Tag Archives: Wellington Romero

RONALD ELLIS & JUNIOR YOUNAN FIGHT TO A SPLIT DRAW IN THE MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM WINNAVEGAS CASINO RESORT IN SLOAN, IOWA

 

Unbeaten Prospects Montana Love and Thomas Mattice Win In Co-Featured Bouts

Watch The Replay Monday, Feb. 5 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

SLOAN, IOWA (Feb. 3, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Ronald Ellis and Junior Younan fought to a split draw in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

While Ellis was the ShoBox veteran with the stronger resume, Younan entered the fight as a highly touted prospect who had never been tested.  He faced his first test on Friday in what was the first scheduled 10-round bout for both fighters.

The fight was fought in flurries, with Younan scoring from the outside and Ellis the aggressor.  Except for the eighth round where Brooklyn’s Younan displayed his best work, Ellis seemed to push the action and win the second half of the fight.  Ellis had a slight edge in power punch percentage and total punches, but Younan was slightly more accurate.  The fighters were even with 96 total connects entering the 10th round, but Ellis (14-0-2, 10 KOs) won the 10th on all three judges’ scorecards by out-landing Younan 21-9.

The 10-round fight was scored 96-94 Ellis, 96-94 Younan, and 95-95.

“I thought I pulled it out.  I closed the show at the end,” said Ellis, of Lynn, Mass.  “I was pressuring him and the fans know I won.  In the eighth, he landed a couple of shots but he wasted his energy.  As you saw, he didn’t do anything the rest of that round, and after that round he had nothing left.

“He was running from the start, so I knew I could land shots on him anytime.  My only regret is I wish that I got him out of there. It’s all knockouts from here on out.  I would definitely fight him again, but I’ll do whatever my promoter lines up for me.”

After the fight, an emotional Younan (13-0-1, 9 KOs) pleaded his case for a rematch.

“I thought I won the fight, I thought [Ellis] won maybe three rounds,” Younan said.  “My best round was the eighth round – I had him in the corner and I really thought they were going to end the fight then.  I was surprised they didn’t stop the fight.

“I can improve a little bit, I feel I can finish stronger. I’ve only had one eight-round fight before this so this was a big step up for me.  I’m growing and learning every fight.

“I’m heartbroken right now.  I wanted to win that fight.  I want him in a rematch.  I know I would win.  I know what to do and what not to do.”

Undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice rallied from behind to score a seventh round TKO of ShoBox veteran Rolando Chinea in the telecast’s co-feature.

Chinea pushed the action as expected from the opening bell, throwing 90 punches in the first round to set a blistering pace for the scheduled eight-round fight.  Chinea, who entered having beaten three previously undefeated fighters in his last four bouts, cut the ring off and pressed forward, keeping Mattice largely against the ropes.  Mattice did his best work in the center of the ring, but the undefeated Cleveland native was unable to keep the fight from being contested against the ropes.

Down 59-55 entering the seventh, Mattice (11-0, 9 KOs) caught Chinea with a huge right to the chin and, sensing Chinea was hurt, unloaded with a series of combos to the head.  With Chinea seemingly out on his feet and falling sideways to the canvas, referee Adam Pollack stepped in to stop the fight at 1:31 of the seventh.

“It was a rough fight,” Mattice said.  “I felt like I was behind and my corner told me I needed a knockout.  He buzzed me a few times.  I caught him in the seventh and he wobbled.  At first I was trying for one shot, then I remembered to start using the one-two.  Then I landed a body shot, then a hook, and we got what we came here for, which was a knockout.”

Chinea (15-2-1, 6 KOs) was active, throwing an impressive 678 punches over seven-and-a-half rounds, compared to 414 for Mattice.  But while he was aggressive and effective on the inside, his neglect of defense is what ultimately hurt him.

“I think I did well pressuring him and sticking to my game plane,” Chinea said.  “I just got carried away and got caught with the right shot and, unfortunately, it ended the way it ended.

“I’m a little disappointed it ended the way it did, but that’s boxing and a lot of things can happen in the sport and that’s just the way it went.”

In the opening bout of the three-fight telecast, super lightweight prospect Montana Love kept his unblemished record intact with a majority decision over Sam Teah, scored 78-74, 78-74, 76-76.

The southpaw Love (9-0, 4 KOs) pressed the action from the start, utilizing superior speed and polished footwork to dictate the pace.  Cleveland’s Love, who took the fight on just four days’ notice, was seemingly talking trash during rounds, telling Teah what was coming next.  But even with the advance warning, Teah was unable to get inside or land anything of consequence.  Teah (12-2-1, 5 KOs) seemed to come alive in the sixth but it was too little, too late for the Philadelphia fighter.

“I just kept boxing and pushing him back,” Love said.  “I hurt three of my knuckles in my left hand in about the third round.  I’m not sure if they’re fractured or not, but if I hadn’t hurt them I would have ended that fight early.

“I felt strong.  I just came from a great camp with Robert Easter, which I think helped in this fight tonight. Sparring with Robert and Adrien [Broner], I’ve learned a lot from those guys.

“I give my overall performance a B or a C+.  I think I could have done a lot more.”

Teah made no excuses about facing a last-minute opponent.

“He was a crafty southpaw.  I knew he was slick, but he was quicker than I expected,” Teah said.  “I would ball up to try to come inside and he was sharp with his right hook.  Fighting guys on short-notice is the way I expect it.  That’s the sport.  I was preparing for a southpaw and I got a southpaw.  No excuses.”

The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports, Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket.

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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 Gaughan producing 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.

