baltimore, Maryland.
Never in a bad fight, the the 26-year-old power-punching Halili will take on Wichita, Kansas, veteran Romon Barber (7-12, 6 KOs) in a six-round battle.
21-year-old Hawkins, a highly decorated amateur boxer and now undefeated professional, will face an opponent yet to be announced in a six-rounder.
“Rob Brant is on the verge of a very big opportunity and I commend him for wanting to stay sharp and not rest on his laurels,” said Greg Cohen. “The Grand Casino has been a terrific site to work with throughout my company’s history and I’m very happy to be returning once again. Our fighters Skender Halili and Malik Hawkins are in good match-ups on the undercard and we’ve got FloBoxing.tv streaming the event online. It’s a great even I’m proud to have the Greg Cohen Promotions name on.”
On fight night, the action starts at 7 p.m. The Grand Casino Hinckley is located at 777 Lady Luck Drive in Hinckley, MN. 
How to Watch FloBoxing Fight Series: Brant vs. Hloros
On TV: Now Available on Roku & Apple TV 4
STREAMING: Available only on FloBoxing. Sign up today for $20 monthly or $150 yearly. Yearly FloPRO access gets you premium content and events from ALL FloSports sites, including FloCombat, FloWrestling, and FloGrappling. The commentary team for Jan. 20 will feature Mike Letourneau, national boxing writer Steve Kim and former heavyweight champion of the world Hassim “The Rock” Rahman.   The eight-bout card will begin streaming on FloBoxing.tv at 7:30 p.m. CST. SIGN UP HERE
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Results from CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing in Temecula, California 

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‘Bravo’ Brant Stops Fitzpatrick in Three, Continues March to Middleweight Title Shot
 
Current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (21-0, 14 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, kept his momentum plowing forward and continued to impress tonight with a one-sided beatdown of Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-5, 6 KOs) of Cleveland.
 
Fighting in the 10-round main event of CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing from the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, Brant had too many weapons for the game Fitzpatrick.
 
The event, a televised quadrupleheader, was Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with the International Championship Boxing League (ICBL), Ringside Ticket Inc., and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions.
 
Brant moved smoothly around the ring, landing at will. He dropped Fitzpatrick with an uppercut in round two (Fitzpatrick nearly fell out of the ring) and finished it with another knockdown at 1:18 of round three.
 
Typically candid, Brant said the game plan was to not let Fitzpatrick get a toe hold in the fight. “He’s the type of guy, if you let him hang in there, he’ll hang for a number of rounds,” said Brant, post-fight. “I wanted to make an example of him and make sure I put him down.”
 
The future looks bright for the red-hot Brant, who seems to tighten up his game with every performance. “Under the tutelage of Derrick James, I’ve learned to sit down on my punches and stay defensively sound at the same time,” he continued, “but now it’s time to step up the level of competition. As nice as it is to get these kinds of win, it’s a lot nicer to get them up a level.”
 
In the co-main event, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger “No Surrender” Skender Halili made quick work of Silver Springs, Maryland, veteran Ben Odamattey.
Halili, with a record of 11-1, 11 KOs, caught Odamattey with his proven power early and it quickly became apparent he couldn’t handle it. Odamattey tried bravely to keep his feet under the hell fire. He rose from a knockdown but was quickly under siege again and with Odamattey’s legs betraying him, Referee Ray Corona waved it off at 1:17 of the first.
Odamattey slips to 16-15-3, 9 KOs. Halili, never in a bad fight, is becoming “must see TV” with his action-packed way of doing things.
 
Undefeated middleweight Cem “The Champ” Killic (6-0, 3 KOs) did what he was supposed to do in his tryout fight for GCP, by tearing through debuting Vegas fighter Jerhed Fenderson (0-1).
Fenderson looked to have some skills and fought evenly with Killic in the first round.
However, Killic, of Frankfurt, Germany, now residing in Sherman Oaks, California, took over in round two, clubbing a tiring Fenderson against the ropes with heavy shots until dropping him hard to get the stoppage.
The end came at 1:50 of round two.
To start the televised bouts, Baltimore, Maryland welterweight Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins had to work all four rounds to move his record to 9-0, 7 KOs against a surprisingly determined Sean “The Beast of War” Gee (3-4) of Portland, Oregon.
Hawkins had too much speed and skill for the brawling Gee, but Gee kept it interesting with his wild swings and willingness to exchange. Hawkins’ brilliance carried the night though as he was given a unanimous decision (40-36 x 3).
In the night’s opening bout, Detroit’s Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) survived a scare from nearby Oceanside California’s Jonathon Quiroz (6-3, 1 KO) in their bantamweight four-rounder.
O’Quinn came out firing in the first, as expected, but Quiroz figured out how to time him with looping shots in the second. He rocked O’Quinn to his boots with a right but wasn’t able to finish.
O’Quinn did a little more in the final two rounds, but credit the California judges for not playing home favorites. The scores, met with booing, were 39-37 across the board.
“It was a good step up for me, being 2-0, fighting someone with nine fights,” said O’Quinn. “I learned that not everybody is going to lay down and that’s exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want a cake-walk.
What was supposed to be a routine dual-pro-debut for two unknowns quickly turned into an epic war for ages, as “Slick” Will Davis finally managed to stop a wild-swinging Erick Fowler in four rounds.
A classic “skill vs. will” match-up, Davis would land his sharp, educated combinations only to be answered every time by the clubbing shots of the iron-chinned Fowler.
With momentum swinging back-and-forth every few seconds, Davis dropped Fowler in the second. Fowler returned the favor in the third.
By the fourth round even the crowd was exhausted, as Davis landed a barrage of unanswered shots that finished things at the :39 seconds mark of round four.
Local super flyweight product Danny Andujo (1-0, 1 KO) turned professional with a quick stoppage of San Jose’s Israel Hernandez, now 1-3-1, 1 KO.
Andujo swarmed, landing hard shots against the outgunned Hernandez, who took the 10 count at :55 of the first round.
And finally, undefeated Temecula featherweight Robert Meza (3-0-0, 1 KO) cruised to a dominant four-round decision over brave, but crude Jose Fabian Naranjo (3-3-1, 1 KO)
of Baja California, Mexico.
The scores were 40-36 x 3.