Category Archives: ShoBox

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECTS ANGELO LEO & NEIL TABANAO TALK TRAINING CAMP IN ADVANCE OF THEIR SHOBOX MAIN EVENT BOUT THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 5 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

Leave a comment

Click HERE for Photos from Team Leo/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE for Photos from Team Tabanao


 
LAS VEGAS – April 1, 2019 – Unbeaten 122-pound prospect Angelo Leo and Filipino Neil Tabanao talk training camp just days away from their ShoBox: The New Generation main event showdown Friday, April 5 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
The ShoBox tripleheader co-feature will see unbeaten super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) squaring off against experienced Filipino John Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout and undefeated Mayweather Promotions’ 130-pound prospect Andres Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) facing Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout in the telecast opener.


 
Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.


 
Leo, (16-0, 8 KOs), who started boxing at the age of eight, has dreams of emulating his biggest boxing inspiration, Roberto Duran, by one day becoming a world champion. He draws inspiration not only from Duran’s aggressiveness in the ring, but also from his tactical fighting style. The 24-year-old from Albuquerque, N.M. has sparred with elite boxers such as Leo Santa Cruz, Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire, and Tomoki Kameda and assures he is more than prepared to withstand Tabanao on April 5.


 
Tabanao, 25, made his pro debut in 2012 in his home country of the Philippines. He will make his television debut this week as he looks to move up the super bantamweight ranks. Tabanao won the WBO Oriental Featherweight Title in 2016 with a third-round technical knockout of Ibrahim Balla to then lose it to former 122-pound world champion Issac Dogboe. He suffered two consecutive defeats after losing to Dogboe but has admirably rebounded by winning his last four bouts.


 
Here is what the fighters had to share ahead of their matchup:


 
On what they know about their opponent:


 
Leo: “Tabanao is definitely not a pushover. He has 17 wins and 11 of those by knockout, so we definitely know that he can punch. I’ve seen a video of him, he likes to counter off the high guard. He’s fought a former world champion, Isaac Dogboe, and went the distance with him. So, he is a tough competitor for sure, but I think with my boxing and ring IQ, I can get the victory.”


 
Tabanao: “Angelo Leo is a good fighter. We need to use a good strategy to win this fight—and we have it. We trained very hard targeting his weaknesses. He’s in for a surprise this Friday.”


 
On what a win from this fight will do for their career:


 
Leo: “A win over Neil Tabanao will probably set me up for another 10-round fight and after that I will hopefully be competing on a world title eliminator. I think in the next two or three fights I’ll get a world title shot.”


 
Tabanao: “I want to be recognized in the world of boxing. Leo is a step towards that goal. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.”


 
On training camp:


 
Leo: “I had a very good training camp. I have a very good team. My dad, is my head trainer, he is the one in charge. Luis Chavez is my other trainer. He lives in New Mexico trainer and comes down when I fight. Steve Cartledge and John Sinclair are helping me with my strength and conditioning. We started increasing the rounds in my sparring and we are trying to get the conditioning up as well. I have been training super hard for this fight. I feel that I’m in tip-top shape.”


 
Tabanao: “I had a good training camp. I trained with my coach Sonny Dollente at Mabuhay Boxing Camp at Dujali Davao del Norte in The Philippines. We worked hard on perfecting our strategy; we are ready to counter whatever Leo may do on Friday night.”


 
How does it feel to fight on national television?


 
Leo: “It feels like a dream come true to fight on national television. I’ve been working so hard for this moment. Finally, I get to show everybody who I am and what better way to do it than as the main event on TV. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. Everyone will see what I’m all about.”


 
Tabanao: “It means a lot to me to be able to fight on national television. I hope this is the first of many televised fights. I want to become a renowned and successful boxer to be able help my family. I’m determined to do it.”


 
# # #

 

For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, 
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports 
and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

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

Leave a comment

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.


 
# # #


 
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. 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DeANDRE WARE UPSETS RONALD ELLIS VIA MAJORITY DECISION VICTORY IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Will Madera Scores Unanimous Decision Victory
Over Thomas Mattice In Co-Feature
 
Catch The Replay Monday, February 4 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
ROCHESTER – February 2, 2019 – DeAndre Ware rose to the occasion and scored the biggest win of his career with an upset majority decision over previously undefeated Ronald Ellis in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from Main Street Armory in Rochester.  Both fights of the doubleheader were upsets, as Albany, N.Y. native Will Madera defeated Thomas Mattice in an eight-round lightweight co-feature.
 