Thomas Mattice Camp Notes

 

Undefeated Mattice Battles Lightweight Rolando Chinea This Friday On ShoBox: The New Generation

Friday, Feb. 2 Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa

NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice is preparing in Cleveland for his matchup against Rolando Chinea that is part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. 
Mattice (10-0, 8 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Chinea (15-1-1, 6 KOs) will clash in the eight-round co-feature of the three-fight telecast.
Mattice has been working hard for his national television debut.
“Camp has been going great.  We finished everything up over the weekend, and now we are just relaxing and getting ready forFriday.”
Despite this being Mattice’s first fight in front of the camera, the 27-year-old is treating this like any other fight.
“I am going in like this is any other fight.  The only difference is that this is a progression, a step up.  Like all the other fights, I am just focused on getting the win.”
Mattice is letting his team do all the scouting, while he focuses on his own business of training and getting ready for the opportunity ahead of him on Friday.
“I am just letting my team handle the scouting of Chinea.  We drew up a gameplan based on that, and now I am just going to go in there and execute it.”
“I just expect a great performance.  For the fans that haven’t seen me, they can expect a fighter who can box and can bang.  I just want everyone to tune in, and see a great fight.  I have a lot of confidence that I will get the job done on Friday.”
The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports,  Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2.  For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.

UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECTS RONALD ELLIS & JUNIOR YOUNAN HEADLINE FEBRUARY 2 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER

Highly Touted Lightweight Prospect Devin Haney Opens Telecast That Features Eight Fighters With A Combined Record Of 113-3-3, Including Five Unbeaten Fighters

 

Friday, Feb. 2 Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 3, 2018) – A battle of unbeaten super middleweight prospects will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa, as two-time ShoBox veteran Ronald Ellis takes on New Yorker Junior Younan.
 

Ellis (14-0-1, 10 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., and Brooklyn’s Younan (13-0, 9 KOs) will clash in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast that features eight fighters with a combined record of 113-3-3.
 

An undefeated boxer losing for the first time was a common theme on ShoBox in 2017 as 15 prospects lost their perfect record on the popular developmental series last year. Now in its 17th year, a total of 171 fighters have suffered their first loss on ShoBox. All three fights leading up to the main event on Feb. 2 are eight-round matchups that include an undefeated “A-side” fighter facing his toughest test to date.
 

In the co-feature, former Dominican Olympian Wellington Romero (12-0-1, 6 KOs) will take on Philadelphia’s Sam Teah (12-1-1, 5 KOs) in a super lightweight scrap contracted at 141 pounds. Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice (10-0, 8 KOs) will face two-time ShoBox winner and Lancaster, Pa. resident Rolando Chinea (15-1-1, 6 KOs) in a lightweight matchup.
 

In the telecast opener, highly regarded undefeated Devin Haney (18-0, 12 KOs), of Las Vegas, will take on Harmonito Dela Torre (19-1, 12 KOs) in another bout pitting two 135-pound prospects.
 

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Roc Nation Sports in association with Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2. For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.
 

RONALD ELLIS vs. JUNIOR YOUNAN – 10-Round Super Middleweight

 

Ellis returns to ShoBox in his first bout since defeating Christopher Brooker via a unanimous decision in Atlantic City last January. In his ShoBox debut, Ellis fought Jerry Odom to a majority draw in Atlantic City in February 2016.
 

Originally from Lynn, Mass., the 28-year-old Ellis currently lives and trains in Los Angeles at the Iron Gym under trainer Jerry Rosenberg and his father Ronald Ellis Sr.
 

“It’s going to be fireworks from the jump,” said Ellis, who was scheduled to fight Taneal Goyco in November, but the fight was scrapped when Goyco weighed three pounds over the super middleweight limit. “Younan is a good little fighter, but we are trying to get him out of there. This is my first main event, and I want to impress. It will be a good way to start 2018, which will be my year.”
 

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.
 

Younan, who is promoted by Roc Nation Sports, was a highly touted amateur boxer who compiled a 90-5 record before turning professional in 2013 at the age of 18. Once dubbed by The New York Times as “a boxing prodigy” as a 10-year-old, Younan was a two-time National Junior Golden Gloves champion, the 2011 National Junior Olympic championship, and at one point was the No. 1-rated junior boxer in his weight class by USA Boxing.
 

Because of injuries, Younan fought just one time in 2015. After a nine-month layoff, he returned in March of 2016 to beat Cristian Solorzano and has remained active since. Eight of Younan’s 13 pro wins have ended in the first round, including three of his last five fights. The 22-year-old is trained by his father, Sherif Younan
 

“It’s a pleasure to fight on SHOWTIME and I’m excited to put on a show for all the viewers,” Younan said. “I’ve been working as hard as possible and I’m confident my efforts will pay off. I’m going to break my opponent’s spirit and pick him apart. This is my time – in 2018, I’m looking to make a title run and this fight is just the first step.”
 

WELLINGTON ROMERO vs. SAM TEAH – Eight-Round Super Lightweight

 

Romero is originally from the Dominican Republic now fighting out of Newburgh, New York.  A southpaw, he fights under the Roc Nation Sports promotion and represented the Dominican Republic in the 2012 London Olympics, where he lost to eventual Gold Medalist Vasyl Lomachenko.

 

An accomplished amateur with 268 fights, Romero earned a bronze medal at the 2010 Central American Games and made back-to-back appearances at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships and the 2011 Pan American Games as a teenager.
 

The 26-year-old Romero fought twice in 2017, recording TKOs in both wins over Kevin Womack Jr. and Mike Fowler.
 

