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UNDEFEATED ADAM LOPEZ OUTPOINTS MARIO MUÑOZ IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FROM ADRIAN PHILLIPS BALLROOM IN HISTORIC BOARDWALK HALL

 

Unbeaten Ronald Ellis and Jerry Odom Box to Majority Draw,
O’Shaquie Foster Scores TKO Over Previously Undefeated Lavisas Williams, Christopher Brooker and John Magda Fight to Controversial Split Draw

Catch Replay Monday, Feb. 22, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME®

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Feb. 20, 2016) – Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, remained unbeaten and took another step toward becoming a full-fledged contender by winning a hard-fought unanimous 10-round decision over previously undefeated Mario “Yayo” Muñoz  (16-1-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in Friday’smain event on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIMEfrom the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall.

 

“Lopez punched harder and controlled the tempo,” ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood said. “He overcame the problem with his right eye and now he’s 3-0 with three undefeated fighters on ShoBox, so he’s indeed a prospect to watch.”

 

The highly regarded Lopez, making his third ShoBox appearance and main event debut, survived a nasty cut over his right eye to win by the scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. There were no knockdowns.

 

“This was my toughest fight as a pro and I think I proved a lot,’’ said Lopez, who entered the ring as the WBA No. 8 contender at 122 pounds. “I showed I could fight through a lot of adversity. The cut in my eye was definitely a factor for my performance in a couple of rounds, but I put the pedal to the medal and got through it. I landed the more telling shots.

 

“This is the kind of fight I can learn from. Fighting through the cut and all the head butts, and still persevering. These are the kinds of fights that make fighters better. You don’t learn a thing by blowing guys out.

 

“Muñoz  was a good fighter and landed some tight shots on me, but I was definitely the better fighter and there was no question I would get the decision. I thought I might stop him in the eighth or ninth, but it didn’t happen.’’

 

There was little known about Muñoz  going into Friday, but the mystery man from Mexico who was making his United States debut and first start outside of Mexico performed well and showed solid skills and ability.

 

“I’m very disappointed in the decision,’’ Muñoz  said. “I’m a better fighter than he is. I landed more combinations. My face is unmarked, look at his. He hurt me more from his low blows and head butts than he did with his punches. I’d love to fight him again.’’

With the defeat, Muñoz  became the 142nd boxer on ShoBox to suffer his first defeat. Two fights earlier, Lavisas “Red Williams (8-1-1, 3 KOs), of Rochester, N.Y., became the 141st ShoBox boxer to suffer his initial setback when he lost by seventh round TKO to O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (10-1, 7 KOs), of Orange, Texas.

 

Foster, a former amateur standout, rebounded from a poor outing in hisShoBox debut to register a seventh-round TKO over Williams. Foster dropped the outclassed southpaw four times. After the final knockdown in the seventh, the fight was stopped at 52 seconds into the round.

 

In the co-feature of a ShoBox quadrupleheader, undefeated super middleweight Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0-1, 10 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., and Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) fought to a hard-fought eight-round majority draw. A close, competitive contest throughout was scored 78-74 for Ellis and 76-76 apiece.

 

In the opening fight of the telecast, John “Madman” Magda (11-0-1, 7 KOs), of Rutherford, N.Y., and  Philadelphia’s Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker (7-1-1, 5 KOs) fought to a disputed eight-round split draw in a super middleweight matchup that most felt Brooker won. At the finish, one judge had it for Magda (77-74), one had it for Brooker (78-74) and one had it even at 76-all.

 

“I thought that was a terrible decision,’’ Farhood said. “The judges were all over the place. I think Brooker did enough to win. He was the more aggressive fighter and landed the bigger punches. I was very surprised by the result that it was a draw.”

 

Ellis, a five-year-pro who hurt his right hand at the end of the third, was pleased with his overall performance, not so much the result.

 

“I think I did a good job tonight,’’ said Ellis, the older brother of welterweight prospect Rashidi Ellis who’d won four straight by knockout, including a second-round TKO over Jas Phipps in his last start last Aug. 29. “I started strong and I showed that I belong here, in a nationally televised show. I’m happy with what I did.

 

“I showed tonight that I can counter a busy fighter. I can take a punch. I can also be a boxer-puncher. Odom tried to do his thing at the beginning, but he just couldn’t do it with me. I followed my trainer’s advice. I punched, I stood back. I used my left hook. I think I really hurt him a couple times.

 

“I won that fight. I’m sure. At first, I banged with him and then I showed my boxing. It was easy in there, I won that fight.  He never hurt me. I’ll be back. You will be seeing a lot of me in the future.”

 

Odom, a top amateur and 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds who was looking to turn it around after losing two of his last three, was content with the decision although he felt he’d won his first fight in seven months.

“I can’t be disappointed with the decision because I fought my heart out.’’ Odom said. “I know I hurt him. He hurt me a bit in the second, but I got back on my feet and I kept on going.

“I feel I pulled it out in the last rounds. I worked the body, I think I did some damage. Ellis looked hurt.

“I mean no disrespect, but I felt I definitely did enough to win, but the judges saw it differently.”

Said Farhood: “Ellis-Odom was a strange fight. At times it was a brawl, and at times it was a boxing match. At times, one fighter came forward and at times the other fighter came forward. I thought Odom did enough in the last couple of rounds to salvage a draw and it turns out that is what the judges scored, a draw. So, I think the judges got it right on that fight.”

Foster decked Williams in the second, third, fourth and seventh rounds. Three of the knockdowns appeared to result from a push, but Williams’ gloves touched the canvas each time so they went into the books as knockdowns.

“I think it was a great win for Foster, because he looked so bad when he fought on ShoBox last time outdoor in Las Vegas,’’ Farhood said. “And this kind he showed the kind of skills that enable him to be a good amateur. He showed the kind of skills that will make him a legitimate prospect as a pro. It was a very good win for him. He showed speed. He showed his movement, his boxing abilities and he scored four knockdowns, and you can’t ask for much better than that.”

 

“This is a huge relief for me,’’ Foster said. “I feel great. I think people saw a glimpse of the kind of fighter I can be tonight. That wasn’t me in my first ShoBox fight. I don’t know if I froze under the lights or if I lost because of the cold weather outside, but I wasn’t nearly as confident for that fight as I was tonight and it affected my performance.

 

“I had a tremendous training camp, my best camp ever, which played a big part in my confidence tonight. I thank God for the opportunity to fight on national television again and I’m already looking forward to the next time.’’

