Tag Archives: Shobox

CLARESSA SHIELDS KNOCKS OUT SZILVIA SZABADOS IN FIRST WOMEN’S MAIN EVENT IN PREMIUM TELEVISION HISTORY FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Nikolay Potapov Outpoints Antonio Nieves, Wesley Tucker Defeats Ed Williams & Joshua Greer Jr. Knocks Out James Gordon-Smith On ShoBox: The New Generation From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Don’t Miss The Replay Tuesday, March 14 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (March 11, 2017) –  Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields shined in her television debut, knocking out the durable Szilvia Szabados in the fourth round (1:30) to advance to 2-0 as a professional in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME at MGM Grand Detroit.

 

Shields (2-0, 1 KOs) put on a show less than an hour from her hometown of Flint, Mich., landing nearly 50 percent of her power shots in the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history. 

 

Szabados (15-9, 6 KOs), of Hungary, didn’t touch the canvas but never really stood a shot against an opponent that has been billed as the future of women’s boxing.  Shields came out blazing in the opening round, backing up Szabados with crisp, clean punches as she out-landed her opponent 31-4 in the first. 

 

Shields was a bit more patient and settled in the second and third, but the onslaught continued against a relatively defenseless Szabados.  After a flush right hand, left hook combo in the fourth, referee Harvey Dock had seen enough and stepped in to halt the contest with Szabados still on her feet. 

 

“It was about respect,” Shields said of her performance.  “I wanted to go out there and show I had power and I wasn’t scared of her.  I knew she was tough coming in.  That’s why I started going to the body.  I was going to get the clean shot in one round and she was going to go, but the ref stopped it in the fourth.  A knock out is a knockout.  It was exciting. 

 

“I’m glad everyone came.  I took advantage of this great opportunity once again.  It’s another step toward winning a world title.” 

 

Szabados said she was disappointed with Dock’s decision to stop the fight when he did. “I’m very sad and heartbroken right now because it only went four rounds and I could have kept going,” she said. “Her hits were not painful. Her right hook got me a lot, I know. I could feel that one.”

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, Nikolay Potapov narrowly edged Antonio Nieves in a close, 10-round split decision scored 96-94 Potapov twice, 96-94 Nieves.

 

The technical match between undefeated top-10 bantamweight prospects was close from the opening bell.  Nieves was the more active fighter, landing 64 punches per round to Potapov’s 50, but the round-by-round breakdowns reveal that Potapov prevailed in total connects as well as in landed power shots.

 

“I thought it was a close fight, but I came on strong at the end,” Potapov said.  “I had more and finished stronger. That made the difference.  I am much more aggressive now and I sit down on my shots. That’s the difference training at Kronk has done for me.

 

“I knew I won the fight.  I wasn’t surprised when I got it.  I wasn’t happy about the judging in my last big fight, but I thought this time I had done more than enough to win.”

 

Nieves did impressive work to the body, connecting on 59 total body shots compared to just 14 for Potapov, but it wasn’t enough to earn him the decision. 

 

“I thought I won. I thought it was a bad decision,” Nieves said.  “I don’t even think it should have been a spilt decision.  I thought I was up clearly.  He didn’t really score like he wanted to.  I was making him miss and landing all the sharper punches.  Everything he was hitting me with I was blocking and coming back.

 

“I don’t know why close fights don’t go my way.  From here I go back to the drawing board.  My whole team and a lot of the crowd felt like I won.  I would love to fight him again.”

 

In a featured matchup between undefeated welterweights, Wesley Tucker (14-0, 8 KOs) edged Ed Williams in an eight-round unanimous decision scored 77-73, 79-71, 78-72 Tucker.

 

The foul-filled fight featured little action.  Toledo’s Tucker landed 31 percent of his power shots compared to just 19 percent for Detroit’s Williams (12-2-1, 4 KOs), who was deducted two points for hitting to the back of the head on separate occasions.  Tucker (14-0, 8 KOs) didn’t land a jab the entire fight, but his heavier shots and accuracy with his power shots seemed to be more impressive to the judges. 

 

“He was an awkward, long fighter, who knew how to move very well,” Tucker said.  “I’m not disappointed it turned out like that.  Not every fight can be pretty, so I came out with the win and that’s what matters most.

 

“I was really frustrated in there, but I’m an action kind of fighter, so when he was running it kind of was pissing me off.  He was all over the place.  He ran the whole fight.”

 

Williams landed only 17 percent of his total punches.

 

“He didn’t show me anything I didn’t expect,” Williams said.  “This week was a great experience for me, but you want to come out with a win and I wasn’t able to get it done.”

 

In the televised opener, Joshua Greer Jr. handed bantamweight prospect James Gordon-Smith his firstloss with a brutal one-punch sixth-round knockout (2:06). 

 

After a blazing first round that saw over 50 power shots landed, Greer pepped his opponent with a steady diet of counter rights as Gordon-Smith continued to charge forward and fight largely off-balance.  Chicago’s Greer floored Gordon-Smith with a perfectly timed right uppercut in the opening seconds of the fifth and, despite looking dazed, Gordon-Smith rallied to survive the back-and-forth round. 

 

In the sixth, Greer (12-1-1, 5 KOs) knocked Gordon-Smith out cold with a huge straight right that sent the Detroit native falling face forward as referee Harvey Dock immediately waved off the bout. 

