GILROY, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2017) – Unbeaten Colombian power-puncher Janer Gonzalez (19-0-1, 15 KOs) takes a major step up in competition when he faces unbeaten Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSOB: 9-1) this Friday, Nov. 10, at the Masonic at Templelive Cleveland in downtown Cleveland. The scheduled eight-round welterweight bout will be telecast on the popular ShoBox: The New Generation series LIVE on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Gonzalez, who is coached by Ruben Guerrero Sr., recently shared his training camp experience as his showdown with Butaev nears. Gonzalez, who is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut, last fought in September of this year.
Here is what Gonzalez had to say ahead of Friday night’s fight.
On his recent training camp with Ruben Guerrero Sr.:
“My good friend Oscar Escandon introduced me to Mr. Guerrero about a month ago. I came to California to start training with Ruben shortly after. It’s been a great transition and training camp has been very productive. I’ve been sparring every other day since I got here. I’m in good shape and I’m ready to perform at my best this Friday.”
On facing undefeated Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev:
“I know I have a tough fight ahead of me, but I’m ready for the challenge. Butaev had a tremendous amateur career, but so did I. I have over 300 amateur fights under my belt and there is nothing Butaev will bring to the ring that I haven’t already seen. We equally have a lot of power, so the fans can expect to see some big shots being thrown by both of us. I’m going to leave everything in the ring come fight night.”
On making his U.S. debut and what a victory on Showtime will do for his career:
“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a tremendous blessing for me. This is my first fight in America and I going to make it special. The exposure I will get can take my career to the next level, especially if I come out victorious. A win will garner me some big fights and some big paydays. I’m fighting for my family and my countrymen in Colombia. My motivation is at an all-time high and the boxing world will know my name after this fight.”
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Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.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. 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 72 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.