Ellis (15-1-2, 10 KOs), who had the advantage over Ware in both height and reach, became the 185th fighter to lose their undefeated record on the prospect developmental series after Mattice suffered his first defeat and became fighter number 184.
 
Ware (13-1-2, 8 KOs), who edged Ellis 95-95 and 96-94 twice, pressed the action from the outset. While Ellis threw a higher volume of punches throughout the night, Ware was more effective with the punches he landed and worked Ellis inside as the fight progressed.
 
“I controlled the fight.  The whole fight I was landing the harder shots,” said Ware.  “I finally had a chance to get in shape and have a full camp, and we were able to show what we really have. I applied the pressure.  He was just flicking the jab and it wasn’t doing anything.”
 
Ellis, who fought his past three fights with his right hand either broken or badly injured, largely stopped using his right hand during the fourth round, indicating he might have re-injured the surgically repaired hand. By the later rounds, he was mainly jabbing with his left and delivering punches in volume that lacked power.
 
“I couldn’t tell if he hurt his hand,” Ware continued.  “I just listed to my coaches and did what I had to do.”
 
Ellis, who was fighting on ShoBox for the fourth time, didn’t agree with the officials’ decision and was eager for a rematch
 
“I think I outboxed him,” Ellis said. “He was pressuring the whole fight but he didn’t land anything clean. I hurt my hand a little in the third but I was still able to triple jab him and keep him on the outside. I would do a rematch in a second.”
 
In the opening bout of the telecast, Will Madera handed ShoBox veteran Thomas Mattice the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision in a battle of unbeaten lightweights.
 
Madera (13-0-2, 6 KOs), who took the fight on short notice in his national television debut, dominated the pace from the outset.  He stayed busy and controlled the first three rounds, coming forward and working the body against a stagnant Mattice (13-1-1, 10 KOs). While Mattice tried to establish his jab, Madera’s movement and insistence on pressing inside made it impossible.
 
“I had to make some adjustments.  He’s a good, tough fighter, but it’s all about staying composed,” Madera said.  “I wasn’t fazed by any of his punches.  He had a little pop, but nothing that I was afraid of.”
 
In a fight that started out reminiscent of his 2017 ShoBox debut, Mattice came to life in the later rounds, relying on his jab and increasing his overall volume of work. But his increase in output still lagged behind Madera, who had landed 21 body shots midway through the fight compared to just three landed by Mattice.
 
“He had a good jab that I just had to time,” Madera said.  “With the win, I’m ready to step-up.  Whatever they have for me, I’ll take it next.”
 
Mattice’s best work came in the sixth round, when he relied on a higher volume of combos and a steady jab.  Both men traded punches throughout the final round, and Madera closed out the fight with a five-punch combo that had Mattice on the ropes.
 
“I still feel like I’m the better fighter, I just didn’t get started.  I didn’t do what we came here to do, which was box and use my speed,” said Mattice. “I’m kind of glad this one didn’t go my way so we can learn from this and go back to the drawing board.”
 
The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 4 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.
 
# # #
 
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. 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

RONALD ELLIS vs. DeANDRE WARE FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Super Middleweights Ellis And Ware Face Off In Main Event Of ShoBox Doubleheader Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT From Main Street Armory In Rochester


ROCHESTER – January 31, 2019 – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Ronald Ellis and once-beaten DeAndre Ware both made weight on Thursday for their 10-round super middleweight clash in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader tomorrow/Friday live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Main Street Armory in Rochester.
 
Ellis (15-0-2, 10 KOs), who recently sparred with Canelo Alvarez and Sergey Kovalev, returns toShoBox for the fourth time seeking a statement win. The Lynn, Mass., native faces Ware (12-1-2, 8 KOs), a come-forward fighter out of Toledo, Ohio who trained with Tony Harrison in preparation for his upset win over Jermell Charlo. 
 
The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. Tickets can be purchased by calling 585-232-3221.
 
In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweights Thomas Mattice and Will Madera will face off in an eight-round 135-pound matchup. Like Ellis, Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs), of Cleveland, returns for his fourth bout on the prospect developmental series. Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs), a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion out of Albany, N.Y., will make his television debut.
 