 

“I guess he blinked. That was the problem,” Greer said.  “I told everyone when I got here I didn’t have that pillow for no reason.  I said don’t blink and I wasn’t playing.  I knew I was going to get him.  The pillow is just my trademark.  It’s nothing personal.  You have to stand out somehow. That’s just what I do. Nothing personal to him.

 

“I knew what I came to do.  I’m excited but I’m not shocked.  My team knew what would happen and they had confidence in me.  I knew it was only a matter of time.”

 

Gordon-Smith (11-1, 6 KOs) was the 160th fighter to suffer his first defeat on the prospect developmental series. And Nieves would later become the 161st.

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Tuesday, March 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  The telecast will also be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

“Detroit City Gold,” was promoted by Salita Promotions. 

 

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

 

# # #

 

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

“DETROIT CITY GOLD” FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Faces Szilvia Szabados In First Women’s Boxing Main Event On Premium Television

 

Friday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (March 9, 2017) – All eight fighters participating in “Detroit City Gold”, the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader which includes headliner and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields, made weight on Thursday in advance of Friday’s telecast from MGM Grand Detroit.

 

Shields (1-0) will face former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in just her second fight since winning gold at the 2016 Olympics and in the first women’s boxing event in premium television history, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“Detroit City Gold,” which takes place less than an hour from Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich., is promoted by Salita Promotions.  Shields vs. Szabados is a six-round middleweight bout.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, top-10 ranked bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs), of Cleveland, and Russia’s Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will put their undefeated records on the line in a 10-round matchup for the NABO bantamweight belt.

 

In an eight-round televised bout, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs) in a matchup between two former amateur standouts.  In the televised opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Claressa Shields: 159 ½ Pounds

Szilvia Szabados: 158 Pounds

 

Antonio Nieves: 116 ½ Pounds

Nikolay Potapov: 117 ½ Pounds

 

Wesley Tucker: 147 Pounds

Ed Williams: 146 ¼ Pounds

 

James Gordon Smith: 116 ¾ Pounds

Joshua Greer, Jr.: 116 ¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I know about Laila Ali, and Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker, and I don’t box like any of them. I have my own unique style. I’ve never seen a female fighter like myself. I want to carry the sport.

 

“The boxers I like and study are Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis and Floyd Mayweather. Those are my favorites. And you can even throw Sugar Ray Leonard in there, too.

 

“I’m going to be aggressive. I’m not going to be nervous and I’m not going to freeze up. I’m going to go right out there and hit her in the face with a right hand.

 

“This is my hometown fight. I last fought in Michigan three years ago. I’m going to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME.

 

“I’m embracing all of this. I grew up and heard when I was young that women can’t fight. I’m ready to show everyone just how wrong that is on Friday night.”

 

SZILVIA SZABADOS:

 

“I know Claressa is popular because of the two gold medals, and she’s young and 21. This is her hometown so I know the fans will be cheering for her. Congratulations to her. But I just have to worry about fighting my fight and staying focused.

 

“I know she’s a come-forward fighter like me. Always go, go, go. I don’t know what she’ll bring. It’ll be a surprise. Everyone always has a plan and I have a plan, as well. But I’m willing to change and improvise.

 

“I’ve been sparring with men mostly. It’s hard to find girls who can spar with me, especially in Hungary.”

 

ANTONIO NIEVES:

“I’m ready to go. I’m ready to show that night [a draw against Alejandro Santiago] was a fluke. There are no distractions this time.

 

“I’m ready to show people that I’m a contender at this weight.  I’m here to prove that I deserve to fight for a world title.”

 

NIKOLAY POTAPOV:

“I’ve improved a lot working with Javan [Javan SugarHill Steward]. The sky’s the limit for me and I know I can be a legitimate contender in my division.

 

“There are going to be a lot of eyes on this fight so it’s important that I look good and get the victory.  We’re both undefeated, and we’re both ranked, so there is a lot on the line in this fight.”

 

WESLEY TUCKER:

“I’m going to be the next world champion from Toledo. I’m a lefty and have power in both hands and I’m a pressure fighter.

 

“My right hook is my best punch and that’s rare for a lefty.

 

“I live 45 miles from here and I come here a lot so, yeah, it’s like a home fight for me.

 

“I know Ed Williams. He’s a nice little boxer, long and rangy. That’s about it.

 

“I’m going for the knockout and it may come early, or it may not. No matter what, I always put on a good show.”

 

ED WILLIAMS:

“This is one of the fights that will determine whether I continue and move up, or I do something different. This is it. That’s what ShoBox has always been about for fighters like me.

 

“I took a break from boxing and got my college degree in industrial engineering. But I got the bug and came back. Things would have been much different if I would have stayed with it. I’m not doing anything with my degree yet, but will once I’m finished with boxing.

 

“I’m older but I don’t have many miles. I’m well-preserved. It’s going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to an exciting fight.”

 

JAMES GORDON SMITH:

“I’ve never lost to anyone from Chicago, and Friday night will be no different.

 

“I’ve been around boxing forever and all the talking doesn’t bother me. I would expect nothing else. He’s coming into my backyard and should be confident. He’s coming in with an eight-fight winning streak. It don’t bother me. It just gives me the extra motivation to make sure no one comes into my backyard and beats me.”

 

JOSHUA GREER, JR.:

“It’s not my first undefeated fighter I’ve fought so it’s no big deal. I know what I have to do.

Sure, we were going at it pretty good at the press conference. You can say it’s a Chicago-Detroit thing. Of course there’s a rivalry there.

 

“I’m fast, but people underestimate my power. My power is a bigger strength than my speed. It’s something not a lot of people expect of me.