“This fight on SHOWTIME is a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent and I want to thank God, my team and everyone involved for this opportunity,” Romero said. “I’m going to deliver a world class performance for all the boxing fans out there to enjoy. After defeating my opponent, I know I will make a lasting impression on the viewers and start paving my way to a world title belt.”
 

This won’t be the first time Philadelphia’s Teah is facing an undefeated fighter on ShoBox. In Las Vegas in 2015, Teah scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated O’Shaquie Foster. The 30-year-old’s only loss came against then-undefeated Lavisas Williams in 2014.
 

Born in Liberia, Teah did not start boxing until the age of 19. His last four fights have been close to home with three in his hometown of Philadelphia and the other two in Bristol, Pa., and Atlantic City, N.J.
 

“I know my opponent was an Olympian, and he has been in front of a lot of great fighters,” Teah said. “I am excited to face him and take the big challenge. I know I will be his toughest opponent. I am ready to see what he is made of.”
 

THOMAS MATTICE vs. ROLANDO CHINEA – Eight-Round Lightweight
 

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.
 

In his last fight on Nov. 11, Mattice beat Orlando Rizo via seventh-round stoppage in Georgia. Mattice, who has recorded four straight KOs and eight overall in 10 professional fights, is a boxer-puncher who likes to attack the body.
 

“It’s a tough fight for sure,” Mattice said. “I checked him out. It’s going to be a rough fight, but I am prepared for a war. I am prepared for whatever he will bring. I am excited to fight on ShoBox. Ever since I started boxing, I said one day that will be me fighting on TV, and now that dream comes true.”
 

The 26-year-old Chinea returns to ShoBox after handing previously unbeaten Kenneth Sims Jr., the first loss of his professional career via majority decision on July 14. The win moved Chinea’s ShoBox record to 2-0. He had previously won an eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster in 2016.
 

A Puerto Rican native now living in Lancaster, Pa., Chinea suffered his only defeat against the hands of Ismail Muwendo in 2015. He has won five straight since, including two unanimous decisions over previously undefeated Ladarius Miller and Mel Crossty, as well as the unbeaten Sims. His last four opponents had a combined record of 38-1-1.
 

“I know Thomas Mattice is another undefeated fighter with a terrific amateur career,” Chinea said. “I am being brought in as his opponent, to make him look good in his national TV debut. I respect Thomas for agreeing to fight me. I am sure that he will bring his best, and it will be another entertaining fight, Chinea style. I am going to be in the best shape of my career. I am going to be stronger, and I am going to hunt him down, rough him up, and beat him. I can’t wait to fight and win again on ShoBox.”
 

DEVIN HANEY vs. HARMONITO DELA TORRE – Eight-Round Lightweights

 

Haney just turned 19 years old last November and already sports a professional record of 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Trained and managed by his father, William Haney, he has been active with nine fights in 2016 and seven in 2017. In his last fight on Nov. 4, he scored a fifth-round TKO against Hamza Sempewo in Atlanta.
 

Raised in Oakland, Calif., Haney was a seven-time national amateur champion and compiled an impressive record of 130-8. Haney is currently living and training in Las Vegas, where he sparred with Floyd Mayweather as the pound-for-pound champ prepared to face Conor McGregor, and Shawn Porter. Haney turned professional when he was 16 years old in Mexico.
 

“Fighting on SHOWTIME, specifically ShoBox, where many champions have been made, is something I’ve envisioned since I turned professional in 2015,” Haney said. “I’m in tough against Harmonito Dela Torre, a hungry fighter who is coming off his first pro loss. I know his back is up against the wall, so I’m expecting him to bring everything he’s got. But this is my time to shine on the big stage and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. I’m the future of boxing and everyone will see my talent on February 2, especially Dela Torre.”
 

Dela Torre is a 23-year-old Philippines native who has been training with Osmiri Fernandez in Miami the past few months at the Sanman Boxing Gym.
 

Dela was scheduled to fight last on Aug. 22 in Las Vegas in a super featherweight bout against undefeated Saul Rodriguez, who inexplicably pulled out of the matchup a few days before the fight.
 

Instead, Dela Torre entered the ring in Las Vegas on Nov. 18 and suffered his first loss against 2012 Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar in an eight-round unanimous decision, despite scoring a second-round knockdown. It was the first time in his first nine fights that Nyambayar was taken the distance.
 

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.

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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.

Kisner-Guerrero title match headlines May 12 in Maryland

Unbeaten Wallace and 2012 Olympian Romero featured on undercard
For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (April 27, 2017) – Baltimore Boxing returns Friday, May 12 to Michael’s Eighth Ave in Glen Burnie, MD for “Mayday Mayday,” a talent rich card featuring top local, national and international talents.
Tickets from $50 are on sale by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175.
 