The previously undefeated Williams confessed he was unable to his rhythm.  “For some reason, I just could not get loose. I had a cold, but I won’t take anything away from Foster. He knocked me down, but I actually thought he pushed me down most of those times.

“I learned something tonight. I can’t do what I did. I can’t wait on my opponent. I have to attack first. I’ll be will be back.”

There were no knockdowns in the Brooker-Magda battle. One judge scored it for southpaw and local favorite going in, Magda 77-74, one had it 78-74 for Brooker and one had it 76-76 even.

 

After a few rounds of solid back-and-forth exchanges, Brooker seemed to dominate in the eyes of everyone but the judges. The ShoBoxannouncers had Brooker a close but clear winner and the fans booed the decision. According to SHO STATS, Brooked outpunched and outlanded Magda by a significant margin. Brooker landed 152 of 481 punches (32 percent) while Magda connected on 78 f 268 (29 percent).

Brooker was visibly upset with the verdict.

 

“I don’t train eight hours a day, seven days a week to get this kind of decision. That was not a draw, I clearly won the fight,’’ he said. “I don’t want to take away from Magda. He’s strong fighter and he countered well, but I showed everybody that hard work beats talent any day.

“I won this fight. I was the aggressor. I threw some big punches. My right was key. In the beginning Magda was fast, but I placed my punches and I know I did enough to win the fight.’’

 

“I feel OK, but this was a tough fight,” said Magda. “He stayed on me and pressed forward, which we knew he would. But he was stronger than I thought. I’ll have to watch the tape again, but I thought I landed the more effective punches.’’

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                CHANNEL

Monday, Feb. 22, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT             SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Feb. 20.

 

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

ALL EIGHT BOXERS MAKE WEIGHT FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER  TONIGHT, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM HISTORIC BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

 Adam Lopez vs. Mario Muñoz, Ronald Ellis vs. Jerry Odom,
Lavisas Williams vs. O’Shaquie Foster, John Magda vs. Christopher Brooker

 

Telecast Begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT; First Fight is at 7 p.m. ET

 

Tickets Are Still On Sale!

 

Click HERE For Photos From Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Feb. 18, 2016) – All eight fighters hit their marks and are set to go for their fights tonight, Friday, Feb. 19 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). A quadrupleheader, presented by GH3 Promotions, will emanate from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in the Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic, City, N.J.

 

In the main event two undefeated prospects with exceedingly high expectations face their most dangerous opponent to date when Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., meets Mario “Yayo” Muñoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in a 10-round super bantamweight matchup.

 

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs), of Dorchester, Mass., takes on Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, southpaw Lavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs), of  Rochester, N.Y. risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (9-1, 6 KOs), of Orange, Texas, in a lightweight match and, opening the telecast, John “Madman” Magda (11-0, 7 KOs), of Rutherford, N.J., faces Philadelphia’s Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker (7-1, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight matchup.

 

The Weights: Lopez and Muñoz each weighed 121½ pounds; Ellis tipped scale at 166½ pounds, Odom 167½, Williams weighed 132 pounds, Foster 134; and Magda weighed 167½ pounds and Brooker 168½.

 

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at (800) 736-1420.

 

Here’s what the fighters said Thursday:

 

ADAM LOPEZ

 

“This is my third time on ShoBox and my third fight against an undefeated fighter. They like to match me tough but I must confess, I’m really looking forward to it.

 

“I know I only had 14 fights, but I truly feel I feel I’m ready for a major fight or a title shot at the end of year. I have a strong amateur background, so I have experience. There are a lot of good fights right now at 122 pounds. The division is hot.

 

“I fought at 118 last time so I can make that weight if the right opportunity comes, but I am strong at 122. I thought I clearly won my last fight. I don’t think it was as close as the judges said it was.

 

“I’m fighting a guy, Munoz, who is sort of a mystery to me. I’ve seen one tape of him, but it was from 2012. So I don’t really know how he’s fought recently.

 

“He seems to want to box and slug. He’s had some good performances in the past and fought some good ones so I won’t take nothing away from him and I do respect him.

 

“But I’m prepared to make the fight and be aggressor if necessary, and to win it any way that I have to. My trainer [former two-time world champion Carlos “Famous” Hernandez] continues to work on all the little things, and trains me for anything that might come my way..

 

“I feel that I’ve moved from prospect to contender, but a victorytomorrow night should prove that to everybody.”

 

MARIO MUÑOZ

 

“This is my first fight in nine months and first in America, which is very exciting. You have to fight in the United States eventually; this is where you become known.

 

“I know that I’m in top shape. I’ve fought some good guys in my division, and I’m at the level I need to be. I had a really hard training camp; I know what I’m supposed to do.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I know a lot of people haven’t heard of me, but I promise you a good fight.

 

“I’m more of a boxer than a puncher, but I love to exchange and switch stance to southpaw, although my trainer doesn’t like it.

 

“Lopez is very fast, smart and has a great left hand. But I’m ready for all that. I’ll look at what he has to offer and counter with my best.

 

“I’m a little nervous. Things are moving fast now. But I couldn’t be more ready.’’

 

RONALD ELLIS

 

“I’ve been working for this sort of opportunity since I was 13, so, yes, I am very excited. I want to win and look good doing it so promoters and television will want to see me again.

 

“I’ve had problems in the past getting opponents, so I’ve taken a few ‘stay busy’ fights. But this fight is a totally different story.

 

“Everyone says I’m a boxer-puncher, and I do feel I am versatile. I’ll decide how I want to go the night of the fight. We know how Jerry’s gonna fight so I need to fight him smart. We’ll see how Odom’s chin is because it’s going get tested tomorrow night.

 

“I only had 24 amateur fights, but I am dedicated and continuing to improve with each fight. It will be a great night for me. I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.’’

 

 

JERRY ODOM

 

“Everybody has to make changes so I have a new trainer, Kennie Johnson, for this fight. He has been trying to stress finesse, movement and utilizing my overall skills more, with less emphasis on just trying to load up and knock the guy out.

 

“We’re working on me picking shots, breaking down opponents and setting up the power shots rather than just show it. Defensively, he’s had me working on my overall movement, head movement in particular.

 

“I’m looking to shine on Friday, especially after my last ShoBox fight that I lost. I should have never taken the fight once he came in so overweight. It was a bad business decision on my part, but I learned – no more thinking with my heart.

 

“I got over my last fight right away and I’m anxious to do my job and show how much I gained and learned from it. I certainly feel ready. My only focus is to win.

 

“Ellis should be a good opponent for me. Obviously he has power, a good jab and punches. There are some good things about him, but I’m better. I’ll go out and execute, he won’t be able to stop me.’’’