The scheduled televised opener between Abraham Nova and Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab was cancelled after Wahab was forced to withdraw from the bout due to immigration issues entering the U.S. from Ghana.   
 
FINAL WEIGHTS
 
Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout 
Ronald Ellis – 167 ½ Pounds
DeAndre Ware – 166 ¾ Pounds
 
Lightweight 8-Round Bout 
Thomas Mattice – 134 ¼ Pounds
Will Madera – 134 ½ Pounds
 
 
FINAL QUOTES:
 
RONALD ELLIS 
 
“It’s my fourth time on ShoBox, this time I have to get it right, this time I have to go out with a bang.
 
“I’m going to show a lot, I’m going to show boxing, banging, whatever they want to see we’re going to bring.
 
“I trained at Buddy McGirt’s new boxing gym in Northridge, Calif. I sparred Canelo Alvarez for his last fight and was in camp with Sergey Kovalev for his fight this weekend. 
 
“I learned a lot from Canelo and Kovalev. I feel like sparring with them gave me an edge, so I’m going to look like a whole different fighter in there. Canelo is more compact and he comes a little bit faster. Kovalev, he’s big and he’s a banger.
 
“DeAndre Ware is tough. He’s just a real tough guy who comes to fight. He got a lot of heart and he’s just going to do what he got to do. He’s not going to stick and move. He’s going to be there all night unless I get him out. I think his game plan is just going to be to come in and do what he does.
 
“I think it’s a perfect fight for SHOWTIME. This one is going to be entertaining.”
 
 
DeANDRE WARE
 
“I’m feeling great, feeling strong.  We had a full camp this time around so I’m looking for good things. My training camp was about six to eight weeks at the Glass City Gym in Toledo.  Prior to that, I was in Tony Harrison’s camp helping him to get ready to fight (Jermell) Charlo.
 
“Sparring was great, it was probably the best sparring and best camp I’ve had so far. I only had about 12 days to prepare for my last fight and I’m in much better shape this time. I think that’s going to play a big difference in this fight tomorrow night.
 
“Ronald Ellis is just another guy in my way. I think Ellis is a tough fighter. From what I’ve seen, he’s a come-forward guy. He tries to box a little bit – there’s skill. I respect anybody that gets in that ring, but come fight time, all that stuff goes out the door.  I’m coming to win.”
 
 
THOMAS MATTICE
 
“It’s a great feeling to come back to ShoBox for the fourth time. My last fight [a draw against Hamazaryan] was a great fight, a very exciting fight, but I thought I edged it five rounds to three. We’re going to do what we have to do to make sure this fight doesn’t turn out like that.”
 
“If I use my skills and my ability to use the ring it should help me tomorrow night.  I don’t really know much about my opponent, I haven’t watched him since he was a last-second opponent and I got him like two weeks ago.
 
“Training camp was great. We were training for a southpaw and then they switched it when my opponent switched but I’m confident and I feel ready.
 
“I’m better than what I’ve shown in the past.  My plan is to show that tomorrow night.”
 
WILL MADERA
 
“I feel great, I’m confident and I’m looking to put on a show. I had a great camp, I trained hard and I have no worries.
 
“For tomorrow, the key is pressure, intelligent pressure. I don’t want to come in overwhelming myself but still keep the pressure on him.
 
“Our styles should make for an exciting fight.  If I bring the pressure it’s going to be a fun fight
 
[The Hamazaryan fight] was controversial. The first fight was a really close fight and I think if I apply the same pressure and fight smarter, I’ll get the victory.
 
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this.  Now I just need to finish the job.”
 
#          #          #
 
 
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports 
follo
w 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. 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONALD ELLIS LOOKS TO GET NEW ENGLAND SPORTS OFF TO A GREAT START IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment


Ellis Takes On DeAndre Ware In Main Event Of Tripleheader Beginning Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT From Main Street Armory In Rochester, N.Y.


NEW YORK – January 29, 2019 – Undefeated super middleweight prospect and Massachusetts native Ronald Ellis (15-0-2, 10 KOs) will look to set the tone for a successful sports weekend for New England when he takes on DeAndre Ware (12-1-2, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT).
 
The fight, which will take place at The Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York, will serve as another opportunity for Ellis, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts.
 
Ellis, who is a huge fan of his beloved New England Patriots, is eager to earn a big win and then return to his new residence in Los Angeles to see Tom Brady bring home a record sixth Super Bowl title.
 
