Tag Archives: Super Lightweight

2021 Highs & Lows for Unbeaten super lightweight “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams

Williams and cichon.jpg
(L-R) – Mykquan Williams & Paul Cichon

 
HARTFORD (October 27, 2021) –  Unbeaten super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (16-0-1, 7 KOs) has been on a long, strange trip in 2021, starting with his career-defining victory to date last January, unfortunately, followed by a car accident resulting in a wrist injury, leading to the entrepreneurial launch of his “Marvelous” merchandise and products, and last Thursday he became a father for the first time.

“It’s been very frustrating,” Williams said about his injury. “This is what I do; I’m a fighter. At times it has been hard, and I’ve been frustrated the entire time. I’m eager to fight again, but I need to be patient. When the time is right and I’m back 100-percent, I’ll be back in the ring, hopefully, early next year. Now, I have to build-up my wrist, strength-wise.”

Williams was in a car accident this past March 5th, in which he suffered a dislocated right wrist, popped into place that evening in the trauma unit. The next morning, Williams underwent surgery to insert four pins, which left him in a splint for 11 weeks, until the pins were removed May 15th. Therapy and exercises were all he could do, no boxing at all, until he returned to training, and he threw his first punch only three weeks ago.

When a boxer suffers a serious injury to his hands like Williams, it often leaves questions about his or her boxing future. No different for “Marvelous” Mykquan, as he admits.

“Personally,” Williams explained, “I worry about coming back close to where I was, but I keep faith and keep working. People have been very supportive. Sometimes I think about not being able to box again, but I try not to think about that, but that is positioned in my mind.”

“We’re in no rush,” Williams’ head trainer Paul Cichon noted. “We’re doing exactly what his doctors are saying. I believe he’ll be back stronger, and more focused than ever now that he has a son to consider. I think he’ll be back strong in 2022.”

Williams has taken advantage of his downtime to launch his “Marvelous Chili,” as well as a “Marvelous” clothing line and gear, and he’s also looking into purchasing property.

His is life was dramatically altered this past Thursday, when his girlfriend, Zuleyma, delivered his son, Attikus Williams, who weighed in at, as a ring announcer would say, a fit and ready 9-pounds.

Baby 3.jpg
Mykquan & Attikus Williams


As he prepares for his comeback, Williams and Cichon will promote an amateur show November 20th at a venue to be determined.
“We’re hosting the show to help kids at our gym, Manchester ROCS (in CT),” the DiBella Entertainment promoted Williams remarked. “We want to do a couple a year.”

The 23-year-old Williams has already overcome the murder of his father when Mykquan was only one, in addition to having his family house burned to the ground 10 years later. A dislocated wrist has no chance of making him less than “Marvelous.”

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams
Twitter:  @MarvelousMyke
Instagram: @M.MKW_

Petr “Zar” Petrov TRAINING CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Photos by Team Petrov
MADRID, SPAIN (April 8, 2021) – Super lightweight contender, Petr “Zar” Petrov (41-6-2, 22 KOs), is looking to propel himself back into the world title picture as he believes his third chance will be the charm. First, Petrov must defeat Bergman “Snake” Aguilar (15-6-1, 5 KOs) on Thompson’s 3.2.1. Boxing event, next Sunday, April 18th, at the Omega Products Event Center in Corona, CA. The bout, scheduled for 8-rounds, will be the opening fight on the three-fight card.

The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET.

Here is what Petr Petrov had to say about his upcoming fight, training from Madrid, Spain, a potential future world title shot, and more.
On his upcoming bout against Aguilar:

“This is a chance to show how far I’ve grown as a fighter. I truly believe I’m the best version of myself and having Danny Zamora in my corner for this fight will be a big help. I want to put on a great performance that has people wondering how I would fare against top level guys. Aguilar is a tough durable guy who has been in the ring with some good fighters, so I know he’s coming to fight.”

On recent training camp:

“I’m wrapping up my final days of training camp in Madrid, Spain, and I’m feeling very strong. Being home, and refocusing, gave me a new perspective. I arrive to the U.S. this Sunday, which is plenty of time to acclimated to the time change. I feel more an enthused than ever.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“I have been out of the ring for a year-and-a-half, even though I had three fights since my loss to Ivan Baranchyk, but that is the fight people remember. I want people to see my improvement and realize I can be a force at the 140 lbs. division.”