 

LAVISAS WILLIAMS

“I’m naturally lefty … I’ve sparred against ambidextrous boxers, so I like to say I’m ready for anything that comes my way.

 

“I’m excited to be debuting on national television. That’s a pretty big deal for me so I need to put a great show. Especially for my fan base back home, they are all going to be watching.

 

“I take boxing seriously. I like to say I’m very dedicated. I take advantage of any opportunity I see. I trained at Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas for a bit last year. It was a good experience.

 

“My job is to frustrate him and trust me, I will. He will fight my fight. If he freezes again, I’m sure taking advantage of that, but I’m not counting on it.

 

“I’m going in knowing I’m the better boxer, but not overconfident. You can’t overlook anybody, but I know I’m the one that’s coming out victorious.”

 

O’SHAQUIE FORSTER

 

“I don’t know what happened in my last fight. I thought everything was OK but I just couldn’t find my fight rhythm. I couldn’t get off for some reason. But I am done thinking about that night.

 

“I’m definitely more focused this time around and in better shape. I need a win – and I’m fighting a guy who beat the guy that beat me, Samuel Teah. So, I have to be smart. He’s a southpaw but I can deal with that.

 

“I’ve never worked so hard in camp. I left Texas to go to Washington D.C. to train for this. I’m 100 percent set to go.

 

“I need a challenge and this is it. I’m ready to step up and I’m ready for him.”

 

 

JOHN MAGDA

“I’m excited and ready to go. Right now I’m looking at this as just another fight, but it’s definitely a big, big deal. I’m hoping to win and put on an exciting show.

 

“I’ve been in the gym training since November but a series of unfortunate events took place and I didn’t fight that month, or in December, or in January. So, I’ve been training for a while. I’m ready to fight.

 

‘I’m in with a rough, tough guy. I can’t let him bully or push me around; I just can’t let him stand and throw.

 

“I need to box, move, do a lot of things I know I can do. I have to see how it plays. It’s all just a matter of me doing what I am supposed to do, whether it is to box or slug. I’m ready for it.’’

 

CHRISTOPHER BROOKER

 

“I love being the underdog; I’m accustomed to it. That’s why I work so hard, remain dedicated and will not ever quit.

 

“Magda throws a lot of punches, so you can’t expect him to stay on the outside. But I run 15 miles a day, three days a week after sparring, to get into the kind of shape I need to be in and am for this fight.

 

“This is my first fight against a southpaw, but I’ve had southpaw sparring, including some recently with [former world champion] Andre Dirrell. I learned so much from him.

 

“I’m a Philly fighter through and through: I may not be a favorite to win, but I come to war and will never give up. That’s a lot like the way I grew up when living in foster homes — and later, homeless, for some time. I just not give up, I keep on fighting.

 

“There’s a lot on the line for me this Friday and I am ready to show what I can do.’’

 

# # #

 

 

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

 

 

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 65 fighters who have appeared onShoBox 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.

 

John Magda – Christopher Brooker ready for a Super Middleweight showdown this Friday night at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Live on ShoBox: The New Generation

John Magda battles Christopher Brooker in Super Middleweight showdown from Historic Boardwalk Hall Live on ShoBox: The New Generation

Quadrupleheader includes Adam Lopez vs. Mario Muñoz, Ronald Ellis vs. Jerry Odom,
Lavisas Williams vs. O’Shaquie Foster This Friday, Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Live On SHOWTIME®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (Feb. 16, 2016) – Despite the fight being added just two weeks ago, many boxing insiders feel that the opening eight-round super middleweight  between undefeated John Magda and Christopher Brooker this Friday, Feb. 19 live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) could steal the show onShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader that is loaded with talent.

Unbeatens Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., and Mario “Yayo” Muñoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will face their toughest opponents to-date when they meet in the 10-round super bantamweight main event from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs), of Dorchester, Mass., takes on Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, and southpawLavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs), of Rochester, N.Y. risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (9-1, 6 KOs), of Orange, Texas, in a super featherweight scrap.

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at(800) 736-1420.

The bout between Magda and Brooker has a bit of the territorial rivalry feel as Magda will be fighting close to his Rutherford, N.J. home while Brooker will be making the one-hour trek on the Atlantic City Expressway from his residence in Philadelphia.
Both Magda and Brooker are 24-years old.
Magda has built his reputation on his volume punching that has catapulted him to a perfect mark of 11-0 with seven knockouts.  The former New Jersey Junior Olympic champion is coming off the best win, a unanimous decision over Dionisio Miranda.

Brooker has a record of 7-1 with five knockouts and is an aggressive puncher with good power.  Brooker stepped on late notice and scored an upset when he defeated previously undefeated Leo Hall on Dec. 29.

GH3 Promotions Hector Frometa headlines a stacked undercard on Friday, February 19 at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City

Full night of boxing to take place before terrific ShoBox: The New Generation card, Live SHOWTIME®
John Magda to battle Christopher Brooker in opening televised bout
Nutley, N.J. (Feb. 5, 2016) – It will be a big night of boxing on Friday, Feb. 19, at theAdrian Philips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City as GH3 Promotions presents ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Four bouts will be showcased on the televised portion. In the main event, Adam Lopez (14-0, 7 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas, will take on Mario Munoz (16-0-1, 10 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a ten-round battle for the WBA Fedalatin Super Bantamweight title.

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis (12-0, 10 KO’s) of Lynn, Mass., will battle Jerry Odom (13-2, 12 KO’s) of Washington, D.C.

In an eight-round super featherweight bout, Lavisas Williams (8-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Rochester, N.Y., will battle O’Shaquie Foster (9-1, 6 KO’s) of a Houston, Texas.

Recently added is an eight-round super middleweight bout between undefeated John Magda (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Rutherford, N.J., taking on Christopher Brooker (7-1, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia.

The combined record of the eight competitors is an astounding 90-4-2 which equates to a 94.8 winning percentage.

Before the cameras roll, an outstanding undercard has been assembled by GH3 Promotions.

GH3 Promotions Hector Frometa (1-0) of Miami, Fla. via Cuba, will take on Jordan Rosario (0-2) of Jersey City, N.J., in a four-round welterweight bout.

In a six-round junior middleweight bout, Arturo Trujillo (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Easton, Pa., will battle Jeffrey Wright (3-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Milwaukee, Wisc.

In a six-round junior middleweight bout, Anthony Young (11-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, will battle Skender Halil (8-1, 8 KO’s) of Fort Worth, Texas.

