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Featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary To headline his first show Oct. 19 in Atlanta

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(L-R) – Head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr., featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary,. Mentor Dan Crotty and adviser Seth DeRobbio
PROVIDENCE, RI (October 5, 2017) – Featherweight prospect Toka “T Nice” Kahn-Clary (22-1, 15 KOs) will headline his fist show Saturday night, October 19 at Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta, promoted by Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield‘s Real Deal Sports & Management, in a 10-round bout against Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas featherweight title.
The once-beaten, Liberia-born Kahn-Clary, fighting out of Providence (RI). is coming off an impressive eight-round unanimous decision this past June against Angel Luna (11-2-1) in Louisville.
“I very happy about fighting in my first main event,” the popular 25-year-old Kahn-Clary said. “I’m going to put on a show to let everybody know who I am. I’m very excited to be fighting for my first pro title. A victory will put me in the top 15 in the world, as well as make me more marketable and better known in boxing.”
Kahn-Clary was a decorated amateur boxer, compiling an outstanding 131-11 record and collecting numerous medals at national tournaments, highlighted by him capturing a gold medal at the 2010 U.S. National Golden Globes Championships. He was also a silver medalist at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2011 U.S. National Championships, in addition to being bronze medalist at the 2012 U.S. Nationals Championships.
Rodriguez (19-2, 17 KOs), who was the WBC super featherweight champion two years ago, is a heavy-handed, battle-tested Dominican. He will be fighting in the United States for the first time as a professional.
“He’s a tough kid who, I think, should be 20-1 because I watched his last fight and he should have gotten the decision (LSDEC8 to 12-0-1 Alberto Mercado in Puerto Rico),” Kahn-Clary noted. “He’s very awkward and fights in spurts. I need to be smart and use my experience.”
Kahn-Clary vs. Rodriguez, is somewhat of a crossroads fight with career-critical future implications for both fighters with the winner advancing to the next level, while the loser could become a permanent opponent.
Toka Kahn-Clary
(Photo by Emily Harney)

“This is the big fight for Toka,” his advisor Seth DeRobbio explained. “I think it’ll be a good fight. His opponent is a big puncher with 17 knockouts in 19 wins. Toka has an opportunity to showcase his talents in a main event for the first time. Stopping a guy like this who has never been knocked out can be huge for Toka.

“Everything depends on this fight. In his last fight, the opponent kept coming forward and that didn’t allow Toka to showcase all his skills. It’s difficult boxing as you back up, but Toka proved that he can fight like that if needed. All Toka’s skills will be on display this fight. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
Kahn-Clary vs. Rodriguez was originally slated to be held September 30 in Louisville, but venue issues forced the postponement and subsequent relocation to Atlanta.
“I was upset that the fight was pushed back only because my weight was on point,” Kahn-Clary admitted,” but fighters need to adjust in and out of the ring and everything is good. Some good came out of it, though. I found more video of my opponent to watch, and additional training and sparring helps, too.”
“The postponement actually helps us,” DeRobbio added. “It gives us three additional weeks to train to prepare for the biggest fight of Toka’s life. At this stage of his career every fight for Toka from here on out will be his biggest fight of his career.”
boxing, CBS Boxing

Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams To headline “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2”

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July 29 on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary

LONG BEACH. Calif. (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams will headline the “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” card, on July 29, to air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary’s outdoor venue in Long Beach, California.
Presented by Black Tree, “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” is promoted by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC and Roc Nation Sports.
Williams (11-0, 4 KOs) faces Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with Black Tree, Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Roc Nation Sports and The Queen Mary for another great ‘Knockout Night Boxing’ event,” KO Night Boxing president John Andersen said. “Tramaine Williams is one of the hottest prospects in boxing and we’re excited to have him fight on another ‘KO Night Boxing’ show.”

After a sizzling start to his pro career, the New Haven, Conn. Native was inactive for nearly two years (2-13-2015) due to out-of-the-ring issues, but bounced back strong in January 2016, signing a promotional contract with Roc Nation Sports.

In his first fight under the Roc Nation Sports banner, Williams dominated Eduardo Garza (6-1) en route to an eight-round unanimous decision.in the CBS Sports Network co-featured event in Wichita, Kansas last March.