“My camp went beautiful.  I have had a couple camps in a row, so I was able to work on a lot of things.  I learned a lot in this camp,” said Ellis.
 
The 29-year-old Ellis knows that he has a tough customer in front of him in once-beaten Ware. 
 
“Ware is a solid fighter.  He is real tough, and he comes forward. He is not a tall guy, but he makes up with it with his toughness.  He is a former football player, and he likes to come forward, so I know he will be there.”
 
This will be the fourth appearance on ShoBox for Ellis, and he feels that a strong performance will lead him to major fights in the next year.
 
“This year, I have to execute.  Now it’s time to perform.  I just need to keep fighting, and if that happens I feel that I will be in line for a title shot in the next year.  There is a lot of talent in the division, and now it’s time to knuckle up and all fight each other.  I feel that I can compete with the elite of the division.”
 
When talking about the Patriots, Ellis lights up.  He has been a fan of the team since he was a youth growing up in the Boston suburbs.
 
“It’s is going to be a great game.  Ironically, I moved to Los Angeles to train a couple of years ago, and for the last week all I’ve been hearing about is the Rams.  It has been fun going at with the guys in the gym about the game, but I will always represent the Patriots.  I am going to get the state of Massachusetts off to a good start on Friday, and the Patriots will have their arms raised on Sunday.”
 
Ellis and Ware headline a tripleheader that will also feature undefeated lightweights Thomas Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs) of Cleveland taking on Will Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs) of Albany, New York in an eight-round bout.  The broadcast kicks off with a eight-round super featherweight contest between undefeated fighters Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) of Albany, New York and Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab (18-0, 11 KOs) of Accra, Ghana.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, are priced at $100 for VIP Ringside, $50 for Preferred Seating, $30 for General Admission and $2,000 for VIP Tables.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 585-232-3221.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHTS THOMAS MATTICE AND WILL MADERA TO CLASH IN NEW CO-FEATURE OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Mattice-Madera Added To Three-Fight Telecast After Logan Yoon Suffers Injury While Training

NEW YORK – January 28, 2019 – Undefeated lightweights Thomas Mattice and Will Madera will face off in the new co-feature of this Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME from Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y. 

Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs) and Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs) will meet in an eight-round co-featured bout on the telecast, which begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by the return of undefeated super middleweight prospect Ronald Ellis against once-beaten DeAndre Ware. 

The Mattice vs. Madera bout was added to the telecast after unbeaten 140-pound prospect Logan Yoon suffered a knee injury while training to face Richard Zamora. 

Mattice, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, returns for his fourth bout on the prospect developmental series.  In his last fight, the 28-year-old fought to a split-draw in an immediate rematch with Zhora Hamazaryan on September 28 on ShoBox.  Mattice had edged Hamazaryan in a controversial split-decision in July and granted his opponent an immediate rematch.  Prior to his first bout with Hamazaryan, Mattice had won six consecutive bouts via knockout. 

The 28-year-old Madera is a native of Albany, N.Y. and was a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion.  In his toughest test to date, Madera fought to a draw with then-unbeaten Wesley Ferrer in 2017.  Madera, who comes forward and presses the action, will face yet another undefeated opponent in Mattice in his national television debut. 

In the opening bout of the telecast, former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) will face fellow-unbeaten Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab (16-0, 10 KOs), of Ghana, in an eight-round super featherweight bout. 

# # #

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. 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

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

Leave a comment

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.

# # #

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

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

RISING LIGHTWEIGHT STAR DEVIN HANEY SCORES BIGGEST VICTORY OF HIS CAREER WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER XOLISANI NDONGENI IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Californian Ruben Villa Dominates Colombian Ruben Cervera in Co-Feature

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

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

Watch the Haney Knockdown HERE

SHREVEPORT – January 12, 2019 – Devin Haney passed the biggest test of his young career Friday night on ShoBox: The New Generation, kicking off the 2019 boxing year with a dazzling performance and unanimous decision victory over fellow undefeated former South African champion Xolisani Ndongeni live on SHOWTIME from StageWorks of Louisiana.

Haney (21-0, 13 KOs) scored a second-round knockdown and wore Ndongeni (25-1, 13 KOs) down with punishing body shots in the latter part of the fight in winning easily on all three judges’ scorecards, 100-89 twice, and 99-90. See the second-round knockdown HERE.