In a six-round heavyweight match, Brendan Barrett (3-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Little Egg Harbor, N.J. will square off with Dan Pasciolla (6-1) of Brick, N.J.

Elijah Vines of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Danny Rosenberger(0-1-2) of Saint Petersburg, Fla., in a welterweight bout.

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at 1 800 736 1420.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith & Jr. Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster to the GH3 Promotions stable.

After Sensational Victory over Donovan Dennis, The Sky is Now the Limit for Heavyweight Slugger Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller

 

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions says he could not be happier with the performance turned in last Friday night by the fighter he co-promotes (with Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions), undefeated heavyweight slugger Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller.
Miller, now 16-0-1, 14 KOs, showed both his frightening power and excellent boxing skills while scoring a brutal TKO 7 over an extremely game Donovan Dennis. Fighting in the co-main event of a nationally televised ShoBox: The New Generation from the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, Miller made believers out of many by displaying depth and ring intelligence to go with his sledgehammer fists.
“Jarrell showed he’s not just a big puncher,” said Greg Cohen. “He showed the ability to change up his game plan during a fight. That’s very important at the higher levels of the division. He nearly took Dennis’ head off in the first round, but when he saw that somehow he was going to survive for a while, he switched up to boxing and re-established his dominance that way. It was exactly what he should have done in there.”
Miller, who won the NABA Heavyweight Championship with the victory, is now in line for an even higher-profile showdown with a rated contender.
“Jarrell is a force to be reckoned with and with his power, skill, athleticism and charisma, he can become a worldwide star and be the man to restore the heavyweight division to its glory of yesteryear,” continued Cohen. “People love him and can’t enough of him!”
Cohen says that even though Miller called out the champions of the division after the victory, the probable next step will be a top-ten fighter in one of the sanctioning organizations.
“We believe he can beat any of the champions right now, today. But to get him there we will have to next focus on someone rated above him and take their spot by force. But I have every confidence we are less than a year away from getting Jarrell the world title shot he wants more than anything.”

ADAM LOPEZ AND MARIO MUNOZ TO HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, FEB. 19, FROM BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

 

Ronald Ellis vs. Jerry Odom, Keenan Smith vs. Wellington Arias Romero & Lavasis Williams-O’Shaquie Foster Also in Action

 

Friday, Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Live On SHOWTIME®

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 15, 2016) – ShoBox: The New Generation returnson Friday, Feb. 19, quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

 

With the same height, same age, and similar strong amateur backgrounds, Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs) and Mario “Yayo” Munoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs) will face their toughest opponents to date when they touch gloves in the 10-round super bantamweight main event matchup.

 

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Akeem” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs) takes on Jerry Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow southpaw Wellington Romero (9-0-1, 4 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten welterweights and lefthander Lavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs) risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie Foster (8-1, 5 KOs) in a super featherweight match.

 

The combined record of the eight up-and-coming competitors is 89-3-3 with 54 knockouts.

 

Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., Smith, of Philadelphia, and Foster, of Orange, Texas, will be making their secondShoBox starts; while Munoz, of  Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Ellis, of Dorchester, Mass., Williams, of  Rochester, N.Y. and Romero, of Hasburgh, N.Y., via Santiago, D.R., their first. Odom, of Washington, D.C, is making his third appearance.

 

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $25, $50, $75 and 100 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.comand over the phone at 1 800 736 1420.

 

An excellent boxer-puncher and tactician that likes to counter, Lopez won his ShoBox debut in his outing before last with a close, hard-fought 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated, DominicanEliezer Aquino (17-0-1 going in). Lopez is coming off a second-round TKO over Eric Aiken last Dec. 12.

 

Lopez was born in Phoenix, raised in Los Angeles and moved to San Antonio when he was 15. He went 125-23 in the amateurs and won six national championships before turning pro in February 2012. He’s trained by former two-time world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez.

 

Munoz will be making his United States debut and first start outside of Mexico. A pro since September 2010, he’s known for his come-forward style, first-rate overall skills and proficient punching power. He went 140-10 in the amateurs, winning three national Junior Olympic tournaments and coming away with bronze and silver medals in national championships.

 

Munoz, who hails from a fighting family, has an uncle who boxed professionally. He’s the one he credits for introducing him to boxing when he was 13. This will be his first fight since he scored a lopsided eight-round decision over Daniel Franco last May 2.

 

Ellis upset highly regarded Terrell Gausha to win the 2010 National Golden Gloves (Gausha would go on to represent the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games). Since going pro in February 2011, Ellis has fought in two countries (Puerto Rico, Mexico) and six U.S. cities (San Antonio, Carson, Calif., Winchester, Va., New York City, Tulsa and Inglewood, Calif.). The 26-year-old has faced mostly modest opposition and has seldom come close to putting in a full night’s work.

 

Ellis had had a series of delays and restarts since turning pro but feels he’s grown from his mistakes and that he’ll be stronger because of them. For sure, his power hasn’t been affected. All 10 of his knockouts have come inside two rounds (eight in the first). The older brother of boxer Rashidi Ellis has won four straight by knockout, including a second-round TKO over Jas Phipps in his last start last Aug. 29. But he seems to be taking a sizeable step-up in class here.

 

Odom is looking to turn it around after losing two of his last three, the most recent defeat coming via a shocking third-round TKO to Samuel Clarkson (14-3 going in) on ShoBox. The heavily favored, heavy-hitting Odom was dropped three times, once in the second and twice in the third, before the fight was halted at 1:15.

 

Odom, a top amateur and 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds, had a 12-fight win streak end on Jan. 9, 2015, when he was disqualified against Andrew Hernandez. In the rematch the followingMarch 13 on ShoBox, Odom registered a 2:47, first-round TKO.

 

In his ShoBox debut, Odom, who makes for exciting scraps, dropped previously unbeaten Vilier Quinonez (8-0) twice before stopping him in the seventh round on July 25, 2014.

 

Smith won his ShoBox debut in his last start on a hard-fought, eight-round unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker last Nov. 6 in an outdoor fight in Las Vegas. Fighting in memory of his mother who died in late September and going eight rounds for the first time, the 5-foot-7Smith, overcame a nasty cut over the left eye from an unintentional headbutt in the sixth, rallied to score a knockdown in the seventh and triumphed by the scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

 

Before turning pro in April 2010, Smith was a 2008 National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion. His 74-2 record in the amateurs included two victories overworld-ranked contender Amir Imam.