In his last fight on the Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev II card at Mandalay Bay, Williams produced the most signature victory to date, stopping former NABO, WBC US and California State super featherweight champion Christopher Martin (30-8-3) in the second round.

Williams first began boxing at the age of nine, accumulating an impressive record of 97-10 over his amateur career. During that span, he was a ten-time national amateur champion, a two-time Ringside World champion and a four-time Silver Gloves champion. He also was a PAL National Junior Golden Gloves champion.

Luna, fighting out of the Dominican Republic, is a proven upset specialist having defeated then unbeaten (15-0-1, 11 KOs) Jose Lopez, on June 6, 2015 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, by way of a six-round unanimous decision. Lopez is currently the reigning WBO International super featherweight champion.
Former amateur boxing prodigy, undefeated Brooklyn light heavyweight prospect Junior “The Young God” Younan (12-0, 9 KOs), will face an opponent to be determined in the eight-round co-featured event. Also fighting under the Roc Nation banner, the 21-year-old Younan compiled a sterling 90-5 amateur record, highlighted by his three-time Ringside World and three-time National PAL championship performances.
A pair of California heavyweights square off in the in the six-round CBSSN opener as Rodney Hernandez (10-5-2, 2 KOs), of Modesto, meets Los Angeles’ Jonnie Rice (6-2-1, 4 KOs), a former Winthrop College (SC) basketball player.
Fighting on the undercard in four-round matches are Los Angeles featherweight Sergio “El Nino” Quiroz (3-0) vs. Lupe Arroyo (2-0), of Huntington Beach (CA), Whittier (CA) lightweight George Acosta (2-0), and pro-debuting welterweights Eric Gomez, of Santa Ana (CA), and Long Beach’s Raul Calderon.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
All tickets are priced at $60.00 and on sale to purchase by calling 949.760.3131.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
boxing

Top featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Back where he belongs, climbing higher

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROVIDENCE, RI (June 28. 2017) – Last Saturday night in Louisville, Kentucky, featherweight prospect Toka “T Nice” Kahn-Clary (22-1, 15 KOs) stole the show fighting in his promotional debut for Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield‘s Real Deal Sports & Management, putting on a boxing clinic to earn a one-sided eight-round decision over determined Dominican Angel “El Gato” Luna (11-3, 6 KOs).
The Liberia-born Toka-Kahn, fighting out of Providence, RI, fought on national television for the first time, live on CBS Sports Network Real Deal Championship Boxing series co-feature, at Freedom Hall as part of six-week “I Am Ali” festival, honoring the late, great Muhammad Ali in his hometown.
Luna came out strong, never let up and forced Kahn-Clary to fight effectively backing up, something that most boxers are unable to do. Toka dropped Luna in the seventh round en route to a near shutout victory with judges’ scores of 80-72, 80-72, 79-73.
“He must have seen me get caught early in my only loss (vs. Jhon Gemino) and he tried to do that too from the opening bell,” Kahn-Clary said. “He was in great shape and very determined. I buckled him once and dropped him, but he bounced right up and kept coming forward. He applied a lot of pressure and I couldn’t back him up. I felt good and was in great shape. I got hit with a few good shots but composed myself and just boxed I showed I could take shots and keep boxing. I put my opponent down after a flurry with an uppercut, right up the middle, doing the big damage. I wanted to impress Evander, letting him know I belong in his stable, and that I want and deserve a title-fight.”
Kahn-Clary’s adviser, Seth DeRobbio, announced that Toka will return to the ring in September, also back in Louisville, fighting for an undetermined title in a 10-round bout.
“This was a perfect fight for Toka,” he remarked. “He had to fight backpedaling, which is very difficult to do successfully. His will was tested but he put on a complete boxing clinic against a very tough opponent, who came out in a blaze and kept coming forward. They had a furious exchange with about 30 seconds remaining in the seventh round. Toka dropped him in final six-seconds of the seventh round. Luna beat the count but was really saved by the bell. Another 20 seconds left in that round, or if it was a 10-round fight, Toka very well may have stopped him. He threw beautiful 5-6 punch combinations.
“It was a great fight for Toka. His previous two fights he knew his opponents were outclassed going into the fight and that he was supposed to knock them out. This fight was against a much better opponent. Toka took a few good shots but he was in top shape. The fans in Louisville really moved watching him fight. We’ll be back there in September fighting for a title to be determined.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @TokaKahnClary
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime

Fighting Professionally in his Hometown for the First Time this Friday, Nick Casal to Make First Ring Appearance in Nearly Five Years

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A familiar name, especially to the local boxing fans, will make his first ring appearance in just under five years this Friday night in his own hometown of Niagara Falls, New York.
Former red-hot prospect Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal (22-4-1, 17 KOs) says he’s expecting some rust, but should have enough to overcome when he takes on 37-fight veteran Antonio Chaves Fernandez of Brockton, Massachusetts, in one of the untelevised supporting bouts at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. The fight will be Casal’s first at home as a professional.
In the night’s 10-round main event, WBO #11-, WBA #12- and IBF #15-rated heavyweight boxer Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (16-0-1, 14 KOs), defends his WBA NABA Heavyweight title against Topeka, Kansas, slugger Nick Guivas (12-3-2, 9 KOs). And in the 10-round lightweight semi-final, red-hot Filipino prospect Harmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (17-0, 12 KOs) will make his debut on US soil against capable veteran Guillermo Sanchez (15-18-1, 6 KOs) of Buffalo.
Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, Salita Promotions, FightCard Productions and Winner Take All Productions, “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” will be broadcast live nationally at 9 pm EST.
Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” start at $35 and are available at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino box office,www.ticketmaster.com or you can charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
30-year-old Casal was headed for big things in boxing before suffering a loss of focus and all four of his losses in a two-year stretch from 2007 to 2009. Since then, inactivity has been the name of his game.
So where was he and why wasn’t he fighting?
“I never really left,” said Casal during a break in one of his final training sessions. “I’ve been working full-time for the last three years, but I was ready to go and trying to get a fight the whole time. I had a number of them fall through. I had one fight fall through at the weigh-in when a guy failed his physical. That was heartbreaking. But now, I finally have a team in place that can keep them from falling through and I’m glad to be finally getting back in the ring.”
Casal says he’s basically the same talented fighter he always was… with a few improvements.
“Physically, I feel exactly the same as I did five years ago. Mentally, I would say I’m a little stronger and a lot more patient than I was when I was younger. I set my shots up a lot better. I don’t think the ring rust will be as bad as it is for other guys who take a lot of time off. I’ve been in the gym training fighters and working out the whole time. I expect to have a little bit of rust, but not as much as someone who was completely out for years. I picture it going very well if I stick to my game plan and stay very focused.”
Working with father Ray at their Casal’s Boxing Club Gym in Niagara Falls since February, Casal says he will now compete in the welterweight division and expects to take an aggressive approach to getting back on track.
 
“I want to win a few regional titles and then earn a world title shot. Around this time next year, I’d like to be in some important fights.”
Casal says he owes his apparent resurgence to promoter Greg Cohen, with whom he signed earlier this year.
“He’s a great promoter and does shows in my hometown. I’ve never fought here as a professional. I fought in Buffalo a few times in 2011, but never fought here. That was important to me. People are calling like crazy for tickets. I’m excited to get it on. With the crowd behind me, I’ll be 100% ready. I’ve just been waiting for the right guy to help me get to where I want to be. Looks like I found him.”
On fight night, doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, NY. For more information, call 877-873-6322 or visit www.senecaniagaracasino.com.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

ROB BRANT IMPROVES TO 18-0 WITH HARD-FOUGHT 10-ROUND MAJORITY DECISION OVER LOUIS ROSE IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

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Unbeaten Heavyweight Jarrell Miller Blasts Ahror Muralimov in Third Round, Samuel Clarkson Demolishes Lavern Harvell in Two Rounds From the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona

 

Catch Replay Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

PHOENIX (Oct. 23, 2015) – On a night when five of the six fighters were making their debuts on ShoBox: The New Generation, newcomersRob “Bravo” Brant and Jarrell ‘Big Baby” Miller remained undefeated and the one ShoBox returnee, Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson, won his seventh in a row Friday live on SHOWTIME at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

Brant (18-0, 11 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., withstood a late, sustained rally from Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-3, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, to win a close, hard-fought 10-round majority decision in the ShoBox main event.