 

“You will see fireworks from round one.”

 

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.

 

# # #

TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS DISCUSSES HER LEGACY AND BRINGING EQUALITY TO WOMEN’S BOXING IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO

 

“I want my legacy to be that I’m the best female fighter to ever put on gloves.” – Claressa Shields

 

Shields Faces Szilvia Szabados Friday on SHOWTIME® In First Women’s Boxing Main Event In Premium Television History

 

VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2m3ZobR

 

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields opens up about how growing up in Flint, Mich., shaped her career, bringing equality to women’s boxing, and her growing legacy in this SHOWTIME Sports video feature: http://s.sho.com/2m3ZobR

 

Shields (1-0) will face former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) tomorrow/Friday in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation in just her second fight since winning gold at the 2016 Olympics.  The six-round middleweight bout, which will air live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT), is the first women’s boxing event in premium television history.

 

The event, labeled “Detroit City Gold,” is promoted by Salita Promotions from MGM Grand Detroit.  In the ShoBox co-feature, top-10 ranked bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) and Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will put their undefeated records on the line in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

 

# # #

“DETROIT CITY GOLD” FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

 

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Faces Szilvia Szabados In First Women’s Boxing Main Event On Premium Television

 

Friday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (March 8, 2017) – All eight fighters participating in “Detroit City Gold”, the ShoBox: The New Generation headlined by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields, participated in a final press conference on Wednesday in advance of Friday’s four-fight telecast from MGM Grand Detroit.

 

Shields (1-0) will face former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in just her second fight since winning gold at the 2016 Olympics and in the first women’s boxing event in premium television history, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“Detroit City Gold,” which takes place less than an hour from Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich., is promoted by Salita Promotions.  Shields vs. Szabados is a six-round middleweight bout.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, top-10 ranked bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs), of Cleveland, and Russia’s Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will put their undefeated records on the line in a 10-round matchup for the NABO bantamweight belt.

 

In an eight-round televised bout, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs) in a matchup between two former amateur standouts.  In the televised opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

Claressa Shields:

“I started boxing at age 11 and all I really wanted was an opportunity. This is one of those big opportunities.

 

“Her having 124 professional rounds doesn’t mean anything to me.  Her being 15-8 with 6 KOs doesn’t scare me either.  But I am glad she took the fight and didn’t pull out.

 

“She’s a challenge and, on paper, she’s not supposed to be someone that I can just walk through.  But I’ve been in training camp for three months and I had a great training camp.

I’m not going to let her beat me in front of my family. I’m not going to let her beat me in front of my nephews and cousins and my mom and dad. I just don’t roll like that.

 

“If she doesn’t have the talent and skill to go six rounds with me, she will not go six rounds.  So, I hope she had a very good training camp.  I know I did.

 

“This is the first time that a woman has been the main event on SHOWTIME and I’m not coming to make women look bad when I get in there on March 10.”

 

Szilvia Szabados:

“I’m ready to fight.  I’ve been waiting a long time for this fight.  I feel good and I’m in great shape.

 

“I think everyone has a destiny in life and I’m glad I chose to be a boxer. This is a huge opportunity for me and I plan to take advantage of it.

 

“I know she has the amateur experience, but I have more experience as a pro.  We’ll see what’s more important on Friday.”

 

Antonio Nieves:

“I trained and did everything I have to do.  I’m ready for war.

 

“Coming out of Cleveland, nobody gives us a chance. We have to fight for everything we get.

 

“I respect Potapov.   He’s a good fighter.  He said he’s going to take my belt?  He’s going to have to take it from me.  I’m here to fight.  I’m not going to just give it up.  Come try and take it.

 

“When I get in there Friday, it’s all business.  I respect him – I don’t have any problems with him as a person.

 

“I’ve fought a lot of Russians and Europeans.  They’re straight-up, come forward, and try to put on a lot of pressure.  They bring the fight and I’m ready for that.  I’m ready for anything he brings to the table.

 

“Anything can happen in a fight, but I’m focused and ready and I know what I have to do.  I’ll be able to adjust to whatever he brings.”

 

Nikolay Potapov:

“I will be a much more aggressive version of myself for this fight.  I trained to be very aggressive. I have a lot of surprises in store for Antonio Nieves.

 

“I learned a lot training at Kronk and I’m very ready.  I had a great training camp and I really enjoyed living here in Detroit.

 

“In Russia, there is a traditional Russian style.  Over here, it’s totally different.  The American style is much more aggressive.  I loved training with Javan SugarHill Steward at Kronk and learned a lot.”

 

Wesley Tucker:

“I come to fight every time and everybody knows when I fight, it’s fireworks.

 

“He may be from here, but Detroit is my home, too.  And I’m planning on winning here at home.”

 

Ed Williams:

“I’m glad to be home.  I had a great camp and it’s going to be a hell of a fight.

 

“Wesley Tucker is coming to fight, but I’m home.  You don’t let nobody take you at home. That’s it.

 

“He may be in for a short night.  Or a long one.  We’ll see.”

 

James Gordon Smith:

“I’m knocking you out.  I’m not here to play games.  I’m coming straight for you.  I bet you I knock you out.

 

“You can’t punch.  What are you going to do?

 

“I’m coming to throw bombs, so I hope you trained for this because I’m going to knock that smile off your face.  Your coach can’t fight for you.”

 

Joshua Greer, Jr.:

“I’m ready.  You’re getting knocked out.  We didn’t come here to lose.