On how far he believes he’s away from a world title shot:

“I think with a couple of wins I’ll be in line for a title eliminator if I put on exciting performances. With Jose Ramirez and Josh Taylor fighting to unify the division, I think soon some belts will open up. I have to perform and be ready to succeed at each and every step along the way. I’m hoping by the end of 2021 I can be in a big fight with a world champion.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Steve KimJessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram  and  Twitter  @ThompsonBoxing.

Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

RICHARDSON HITCHINS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

“I truly believe I am the best up and coming fighter in the game”
 

 
Unbeaten Rising Super Lightweight Prospect Hitchins Battles Former Champion Argenis Méndez In Co-Main Event Live on SHOWTIME® this Saturday, December 12
 
Click HERE for Photos from Mayweather Promotions
 
NEW YORK – December 7, 2020 – Unbeaten rising prospect Richardson Hitchins shared details of his training camp, including pointers and motivation he received from Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis, ahead of his super lightweight showdown against former world champion Argenis Méndez live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
 
“Floyd helped me tremendously while I was back in Las Vegas,” said Hitchins. “I already have the fundamentals as a fighter, but he showed me little things here and there and workouts that I have taken back home with me while I train for this fight. I’m not shy about my ability as a fighter, because I truly believe I am the best up and coming fighter in the game, so these are the kind of fights I need in order to show the world who Richardson Hitchins is.
 
“Gervonta has been instrumental in past fight camps as well, and he’s the type of person you need. He pushes you to go harder. We go head-to-head in trying to outdo each other, and that’s the type of competition that’s needed in order to really be the best.”
 
Despite training throughout the pandemic, Hitchins has been able to remain on task and on track throughout his camp that began in Las Vegas before ending in his native Brooklyn under the guidance of his head coach Lenny Wilson.
 
“The thing about me is, I’m focused no matter what,” said Hitchins. “I don’t take ‘off’ after my fights. I stay in shape all year round; I don’t need to get ready in terms of conditioning or getting my body back in shape because this is my job. I take my job very seriously. The discipline Floyd has had throughout his career is the same discipline I have. I have watched my idols and taken things from them so that I can put myself in a position to win.
 
“I don’t think the pandemic or the holidays necessarily altered my training. I still have access to my gym. There’s nothing that’s going to stand in my way of becoming great. The pandemic doesn’t slow me down, it’s just another roadblock to test my dedication to the sport.”
 
The 23-year-old Hitchins represented Haiti at the 2016 Olympic Games and will return to the ring after debuting in 2020 with a 10-round decision victory over Nicholas DeLomba in February. It was Hitchins’ second 10-round decision win after his previous fight saw him best Kevin Johnson following 10 rounds in November 2019.
 
“I often think back to my fight against Kevin Johnson, he’s a tough fighter and he’s the one who I can confidently say brought the best out of me,” said Hitchins. “Those are the fights that make me look back and watch closely the things I need to work on. That fight also showed me that no one should be overlooked, so going into this fight against Mendez, I’m not overlooking him.”
 
Méndez presents the most accomplished opponent of Hitchins’ young career. The 34-year-old former champion most recently fought Juan Heraldez and Anthony Peterson to draws in 2019, and scored victories over Eddie Ramirez and Ivan Redkach prior to that. For Hitchins, the strong resume of his opponent is something he relishes as a measuring stick for his progress.
 
“He’s a veteran, he’s been in there with a lot of tough guys and he’s a former world champion, so he clearly has a skill set that I think I need to face at this point in my career,” said Hitchins. “I need those big fights. He’s older now, but I feel like him in his prime still couldn’t touch my skillset. It’s my job to prove that.
 
“I know this won’t be an easy fight, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings. My motivation is to be more than ordinary. I will fulfill my goals when this is all said and done, and honestly, I’m just waiting for this fight to come so I can show that. Whether it’s Méndez, or whoever, the conviction I have and how I feel about myself is stronger than anything standing in front of me in that ring.”
 