Haney told SHOWTIME’s Steve Farhood in the ring after the fight he only wants to be considered a contender from here on out. “I want those top guys,” he said. “Now they really can’t deny me. I’ve been saying this for a long time but now, I’m a contender.” See the post-fight interview HERE. 

The knockdown came at 1:30 of the second round as a Haney right hand landed flush knocking the unbalanced Ndongeni to the canvas. But it was Haney’s body shots that wore out the stubborn Ndongeni, who was fighting in the United States for just the second time. Haney badly wanted to end the fight with a knockout, even telling his father Bill Haney between rounds, “I’m going to knock him out!”

“He’s a great fighter,” said Haney, who with the victory takes home the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International belts. “You don’t make it to 25-0 without being anybody. I knew it was going to be tough opponent from the very beginning. He’s a really good fighter and I didn’t choose him. That was the opponent that came up and you know me, I don’t turn down anybody. I fight whoever comes in front of me.”

Farhood said 2019 could be the year Haney fights for a world title. “I’m impressed because he showed a side of himself that we hadn’t seen before,” the International Boxing Hall of Famer Farhood said. “For a young fighter, although he’s very skilled, you want to see him handle all kinds of situations. He went to the body effectively and if the fight goes 30 seconds longer he gets the stoppage. Is a world title fight in 2019 a possibility? Certainly. Just because he’s 20 doesn’t mean he’s not good enough. It’s clear there’s no one that’s going to out-box him.”

Farhood finally gave Ndongeni a round for the first time in the seventh as he used some effective body work to control the round, although never visibly hurting Haney or putting him in too much danger.

As the fight went deeper and deeper, Haney just kept getting stronger. In the final two rounds, he led 69-28 on overall landed punches (16-6 jabs and 53-22 power). In the final minute of the final round, Haney out-landed Ndongeni 23-3 in total connects.

“I’m getting stronger with each fight and I feel my man strength emerging,” Haney said. “Ndongeni is a very durable fighter. I attribute his big heart for keeping him in the fight. I knew I was the superior fighter. I showed everyone I can fight coming forward, I can box, I can bang, I do it all. I’m ready…no one is stopping me.”

In a battle of undefeated Rubens, former decorated amateur Ruben Villa (15-0, 5 KOs) handed Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-1, 9 KOs) his first career defeat scoring a dominating unanimous decision, 80-72 on all three scorecards in the eight-round featherweight co-feature bout. See fight highlights HERE.

The 21-year-old two-time Junior Olympic National Champion and the 2014 and 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion from Salinas, Calif., Villa outworked and outperformed the slower but determined Cervera en route to a decisive decision victory.

“It felt good fighting on the big stage and I got the victory against a very tough undefeated fighter,” the one-time Olympic alternate Villa said. “I felt I controlled the entire fight with my superior boxing skills. I’m ready to step up to the next level. I’m taking on all comers no matter who they are, I feel I’m the best featherweight in the world.”

In the sixth round, Villa got to work featuring a strong right hand and following up with jabs and combinations that seemed to buzz Cevera, who was out-landed on punches in the round 35-5. 

The jab was the key weapon for Villa as he led 105-23 in connects as well as holding a 36 percent to eight percent advantage in jab accuracy. Villa exceeded double-digits in jabs in every round but the first.

The lefty Villa said visiting Riverside and spending time with noted trained Robert Garcia has helped his game. “I’ll give myself an 8 or 9 tonight,” he said. “I believe in my speed. I know there are guys like [Abner] Mares and [Leo] Santa Cruz who people know, but visiting Riverside let me see I can step in there with anyone.”

Cevera became the 182nd career fighter to lose his undefeated record on ShoBox. “I knew Ruben Villa was a very fast fighter because I saw some video of him, but I didn’t know he was that fast,” Cervera said. “He’s much faster when you see him inside the ring. I tried everything I could but my distance was off. I was able to hit them with a couple of combinations and he probably felt my power. I don’t disagree with the judges’ decision, he was the better man tonight.”

In the telecast opener, Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (11-0, 9 KOs) overcame a 14-minute delay between the first and second rounds knocking out former college football player Willie Jake, Jr. (8-2-1, 2 KOs) at 2:59 of the second round. Both fighters sat calmly on their stools as local promoters worked to repair two of the ropes that had fallen from their post. See fight highlights HERE.