 

“This is a fight I’ve been waiting for.  We’re ready.  Come Friday, I hope he’s ready, too.”

UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHTS NIEVES AND POTAPOV READY FOR MOST IMPORTANT FIGHT OF THEIR CAREERS AT “DETROIT CITY GOLD” THIS FRIDAY AT MGM GRAND DETROIT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

DETROIT, MI (March 6) – With a potential world title shot on the near horizon for the winner, undefeated bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves and Nikolay Potapov both agree their NABO Bantamweight Championship showdown this Friday is the most important of both their careers.
Defending champion Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) of Cleveland and Russia’s Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will meet in the co-main event this Friday, March 10, of Salita Promotions’ history-making quadrupleheader of fights entitled “Detroit City Gold” at MGM Grand Detroit on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).
In the night’s main event, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields (1-0) of Flint, Mich., will face Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in a six-round battle for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship. Their fight will be the first women’s boxing main event to be featured on premium television in history.
In the eight-round televised bantamweight opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs). In the other eight-round televised bout of the exciting quadrupleheader, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, and are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800.745.3000.
Here’s what they both had to say:
Antonio Nieves
“Everything went well in training. Potapov is a solid fighter but I believe giving him some movement and coming in from the side is really going to help me get the victory in this fight. I’m 100 percent ready. I’ve been focused on one guy the entire camp and I’m ready to get in there and get the win.
“We tried to get sparring partners that imitate him as much as possible, so when I get in there with him, there’s no surprises, but basically, I’m just going to stick to what I know.
“A victory means a lot. We’re two undefeated fighters on the verge of a world title shot. A victory over this guy would put me to the stage of being in line to fight for a world title, so this win means a lot.”
Nikolay Potapov
“I had a great training camp in Detroit at Kronk gym with Javan SugarHill Steward.  It’s been a great learning experience for me.  The training, intensity, sparring, living conditions have been superb.
“This is the most important fight of my career. Antonio Nieves is a very skilled, high-level fighter. I am focused on making a statement on March 10, and showing that I am one of the best bantamweights in the world.”

“DETROIT CITY GOLD” MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM CLARESSA SHIELDS AND NIKOLAY POTAPOV

 Shields Headlines First Women’s Boxing Bout On Premium Television On Friday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Bob Ryder

 

DETROIT, MI (February 28) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields (1-0) of Flint, Mich., and bantamweight contender Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Podolsk, Russia, worked out for the media on Tuesday in advance of their ShoBox: The New Generation televised bouts for Salita Promotions’ “Detroit City Gold” on Friday, March 10, at MGM Grand Detroit, and live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).

 

The first women’s boxing main event to be featured on premium television, Shields’ history making fight will be a six-round battle againstHungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship.

 

In the co-featured bout, Potapov, currently training at the Kronk Gym, will challenge Cleveland’s Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight for his NABO Bantamweight Championship.

 

In the eight-round televised bantamweight opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs). In the other eight-round televised bout of the exciting quadrupleheader, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs).

 

Tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, and are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800.745.3000.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say:

 

Claressa Shields:

 

“I made history in the amateurs, so it’s very special to me to be making history in the pros too and also doing it so close to home in Detroit.

 

“For this fight, I did more road work and also worked hard on my fundamentals. With my coach, Jason Crutchfield, in my corner he knows my weaknesses and strong points, so we are strengthening all weaknesses.

 

“I know that Szabados has a lot of body endurance and a ‘no quit’ mindset in the ring. She has a lot more professional experience than me and is a huge step up for me, as it is only my second professional fight.

 

“With my reputation and name steady rising and me getting a lot of notoriety, I have really just been handling it by taking a few deep breaths and just not allowing myself to get too excited. When I think about March 10, I just wanna jump up and down!

 

“When I was an amateur, I followed women’s professional boxing the best I could. I thought a lot of women weren’t given equal opportunity. I told myself that for women’s boxing to grow, I’d have to go pro after winning the Olympics again. I felt in my heart that I would be respected and given a chance. I take advantage of every opportunity, so as of now, I feel women’s boxing is a sport that is going to be around for a long time.”

 

Nikolay Potapov:

“Nieves is good fighter, and he’s ranked in the top 10.  I want to fight the best available in my division.  A win over Nieves would be huge for my career and would hopefully lead to a shot at a title in the near future.  I can’t lose on March 10

 

“I trained hard to go the distance of 10 rounds, but Kronk’s philosophy is not to leave it in the hands of the judges.

 

“I am thankful to Showtime and Salita Promotions for giving me another opportunity to fight on such a prestigious network. I am focused on bringing home the victory after spending time in Detroit training at the legendary Kronk Gym. “

JUSTIN DeLOACH STUNS CHRIS PEARSON WITH SECOND ROUND KO IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FROM PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

 
Saul Rodriguez Wins By Split Decision and Andrew Tabiti
Scores TKO Victory As Both Remain Undefeated
 
Catch The Replay Monday, Feb. 27, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos
Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE To Download Photos
Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
 