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ABOUT COLBERT VS. ARBOLEDA
Colbert vs. Arboleda will see two of the top fighters in the 130-pound division meet when unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert faces the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The tripleheader will see rising super lightweight phenom Richardson Hitchins taking on the toughest test of his young career as he faces former world champion Argenis Mendez in the 10-round co-main event and middleweight contenders Ronald Ellis and Matt Korobov battle in the 10-round telecast opener. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Hitchins vs. Mendez is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @MayweatherPromo, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotionss and @MayweatherPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

Keith “The Bounty” Hunter Recovered from Hand Injury Ready to Face Top Contenders

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 15, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super lightweight contender, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (12-0, 7 KOs), has fully recovered from a hand injury suffered in his last fight with Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (12-3-1, 6 KOs), a 10-round bout that headlined on ShoBox back in February of this year. 


Hunter, a Las Vegas native, is eager to face all top contenders when boxing returns. The super lightweight contender is currently ranked #13 by the WBA, meaning his shot at the top of the division is coming soon.
 
“I am ready to face the best in the division and I feel even better since my hand has fully healed with this time off,” explained Hunter, who ready to prove himself once again. “I was supposed to fight Shonjahon Ergashev and Malik Hawkins, so I’d like to fight them first, but honestly, a fight with any of the world champions is a challenge I’m ready for now. I willing and ready to face the best!”
 
Hunter, who is managed by Greg Hannley, is staying ready as he awaits a phone call that boxing is back.


“Keith Hunter is ready for his shot at the best in the division,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Keith has defeated two fighters signed by Mayweather Promotions in his last three consecutive bouts. He is getting national attention and his ranking in the WBA gets him closer to a world title shot. Now is Keith Hunter’s time.”
 
“I just know that I am gifted and want to win a world title to further my father’s legacy,” Hunter continued. “I am so focused, I just want to bring great entertainment to people who are in need of things to do, and if I can fight for a title, that’d even be better.”


Keith Hunter is promoted by Greg Cohen, founder, and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.

Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda Training Camp Notes

Feb. 28th in Florida showdown vs. unbeaten

NABO champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo

LAS VEGAS (February 20, 2020) –  Undefeated super lightweight Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-0, 8 KOs) has been in training camp since the beginning of this year in Boxers & Brawlers gym in his San Antonio hometown to prepare for his February 28th fight against North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (17-0-1, 12 KOs) airing live on Boxeo Telemundo, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT, from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Alamo vs. Castaneda is co-promoted by All-Star Boxing, which promotes Alamo and the event, and Castaneda’s promoter, Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

“This is the biggest fight of Kendo’s career to date,” CEO & Co-Founder Keith Veltre said.  “He is the type fighter who doesn’t back down from anyone and knows what it takes to get the win.  Kendo trains hard and we are fully confident that he will come home with the win.”

 
The 26-year-old Castaneda, who is ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO),  will take on WBO No. 8-rated Alamo, the defending NABO super lightweight champion, in the 10-round main event. 

Castaneda captured the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) crown  a year ago, taking a 10-round decision from previously undefeated Gilbert Venegas, Jr. (10-0), and followed that with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Dominican veteran Eudy Berbardo (24-3).

Last October in Reno, Nevada, Castaneda stopped Stan Martyniouk (20-3) in the sixth round, after which he was installed by the World Boxing Organization as its No. 15 rated super lightweight in the world. 

WBO No. 8 ranked Alamo, fighting out of Puerto Rico, is coming off the lone blemish on either fighter’s pro record, a draw with Antonio Moran (24-4-1).

Alamo, 24, is the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World and FECARBOX super lightweight champion, who has made three successful NABO title defenses. 

Training Camp Notes

(quotes from Kendo Castaneda)

Training Camp: “Everything here has been good.  I’m ready to rock and get back in the ring. I’ll have no trouble making weight for this fight.  My sparring partners are local guys, some pros, and other amateurs.  I like helping up-and-coming fighters who want to turn pro. They have natural speed at 18, 19 years old, but their strength hasn’t fully developed, yet.  They learn and I get good work.  My No. 1 sparring partner, Limon, has had more than 100 amateur fights.  His style is similar to Alamo’s.  He’s tall and lengthy, but not as powerful as Alamo. He throws great jabs and boxes well, which will help me when I fight Alamo.

Yomar Alamo:  “He fights off his back foot a lot.  He likes to box and is a good counter-puncher.

He’s undefeated but who knows how he wants to fight?  I like razzle-dazzle and I’ll quickly learn what I’m in for.”