Boxing great Vinny Paz, the subject of critically acclaimed Bleed for This, is attending as a special guest of Baltimore Boxing Promotions and will be available to meet and greet all VIP ticket holders.
Topping this outstanding evening of action is a ten round cruiserweight title showdown between NABA champion “Slick” Nick Kisner of Baltimore and former champion Alex Guerrero.
Fighting out of Baltimore, Kisner has an impressive 19-3-1 professional ledger with 6 KO’s. Kisner won his last three bouts including the NABA title winning effort where he traveled to Ohio to outpoint local favorite Brian Holstein. Never afraid of a challenge, the 26-year-old Kisner defeated 8-1 Lamont Singletary March 30 at Michaels Eighth and will have a tough task come May 12.
Representing Salisbury, MD and originally from the Dominican Republic, Guerrero will look to regain the title he captured via 8th round stoppage of Anthony Ferrante in 2014. At 12-1-1 with 6 KO’s, Guerrero lost his last fight but will enter the ring looking not only to win back his title but to prove he’s worthy of fighting the cruiserweight division’s elite.
In just his third professional fight “Dangerous” Donald Wallace looks to capture the vacant East Coast Middleweight Championship when he faces Devin Butcher in an eight round battle of Baltimoreans. On January 13, Wallace, 2-0 (1 KO), won a six round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tahir Thomas. Prior to his pro career, he generated local buzz by impressing in tournaments as a newcomer to the sport. Butcher is 6-1 with 3 wins by knockout and is coming off a decision victory over Eric Govan.
2012 Dominican Olympian Wellington Romero will face an opponent to be named in a special attraction welterweight contest. Now fighting out of Newburgh, NY, Romero’s 12-0-1 with 6 victories by knockout. He is promoted by Roc Nation Sports.
Welterweight Matthew “Boogieman” Bowling, 4-0 (4 KO’s), and heavyweight Colby Madison, 4-0 (3 KO’s), will both face opponents to be named in four rounders.
This is an excellent card from top to bottom,” said Jake Smith. “Fans will get to witness two evenly matched title fights, four undefeated fighters and a former Olympian under one roof. May 12 is going to be a great evening of boxing at Michaels Eighth.”
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.

DANNY ROMAN STOPS ADAM LOPEZ IN WBA TITLE ELIMINATOR IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FROM BALLY’S ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL & CASINO

 

Ronald Ellis and Kenneth Sims Jr. Win By Unanimous Decision

 

Catch The Replay Monday, Jan. 23, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Jan. 21, 2017) – In a stunningly one-sided affair, Danny “Baby Face Assassin” Roman scored an upset ninth-round TKO over previously unbeaten Adam Lopez in a WBA Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator Friday in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME from Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino.

 

Lopez’s trainer, renowned Ronnie Shields, decided his boxer shouldn’t take any more punishment and asked the referee to stop the contest after nine completed rounds.

Roman (21-2-1, 8 KOs), who was ranked No. 4 in the WBA, won his 14th in a row in a career-best performance. He out-boxed and out-slugged the No. 3-rated Lopez (16-1-1, 8 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, from the outset. Roman seized command in the fourth round with two knockdowns, first with a left hook and then, with a left uppercut.

Lopez, who was appearing on ShoBox for a fifth time, tried to fight back, but Roman’s skill and harder pinpoint-punching led to the scheduled 12-round fight being stopped between rounds nine and 10.

Win the victory, Roman is now in position to challenge WBA 122-pound World Champion Nehomar Cermeno.

“The main event was a shocker,” said ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “We didn’t know much about Danny Roman. And he sure earned that title fight against Nehomar Cermeno. It’s a bittersweet for us, for Lopez. We know him well. He’s fought five times on ShoBox but now doesn’t look like he is going to get that title fight since this is the second opportunity he had and he took a real beating. It’s going to take a while for him to come back.”

 

In the final three rounds, Roman out-landed Lopez 107-27, and 84-20 in power punches. In the final session, Roman landed more punches (43) than Lopez threw. It was a merciless beating followed by a merciful stoppage. Roman landed 54 percent of his power shots, including 67 percent in the final round.

“Adam Lopez is a great and tough fighter,” said Roman. “He came prepared, but I came out with the victory.

“I started hurting him with uppercuts. I dropped him twice the fourth. I felt I was going to stop him there, but the bell saved him.

“My plan was to break him down little by little, and I felt that was starting to take effect as he was losing his steam in the third round, but he kept on going.

“I knew he would have one last stand, but I knew I would stop him. Even if they didn’t stop it in the corner, I knew I would get him out of there.

“Now, I am going to go back to the gym. I have to start working on the basics again and begin to prepare for my title shot. I’m very excited.”

Lopez, who left the ring promptly after the stoppage, was not happy with his performance.

“He was the better man tonight,” he said as he sat with his head down in the locker room. “I kept trying to catch him with uppercuts and I got caught every time. I was trying to get on the inside, but it was hard.

“I thought I was clawing my way back into the fight, but my eye started hurting. It was the first uppercut that knocked me down in the fourth that got me right in the eye. It was hard to keep on going with my eye like that.

“When I got back to the corner after the ninth round, Ronnie told me he had seen enough and he stopped the fight.”

In the co-main event of the evening, undefeated super middleweight Ronald “Flatline” Ellis took a unanimous eight-round decision in a messy-grappler-type affair overChristopher “Ice Cold” Brooker by the scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75.

“Ellis-Brooker was an ugly fight,’’ Farhood said. “Brooker didn’t really have any answers. Ellis won clearly but he didn’t shine, mostly because of his opponent’s style.”

 

Ellis (14-0-1, 10 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., established the tone of the fight with an explosive first round in which he went 27-of-90 overall—both high totals for the fight—to Brooker’s 8-of-45. Ellis won the body shots battle (64 to 31) and landed sharper combinations during the rare moments the fighters were at distance.

In the final three rounds, Ellis continued applying pressure with accuracy.

“I am back and I want some more,” said Ellis. “That was a good fight. I fought smarter today than in my last ShoBox appearance. I’m not going to lie, he was tough and came at me very hard, but I maneuvered. I am very happy with my performance.

 

“He was big and strong and was holding a lot, but my boxing skills took over in the fight. He was trying to get on my nerves, but I knew that my skills would get me the win.”