TEMECULA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2017) – Justin “The Chosen One” DeLoach scored a shocking upset over Chris “Young King” Pearson in a second-round knockout victory on Friday in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME in front of a sellout crowd from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.
DeLoach, (17-1, 9 KOs), of Augusta, Ga. continued his impressive winning streak with his seventh straight victory as he claimed the vacant USBA super welterweight title with the win, knocking out Pearson (14-2, 10 KOs, WSB 3-0, 1 KO) at 2:30 of the second round.
Pearson, who trains in Las Vegas and fights out of Dayton, Ohio, was first knocked down after DeLoach threw a strong left hook that caught Pearson sideways and dropped him to the canvas with one minute to go in Round 2.
DeLoach didn’t let up, going after the hurting Pearson with a flurry of combinations sending him down again on a straight up right hand and leaving Pearson on his knees for the entire 10-second count.
“I’m not surprised that it happened so quickly,” DeLoach said. “We had a strategy and we stuck to it. Hard work pays off and that was proof. I didn’t think I was an underdog, but I understand the whole thing of psychological warfare. I always go into the ring like I am on top no matter what.”
The southpaw Pearson, who was appearing on ShoBox for third time, never got going and landed just one body punch in the short fight connecting on just nine percent of his total punches (four of 43) compared to 32 percent for DeLoach (29 of 92).
“Pearson seemed a step slower from the start and DeLoach came forward,” said ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood, who later called the DeLoach win a shocker. “Wow. Even if you liked DeLoach to win this fight, you are surprised it happened this soon.”
He later added: “I thought it was going to be a distance fight. Pearson never recovered from his loss to Eric Walker. DeLoach continues to surprise. This is his fourth consecutive major win and now I believe he’s a contender at 154 pounds-maybe one or two fights away from a world title fight.”
The bout was originally scheduled for last September before Pearson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered in training.
“I felt lackluster,” Pearson said. “He came out and he was explosive, he was busy. He didn’t do anything I didn’t expect. Things happened the way they did, and you gotta take the good with the bad. He hit me in the eye which got me a bit disoriented. He fought like I thought he would, he did what he had to do. His performance didn’t surprise me.”
DeLoach was clearly overcome with emotion as he reflected on his huge victory. “I feel great,” DeLoach said. “I am emotional right now. I come from a small city and my mom is here and she’s in tears. Seeing my mom and my family here, I am just proud.”
In the co-main event of the evening, undefeated up-and-coming prospect Saul “Neno” Rodriguez (21-0-1, 15 KOs) of nearby Riverside won a split decision treating the hometown fans to a close outcome against a tough and game Oscar “La Máquina” Bravo (22-7, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle.
Judge Carla Caiz scored it 95-94 for Rodriguez; Tony Crebs 95-94 for Bravo and Jerry Cantu 97-92 in favor of the still undefeated Rodriguez, who had never been past eight rounds before Saturday night, and also was knocked down for the first time in his career in the fifth round.
“I was pretty happy with my performance, but I know there are a few things I need to work on and really just stay focused,” Rodriguez said. “When you’re fighting a wild opponent like Bravo, it gets tough, he head-butted me a few times which affected my visual, but I didn’t let his wild style interrupt my plan.
“I was definitely going for the KO throughout the night, but I was still boxing with him. I just gotta go back in the gym and continue developing as a fighter, I am just happy to bring the win home to my hometown and my home stable [Mayweather Promotions].”
A straight right hand by Bravo dropped the 23-year-old Rodriguez for the first time in his career with 1:50 left in the fifth round giving Bravo a huge 10-8 round. In the sixth round Bravo, 29, was again impressive and was able to effectively get inside against Rodriguez and land several powerful combinations.
Going into the final round, the two were almost equal in number of punches thrown and number of punches connected. Rodriguez was a bit more active in the end, connecting on 33 percent of his punches (174 of 522) compared to 31 percent for Bravo (155 of 497).
In the telecast opener, undefeated cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (14-0, 12 KOs) of Chicago, Ill., out-worked and out-classed the previously undefeated Quantis “The Grim Reaper” Graves (11-1-2, 4 KOs) of Beaumont, Texas, scoring a technical knockout after six rounds.
The 27-year-old Tabiti was simply too skilled and powerful for the out-manned 34-year-old Graves, who was fighting for just the second time in the past 27 months.
Near the end of the fourth round Tabiti – fighting for the second time on ShoBox – unleashed a series of powerful combinations that all but ended the fight putting the visibly hurt Graves against the ropes before he was saved by the bell.
In the sixth round, Tabiti hurt Graves again leaving him back-pedaling and finally sending him to the canvas for the first time in his professional career with a brutal body shot. Graves never made it out for the seventh round as he and his corner threw in the towel in between rounds. The referee, Ray Corona, signaled the end of the fight.
“As soon as I got in the ring, I knew it was game over for him,” Tabiti said. “Figuring out his game plan was easy money. The only thing I feel I could have done better was get him out of the fight quicker. He was talking a lot before the fight, but I didn’t let that get in my head I just came out and did what I was supposed to do.
Graves connected on only three body punches on the night, compared to 29 for Tabiti, who landed 43 percent of his total punches, compared to just 11 percent for Graves, who was the 159th fighter to lose his undefeated record on ShoBox.
“Tabiti is very fast,” Graves said. “I’ve been boxing for 19 years and I’ve never fought anyone as fast as him. I have no excuses. It is okay. Tabiti was cocky before the fight and humble after. He just needs to keep working hard and perfect his skills.”
The event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, and was witnessed by all-time great and Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Friday and was interviewed by Farhood on the telecast before the Rodriguez-Bravo fight.
Friday’s three-fight telecast will re-air Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning Feb. 25.
 
Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world championRaul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @_ChrisPearson, @JipThaChamp, @Team_Neno, @AndrewTabiti89, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

FNU Combat Sports Show Featuring Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk

Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (15-0, 10 KOs) joins the broadcast tonight to talk about his recent war on ShoBox with Abel Ramos (17-2-2, 12 KOs). Baranchyk launched an incredible effort in the later rounds to hand Ramos his second professional loss and establish himself as a spirited, tough-as-nails brawler. Some experts claimed the fight was one of the most entertaining bouts in the 17-year history of the ShoBox series. Tom, Tony and Rich discuss the fight, other highlights of Ivan’s career, and get Baranchyk to explain how his early start in Jiu Jitsu eventually led him to the Sweet Science. The 24-year-old is already solidifying his legend, which explains why he points to “Iron” Mike Tyson as one of his role models in the sport of boxing.

 

Tom, Tony and Rich also discuss the latest Mayweather/MacGregor news, an odd suspension of an MMA fighter for going after his opponent’s corner man, the calling off of Chris Brown vs. Soulja Boy, and Roy Jones Jr. re-establishing his goal of fighting Anderson Silva in a boxing match (he now wants it to be on the Mayweather/MacGregor undercard).

 

We also recap last week’s combat sports events and preview Bellator 173 and this week’s upcoming boxing matches.

Part One: Interview starts around 30 minutes in…

 

Part Two:

 

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Tomorrow/Friday from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE To Download a PDF of the Bout Sheet

 

TEMECULA (Feb. 23, 2017) – Top super welterweight prospects Chris “Young King” Pearson and Justin “The Chosen One” DeLoach weighed-in on Thursday for their 10-round main event tomorrow/Friday, February 24 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Pechanga Casino & Resort in Temecula.

 

Pearson, (14-1, 10 KOs, WSB 3-0, 1 KO), who trains in Las Vegas and fights out of Dayton, Ohio, bounced back from his first defeat with a dominant decision victory over Joshua Okine last April and is stepping up in class and opposition, while the aggressive-minded DeLoach, (16-1, 8 KOs), of Augusta, Ga. has won six in a row, including three unbeaten fighters in his last three outings.

 

In the telecast opener, unbeaten cruiserweights Andrew Tabiti (13-0, 11 KOs) and Quantis Graves (11-0-2, 4 KOs) will clash in a 10-round bout and undefeated up-and-coming prospect Saul Rodriguez (20-0-1, 15 KOs) will take on Chile’s Oscar Bravo (22-6, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle.

 

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $99.50, $69.50 and $49.50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

 

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

 

vacant USBA Super Welterweight Championship – 10 Rounds

Chris Pearson – 152 ¾ pounds

Justin DeLoach – 151 ¾ pounds

 

Lightweight Bout – 10-Rounds

Saul Rodriguez – 133 ¾ pounds

Oscar Bravo – 132 ¾ pounds

 

NABF Cruiserweight Championship – 10-Rounds

Andrew Tabiti – 196 ¼ pounds

Quantis Graves – 198 ¾ pounds

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

Chris Pearson

 

On fighting Justin DeLoach…

“I have had my back against the wall before. I know how it feels. I perform at my best when I have my back against the wall. I know he’s a talented fighter and that he has power in both hands, but I also know that he looks shaky when he gets cracked. He’s an athletic guy, he’s fast and moves well, but I’m the more skillful fighter.

 

“DeLoach makes a lot of mistakes in the ring. I’m going to take advantage of that. He’s never been against a guy like me. He won’t pass through me. I’m simply the better fighter here.

 

“I have the better jab and I have the pedigree. I’m disciplined and patient. You’ll see tomorrow night, DeLoach is in for a surprise. The only way this kid beats me is if I’m going with the wrong strategy, but I know I won’t. As far as skill for skill, I know I’m at a different level.”

 

On training camp…

“I’ve been in camp since April last year—almost a year. I’m not concerned in the very least about making weight. I woke up this morning at 152 pounds. I learned from my mistakes. Every fight that I’ve looked mediocre it’s been because I kill myself making the weight.”

 

On his loss against Eric Walker…

“I struggled to make weight for my fight against Walker. I had to lose 20 pounds in 10 days. I waited until the last minute to make weight and I paid the price. I had no legs. I had him in the position I wanted him, but I had no energy to close the deal. I couldn’t deliver. I lost that fight on the scale. I learned my lesson. It won’t happen again.”

 

On tomorrow night’s matchup…

“I don’t think it’s going to be a boxing match for long. Once one of us gets comfortable with the range and believe we have the advantage, we are going to start opening up more. If he comes up a little hotter, I believe my skills are going to dictate the pace and make adjustments as we go. Boxing is the sweet science but is not rocket science. You get in there and you find the advantage. You do what you have to do, adjust and get the win.”

 

Justin DeLoach

 

On working with his new trainer, Lucius Robinson…

“I had some differences with my previous trainer [Paul Williams]. I wanted more of the mental side of training, not only the physical. We just had different philosophies so I decided to change trainers.

 

“I’m training with Lucius Robinson now and it’s a big change—psychologically and philosophically. I’m really breaking down what I’m doing in the ring. I’m not just going in there to fight. As a young fighter you get in the ring and you just fight, but you have to do more than that. I’m learning how to use my head in the ring. When I’m hitting you, I know why I’m hitting you, where I’m hitting you. I know what I’m going to do.

 

“Learning the mental side of my sport really took me to another level. Anybody can get in there and get knocked out—that’s why I had my first loss—but who can really go in there and do what Floyd does? Break an opponent down in the later rounds. Master the sweet science. That’s the biggest change I had in my career, to learn the mental side of the sport.”