Fighting in Alamo’s backyard: “I’m not concerned about that at all.  My first fight with RJJ Boxing was in Las Vegas against a local fighter, Chuy Gutierrez, and I won that fight.  I don’t mind fighting in my opponent’s backyard and I’m getting used to it.  My last fight was in Reno against a California fighter, who lived a lot closer to Reno than I do in San Antonio.   And I fought a local fighter in New Hampshire, when I had a bare-knuckle fight.”

How do you envision this fight going:  “Alamo will go into the fight thinking it’s going to be a boxing match, almost like an exhibition starting the fight.  But I’m going to go in strong, like a street fight, banging him around.  I’ll catch him with some surprises, throwing hard blows.  In the third or fourth round, I’ll start boxing more.  Then it’s going to be too much for him, and I’ll take him out in the eighth or ninth round.”

Bout importance: “I think I’ll possibly get a world championship eliminator fight with an impressive victory.  I’m a rare, old-fashioned boxer.”

Prediction:  “The referee will be announcing, ‘And the new NABO champion…..’”

INFORMATION:

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @KeithVeltre, @KendoTremendo

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre

Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /KeithVeltre

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has been  reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.   


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: WBO #6 rated bantamweight Max Ornelas, featherweight Ray Ximenez, WBO #15 rated super lightweight  Kendo Castaneda,  middleweights John Vera, Connor Coyle and Shady Gamhour, super middleweight Juan Barajas, and heavyweight Alexander Flores. 

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT KEITH HUNTER TRAINING CAMP NOTES AHEAD OF SHOBOX MAIN EVENT

Hunter Faces Fellow Unbeaten Malik Hawkins in Main Event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, February 28 Live On SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Hunter Photos; Credit: Team Prince Ranch Boxing


 
LAS VEGAS – February 19, 2020 – Undefeated super lightweight sensation and Las Vegas native, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs), talks about training camp in advance of his upcoming showdown against fellow undefeated prospect Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11KOs) in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
In the co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KOs) in a 10-round bout and once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup that opens the telecast.

 

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

 

Hunter, 27, returns to Sam’s Town Live after an impressive 2019, in which he won a decisive 10-round unanimous decision against Cameron Krael and scored an upset victory over former amateur standout Sanjarbek Rakhmanov. He comes from a family of fighters, he’s the younger brother of heavyweight contender Michael Hunter and his father was a well-respected boxer who sparred with Mike Tyson. Hunter has spent the entirety of his training camp at Prince Ranch Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, where he trains alongside undefeated welterweight Blair Cobbs.


 
Here is what Hunter had to say about his recent training camp and upcoming battle with Hawkins:


 
On his opponent…


 
“This is my time to shine. Hawkins is a good fighter, he is talented, but he stands in my way. I am not just fighting for myself, but for my family. If you look at my record, I’ve fought some very tough guys.  I know I’m battle ready to take my career to the next level. Hawkins is going down. I am going to make people respect the Hunter name once again


 
“I have nothing bad to say about Malik Hawkins. He is a hard-working fighter. I just feel that I am better. This is my time, and no one can take this opportunity away from me.  The problem for Hawkins is, I have trained harder than ever to get the win. I am more focused than ever.”


 
On training camp…


 
“I wanted this camp to be very specific. I get good sparring at Bones Adams’ gym and a lot of top pros have come through there like Shakur Stevenson, Manny Pacquiao, and many others. I have watched how they trained, and I have used that same work ethic and principles for this camp with the supervision of my coaches.”


 
On his status as a contender…


 
“I’m now ranked 13 by the WBA, which makes me a contender. I must get past Hawkins, so believe me when I tell you I’m going to leave everything in the ring.  I’m looking at this fight like it’s a world title. Losing is not an option.”


 
On making his SHOWTIME debut…


 
“I am excited to headline on ShoBox: The New Generation. It’s a platform that launches fighters’ careers, and SHOWTIME has a fantastic and professional production crew. One goal from the beginning was to showcase my talent on a big stage like this, now I’m here.  This is a very big opportunity for me, I’m not going to let it slip away.”


 
Hunter is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, advised by former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman promoted by Greg Cohen, Founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.


 
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For more information: visit www.sho.com/sportswww.mayweatherpromotions.com/events, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, and on Instagram @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, orwww.bit.ly/sincityshowdown.