Romero had 268 amateur bouts and represented the Dominican Republic at the Olympics in 2012 (he lost to Vasyl Lomanchenko). Shortly thereafter he relocated to New York. He went pro in October 2013, fought four times in 2014 and five times last year.

 

A slick 5-foot-9 boxer who can punch and gives opponent issues because of his awkward style and movement, Romero, 24, has beat up on ordinary opposition and is coming off a first-round TKO over LuisMeroles last Dec. 5. This looks to be his most daunting assignment to date.

 

Williams, 24, is a boxer-puncher who’s won seven in a row since boxing a draw in his second start in March 2013. This will be his first fight outside of New York. Making his eight-round debut in his last start onOct. 8, he won a shutout decision over Czech Republic’s Michal Dufek.

 

Foster, 22, gets a quick-fix opportunity to redeem himself after losing hisShoBox debut on an eight-round unanimous decision to underdog Sam Teah (6-1) on the Nov. 6 card in Las Vegas.

 

A highly decorated amateur, the 5-foot-8½ inch Foster advanced to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games Trials where he lost to unbeaten pro prospect, Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz. Before that, Foster was a 2011 Houston Golden Gloves and 2010 PAL National Champion, a five-time Ringside National Champion and two-time National Junior Golden Gloves Champion.

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 Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

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 65 fighters who have appeared onShoBox 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.

REGIS PROGRAIS KNOCKS OUT ABEL RAMOS IN MATCHUP OF UNBEATEN 140-POUND PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

Zenunaj, Rolls and Baranchyk All Impress With Knockouts

At Bayou City Event Center In Houston;

Heavyweight Challenger Artur Szpilka Interviewed During Telecast

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 12, 2015) – Regis Prograis dominated previously undefeated Abel Ramosen route to a ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME on Friday at Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs) was connecting at a more than 5-1 rate the last three rounds of the fight before Ramos’ corner asked referee Laurence Cole to stop the fight.

 

With the loss – and the previous results in the quadrupleheader – Ramos became the 139thfighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Prograis was the more aggressive and effective fighter from the outset.  He landed 53 percent of his power shots compared to just 28 percent for Ramos while throwing more than 250 more total punches.

 

Ramos (14-1-2, 9 KOs) simply couldn’t deal with Prograis’ speed and movement.  At the finish, he was a bloody mess from a cut around his left eye and a gash on the top of his head and had no answer for the onslaught of punches from his undefeated opponent.

 

“It was an incredible fight,” Prograis said.  “It was really, really tough and I didn’t think I was going to stop him, but I did.  We stuck to the game plan and I am happy.

 

“He was really messed up.  I don’t like to talk bad about my opponents, but I definitely hurt him and think that maybe they should’ve stopped it earlier. You never want to hurt anybody that bad where it can affect them in the long run.”

 

After the fight, Ramos complained that he wasn’t the same after the accidental head butt in the fifth that opened the gushing cut on the top of his head.

 

Late-replacement Dardan Zenunaj handed previously unbeaten lightweight prospect Bryant Cruz the first loss of his career after Cruz’ trainer Ronnie Shields called an end to the fight after the seventh round.  Zenunaj was ahead 67-64 on the three judges’ scorecards after the seventh.

 

Cruz was the more active fighter, throwing 754 punches through seven rounds compared to just 555 for Zenunaj, but it was clear that Zenunaj was landing the more powerful shots.

 

Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) knocked Cruz down midway through the fourth with a wide left hook.  Cruz survived the round, but continued to eat a series of big shots to close the round.  Cruz bounced back but couldn’t keep Zenunaj from picking his shots and landing damaging power punches.  Zenunaj floored Cruz again with another strong blow in the final seconds of the seventh, Cruz beat the count, but Shields had seen enough and halted the fight when Cruz (16-1, 8 KOs) returned to the corner.

 

Zenunaj out-landed Cruz 40-24 in the seventh, the only time in the fight that he out-threw and out-landed Cruz.

 

“I wanted it to be a war for all of the people watching and I did it, so I’m feeling really good,” Zenunaj said.  “He is really good, much stronger than I believed he would be.  He hung in there, but I did the work and I won.

 

“Today was my first fight in the U.S. and it won’t be the last. Next year is going to be a big year for me.”

 

After the fight, Cruz didn’t make any excuses for the disappointing performance.

 

“I came in really confident that I was going to win.  I had almost seven weeks of training and this guy took the fight on a week’s notice.

 

“I came in thinking I was going to win, but it didn’t go my way.  He was a tough opponent. He came forward and hit me with some really awkward shots.  He’s an awkward fighter and he hit me with different angles I hadn’t seen before. He caught me by surprise, but that’s the way that boxing is so I can’t really be too upset with myself by this loss. I will come back stronger.

 

“I did everything I could and gave it my all.  I tried to listen to the punch list from my coach, but he just out-hustled me and I give him all the respect for that.”​

 

In a matchup of middleweight prospects, Steve Rolls scored an impressive fourth round TKO over previously undefeated Steed WoodallVIDEO HIGHLIGHT:http://s.sho.com/1O1bf7g

 

After two close rounds, Woodall knocked Rolls down midway through the third.  While Rolls complained it was a slip, Woodall came out blazing after the count and legitimately hurt Rolls in the final minute of the round.  Rolls (13-0, 7 KOs) came back with a vengeance in the fourth, landing nearly a dozen big right hands.  With Woodall wobbling around the ring with his guard down, referee Laurence Cole stepped in to halt the contest at 2:46 of the round.

 

“I was prepared to do what I came here to do,” said Rolls, who landed 41 percent of his power shots.  “I didn’t agree with the knockdown, but that’s the nature of boxing. That kind of stuff is going to happen and you just need to pick yourself up, collect yourself and fight on.

 

“I’m going to rest a bit and really just soak it in and relax.”

 

Woodall (8-1-1, 5 KOs) complained that the stoppage was premature.

 

“I didn’t agree with the stoppage,” Woodall said.  “I was caught on my ear so that threw off my balance a little bit, but I was totally fine.  I’m wise enough to take a knee if I wasn’t able to continue, but that wasn’t the case.  I definitely feel that was a premature stoppage but I’m not a sore loser.

 

“Now it’s back to the drawing board. I need to sit down with my manager and get back to training camp.  I know it’s soon to say this after the fact, but I’ll definitely be looking for the rematch at some point.  But, for now, it’s back to the drawing board.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ivan Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs) knocked out previously undefeated Shadi Shawareb (9-1-2, 5 KOs) with a steady diet of power shots at 2:28 of the first round.

 

Polish southpaw Artur Szpilka was interviewed by ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhoodduring Friday’s telecast as he prepares to challenge undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder on Saturday, Jan. 16 on SHOWTIME.  During the interview, Szpilka warned Wilder that he’s coming to take his belt:

 

“Artur Szpilka is future heavyweight champion, future Polish champion and a wonderful person.  I can’t wait, man.  I can’t wait.

 

“I was so excited.  When I was very young I dreamed that one day I would be champion, and now I have that opportunity.  Thank you to the champ for giving me the chance.  But you don’t see what you’re doing.  This is no joke.  This is no (expletive) joke.

 

“This is very important for Polish fans.  This is when I change my story, change my life, change what people think about Polish people here.  Polish people have heart, we have everything.  And now I must show everyone what I want.  I am so confident, you will see.  I can’t wait.

 

“Listen, I don’t care what everyone thinks.  I care what my team thinks.  I care what my family, my people think.

 

“I’m going to kick his ass.  Remember, champ, I’m going to kick your ass.  Happy Holidays, champ.  Do not sleep.”

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader will re-air on Monday, Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Saturday, Dec. 12

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect Abel Ramos in Main Event
From Bayou City Event Center In Houston

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – Eight fighters, including seven undefeated prospects, with a combined record of 92-1-5, weighed-in Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader taking place tomorrow/Friday, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment- and Savarese Promotions-promoted event will be talented local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces fellow unbeaten Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Dardan Zenunaj (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match, and fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweights Main Event – 10 Rounds

Regis Prograis – 140 Pounds

Abel Ramos – 139 Pounds

 

Lightweights Co-Feature – 8 Rounds

Bryant Cruz – 132¾ Pounds

Dardan Zenunaj – 131½ Pounds

 

Middleweights – 8 Rounds

Steed Woodall – 159¼ Pounds

Steve Rolls – 159½ Pounds

 

Super Lightweights – 8 Rounds

Ivan Baranchyk – 139¼ Pounds

Shadi Shawareb – 141¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS:

 

“He’s a tougher opponent than the guys I’ve faced, and a bigger guy, but I’m coming to win.

 

“I’ve been living in Houston fighting those rugged Mexican fighters for the last 10 years.  I know how to fight tough guys like that.  I know what he’s bringing.

 

“I didn’t get the knockout [against Amos Cowart], which is what I wanted, but I did land a lot of punches.

 

“I think if I hurt Ramos early I’ll be able to take him out, but I feel that he won’t hurt me.

 

“I have a lot of people coming out from New Orleans.  I’m not worried about the crowd – I’m here to do what I have to do.

 

“We can fight on the inside and pound it out or fight on the outside.  We’re ready for anything.”

 

ABEL RAMOS:

 

“I don’t feel like I’m coming in as the underdog at all. I have much more amateur experience and I have more of an edge over him.

 

“This time you’re going to see the real Abel Ramos. I’m feeling really good. I’m prepared and conditioned. You’re going to see a little bit of everything in the ring on Friday.

 

“He’s [Prograis] a very busy guy in the ring and throws a lot of punches but we will see how we handle it in the ring.

 

“I know he throws a lot of punches and I believe I can do the same but better. He throws a lot, but they’re not effective.  Going anywhere from eight to 10 rounds, I have an advantage to wear him down.

 

“I want to dedicate this fight to my cousin Margarito Camacho who passed away of a heart attack this Monday at only 43 years old.”

 

BRYANT CRUZ:

 

“I’ve been living here [Houston] and training here.  I’m trained by the best with Ronnie (Shields) and I’ve learned a lot from him.  I’m getting a lot of attention with him as my trainer and I’m getting to learn much more about myself as a fighter and my technique.

 

“Of course I believe there’s always more to learn and with a trainer like Ronnie I’ve gained much more confidence.   I feel the difference improving my technique.

 

“Sometimes I just have the instinct [to get aggressive] and I want to go at it and put the pressure on to really please the crowd.

 

“He’s [Dardan] not hard to look for and he likes to come forward.  I know he will be right in front of me and I know what to look for there.

 

“I’m a New York guy, so here in Houston I am a little bit out of my element, but I do have some people from back home coming out to support me.  I am going to go out there and go for it.

 

“I want to put on a good show but I’m also going to be a smart fighter and go in with my game plan to do what I came here to do.

 

“I knew I was serious about boxing after my first time sparring. I got beat up and I knew I couldn’t just give the guy that. After that, I stopped partying, stopped drinking and started running and training. When I went back I knew I was ready to beat him and I did.

 

“Since I started, I haven’t missed a single day in the gym; even when I’m not training for a fight I’m always training and refuse to miss a day in the gym.”

 

DARDAN ZENUNAJ:

 

“Moving to Oxnard to work with Robert (Garcia) has been a big step in my career.  I’ve sparred with (Vasyl) Lomachenko, Mikey (Garcia), (Jesus) Cuellar, Brandon Rios, some of the best fighters in boxing.

 

“I spared with Lomachenko for four weeks for his last fight.

 

“This is my first fight after moving to Oxnard so we are excited to show what we have been working on, show how we’ve improved.

 

“I took this fight on short notice, but we’ve been working in the gym.  This is a good opportunity for us.  This is the fight we’ve been waiting for.  He’s undefeated but beatable.

 

“I wasn’t worried because I was only about four pounds off-weight.

 

“I’m the type of guy who wants to fight the toughest fights.

 

“I knew that if I wanted to make a real name for myself in boxing I would have to go after it myself.  I knew I would have to come to America for I wanted to accomplish.

 

“I have watched Cruz and I know the way he fights.  It’s all mental.  I have that drive – I’d die in the ring.  I’ve seen Cruz and he doesn’t have that.”

 

STEED WOODALL:

 

“We’ve been working with Ronnie Shields for about five months now, sparring with Jermall Charlo and Edwin Rodriguez.  Having those guys around is a great experience.  I’m always in competition with them, pushing myself to the limit and learning from them.

 

“I have a naturally aggressive approach, even when I started as an amateur at 14 years-old. Now I am working off different approaches and know that I just need to let my hands go.  Ronnie is putting the finishing touches on me.

 

“Through training I’ve learned different approaches with my style. Different guys come in and with each of the different fights I learn different styles. I am always in competition to learn more and I am always training.

 

“I want to show the judges and the fans how much this fight means to me. I am going to be aggressive but will be fighting intelligently as well.

 

“This is a pivotal fight for me because I’ve been alone in most of my fights, but this time by mom will be here along with my brother, sister and brother-in-law. My mom is my biggest inspiration and to have her here means the world to me.”

 

STEVE ROLLS:

 

“He’s a young hungry guy that is coming to fight.  I’m not taking him lightly.  This is definitely the toughest fight for both of us.

 

“I feel great. I have had six to eight weeks of training and I feel great and ready.

 

“I’ve watched a little bit [of Woodall] and learned about him.  He looks aggressive and has a good amateur background, as do I.

 

“I let my trainers watch the fight footage and I just see whatever I need to see. I love to capitalize on my opponent’s mistakes.

 

“I feel better than ever. During running and training I feel much better than when I was in my twenties. Regardless of my age, I still feel that I haven’t even reached my prime.

 

“Now, as a fighter, I am much more confident and more relaxed with my strategy.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight on national TV against an undefeated guy.  This is my big shot.”

 

IVAN BARANCHYK:

 

“I have been training very hard for this fight.  This opportunity is what I have been working so hard for.

 

“As a young, motivated fighter, I want to continue to improve and never stop working towards getting better every day.

 

“When I first started training, even as an amateur, I realized the potential and the impact of my power punch.

 

“I do not stop training.  I am extremely motivated and will keep working harder than anybody else to get where I want to be.”

 

SHADI SHAWAREB:

 

“I am not worried that I took the fight on short notice.  I stay prepared and I have been in the gym staying in good shape.

 

“I am always busy.  When I’m not working, I’m in the gym training.

 

“I know I need to mix it up, get inside and outside.  I’m going to throw out a little bit of everything.”

 

# # #

 

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 65 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.

JARRETT HURD KNOCKS OUT FRANK GALARZA IN MATCHUP OF UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Sergiy Derevyanchenko & David Benavidez Shine With Quick Knockouts

At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 14, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweight prospectJarrett Hurd handed Frank Galarza the first loss of his career with a sixth round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generationon Saturday from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

Galarza (17-1-2, 11 KOs), who was fighting for his fourth time onShoBox and favored against the relatively unknown Hurd, became the 136th fighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1NTILdM

 

Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) was the sharper, more accurate fighter from the opening bell against the largely stationary Galarza.  Hurd floored Galarza with a huge right uppercut –his favorite weapon– with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth, knocking “The Brooklyn Rocky” down for the first time in his career.  Galarza made it to the bell, but was clearly hurt and never recovered.

 

Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., blasted Galarza with another big uppercut in the sixth, forcing a clearly finished Galarza to turn his body away in defeat.  Referee Russell Mora had seen enough and stepped in to stop the bout at :59.

 

“I knew he was an experienced, tough fighter, but I stuck to my game plan, listened to my corner and came out victorious,” Hurd said.  “Once I was able to set up my counter shots, I knew I

could hurt him.

 

“This was my first time on national TV and I knew how important it was to be successful.  I’d like to fight again soon, hopefully early in 2016.  I’m ready to take my next step.”

 

Galarza promised to be back after the crushing defeat.

 

“I tip my hat off to Hurd, he was the better man tonight,” Galarza said.  “I didn’t fight my fight and he did. This type of stuff happens in our sport.  I’m disappointed in my performance, but mark my words I’ll be back, better and stronger than ever.”

 

“It’s a crushing blow to Galarza’s career,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood.  “Because of his late start in boxing and his age, he can’t afford a loss like this.  After the first round, he didn’t show any adjustment and lost every subsequent round.

 

“With that said, the story is obviously Jarret Hurd, who hadn’t fought a high level of opposition coming in, but stuck with a sound game plan, executed it well and showed no nerves in his national television debut.  He made a name for himself in stopping a legitimate tough guy in ‘The Brooklyn Rocky.’”

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, blue-chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenkodefeated Jessie Nicklow with an impressive diet of body shots and uppercuts in a dominating, third round TKO.

 

Derevyanchenko (7-0, 5 KOs) attacked Nicklow from the outset, landing an astonishing 72 percent of power punches and 56 percent of his total shots.  The durable Nicklow, who took the fight on short notice, could do nothing against the former Ukrainian amateur standout.  In the third, Derevyanchenko backed Nicklow (25-8-3, 8 KOs) against the ropes and unleashed a series of punishing shots against a defenseless opponent, forcing referee Jay Nady to step in and halt the contest at 2:18 of the third.

 

“This was a great performance by me,” Derevyanchenko said.  “Jessie was a very tough opponent.  I feel like I showed another element to my game tonight.  No one has done to Jessie what I did to him tonight.

 

“I’m improving every time and I feel like I’ll be ready for a title shot by the end of 2016.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated light heavyweight prospect David Benavidez scored three knockdowns en route to a first round TKO (2:00) of veteran Felipe Romero.   VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:http://s.sho.com/1NxpwT0

 

Benavidez (11-0, 10 KOs) had no trouble facing his most experienced opponent to date, knocking Romero (15-10-1, 9 KOs) down with a series of lefts to the body and head with less than a minute into the fight.  Romero got up, but Benavidez continued to pepper Romero and floored him again with a left hook to the body.  Ramirez again beat the count, but only lasted a few seconds before Benavidez finished him off with this third knockdown in just two minutes.

 

“I know how strong my body shots are and I knew they would be effective,” Benavidez said.  “I wanted to make a great impression in my first nationally televised fight.  I’m ready to get back in the ring gain as soon as possible.”

 

In a non-televised bout, former WBC Heavyweight World ChampionBermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) defeated Derric Rossy (30-11, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision (95-94, 96-93, 96-93) in his first fight since losing the title to Deontay Wilder last January.

 

“I feel good—it was great to be back in the ring again,” Stiverne said.  “I wasn’t rusty, but maybe I sparred too much in the gym.  He was a tough guy.  The knockdown was more of a flash knockdown.  It was a good punch, but I was a little off balance, too.

 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring soon and work my way back to become a world champion again.”

 

Stiverne knocked down with 10 seconds left in the first round.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air on Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Sunday, Nov. 15.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Chuck McKean directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @Notorious_FG, @Swift_JHurd, @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 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.