 

On his last three fights…

“I fought three undefeated prospect last year and I beat them. I fought Junior Castillo who has power in both hands. I went in there, I did my thing and I outclassed him. I got the knockout over Dillon Cook and then Dominique Dolton, who is a respectable opponent. I had a heck of a year.”

 

On his fight against Dominique Dolton…

“It was something that came together last minute. I was supposed to fight Chris Pearson but he got injured. I really appreciate the opportunity of fighting Dolton because a lot of up-and-comers don’t have the opportunity to fight a guy like that. Dolton was like a championship fight for me. He taught me a lot and took me to a whole different level. He was a replacement opponent, and my God, he’s a hell of a fighter.”

 

On his KO over Dillon Cook on ShoBox…

“It’s funny. I’m more of a boxer than a puncher. I don’t look for the knockout. I like to box. I think of myself as a boxer-puncher. I feel my opponents don’t usually know how much power I have. They underestimate me and I’m OK with that.  My power catches them off balance.”

 

On fighting a southpaw…

“When you fight a southpaw, there are only two people you can study: Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones Jr. If you watch tape on them you can learn a lot. It can help you develop your skills. I did my homework. I know exactly what I’m going to do tomorrow.”

 

On making weight…

“I never had a problem making weight. My body feels good. When I was with Ronnie Shields at the beginning of my career, I learned that if I take care of my weight early on, you can concentrate on training for the fight. So, that’s what I do. I make weight early and then I train hand to fight my opponent.”

 

Saul Rodriguez

 

On tomorrow’s fight against Oscar Bravo…

“I want to look good. If I focus on dictating the pace for this fight, the knockout will come. My punches will keep on coming and I eventually will get some damage done. I’ll drop him and then, I’ll stop him.

 

“I always look for the knockout. It’s just more satisfying for me. I like KOs, but I’ll be patient. I feel that Bravo is tailor-made for me. He’s never been stopped. So I want to stop him. Don’t take me wrong, I won’t be reckless. But if he’s there for me to punch, I’ll punch him and I’ll go for the knockout.”

 

On changing promoters…

“Top Rank wanted to sign me again, but it was my decision to leave. I felt I was not treated well. I felt that I wasn’t getting the opportunities I deserved. So I decided to sign with Floyd, and here I am, fighting on SHOWTIME. It was a good move.”

 

On sparring with Mikey Garcia…

“I’ve sparred with Mikey Garcia for years. He got me ready for almost every professional fight I’ve had. I would say we’ve sparred over 100 rounds. I’ve learned so much from him. I think that having him as a sparring partner it’s been a difference maker for me. It’s made me a better fighter.”

 

On what’s next…

“I’m going to get a title at 130 first and then I’ll move up in weight. I’d like to fight Miguel Berchelt—the guy that just beat Vargas. Gervonta Davis is at that weight too. I’ll meet him down the road. I’m more interested in unifying. I want to get the WBC title and then I want to go for the IBF.”

 

Oscar Bravo

On training camp…

“I’ve been training in Floyd’s gym in Vegas. We were in training camp for a while. I think 135 is my best weight to fight at.”

 

On his opponent, Saul Rodriguez…

“He’s a good fighter. He’s a young fighter and hasn’t been in the gym with the experienced fighters like I have. He throws wild punches. If he does that, I will make him pay.”

 

On what’s next…

“I want to be a world champion someday. I’ve never had this much time to prepare for a fight, so you’re going to see a different fighter this time. I’m confident and feel like this fight is going to change my life.

 

“My dream was to become Chilean champion and I did. I always took last minute fights with two weeks’ notice and went the distance.”

 

Andrew Tabiti

 

On his performance against Keith Tapia…

“I kept my composure. I thought I was sharp. A lot of people didn’t think I was going to beat Tapia, but I did. Styles make fights and we were matched perfectly. Since Tapia, I’m much better. He was high energy and moved a lot. He threw me off of my style at first, but I adjusted.”

 

On his opponent, Quantis Graves…

“I watched some tape on him. He’s flat-footed and stays stationary. I know what he has to offer. I can adjust well. I got a good jab, a great body punch.”

 

On what’s next…

“I’d love a world title shot, but I’m going to stay patient. I’m still at Floyd’s gym and working hard. I want to be a heavyweight someday. I’d like to stay more active and fight more.

 

“If things go well, I’d like a title shot later this year. There are not a lot of American boxers in my weight class. I’d like to fight Beibut Shumenov. That’s who I want.

 

“I’d like to move to heavyweight later in my career.”

 

Quantis Graves

 

On his matchup tomorrow night…

“I plan on beating Andrew Tabiti tomorrow night. I’ve prepared for this. We’ve done everything. I’ve been prepared for this fight mentally. I’ve never been 100 percent for a fight, except for this one.

 

“I’m not worrying about Tabiti. Tabiti is worried about me. He has the title to lose. That’s how I feel about it. I’ve seen his YouTube videos, and I’ve seen the mistakes he’s made. And I’m going to capitalize on those mistakes.

 

“I’m not just fighting Tabiti, I’m fighting TMT. I’m fighting Floyd. I’m taking this fight very seriously.”

 

On his opponent, Andrew Tabiti…

“Everybody can look good when you fight guys that can’t fight. His last opponent, [Keith] Tapia was good. But who else has he fought?

 

“I have everything to gain, nothing to lose. I’m hungry. I’m not a pampered, spoiled guy. I have nobody buying me cars. I have a car note, a house note, two kids and another one on the way. I’m hungry. I have everything to lose…I’m going to do what I have to do.”