 

Brooker (11-3, 5 KOs), who was very unhappy with the judges’ scorecards said, “I don’t know what these judges are looking at.  I had the better ring generalship, aggressiveness and I brought all the pressure.

 

“I feel that because he was undefeated, the judges must have put him on a pedestal. Even though I have a couple losses, look who I have fought and defeated. I am an elite-level fighter as well, and I should get that same respect. That’s why SHOWTIME has me on.

 

“At the end of the day, I just fight.  It is up to fans who watch, they are the real judges for me.”

 

In the telecast opener, undefeated super lightweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. handed Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles the second loss of his career in a closer than the scorecards reflected eight-round unanimous decision. It was scored 79-72 twice and 78-73.

“Kenneth Sims Jr. is the typical ShoBox prospect,’’ Farhood said. “He showed a lot of good skills. He fought a different fight than the one we expected. He was more aggressive than we thought he’d be. With his amateur background and now the exposure on TV, I think he is a potential star.”

 

Sims (11-0, 3 KOs), of Chicago, Ill., who went past the sixth round for the first time in his career, began the fight with an overwhelming high-volume attack highlighted by vicious body shots.

Robles (15-2-1, 5 KOs), of San Diego, Calif., however, picked up the pace and took advantage of Sims slowing his pace in rounds four through six. Robles upped his work rate and out-landed Sims 78-66 overall. Referee Bengy Estives took a point way from Sims in round six for dropping his mouthpiece.

Sims gritted his teeth and caught his second wind in the seventh and eighth by out-landing Robles 49-34 overall and 46-24 power to grab a wider-than-expected decision.

“I didn’t have my best performance, but I still got the win,” Sims said. “I was trying too hard for a knockout, and that’s not me. He was a durable opponent, but my performance had nothing to do with that.

“I want to talk to my team about my next fight. My speed and feet were the difference in the fight, but I did not use them as much as I should.”

Robles, who was disappointed with the verdict, acknowledged Sims’ speed.

“He was moving a lot and I couldn’t neutralize that,’’ Robles said. “He was slicker than I thought he was going to be. I was putting on a lot of pressure and wanted to work the body, but he was slick and able to withstand what I was doing.

“I just have to get back to training and get better. You’ll see more of me. I will be back.”

Friday’s three-fight telecast will re-air Monday, January 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning January 21.

 

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.

 

 

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About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Adam Lopez: ‘A Win on Friday Will Be Life Changing For Me’

Lopez faces Danny Roman in Main Event
Of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader Live on SHOWTIME® 
Undefeated Super Middleweight Ronald Ellis Takes
On Christopher Brooker; Undefeated Super Lightweights
Kenneth Sims Jr. & Emmanuel Robles Collide
Tickets on Sale Now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTIC CITY (Jan.17, 2017) — This Friday night, WBA No. 3- ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez (16-0-1, 8 KO’s) takes on No. 4-ranked Danny Roman (21-2-1, 7 KO’s) in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation card at  Ballys Atlantic City Hotel and Casino.
The fight, which is a WBA Title Elimination bout, will headline a tripleheader Live on SHOWTIME® beginning at 10 PM ET/PT.
Lopez of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 16-0-1 with 8 knockouts, and he will be making his fifth appearance on ShoBox.
“My training camp went great.  I feel strong, and I have prepared for whatever Roman brings,” said Lopez.
He has scouted Roman very thoroughly; Lopez knows that he could be in store for a tough evening.
“In some fights he looks really good, and in some fights he looks good, but not as dominant as he does in others,” Lopez said.  “Take his fight against Erick Ruiz.  He looked really good in that fight, but in his last fight he fought Marlon Olea, who was undefeated but not as skilled, and I thought he should have taken him out.  All in all he is a good fighter, and I am expecting a tough fight.”
With a win, Lopez will become the mandatory challenger for WBA Super Bantamweight champion Nehomar Cermeno, and he realizes that he has chance to be mentioned with the elite of the 122-pound division.
“This would be a life changing win,” Lopez said. “It would be privilege and a blessing to fight for the great title.  I feel that because I have been on this stage now for the fifth time, it could be a little bit of an advantage.  He has fought on some swing bouts before, but I know what to expect in the days leading up to Friday night.  With that being said, ShoBox is a great platform for young prospects like me and can turn us into contenders.  It has also raised my stature in terms of gaining more fans.  A lot of people have seen me on SHOWTIME and it has got my name out there.  This is a high stakes fight.  I am putting all cards in and I am taking this as there is no tomorrow.  I am going to put on a great show and I think, I will come out with the victory.”
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Kings Promotions in association with Thompson Boxing (the main event) and Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, are $125, $100 $75 & $50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000

In the televised co-feature, Ronald Ellis (12-0-1, 10 KO’s) of Lynn, Mass., takes on  Christopher Brooker (11-2, 5 KO’a) of Philadelphia in a super middleweight bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