After controlling the action in the first round, Frank’s raw punches simply overpowered the heavier Jake, catching him with a glancing right to the head and a cuffing hook to the body that caused Jake to fall face-first to the canvas and the fight was waved off with just one second remaining in the second round.

Sanchez was the more accurate fighter landing 39 percent of his power shots to Jake’s 25 percent. He also outlanded the Indianapolis native in total connects (28-15) and in landed power shots (20-14).

“I wanted to show the world that I’m the new Cuban boxing sensation,” said Sanchez, who grew up in Guantanamo, Cuba, and now resides in Miami. “I didn’t let the ring rope delay affect my performance. I was ready to go no matter what happened. My manager the great Richard Steele [former boxing referee] is already putting together my next fight. I’m coming for everyone in the heavyweight division. All contenders better watch out.”

The event was promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. The full telecast will replay on Monday, January 14 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.

# # #

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. 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEVIN HANEY vs. XOLISANI NDONGENI FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Twenty-Year-Old Las Vegas Resident Takes On Former South African Champion In Battle Of Unbeatens Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

SHREVEPORT – January 10, 2019 – Unbeaten lightweight and rising star Devin Haney and fellow undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni both made weight just a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event headlines a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The precocious Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion who turned pro at age 17, headlines on ShoBox for the third time when he takes on South Africa’s 28-year-old Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), who like Haney is unbeaten and spent four months training at the Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas in 2017.  

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com. 

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, Calif., will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) of Colombia in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Cuba and former college football player Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) of Indianapolis, Ind., squaring off in another eight-round bout.

All the fighters weighed at Paradise Theatre located inside Margaritaville Resort Casino.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Lightweight 10-Round Bout 

Devin Haney – 134 ½ lbs. 

Xolisani Ndongeni – 134 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Bruce McDaniel (Monroe, La.); Judges: Laurence Cole (Dallas), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Mickey Lofton (Monroe, La.)

Featherweight 8-Round Bout 

Ruben Villa – 126 ¾ lbs.

Ruben Cervera – 126 ½ lbs.

(Contracted weight is 128 pounds)

Referee: Laurence Cole (Dallas); Judges: Bruce McDaniel (Monroe, La.), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Mickey Lofton (Monroe, La.)

Heavyweight 8-Round Bout 

Frank Sanchez – 216 ¼ lbs.

Willie Jake Jr. – 239 ½ lbs.

Referee: Bruce McDaniel (Monroe, La.); Judges: Laurence Cole (Dallas), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Mickey Lofton (Monroe, La.)

FINAL QUOTES:

DEVIN HANEY:

“This is a 10-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International belts, so it’s a big deal. This is a true step up for me.

“It’s important for me build a name in different areas of the country. I’ve fought in Southern California and Philadelphia, and now I’m fighting in Louisiana. This fight I will show who Devin Haney is. In this fight I’ll showcase my skills and I’ll show my full arsenal.

“My style is not a style that people want to fight. I will fight whoever is out there. We haven’t been getting a lot call backs. I’ve had other offers from all the top promotion companies, but I want to remain independent and make my own decisions.

“My opponent has an awkward style. I know he has a lot of confidence and he thinks he can beat me. That’s great for him, but he hasn’t faced anyone with my combination of speed and power.

“At the end of my career I think it would be great if the world continued to say, ‘I don’t know if he can take a punch.’ That would be the goal.”

XOLISANI NDONGENI:

“I’ve trained and sparred with guys at Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas for four months in 2017. I learned a lot got some great experience. 

“I see a young, good prospect in Devin Haney. I just have to keep to my game plan. He doesn’t realize how fast I am. I’ll show some different looks, and know what he’s planning to do. Whatever Haney brings, I’ll adjust.

“I’ve been in some deep waters and I have more rounds than Haney. That experience will pay off for me.

“I’ve been knocked down once in my career. It was early and I came back to knock him down five times and won the fight.

“Haney wants to be called a contender. I’ve been a contender and I know what it takes to be at the top level of the sport. I’ve never taken a fight I wasn’t prepared for or thought that I couldn’t win.”

RUBEN VILLA

“This is exciting and what we’ve been working toward. The contracted weight is 128 for this fight, but I’m a natural featherweight at 126. I’m a southpaw but a natural righty. I throw a lot of jabs, that’s my style.