 

SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV OUTLASTS MYKAL FOX IN UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®


England’s Thomas Ward Wins In U.S. Debut With Impressive Unanimous Decision Over Jesse Hernandez

 

Catch The Replay Monday, February 18 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME


 
MULVANE, Kan. – February 15, 2019 – Shohjahon Ergashev overcame a five and a half-inch height advantage recording a unanimous decision victory over fellow undefeated prospect Mykal Fox in the 10-round super lightweight main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from the Kansas Star Casino.


 
With famed trainer Sugarhill Stewart shouting instructions from his corner, the Detroit-based power-punching Ergashev (16-0, 14 KOs), by way of Fergana, Uzbekistan, did enough to beat the rangy 6-foot-4 Fox (19-1, 5 KOs) in a matchup of two exciting undefeated prospects.  The scores were 96-94 and 98-92 twice (Click HERE to watch).


 
“I didn’t think it was a close fight,” said Ergashev, who was only able to land two jabs the entire fight missing more than a hundred times. “He was awkward and his head was very low. He was very long and tall too, so it was hard to hit him in the head. I expected him to run all fight and he did.”


 
Ergashev did connect on 29 percent of his power punches (66 for 225) compared to Fox at 27 percent (41 for 153).


 
Ergashev said he was disappointed in his performance. “I come to fight,” he said. “I like fighters who stand and fight. I’m a fighter. I like guys who let me showcase my skills and bang. Fox wasn’t even boxing. He was just running around the ring. I wanted to sit down and fight.”


 
The 23-year-old Fox of Forest Hill, Md., one of the tallest fighters in the 140-pound division, said he agreed with one of the judges’ cards, but not the two 98-92s. “I knew it was close, and thought maybe I did enough to win,” said Fox, who did a nice job slowing the pace of the fight. “I think it was closer than 98-92. I took a few shots, but I knew he was going to be strong.”


 
Fox became the 186th fighter to lose their undefeated record on the prospect developmental series.


 
Fox, who had his father Troy and brother and fellow professional boxer middleweight Alantez in his corner, became the ninth fighter in ShoBox history to have a brother who also fought on ShoBox joining brother duos like Jermall and Jermell Charlo, Andre and Anthony Dirrell and Glenn and Nonito Donaire.


 
In the opening bout of the telecast, England’s Thomas Ward (26-0, 4 KOs) put on an impressive performance and showed U.S. fight fans he will be a force to be reckoned with in the wide-open 122-pound weight class as he won a unanimous decision against ShoBox veteran Jesse Hernandez (11-2, 7 KOs).Click HERE to watch a recap.


 
Fighting for the first time in the States, the WBO No. 4-ranked Ward of West Rainton, England, scored a fourth-round knockdown and took the 10-round super bantamweight fight easily against Fort Worth’s Hernandez. The scores were 100-89, 99-90 and 98-90.


 
“I came to America and fought a home fighter and won quite comfortably, I even got a knockdown,” the 24-year-old Ward said. “He was supposed to be the puncher and I was supposed to be the boxer. A lot of people think I can’t punch, then they get over-confident and get clipped. Then they realize I can punch. Look at his face compared to mine. That will tell you something.”


 
Ward started strong, and seemed to get better as the fight went on. “He’s been on the gas from the opening bell, and he hasn’t gotten off it,” said International Boxing Hall of Famer and ShoBox play-by-play commentator Barry Tompkins in the final minutes of the 10th and final round.


 
Ward exceeded double-digit connects in every round and topped 30 in five of the final six rounds while Hernandez reached double digits just three times.


 
It was a clean left hook that sent Hernandez to the canvas in the final seconds of the fourth round (ClickHERE to watch). Ward controlled the middle of the fight and landed consistent three-punch combinations against Hernandez, who at the end of round six was warned by referee Bill Clancy that he was taking a lot of punishment and had to show him something or he would stop the fight. At the top of the ninth, the referee still concerned about Hernandez lack of action, called the doctor and asked once again the same question. The doctor cleared Hernandez to continue.


 
Hernandez said he felt Ward’s power, and was impressed. “Yeah, he got me with that left, but I recuperated,” he said. “But all the credit to him. A knockdown is a knockdown.”


 
Ward said Hernandez asked for the fight, but wasn’t prepared for the it. “I knew he was a good, experienced fighter,” Ward said. “He’s fought some good guys and knocked out some good guys. He’s supposed to be a puncher, but I was just on another level tonight.


 
“I wanted a good fight to showcase my skills and I’m glad the people on ShoBox got to see it.”


 
Farhood interviewed undefeated middleweight world champion Claressa Shields before the main event. Shields and fellow undefeated champion Christina Hammer will meet on Saturday, April 13 live on SHOWTIME to crown the women’s undisputed 160-pound world champion. The blockbuster unification from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. will be the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONlive at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history (Clickhttps://s.sho.com/2UVWXtE to watch full interview).  


 
Shields talked about her disdain for Hammer. “I’m going to keep it 100 percent professional,” she said. “I don’t like her as a person but that doesn’t matter. I want to beat her well. She’s just mad because I’m meaner that her and I’m better than her. I’m the GLOAT. Greatest lady of all time. I’m fighting every person that they say I can’t beat. I’m going to unify my division. I’m going to be the undisputed champion and nobody is going to be able to say otherwise.”


 
Friday’s fights were promoted by Salita Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 18 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 @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 79 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. 

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECTS SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV AND MYKAL FOX TO HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK – January 16, 2019 – A 10-round clash between undefeated super lightweight prospects will headline ShoBox: The New Generation when Uzbekistan’s power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev takes on Mykal Fox Friday, February 15 live on SHOWTIME from Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan.

The second of two February editions of the prospect developmental series will feature four fighters with a combined record of 71 wins against just one loss. Undefeated super middleweight prospect Ronald Ellis will take on DeAndre Ware headlines a three-fight ShoBoxtelecast on February 1.

In the February 15 co-featured fight, 28-year-old ShoBox veteran Jesse Angel Hernandez returns to face WBO No. 4-ranked Thomas Ward in what will be the toughest test of his career in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

“Shohjahon Ergashev is one of the hardest punchers in all of boxing.  He will be facing a challenge in the undefeated skilled, determined fighter in Mykal Fox.  A great fight the winner of which will cement himself as one of the best in the Jr. Welterweight division,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions.  “The co main event is one of the best fights in the super bantamweight division between two proven world title contenders. A real cross roads fight with lots on the line for the winner to emerge as the new dominant name in the talent packed super Bantamweight division.”

The 27-year-old Ergashev (15-0, 14 KOs) is a former member of the Uzbek national team where he won 202 of his 216 amateur bouts.  A decorated amateur, Ergashev owns a win over Uzbekistan’s Shakhram Giyasov, a silver medalist in the welterweight division at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Ergashev, who started his pro career by registering 11 consecutive knockouts, made hisShoBox debut in January 2018, handing then-unbeaten and top-10 ranked 140-pound prospect Sonny Fredrickson the only loss of his career with a third-round TKO. The southpaw slugger, who was named one of ESPN’s top prospects of 2018, trains in Detroit under Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward and Rick Phillips at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit. 

“I’m very excited to fight on SHOWTIME again,” said Ergashev. “Everyone says Mykal Fox is my toughest opponent to date, but that doesn’t concern me. It actually excites me because when I knock him out, just like I knocked out Sonny Fredrickson, all of the champions in my weight class will know I am coming for them soon. It’s going to be Shoh-time in 2019!”

Unlike his opponent, Fox, 23, had a rocky amateur journey amassing 40 wins and 60 losses—two of his wins came over undefeated top prospect Lamont Roach. Fox, 6-foot 3 ½-inches from Forestville, Md., admitted that he was not disciplined and fully committed to the sweet science in his teenage years, but once he turned pro in 2014 everything changed and boxing became his way of life. Since then, he has defeated all of his 19 opponents, five by way of knockout. Fox, who is promoted by King Promotions, owns victories over the likes of former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Ricardo Garcia and Anthony Mercado.

Fox comes from a family of boxers. He is trained by his father Troy and his older brother and former ShoBox fighter Alantez (24-1-1, 11 KOs) is a 160-pound prospect whose only defeat came by the hands of Demetrius Andrade.

“It’s been a dream of mine to fight on ShoBox. It has catapulted the careers of some of my favorite fighters,” said Fox, who is making his debut on the series. “I’m hoping it will catapult my career too.

“My opponent is a good fighter. He has good feet, good speed and great power. This is going to be a fight that can potentially steal the show. I look forward to seeing how our styles matched up.”

Hernandez (12-1, 7 KOs) broke onto the scene in 2017 with back-to-back wins over previously undefeated, top-15 ranked fighters on ShoBox – a unanimous decision over Glenn Dezurn and a fifth-round TKO of Vladimir Tikhonov. Hernandez followed up those performances with a split-decision over Ernesto Garza in January 2018. The 28-year-old Hernandez, the youngest of 15 children, was 73-6 as an amateur and took five years off from boxing between 2009 and 2014 to work construction jobs in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.

“On February 15, fans can expect to see the best performance from Jesse Hernandez yet,” said Hernandez, who will be making his fourth appearance on ShoBox. “It’s been a long time coming and I won’t let this opportunity pass me. A win over Thomas Ward will definitely boost my career and hopefully lead to a world title shot. I know I will have all eyes on me on national television, I must impress. I believe the bantamweight division is mine for the taking. So I will go head and take what’s rightfully mine.”

Ward hails from County Durham in North East England, where he compiled an amateur record of 60 wins, just four losses. The 24-year-old turned professional in 2012 at the age of 17 and by 2017, he had won 20 straight fights and the British super bantamweight title. Currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO, Ward hopes a win in his U.S. debut will set him up for a world title shot.

“This is a really good fight,” said Ward. “I’m looking forward to it and a win will put me in place for a world title fight, which is exactly what I want. It’s great to be boxing on SHOWTIME, I can’t wait and I hope for many more opportunities to be fighting on the network in the future.”

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.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, will go on sale on Friday, January 18th at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $110, $75, $60, $45 and $25.  Tickets can be purchased at www.KansasStarCasino.com , www.Ticketmaster.com and at the Lucky Star Players Club at Kansas Star Casino.

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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.

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 79 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.  v

KEITH “THE BOUNTY” HUNTER REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH 1ST ROUND KO

BOWIE, MD (December 9, 2018) – Last night at Bowie State University, in Maryland, Prince Ranch Boxing’s rising star, super lightweight prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (9-0, 7 KOs), remained undefeated thanks to a devastating first round knockout against Siddharth Ravindra Varma (4-3-1, 1 KO).

Hunter landed a monstrous right uppercut that sent Varma to the canvas up against the ropes forcing, the referee to stop the bout. “I wanted to send a message to the super lightweight division with a great performance and I got the knockout,” said Keith Hunter. “It felt great to let my hands go. I’m going to get right back in the gym, so I can be ready for anything that comes my way. If my name is called, I’m going to be prepared, locked and loaded.” 

“I’m very excited about Keith Hunter’s future,” said manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Tonight, his power was on display and those watching saw a star in the making. He’s getting better with each fight. He’s going to be a problem for anyone.” This fight was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP).

Super Prospect Shoh Ergashev Brutalizes Ramsey with First-Round KO, Saturday in Chicago

Uzbekistani super lightweight Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev showed why he’s the new 140-lb fighter to watch in boxing last Saturday, November 10, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, as he destroyed opponent Zack Ramsey in the first round.

 

 

 

The current WBA International Super Lightweight Champion, Ergashev (now 14-0, 13 KOs), tore into Ramsey from the opening bell of their scheduled six-rounder, dropping him within the first 15 seconds with a right hand and finishing it at 1:09 with a thudding body shot.

 

 

 

Fighting on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Tournament doubleheader Ergashev elicited “oohs and ahhhs” from the crowd with his brutal display of force. Former unified super lightweight and current welterweight champion Terence Crawford was among the impressed onlookers in the crowd.

 

 

 

Ergashev’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says that in preparation for this fight, Ergashev had been knocking out heavyweights in the Kronk Gym where he trains.

 

 

 

“Shohjahon is one of the hardest punchers in any weight class,” said Salita. “His skills and physical strength make him not only one of the best in his division, but I believe one of the most exciting and powerful fighters in all of boxing.”

 

 

 

26-year-old Ergashev growls that he’s ready for anyone in the world.

 

 

 

“I want to fight the best names in the division and look forward to having an opponent that can last some rounds with me! I am coming!”