In a super lightweight bout scheduled for 8-rounds, Kenneth Sims, Jr. (10-0, 3 KO’s) battles Emmanuel Robles (15-1-1, 5 KO’s) of San Diego, Calif.
In non-televised action: Stephon Young (15-0-3, 6 KO’s) of St. Louis, Missouri tangos with Olimjon Nazarov (14-3, 8 KO’s) of Tashkent, Uzbekistan in a super bantamweight bout.  NOTE: Young was originally slated to open the ShoBox telecast in a matchup with Elton Dharry, who was forced to withdraw with a shoulder injury.  Highlights of Young vs. Nazarov will now air in the ShoBox telecast.
In 6-round bouts:
Leroy Davila (4-0, 2 KO’s) of New Brunswick, N.J., battles Anthony Taylor (4-0, 1 KO) of Warren, Ohio in a battle of undefeated bantamweights.
Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia fights Marquis Hawthorne (4-5, 1 KO) of Waco, Texas in a welterweight affair.
Local favorite, Anthony “Juice” Young (14-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City will fight James Robinson (4-5-4, 1 KO) of York, Pa., in a welterweight bout.
Darmani Rock (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will box Solomon Maye (3-7-2, 3 KO’s) of New Haven, Conn., in a heavyweight fight.
Malik Jackson (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C. squares off with Christian Foster (0-2) of Alexandria, Virginia in a bantamweight bout.
                                                                # # #

About ShoBox: The New GenerationSince its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

GH3 PROMOTIONS FIGHTERS LEROY DAVILA, KEENAN SMITH HIGHLIGHT NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD ON FRIDAY, JAN. 20 AT BALLYS ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL AND CASINO

PLUS UNDEFEATED DARMANI ROCK AND LOCAL FAVORITES ANTHONY “JUICE”YOUNG, HAFIZ MONTGOMERY, JEFF LENTZ
Adam Lopez faces Danny Roman in Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader Live on SHOWTIME® 

Undefeated Super Middleweight Ronald Ellis Takes On Christopher Brooker; Undefeated Super Lightweights Kenneth Sims Jr. & Emmanuel Robles Collide; Bantamweight Stephon Young Risks Undefeated Record against Elton Dharry

Tickets on Sale Now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTIC CITY (Jan.10, 2017) — GH3 Promotions undefeated up-and-comers LeRoy Davila and Keenan Smith will head an impressive list of prospects that will be featured in non-televised action on Friday night, Jan. 20 at Ballys Atlantic City Hotel & Casino that will precede a tremendous quadrupleheader that will be televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME®.

In the 12-round main event, undefeated WBA No. 3-ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will face the WBA’s No. 4-ranked Danny Roman (20-2-1, 7 KOs) in a title elimination bout.

In the co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis (13-0-1, 1 NC, 10 KOs) will face off with Christopher Brooker (11-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round 168-pound matchup of ShoBox veterans.

In another eight-round featured bout, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (10-0, 3 KOs) and Emmanuel Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs) will clash in a matchup of promising, unbeaten super lightweights making their ShoBox debuts in their toughest assignments to date.

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated bantamweight Stephon Young (15-0-3, 6 KOs) takes on Elton Dharry (21-5-1, 14 KO’s) in an eight-round bout.

Davila (4-0, 2 KO’s) of New Brunswick, New Jersey will take on fellow undefeated Anthony Taylor (4-0, 1 KO) of Warren, Ohio in a six-round bantamweight bout.

Davila, a 2016 United States Olympic Alternate is beginning his second year as a professional and is coming off a 4-round unanimous decision over Damon Simon on Nov. 11in Philadelphia.

Taylor, 25, has been a professional for two years, and is coming off a third-round stoppage over Jajuan Gills last July 23 in Youngstown, Ohio.

Smith, of Philadelphia, has a record of 9-0 with 3 knockouts, and will take on Marquis Hawthorne (4-5, 1 KO) of Waco, Texas in a welterweight bout scheduled for six-rounds.

The 26 year-old Smith is a seven-year professional. In recent bouts, he has stepped up the competition. He holds a second-round knockout over previously undefeated Lavell Hadley (2-0). In his last bout, Smith won an eight-round unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker (10-1-1) on Nov. 6, 2015 in Las Vegas, on ShoBox.

Hawthorne, 25, is a two-year pro and holds a win over previously undefeated Francisco Cruz (5-0). He will be looking to break a three-fight losing streak, with the latest being a four-round unanimous decision to undefeated Jeremy Nichols (6-0) on Sept. 30 in Las Vegas.

Also seeing action in a 6-round bout is local favorite Anthony “Juice” Young (14-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City who will take on James Robinson (4-5-4, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, N.Y., in a welterweight scrap.

Former amateur standout, Darmani Rock (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Solomon Maye (3-7-2, 3 KO’s) of New Haven, Connecticut in a six-round heavyweight bout.

In four-round bouts, Hafiz Montgomery (3-1, 2 KO’s) of Toms River, N.J. takes on Tracey Johnson (4-5-4) of Boston in a cruiserweight battle; Jeff Lentz (5-1, 1 KO) of Lanoka Harbor, N.J. will fight Jeff Souffrant (3-1, 1 KO) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in a welterweight bout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Kings Promotions in association with Thompson Boxing (the main event) and Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, are $125, $100 $75 & $50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000

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.

ADAM LOPEZ vs. DANNY ROMAN ELEVATED TO 12-ROUND WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENTFRIDAY, JAN. 20, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

New Opponents Named For Kenneth Sims Jr. & Stephon Young In ShoBox Quadrupleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT From Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 9, 2017) – The previously announced matchup between undefeated WBA ranked No 3-ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez and the WBA’s No. 4-ranked Danny Roman has been elevated to a 12-round title eliminator for the WBA (regular) Super Bantamweight belt held by Nehomar Cermeno.

 

Lopez (16-0-1, 8 KOs) and Roman (20-2-1, 7 KOs) will square off in the most significant fight of their careers in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Jan. 20, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino.

 

Lopez is a classic example of a ShoBox prospect-turned-contender. He’s 3-0-1 on the series, having defeated three previous unbeaten boxers.  Roman has won 13 in a row dating to March 2014, and none of the fights have been close.