 

On his pro career…

“I had a great amateur career. I had some stops and starts. I had issues when I didn’t get signed with a promoter coming out of the Olympic trials and that stalled my pro career a bit. My professional career started off slow. I’m not as active as I would have liked to be but I’m a young 34. I’ve never taken a beating. I fought five times and 2014, and twice in 2015 and last year, no fights. I live a clean life and don’t drink or don’t smoke. I just train. Every day.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @_ChrisPearson, @JipThaChamp, @Team_Neno, @AndrewTabiti89, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

 

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 67 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.

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS CHRIS PEARSON AND JUSTIN DELOACH HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

 
Undefeated Prospect Saul Rodriguez Faces Chile’s Oscar Bravo
Andrew Tabiti vs. Quantis Graves in Telecast Opener
 
Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT
from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.
 
Tickets Still Available
 
TEMECULA (Feb. 20, 2017) – Top super welterweight prospects Chris Pearson and Justin DeLoach meet in a 10-round showdown in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 24 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.
Pearson (14-1, 10 KOs, WSB 3-0, 1 KO) and DeLoach (16-1, 8 KOs) were scheduled to meet in the co-main event of Ishe Smith vs. Frank Galarza’s card in September 2016, but Pearson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered in training.
In the telecast opener, unbeaten cruiserweights Andrew Tabiti (13-0, 11 KOs) and Quantis Graves (11-0-2, 4 KOs) will clash in a 10-round bout and undefeated up-and-coming prospect Saul Rodriguez (20-0-1, 15 KOs) will take on Chile’s Oscar Bravo(22-6, 10 KOs)in a 10-round lightweight battle.
The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, which will celebrate the 40thbirthday of its President Floyd Mayweather with this exciting fight card.
“This is my first fight since April and I’ve really taken this time to push myself as a fighter by gaining mental and physical strength,” said Pearson. “I’m thankful to my team for putting this fight together. It’s going to be a great show for the fans and I’m happy that it’s is finally ready to happen.”
“I’ve been very patient and focused,” said DeLoach. “I’ve shown through my last six performances that I am a tough opponent. The only way that Pearson can beat me is if he stops me and I don’t see that happening at all.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $99.50, $69.50 and $49.50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Floyd’s 40th birthday than with a great night of boxing featuring three exciting and competitive battles,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We’re looking forward to watching our own Chris Pearson and Justin DeLoach go head-to-head to establish themselves in the loaded 154-pound division. We’re also excited about one of our newest rising stars, Saul Rodriguez, as he looks to keep his perfect record intact in front of his hometown fans. The show will open with exciting knockout artist Andrew Tabiti, who’s continuing to climb the ranks in the cruiserweight division. This is going to be a great night from start to finish.”
ShoBox: The New Generation is the perfect event to start our year of live boxing and sports at Pechanga Resort & Casino,” said Lee Torres, interim General Manager. “The franchise and Mayweather Promotions are known worldwide and we’re excited to host an action-packed night for boxing fans. This time next year, Pechanga fans can look forward to seeing boxing like this in the new 70,000 square foot event space as part of the resort’s ongoing $285 million expansion.”
Pearson, of Dayton, Ohio, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., had an outstanding amateur career that saw him capture a National Championship in 2011. He bounced back from his first defeat with a dominant decision victory over Joshua Okine last April. The 26-year-old previously picked up victories over Janks Trotter, Steven Martinez and Said El Harrak.
The 23-year-old DeLoach is coming off a six-bout winning streak in which he delivered an impressive knockout over previously unbeaten Dillon Cook in his ShoBox debut(VIDEO: Click HERE to watch). He followed that up by knocking down previously unbeaten Junior Castillo twice on his way to a unanimous decision victory in June 2016 and most recently scored a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Domonique Dolton. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015.
Fighting out of Riverside, Calif., Rodriguez scored a first-round knockout in his professional debut in 2011 against William Fisher and has continued to dominate since. He first fell in love with the sport from watching the Fernando Vargas vs. Felix Trinidad fight at just five-years-old and began training at the Riverside Boxing Academy at age seven. The 23-year-old has stopped his opponents inside the distance in 10 of his last 12 bouts. He most recently earned a seventh-round knockout against his toughest opponent to date in Daulis Prescott.
The 28-year-old Bravo has fought professionally since 2008 and was undefeated in his first 13 professional fights. Fighting out of Santiago de Chile, Bravo is coming off a second-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Cesar Vergara in 2016. The veteran has shared the ring and gone the distance with top contenders Felix Verdejo and Mason Menard while fighting in six countries, including twice in the U.S.
The highly regarded 27-year-old Chicago native Tabiti, is ranked No. 8 by the WBC and in the top 15 by the WBO. In his last start, he defeated previously unbeaten Keith Tapia on SHOWTIME in May of 2016. Prior to that, he had won 11 of his 12 fights inside the distance, including a second-round TKO over Tomas Lodi on Sept. 29, 2015. Tabiti, a solid amateur with a record of 32-6, turned pro in July 2013 with 10 stoppage victories in a row.
Born in New Orleans and fighting out of Beaumont, Texas, Graves returned to the ring in 2016 with a decision victory over Rayford Johnson. Graves turned pro in 2008 after serving as an Olympic alternate for the 2008 U.S. team. The cruiserweight is unbeaten in his 13 pro starts and he will be fighting in California for the first time on February 24.
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, @_ChrisPearson, @JipThaChamp, @Team_Neno, @AndrewTabiti89, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions