Tag Archives: Shobox

Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing to appeal Hamazaryan – Mattice

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 23, 2018) – Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan will be appealing the outcome of last Friday’s Zhora Hamazaryan – Thomas Mattice fight with the Iowa commission.

 

 

 

Pelullo spoke to Iowa Commissioner Joe Walsh right after the fight on Friday, which took place at the WinnaVegas Casino.

 

 

 

The bout was seen by a nationally televised audience as the co-feature of a ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

In the fight, Hamazaryan scored an explosive 2nd round knockdown; rocked Mattice several more times, and dominated the action.  Hamazaryan badly hurt Mattice in round seven.  Most people who saw the fight, thought that Hamazayan won 6 rounds to 2, plus the 2nd round knockdown.

 

 

 

Hall of Fame SHOWTIME announcer Steve Farhood called the decision the one of the worst in the history of the series, while his fellow Hall of Fame broadcaster Barry Tompkins went even farther by calling it the worst decision in 40 years.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1020524211121655809

 

 

 

Hamazaryan co-promoter, Artie Pelullo said,  “I spoke to commissioner Joe Walsh right after the fight.  I informed him that we were going to appeal the decision, and he understood our position, and he said that we are within our rights to appeal.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Below are just a sample of the articles and social media reaction from this misjustice.

 

 

 

 

https://www.boxingscene.com/mattice-wins-suspicious-split-nod-over-hamazaryan-results–130151

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.boxingscene.com/promoter-file-protest-over-suspect-shobox-result-friday–130216

 

 

 

https://www.ringtv.com/539952-jaron-ennis-impresses-zhora-hamazaryan-gets-robbed-on-shobox/

 

 

 

https://fightnews.com/mattice-hamazaryan-aftermath/25775

 

 

 

http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=35486

 

 

 

https://roundbyroundboxing.com/jaron-ennis-knocks-out-armando-alvarez/

 

 

 

https://www.fightful.com/boxing/shobox-next-generation-results-720-controversial-judging-overshadows-event

 

 

 

https://fightnews.com/ennis-destroys-alvarez-in-three/25776

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/steveucnlive/status/1020689666670878721

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/steveucnlive/status/1020690665292742658

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/CommishRandyG/status/1020661697932152833  (Gordon was the former New York State Boxing Commissioner)

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/loudibella/status/1020519733991485441

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/TheLatinSnake_/status/1020512531398373376

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/rosieperezbklyn/status/1020809743026343937

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/GoldenCalebT/status/1020512381774987264

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/stevelillis/status/1020522005261692928

 

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

JARON ENNIS KNOCKS OUT PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN ARMANDO ALVAREZ IN IMPRESSIVE TELEVISION DEBUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Thomas Mattice Stays Unbeaten With Controversial Split Decision Win Over Zhora Hamazaryan and Montana Love and Kenneth Sims Jr. Battle to Draw In Co-Featured Bouts

 

Catch The Replay Monday, July 23 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Fight-Night Photos; Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

SLOAN, Iowa (July 20, 2018) – Jaron Ennis continued his knock out streak in impressive fashion in his ShoBox: The New Generation debut on Friday night as the highly-touted prospect from Philadelphia scored a third-round TKO against previously unbeaten Armando Alvarez in an exciting night of fights from WinnaVegas Casino.

 

 

 

The 21-year-old Ennis (21-0, 19 KOs), a former National Golden Gloves Champion, dominated the Key West fighter Alvarez (13-1, 7 KOs) from the start, knocking him down four times in the third round before the fight was waved off with one second remaining in the round. The win was Ennis’s 11th consecutive knockout in a step-up fight for the welterweight prospect, who appeared composed in the ring from the outset.

 

 

 

“I feel so great after this fight,” Ennis said. “I came out and did what we planned on, which was to just get out there and break him down. I wasn’t nervous and I had fun in the ring, I’ve been here before and I’m aware of everything. I’ve been in the ring my entire life and this is always what I’ve been doing.”

 

 

 

Ennis came out aggressive against a game Alvarez and started his attack by going directly to the body. He landed 46 percent of his power shots and led 35-8 in body connects during the short fight, which was originally scheduled for 10 rounds.

 

 

 

Ennis, who has never been past the sixth round, didn’t have plans on making this a long night, as he connected on a left cross to the jaw to put Alvarez on the canvas for the first time after 30 seconds had elapsed in the third round. A delayed-reaction left to the pit of the stomach sent Alvarez down for the second time and a three-punch combination capped by a hook was good for knockdown No. 3.

 

 

 

Referee Adam Pollack waved the fight off with Alvarez on his knees with just one second remaining in the third round following a right uppercut to the chin that ended the fight.

 

 

 

“Alvarez was just another opponent,” said Ennis, who out-landed Alvarez 23-3 in power punches in the final round. “He’s a great fighter but it feels like I’ve been here before. I’ve been fighting forever so it was nothing new. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid.”

 

 

 

Ennis’s two older brothers have both fought previously on ShoBox but came up with losses. “This was my coming out party and it really feels great to be the third Ennis to fight on ShoBox,” Ennis continued.

 

 

 

The previously undefeated Alvarez became the second fighter of the night to lose his undefeated record and the 176th overall in the history of the ShoBox series, which this week celebrated 17 years since its inception in July of 2001.

 

 

 

“He was faster than I expected and I didn’t execute my game plan,” Alvarez said. “I was supposed to pressure and I didn’t. He hit me with a surprising shot. He had enough power that I had to respect him. He was just the better man tonight.”

 

 

 

In middle fight of the tripleheader, undefeated Thomas Mattice overcame a knockdown in the second round to escape with a controversial eight-round split decision victory over Armenian Zhora Hamazaryan. Two judges scored the fight 76-75 in favor of Mattice with the third judge scoring it 77-74 in favor of Hamazaryan.

 

 

 

ShoBox commentator Steve Farhood had Hamazaryan (9-1, 6 KOs) winning by a score of 78-73. “That was the worst decision I’ve seen in the history of ShoBox,” Farhood said.

 

 

 

Mattice (13-0, 10 KOs) said he thought he did enough to win the fight, even though he was floored by a devastating right hook from Hamazaryan at 2:30 in the second round.

 

 

 

“Tonight wasn’t my best performance,” Mattice said. “I felt like I Iost the few early rounds. [Hamazaryan] landed some clean shots and he’s a crazy competitor; he wasn’t giving me anything. I think the decision was fair. I out-jabbed him and it may have looked like he was hitting me more but he wasn’t really touching me. The crowd was going crazy over him tapping my gloves. I outpointed him overall.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan’s pressure enabled him to work his way inside and render Mattice’s normally powerful jab mostly ineffective, as he landed just 19 percent of his jabs. Besides scoring the fight’s only knockdown in round two,Hamazaryan controlled the seventh round and applied more pressure than Mattice in the final three rounds.

 

 

 

“I am extremely upset,” said Hamazaryan, who was fighting for the second time in the U.S. “I deserve a lot more being here in the United States. I worked many years for this opportunity, and for the judges to take it from me is just terrible. I know I won. I’m always a champion. I have already talked to my team and we are going to protest this fight to the right outcome and we will give him a rematch.

 

 

 

He added: “I knocked him down, hurt him several more times and dominated the fight. And how could they just take this from me.”

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, young super lightweight prospects Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) of Cleveland and Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago fought to an eight-round split draw. The judges scored the fight 77-75 for Love, 77-75 for Sims and 76-76.

 

 

 

The action-packed fight was fought in flurries as both fighters came out swinging. Sims was the busier and more accurate fighter, throwing a total of 638 punches and connecting on 211 (33 percent) while Love threw 529 punches and connected on 159 (30 percent).

 

 

 

“I worked well in the beginning even though I was a little rusty,” said Sims, 24, who had not fought in more than a year because of right elbow surgery. “I slacked off in the middle rounds, and picked it up in the last three. I thought I won the fight, but I can’t complain. I haven’t fought in a year and I feel like I am a stronger and a better fighter than I was then.”

 

 

 

In his second appearance on the series, the 23-year-old Love came alive in the middle rounds, highlighted by a blistering right hook midway through the fifth round that knocked out Sims’s mouthpiece.

 

 

 

“Today wasn’t my best day and I just wasn’t able to get in to a groove,” said Love, who fought against Sims when the two were teenagers in the amateurs. “I definitely didn’t fight my best. I felt good in the third and fourth rounds.

 

 

 

 

“We definitely want a rematch,” Love continued. “Today was an off day but we hundred percent want a rematch and want to fight again, wherever and whenever.”

 

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, July 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve 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.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

VIDEO: PHILADELPHIA’S UNBEATEN WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT JARON ENNIS LEANS ON FAMILY AHEAD OF SHOBOX DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“I’m fighting for my family. I’m putting Philly on my back and I’m ready to show the world my talent.”

 

Ennis Faces Fellow Undefeated Armando Alvarez In The Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME At 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

 Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: sho.com/2O1pJGC

 

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports provides a glimpse into the life and training camp of Philadelphia’s Jaron Ennis as he prepares to face fellow undefeated welterweight prospect Armando Alvarez in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, July 20, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs), who has knocked out 10 consecutive opponents, makes his ShoBox debut against the 28-year-old Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a three-fight telecast featuring six fighters with a combined record of 82-1.

 

 

 

Just 20 years old, Ennis trains under the tutelage of his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah.  The 5-foot-10 former amateur standout will be the third Ennis brother to appear on ShoBox; Derek Jr. appeared on the series in 2007, and Farah faced Badou Jack on the series in 2013.

 

 

 

“Having my Dad as a trainer means everything,” said the youngest Ennis. “He’s 63 years old and he puts in the same work I put in.

 

 

 

“My brothers always tell me to stay focused, it’s my turn now. I’m fighting for my family. I’m putting Philly on my back and I’m ready to show the world my talent.”

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Also on the card, undefeated super lightweight prospect Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Thomas Mattice Camp Notes

Mattice Takes on Zhora Hamazaryan in co-feature bout of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader on Friday, July 20th from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort on Sloan, Iowa
Telecast begins at 10 PM ET / PT

 

Cleveland, Ohio (July 18, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) is looking to make a strong impression as he takes on fellow undefeated Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis squares off against Armando Alvarez in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

Mattice, who made his ShoBox debut onFebruary 2nd with an exciting 7th round stoppage over Rolando Chinea in the same venue that Friday’s bout will take place at, will be looking for a more complete performance against the undefeated Hamazaryan.

 

 

 

‘This camp is going smooth,” Mattice said. “This is a little easier being that I have already gone through a camp and all the things that go on with being on national television. It was an inspiring opportunity, and a dream come true to fight on this platform, and now I will be more focused.”

 

 

 

While not much on Hamazaryan is out there for scouting purposes, Mattice has seen what he can, and will be ready for the undefeated fighter from Armenia.

 

 

 

“He is a slick guy,” Mattice said. “I have seen a couple of rounds on him.  He has decent skills, and I look forward to a good fight.  My job is to defeat him and get the win.”

 

 

 

Mattice isn’t looking past Hamazaryan, and he knows he needs to be victorious for his career to get to the next level.

 

 

 

“I have to win this fight, and then I can see where I can go from there. I just want everybody to tune into ShoBox. I want to thank my manager Chances Aurelius, my promoter GH3 Promotions, and Zhora for taking the challenge. It will be a great fight.”

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, 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 76 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, 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.

Kenneth Sims Jr. Camp Notes

Sims Takes on Montana Love in opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader on Friday, July 20th from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort on Sloan, Iowa
Telecast begins at 10 PM ET / PT

 

Chicago (July 17, 2018) – Junior welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) has been hunkering down in training camp in Chicago for his showdown with undefeated Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will be part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT 

 

 

 

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) squares off against Armando Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a eight-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

Sims, who was a former National Amateur champion, has been off since suffering his only professional blemish, when he dropped a majority decision to Rolando Chinea, and subsequently had elbow surgery. He is eager to get back in the ring, and prove he’s one of the best prospects in the 140-pound division.

 

 

 

“Everything is going great,” Sims said. “I am feeling better than ever. I have been working with a strength and conditioning coach for the first time in my career, and I can feel the difference.”

 

 

In Love, he is facing an undefeated fighter, who made an impression in his previous ShoBox appearance on Feb. 2 when he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah on short notice.

 

 

 

“Love is a good fighter,” Sims said. “We fought when we were kids. We were about 15 years-old. I won that fight, but that does not mean anything as we head into this fight.”

 

 

 

Sims has extra motivation, as he feels that in the loss to Chinea, he was not at his best physically, and he vows to put on a great performance.

 

 

 

“I am super motivated. The last fight upped my motivation. It’s amazing, to see some of the people who have rooted for me in the past are now saying negative stuff about me. A win will get me back on track. I have been sparring with Regis Prograis, and that has lifted my game up even more.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

National Golden Gloves champion Roney Hines to make pro debut this Friday in Sloan, Iowa

 

Cleveland, Ohio (July 16, 2018) – This Friday night at the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa, 2018 National Golden Gloves champion, heavyweight Roney Hines will make his pro debut when he takes on David Becker in a four-round bout that will precede a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader.

 

 

 

Hines, 23 years-old, of Cleveland, Ohio won the National Golden Gloves in May in Omaha, Nebraska, which is just an 90 minute drive from Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

“I am ready to get this out of the way, and put my name on the map.  I want to show people what I have,” said Hines.

 

 

 

Hines, who describes himself as a boxer-puncher, has the physical attributes of the modern day heavyweight by standing almost 6-foot-7 and weighing close to 240 pounds.

 

 

 

Hines, who recently signed with GH3 Promotions explained he is with the New Jersey based promotion due to past success moving young fighters along.

 

 

 

“I am very comfortable with GH3.  With Vito Mielnicki, it’s a family type of atmosphere. I plan to fight every month if I can.  Whenever Vito says he can get me in the ring, then I will fight.  I just want to take this 1 step at a time.  I know what I bring as a fighter, and I am looking forward to showing my skills.”

 

 

 

In Becker, Hines is facing an opponent who is 1-1 with 1 knockout from St. Joseph, Missouri.

 

 

 

“I do not know anything about him.  He just needs to know who I am, and if he doesn’t, I will show him on Friday.”

 

 

 

“I am going to work hard, and take this one step at a time.  I will be a factor in the heavyweight division before too long.”

 

 

 

Hines is promoted by GH3 Promotions and is co-managed by Chances Aurelius and former NFL star Ray Edwards.  Hines is trained by Push Davis.

 

 

 

Mielnicki said, “I am looking for Roney to have around 15 fights before the end of 2019.”

 

Zhora Hamazaryan Camp Notes

Undefeated Lightweight battles Thomas Mattice on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa
     

 

 

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 16, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) has been preparing for his battle with fellow undefeated Thomas Mattice that will be part of a ShoBox: the New Generation tripleheader that will take place onFriday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Hotel in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

The broadcast on SHOWTIME® will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

 

 

 

“Training has been very good so far,” said the 22 year-old Hamazaryan, originally from Gyumri, Armenia, and is now training out of Los Angeles. “I am excited and happy to show my talents on American Television.”

 

 

Hamazaryan will be making his second start on American soil, and he has not scouted his undefeated foe.

 

 

 

“I do not know much about Mattice,” said Hamazaryan, who is trained by former lightweight pro Jerry Rosenberg. “I prefer to not look at any tape of my opponents. I look at this as just another fight. I want to get in there, win the fight, take care of business, and move on to the next one.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan looks to make a big splash, and become a big star in The United States.

 

 

 

“I am going to get this fight out of the way, and on to bigger fights here in the States.”

 

 

 

Hamazaryan is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS JARON ENNIS & ARMANDO ALVAREZ FACE OFF IN MAIN EVENT OF JULY 20 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

 

 

Three-Fight Telecast Features Six Fighters With A Combined Record of 82-1, Including Five Unbeaten Boxers

 

 

NEW YORK (June 25, 2018) – A battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT when Jaron Ennis squares off against Armando Alvarez in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

Philadelphia’s Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) has knocked out 10 consecutive opponents and was the 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion before turning professional in 2016.  The 20-year-old former amateur standout will face his first undefeated opponent in Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs), a native of the Florida Keys who has knocked out six of his last seven opponents.

 

 

 

The three-fight telecast features six prospects with a combined record of 82-1, with all six fighters facing what is likely the toughest tests of their careers.

 

 

 

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

 

 

Also on the card, undefeated super lightweight prospect Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

 

 

 

JARON ENNIS vs. ARMANDO ALVAREZ – 10-Round Welterweight Bout

Ennis will debut on ShoBox following a statement second round knockout of former junior welterweight contender Mike Arnaoutis earlier this month, his 10th consecutive KO victory.  The Philadelphia native had a standout amateur career, notching an impressive record of 58-3 and winning the 2015 National Golden Gloves tournament.  Ennis, who was ranked No. 1 as an amateur at 141 pounds, narrowly missed the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the 2016 Olympics after losing a box-off to Gary Antuanne Russell at the Olympic Trials.

 

 

 

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for,” Ennis said. “I can’t wait to show the world my talent.”

 

 

 

Just 20 years old, Ennis currently trains under his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah.  The 5-foot-10 Ennis will be the third brother to appear on ShoBox; Derek Jr. appeared on the series in 2007, and Farah faced Badou Jack on the series in 2013.

 

 

 

“A win on this platform would mean everything,” Ennis continued. “From here on out, I want to fight only the big names in the division.  I feel grateful for this opportunity to show the world my talents and skills.  It’s great to follow in my brother’s footsteps, and I am ready to take the Ennis last name to the next level.”

 

 

 

The 28-year-old Alvarez turned professional in 2014 and has gradually increased his level of opposition.  Alvarez, who now lives in Key West, compiled a 26-4 amateur record and won the Florida State Championship in 2013.  His headlining fight with Ennis will be his second fight of 2018 and by far his toughest test to date.

 

 

 

“This is the biggest opportunity I have ever received,” Alvarez said. “This is it.  It’s on.  Ennis is a great young fighter, but I think he has stepped out of his league.  He is just a kid.  The world will find out who Armando Alvarez is on July 20.”

 

 

 

THOMAS MATTICE vs. ZHORA HAMAZARYAN – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

A 27-year-old from Cleveland, Mattice turned pro in 2014 and had an amateur record of 72-18. He was a three-time Ohio State Golden Gloves Champion and bronze medal winner in the USA National Tournament in 2014.

 

 

 

Mattice will be making his second ShoBox appearance following a strong debut Feb. 2, when the undefeated lightweight rallied from behind to score a seventh round TKO of ShoBox veteran Rolando Chinea.  Mattice has recorded five straight KOs and nine overall in 11 professional fights.

 

 

 

“I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent again on ShoBox,” Mattice said.  “I’m going to go out there and do what I did before.  I’m going to get a win, hopefully in knockout fashion. This guy (Hamazaryan) doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into.”

 

 

 

Undefeated lightweight prospect Hamazaryan, who signed with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in February, is originally from Armenia but fights out of Los Angeles.  Part of a long line of Armenian fighters who have fought in the U.S., Hamazaryan won his U.S. debut on Feb. 16, when he scored a unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Sergio Ramirez. Prior to his win against Ramirez, all of Hamazaryan’s victories were earned in Russia.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old was considered the No. 1 fighter in Armenia after an amateur career that spanned over 200 fights. Hamazaryan turned professional in 2015, turning down an opportunity to fight for the Armenian Olympic Team in 2016.

 

 

 

“This fight is very important for me, and I am very excited to be fighting on national television in America,” Hamazaryan said.  “I know [Mattice] is undefeated but I normally don’t look at my opponent.  I’m just looking to put on a great performance and make a statement for fans in the U.S.”

 

 

 

MONTANA LOVE vs. KENNETH SIMS JR. – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Cleveland native Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record and won a bronze medal at the 2012 National Golden Gloves Championships.  The 22-year-old recently sparred with Adrien Broner, and served as head sparring partner for Robert Easter Jr. before his lightweight title defense against Javier Fortuna on Jan. 20.

 

 

 

Love has won two consecutive bouts against lesser opposition since defeating Samuel Teah in his ShoBox debut on Feb. 2.

 

 

 

“I am excited and happy to be back,” Love said. “I want to put on another great performance.  Sims and I grew up as amateurs together.  He’s a good fighter, but I am hungry and want to keep rolling. I can’t let anything get in my way.”

 

 

 

Chicago native Sims makes his return to ShoBox just over a year after suffering the first loss of his career against Rolando Chinea via close majority decision in what was his toughest test to date.  The 24-year-old Sims, who has sparred with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, was a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist.

 

 

 

“I am happy to be back fighting after having surgery on my elbow that had been bothering me for the last year and a half,” Sims said.  “This is my chance to prove that I’m back and the loss on ShoBox was a fluke.  I remember Love from the amateurs and I know I have what it takes to beat him.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Salita Congratulates Newest Signee Arnold Khegai for Impressive Victory over Adam Lopez

Salita Promotions’ ever-growing stable of top contenders and rising stars grew again recently with the signing of his latest “Beast from the East,” last Friday night, as Ukrainian-born ethnic Korean super bantamweight slugger Arnold Khegai announced his presence on the world stage with an impressive unanimous decision over capable Texan Adam Lopez.

 

 

 

Fighting in the opening bout of a four-fight telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Khegai (12-0-1, 8 KOs) dominated the capable and experienced Lopez over eight mostly one-sided rounds (scores of 77-74, 77-74 and 78-73).

 

 

 

It was the US fighting debut for the 26-year-old Khegai… one that his promoter, Dmitriy Salita, could not be happier about.

 

 

 

“I congratulate Arnold on a sensational performance. He did a great job in his US Showtime debut,” said Salita. “Dominating a skilled and experienced Adam Lopez, who beat and fought some of the best in the division. Arnold’s skills and power make him one of the best fighters in the division.”

 

 

 

Khegai showed world-class strength, speed and power against Lopez, who was previously considered a top-5 contender in the world.

 

 

 

“I am happy that I got the victory and finally made my US debut,” said Khegai. “I thank Salita Promotions and Showtime for the opportunity. US fans saw a glimpse of my potential and I got a lot more to show. I look forward to fighting the best in the world and becoming a world champion in the near future.”

 

 

 

Salita says he’ll have his newest “one to watch” back in action quickly.

 

 

 

“Arnold is a ‘made for TV’ fighter and I’m looking forward to moving him quickly. He was able to dominate a world-class opponent with relative ease and that’s just the beginning for him. He’s going to be a real force in the super bantamweight division and we will have him back for the fans’ enjoyment very soon.”

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.