 

“I am excited that this is an elimination bout and I am one step closer to fighting for a world championship,” said Lopez.  “Very few fighters ever get a chance to fight for a title, and I’m not going to let it slip away.  It’s a huge motivator, and the stakes are higher.  I am fighting for a chance to fight a guy in Cermeno who is 37 and maybe past his prime.  So if I win on January 20, I feel I will win against Cermeno.  He is beatable, and that is the perfect opponent to become a world champion.  After I beat Roman, Cermeno will pass the torch to me.”

 

Said Roman: “This is what we’ve been working toward since day one.  A shot at a world title is every boxer’s dream.  I can’t speak for Adam, but the stakes have never been higher for me. Beating Adam is the only thing on my mind.”

 

In a featured bout on the four-fight ShoBox telecast, undefeated, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (10-0, 3 KOs) will face a new opponent, once-beaten Emmanuel Robles (15-1-1, 5 KOs), in an eight-round super lightweight bout.
In the televised opener, undefeated Stephon Young (15-0, 3 KOs) will take on new foe Elton Dharry (20-5-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

 

The previously announced opponent for Sims, Wellington Romero, withdrew due to injury, while Young’s opponent, Daniel Rosas, withdrew due to personal reasons.

 

In the previously announced co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis (13-0-1, 1 NC, 10 KOs) will face off with Christopher Brooker (11-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round 168-pound matchup of ShoBox veterans.

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Kings Promotions in association with Thompson Boxing (the main event) and Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, are $125, $100 $75 & $50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000.

 

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

UNBEATEN ADAM LOPEZ FACES THE STREAKING DANNY ROMAN IN MATCHUP OF TOP-10 RANKED SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, JAN. 20, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®  

 

10 p.m. ET/PT From Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino

 

Undefeated Super Middleweight Ronald Ellis Takes On Christopher Brooker;

Undefeated Super Lightweights Kenneth Sims Jr. & Wellington Romero Faceoff;

Stephon Young Risks Undefeated Record vs. Daniel Rosas

 

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 19, 2016) – Undefeated, WBA No. 3-ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will face the WBA’s No. 4-ranked Danny Roman (20-2-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Jan. 20, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino.

 

The first ShoBox telecast in 2017 features eight fighters with a combined record of 115 wins against just seven losses.

 

In the co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis (13-0-1, 1 NC, 10 KOs) will face off with Christopher Brooker (11-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round 168-pound matchup of ShoBox veterans.

 

In another eight-round featured bout, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (10-0, 3 KOs) and Dominican Olympian Wellington Romero (11-0-1, 5 KOs) will clash in an eight-round matchup of up-and-coming, unbeaten super lightweights making their ShoBox debuts in their toughest assignments to date.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated bantamweight Stephon Young (15-0-3, 6 KOs) takes on Mexican veteran and two-time interim world title challenger Daniel Rosas (19-3-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Kings Promotions in association with Thompson Boxing (the main event) and Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, are $125, $100 $75 & $50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000

 

ADAM LOPEZ VS. DANNY ROMAN – 10 Rounds, Super Bantamweights

Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., is a prototypical Shobox prospect-turned-contender. He’s 3-0-1 on the series, having defeated three previous unbeaten boxers on the series: Mario Muniz (11-0) in a hard-fought 10-round decision on Feb. 19, 2016, outpointing Eliezer Acquino (17-0-1) across 10 rounds on July 17, 2015, and knocking out Pablo Cruz (11-0) in the second round on March 13, 2015. In his most recent ShoBox outing, Lopez boxed a 12-round draw with Roman Reynoso(18-1-1) on July 22, 2016.

“This will be my toughest fight.  It is all about levels and progressing,’’ Lopez said of the matchup between the 26-year-old world-ranked contenders.  “This may be my lastShoBox fight so I want to save the best for the last.

“Roman is very good fighter and I’m ready for a tough fight.  He’s progressed a lot.  He’s a good puncher, counter puncher and works the body.  But I’m ready for whatever he brings.  A win would be huge — it puts me in contention to fight a world champion.’’

An excellent boxer-puncher and tactician that likes to counter, Lopez was a standout amateur before going pro in February 2012.  He is coming off an eighth-round knockout over Carlos Valcarcel on Nov. 11, 2016, and is facing likely his toughest test to date in Lopez.

 

Roman has won 13 in a row dating to March 2014 – and none of the fights have been close.  He went 4-0 in 2014, 6-0 in 2015 and 4-0 in 2016.  The Los Angeles native, who is coming of an eight-round decision over previously unbeaten Marlon Olea (12-0) last Nov. 18, will make his ShoBox and East Coast debut in just his second outing outside of Southern California.

 

“I’ve been extremely active over the last few years and now all the hard work is starting to pay off,’’ said Roman, a pro since October 2009.  “This is a tremendous opportunity and the type of fight I’ve been preparing for.  Adam Lopez is a great fighter, and he’s highly ranked just like me.  We are going to give the fans an exciting fight.

 

“I can box, I can brawl.  I give the fans what they want.  I think people are going to be impressed with how I fight.  People want to see a fight and I know I’m going to bring it.  Boxing fans are going to know who Danny Roman is on Jan. 20.’’

 

RONALD ELLIS VS. CHRISTOPHER BROOKER, 8 Rounds, Super Middleweights

 

Ellis, of Lynn, Mass., and Brooker, of Philadelphia, are making their second ShoBox starts.  Like Lopez, they fought Feb. 19, 2016, in Atlantic City.  Ellis boxed an entertaining eight-round majority draw in a slugfest with hard-hitting Jerry Odom;  Brooker took an eight-round majority decision over previously unbeaten John Magda(11-0) in a match that was originally announced a split draw but was later changed to a majority decision win for Brooker.
This will be Ellis’ second fight since the Odom fight.  The 27-year-old Ellis, the older brother of welterweight prospect Rashidi Ellis, outpointed Oscar Riojas across eight rounds on Dec. 10.

 

Ellis feels he’s benefited from going the distance in consecutive contests. “It’s helped me that I’ve gone through it before,’’ said Ellis, whose 10 knockouts have come inside two rounds (eight in the first).  “Now, I know what they’re looking for.  This time I’ll finish super strong and put on a show.  I need this to further my career and put me in main event fights.

 

“I’ve seen Brooker fight a few times.  He’s a tough guy who comes forward and comes to fight, and that is perfect for me.  Brooker will be there for me to hit, and it will give me a great opportunity to showcase my talents.’’

 

As an amateur, Ellis upset Terrell Gausha to win the 2010 National Golden Gloves.  Gausha went on to represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games and is now an undefeated professional middleweight.

 

Brooker, a physically strong, aggressive-minded boxer-puncher, is trying to regain his winning ways after a nine-fight winning streak ended when he lost by 10th-round TKO to highly regarded Ronald Gavril (16-1) last Oct. 8 in Las Vegas.  The 25-year-old Brooker dropped Gavril in the fifth round but went down twice in the 10th before it was stopped at 2:04.  Entering the 10th and final round, the fight was even on the judges’ scorecards.

 

“I’m ready and excited to get back in the ring,’’ said Brooker.  “I can’t wait to fight another undefeated fighter on ShoBox.  I’m still looking to get to the next level.  I was at Ellis’ last fight, and I saw an average fighter compared to the guys I’ve fought.  He’s solid, throws nice, short punches but runs out of gas.

 

“In my last fight I lost because I kept looking for the KO.  I have a new trainer now (Gaunch Muhammad), and I’m getting back to the technical part of boxing.  I’m jabbing more, and in my previous camps I wasn’t jabbing or boxing enough.  I have the heart and condition but I have to get to my opponent with the jab.’’

The Philadelphia native was a top level amateur who has been active since turning professional in 2015.

 

KENNETH SIMS JR. VS. WELLINGTON ROMERO – 8 Rounds, Super Lightweights

 

Sims, of Chicago, is matched with unquestionably the most dangerous opponent of a career that began in March 2014.  This will be the eight-round debut for the 23-year-old, who has gone six full rounds six times.

 

“This is the biggest fight of my career,’’ said Sims, who is coming off a six-round decision over Jonathan Dinong last Nov. 11.  “I will be prepared for anything that I have to do.  I’ve seen videos of Romero and I know he is a good fighter.  I fought world champions in the amateurs so it’s not a big deal to fight him.  I need to take care of business and get my win on national television.  It’s as simple as that.”

 

Sims was a main sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) and Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather).  Sims, known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body, was a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist.

 

Romero had 268 amateur bouts and represented his native Dominican Republic in the 2012 Olympic Games, where he lost to eventual Gold Medalist Vasyl Lomachenko.  Shortly thereafter he relocated to New York, where he turned pro in 2013.  The 25-year-old is coming off a first-round knockout over Engleberto Valenzuela on Dec. 10.

 

A slick boxer who can punch and gives opponent issues because of his awkward style and movement, Romero has been brought along carefully against mostly modest opposition.  The southpaw is coming off a first-round TKO over Luis Meroles last Dec. 5.

 

Romero understands that this could likely be his most daunting task to date. “I’m looking forward to introducing myself to the American public,’’ he said. “Sims is a good fighter but I will always like challenges, and this will be my biggest challenge as a pro.’’

 

STEPHON YOUNG VS. DANIEL ROSAS – 8 Rounds, Super Bantamweights

 

Young, of St. Louis, is making his second ShoBox start.  In his debut, he boxed a 10-round draw with previously undefeated Nikolai Potapov (14-0) in April of 2016.

 

“To be able to be back on ShoBox feels good,” said Young, who registered a majority 10-round decision over previously once-beaten Juan Lopez Jr. in his last scrap on Sept. 30, 2016.  “My first fight on ShoBox was not a fair decision.  It was my first 10-rounder and I feel like I won the fight.  This time I will be able to show more of what I have.

 

“Training has been great.  I already have been in camp for two months. The fight against Potapov was my first with my new coach (Herman Caicedo), and this will be our third fight.  We won the NABA title by beating Lopez and now we’re back.”

The 25-year-old Young, who is currently ranked No. 9 in the WBA, was an experienced amateur who compiled a record of 86-13 while representing the U.S. in a number of tournaments.  In the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2011, he lost to the No. 1-rated amateur, Rau’shee Warren.

 

The 27-year-old Rosas, of Mexico City, is a nine-year veteran who is experienced against top opposition.  In 2011, in just his 13th professional fight, Rosas fought to a 12-round split draw against Jose Cabrera in a bout for the Interim WBO Super Flyweight World Title.  In 2014, he lost a close, unanimous decision to Alejandro Hernandezfor the Interim WBO Bantamweight Title.

 

Rosas has rattled off  three consecutive victories since fighting Hernandezt.  In his last bout on April 29, he lost via TKO to current IBF Super Bantamweight ChampJonathan Guzman in his U.S. debut.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with 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. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

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.

 

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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.