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

“The Brooklyn Rocky” Frank Galarza Faces Fellow Undefeated Jarrett Hurd

Plus, BlueChip Prospects Sergiy Derevyanchenko & Unbeaten Light Heavyweight David Benavidez Featured in ShoBox Tripleheader

 

Tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 14 At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Live On SHOWTIME®

 

Click To HERE Download Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 13, 2015) – A ShoBox: The New Generationtripleheader, highlighted by a super welterweight matchup between undefeated prospects Frank Galarza and Jarret Hurd, blue chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko and undefeated light heavyweight David Benavidez is set for tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 14 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

Featured in the main event, Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., will make his fourth ShoBox appearance as he faces fellow undefeated Jarrett Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs), of Accokeek, Md., in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

 

Former Ukrainian Olympian and undefeated prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) faces veteranJessie Nicklow (25-7-3, 8 KOs) in the eight-round super middleweight co-feature. In the opening bout of the tripleheader, David Benavidez(10-0, 9 KOs), of Phoenix, Ariz., makes his ShoBox debut against veteran Felipe Romero (15-9-1, 9 KOs), of La Paz, Mexico, in an eight-round light heavyweight matchup.

 

Galarza and Hurd, both tipped the scales at 154 ½ pounds each. Derevyanchenko measured at 164 ¾ pounds, while his opponent, Nicklow, weighted 165 ½. Benavidez measured at 171 ¼ pounds while his counterpart, Romero, weighed-in at 173 ½ pounds.

 

In non-televised action, Bermane Stiverne weighed-in at 254 ½ pounds, while Derric Rossy measured at 230 ¾ pounds. Charvis Holifield weighed 142 ¾ pounds, and Dwain Victorian weighed-in at 140 ¼ pounds. Sanjarbek Rahkmannov measured at 143 ½ pounds, while his opponent Somner Martin weighed-in at 143 ¼ pounds andTrakwon Pettis tip the scale at 138 ¾ pounds, while his opponent,Marquis Hawthorne weighted at 140 pounds even.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to Friday’s weigh-in:

 

Fank Galarza

“I don’t mind challenging fights. You put me in with a tough opponent and you’re going to see a tough Frank Galarza.

 

“We’ve been here already. We know what it takes to put my undefeated record on the line. I’ve faced the tougher fighters.  I know I can swing, but is he ready to swing?  I’ve been the [under] dog and been in with the sharks before. And I swam with them.

 

“I don’t think he’s ready for what I bring to the table. He hasn’t been in with someone like me.

 

“He’s going to try to come forward and bully me, but that’s not going to happen.

 

“It takes a tough guy to go in that ring. Anything can happen. At the end of the day, it comes down to who wants it more.

 

“I’m ready for a 10 rounder. I’ve been looking for one for a while.

 

“No matter how much video we watch, no one knows what it’s going to happen in the ring. We have to capitalize on his mistakes. Boxing is about adapting and I adapt very well.”

 

Jarrett Hurd

“It’s a great opportunity for us. We’ve been thinking about fighting [Frank] Galarza since last December.

 

“Frank might be confident, but he doesn’t intimidate me. My confidence is skyrocketing. My style matches up perfect for him.

 

“I know what I can do. I sparred with guys that are elite fighters –Lamont Peterson, Antoine Douglas, Dominic Wade, Austin Trout, Jerry Odom. We’ve been sparring with some of the best in [Washington] D.C. and Maryland.

 

“This is a huge fight for me. It could open the doors that I’ve been waiting for.”

 

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“He [Jessie Nicklow] doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. He has experience, but I’m ready to show off what I’ve been working on at the gym.

 

“I can always get better. I’m learning in every fight. There’s a big difference between the amateurs and the pros. I’m leaning new combinations, new techniques. I learn from my sparring partners every day.

 

“I was preparing for a fight in December, so that’s why the weight is contacted at 166. But I’m a middleweight –the future is 160.

 

“I’m ready to take the next step. [Gennady] Golovkin is the champion of the world, of course I’d like to fight him.

 

“Fighters from the Ukraine, we work hard because we know where we come from. Life wasn’t easy for us growing up.”

 

Jessie Nicklow

“I can back this guy up. The guy [Sergiy Derevyanchenko] is 30 years old and he has six pro fights. They think this is an easy fight, but I’m going to beat the crap out of him. I’m really excited.

 

“I think these people are stupid –I can’t believe they’re flying me in to fight this guy who’s got six fights. He’s got a big amateur background, but he’s only got six pro fights. I cannot wait to get in the ring Saturday night.

 

“I’ve fought an [Ryota Murata] Olympic Gold Medalist before. This guy doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. I’m not coming to lose. He’s on my soil and I’m coming to beat him.

 

“I’m 100 percent. This guy is smaller than me.  I’m used to fighting big guys.”

 

David Benavidez

“[Fernando] Romero is better than most of the opponents I’ve faced, so this is definitely a step-up for me.

 

“I’ve knocked down every fighter I’ve faced. I’m looking forward to putting this guy down.

 

“We sparred with southpaws in camp, so we’re ready if he switches on us.

 

“He likes to throw a lot of wild punches. We know there will be a lot of open opportunities for me.

 

“I sparred with Kelly Pavlik, Gennady Golovkin, Peter Quillin, Julius Jackson. I’m 18 and I’ve been sparring with some of the best fighters in the world.

 

“I’m focusing on fighting at 168. I don’t have any problem making the weight. I contracted higher for this fight [173], but 168 is the future for us. I’m very excited to fight on national TV for the first time.

 

“I used to be a lot bigger than I am now. I was 5-foot-4, 250 pounds when I was 13-years-old. I lost the weight and I started to grow.

 

“I don’t regret not fighting much in the amateurs. I’m happy I turned pro at 16. I had to move to Mexico to do it, but it was the right move for my career.”

 

Felipe Romero

“This is the best weight for me. I’m a natural light heavyweight.

 

“I’m working with a new trainer and we’ve been working on some new things. I’m focused full time on fighting.

 

“I know he’s good, he’s strong, he’s young, but he’s been fighting guys who aren’t very good. He hasn’t faced anyone with my experience. I’ve faced tougher guys and I’m coming to beat him.

 

“I need to be smart and use my experience. He hasn’t fought many rounds so we’re going to push him.  He’s not going to knock me out.

 

“I’ve fought all over the world. Fighting as an underdog is nothing new to me.”

 

Bermane Stiverne

“Training has been excellent and I’m ready to fight tomorrow night.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting again.  I’ve been off too long.

 

“I’ve climbed the mountain to become a world champion and I’m prepared to do it again.  I want to get my title back.”

# # #

 

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @Notorious_FG, @Swift_JHurd, @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

Galarza vs. Hurd, 10-round super welterweight main event of ShoBox: The New Generation taking place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas and promoted by TGB Promotions. In the co-feature, Sergiy Derevyanchenko faces Jessie Nicklow in an eight-round middleweight bout and in the telecast opener, David Benavidez measures against Felipe Romero in an eight-round light heavyweight matchup.

 

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 63 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.