“I’m representing Salinas and want to be a world champion someday. I’m only 21 years old, and to already be fighting on ShoBox is a dream come true.

“People say I don’t have the knockouts, but it’s in my mind and they will come. The power and knockouts will come.

“I once beat Devin [Haney] by unanimous decision in the amateurs. I was 15, and it was in the finals of the Junior Olympics. Devin’s real slick and aggressive and he moves well. That’s how you beat him.

RUBEN CERVERA

“I’ve never been to the U.S., and I love it here. The press conference and the amount of attention this fight is getting is amazing. I’m used to watching this kind of stuff on T.V. But my mind is totally focused on this fight.

“I have power in all my punches. I’m a strong fighter who has to take a step up in my career. I’m young, only 20 years old, so I’m anxious to get my career going.

“I know Villa is a southpaw. I’ve fought lefties several times in my career and have had no problem with it.

“There is a lot of talent in Colombia, but there aren’t the resources there to have a good career. You have to sacrifice a lot and that’s what I’ve done.”

FRANK SANCHEZ

“I’m 6-foot-4 and use my height to my advantage. I defected from Cuba in 2016 and my family is still in Cuba. My brother is the only one here in the States with me.

“I’m living in Miami now and training there. That will be my home base now.

“I’d love to fight [Deontay] Wilder. I want to be world champion so maybe someday I will. His technique is a little bit wild.

“I had great amateur experience and am a former member of the Cuban national amateur team. I know that will help me. I know there’s never been a heavyweight champion from Cuba, and I plan to be the first one.”

WILLIE JAKE JR.

“Indianapolis is a tough town to be a boxer because there’s not a lot going on there.

“I played college football [for Pasadena City College] but I hurt my wrist and decided to go into the military.

“[Frank] is a little fellow. He needs some maturing. I know they do things differently there in Cuba, but we both are fighting for our families. I’m going to let him know he needs to be a cruiserweight.”

#          #          #

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.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEVIN HANEY vs. XOLISANI NDONGENI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

Undefeated Top Lightweight Contender Haney Faces Fellow Unbeaten Ndongeni In The Main Event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, January 11 Live on SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

SHREVEPORT, La. (January 9, 2019) –  One of boxing’s most promising rising stars, unbeaten lightweight Devin Haney, and fellow undefeated  Xolisani Ndongeni, kicked off fight week with a final press conference Wednesday at Paradise Theatre in Margaritaville Resort Casino ahead of their ShoBox: The New Generation main event bout this Friday, January 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The 20-year old Bay Area native and current Las Vegas resident Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion, headlines the popular prospect-oriented series for the third time when he takes on South Africa’s Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), an unbeaten 28-year-old who once held the IBO’s belt at 135 pounds. 

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.  Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com. 

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say:

DEVIN HANEY

“After this fight I want the whole world to know I’m no longer a prospect. I’m a contender.

“I feel I have something to prove. I’m not just going for the win on Friday night, I want to make a statement. I want to look good. I want to show the world what I’m capable of.

“I think that with a win against a fighter like Ndongeni, the sky is the limit. This fight is going to take me to the next level.”

XOLISANI NDONGENI

“Come Friday night, it’s going to be show time. Because, with all due respect, I’m no pushover and I didn’t come here to lose.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time. I have fought many styles and I’ve seen it all. I’m not scared.

“We are not looking for anything less than a win. I’m not leaving here without one.”

RUBEN VILLA

“I know my opponent is a really good fighter but I don’t feel any additional pressure. This is what we trained for – a tough fight. I’m excited for Friday night. I’m eager to perform.

“Being able to fight on TV is going to finally put me on the map. After Friday night, people are going to be talking about me. They are going to see what I’m made of.”

RUBEN CERVERA

“I’m originally from Colombia and traveling all the way here has not been easy, but we came ready. We had a very successful camp. We did everything we wanted to do and more.

“I’m excited to fight on national television in the United States. I want to showcase what Colombian fighters are made off.

“I know my opponent is good, and undefeated, but only the best man will win, and that is going to be me.”

WILLIE JAKE JR.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity. This is an important fight for me. During training camp, I took one day at a time, step by step. I’m prepared for the challenge.

“I don’t underestimate my opponent, I will listen to my corner and I will put up a great fight.”

#          #          #

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.