In a pair of explosive matches in the scheduled eight-round co-features,undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (15-0-1, 13 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., knocked out Ahror “Aha” Muralimov (14-2, 11 KOs), of Houston, Texas via Uzbekistan in the third round and southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (17-3, 11 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, dropped Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-2 8 KOs), of Atlantic City three times en route to an impressive second-round TKO.

Brant, who won the majority of the early rounds, triumphed by the scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95. There were no knockdowns in the close, competitive match that could have gone either way. In the toughest fight to date for both boxers, Brant was more accurate while Rose was much busier and more active.

“Credit to Brant for taking a fight that virtually everyone thought would be close and competitive, and it turned out to be exactly that,’’ ShoBoxanalyst Steve Farhood said afterward. “And credit Rose for coming on in the second half of the fight and being a threat to yet another undefeated prospect.  Both fighters fought well, and in the case of Brant he needs to learn from this experience, throw a few more left hooks and grow as a prospect.  And only time will tell if he grows from this experience.”

Brant, making his fifth start of the year, went 10 rounds for the first time in a pro career that began in November 2010.

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight,’’ said Brant, the 2010 National Golden Gloves champion at 178 pounds and a member of the U.S. national boxing team who’d won his previous five fights by knockout.  “Every time I thought I had him hurt he would come back.  I had to keep my composure in there and stick to the game plan. I think my jab was key tonight.  It really helped me keep the pace and set up my punches.

“In the second half I slowed the pace and picked my shots to win the fight.  It was a great learning experience.  I need to get right back in the gym and continue to progress.”

The defeat was a bitter one for Rose, who rose from being homeless six years ago into a legitimate prospect at 160 pounds.

“This is very disappointing, I really don’t feel like talking,’’ said Rose, who had beaten six undefeated fighters in a career that began in November 2011. “I thought I did enough to win. I had him backing up and hurt from the sixth round on.  Obviously, I want a rematch.”

Miller, making his fifth start in 2015, stopped Muralimov with a single, devastating right hand to the chin at 1:03 in the third round of a fast-paced slugfest that featured give-and-take action during the first six minutes. Muralimov seemed to be getting the better of the exchanges in the first and Miller was getting off better during the second.

“I’m a warrior,’’ said Miller, a former professional kickboxer. “I want knockouts. I don’t want decisions. This was a tough guy tonight. Anybody that can take a smash in the mouth like he did and keep coming back shows that he came to win.

“I am willing and ready to fight any of the top heavyweights.’’

Muralimov, who got in his fair share of heavy shots, had success boxing and moving side to side. He worked the body well. Then, he got caught and that was that.

“He just beat me, what can I say.  Of course, this is disappointing,’’ said Muralimov, who lost for a second straight time. “I was in great shape and thought I was ready. I know I should have continued to work the body more. ‘’

In the opening bout of the telecast, Clarkson dropped Harvell twice in the last minute of the first with right hooks before decking and finishing him with a left-right combo at 0:48 of the second.

“”I knew the knockout was coming, I just didn’t know when,’’ Clarkson said. “I think my straight left was the difference – it set up the big rights for me. We’ve been working on throwing straight shots instead of looping punches and it came together tonight.

“I take it one fight at a time, but I’m ready to get back in the ring and fight whoever they put in front of me.”

Harvell, who was fighting his first scheduled eight-rounder, had a two-fight winning streak end. “I feel fine. I’m good,’’ he said. “But this is very disappointing. Just to lose makes it hard.’’

The event was presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Iron Boy Promotions, GH3 Promotions, Fight Card Promotions, Salita Promotions and Winner Take All Productions.

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                CHANNEL

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 p.m. ET/PT                 SHOWTIME Extreme

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning Saturday, Oct. 24.

 

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 Gaughanproducing 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 63 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.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEAGHT “BIG BABY” MILLER LOOKS TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT FRIDAY ON ShoBox: The New Generation

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2015) – Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller unofficially began his boxing career by protecting himself on the streets of his Flatbush neighborhood as a teenager. More than a decade later, the Brooklyn bruiser has transformed a lifetime of beating the odds into a career where he deals beatings to his opponents, and he doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon.

“Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller is an incredible talent and a fighter who I believe will resurrect the age of the dominant American heavyweight,” said boxing champion-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita, who co-promotes Miller with Greg Cohen Promotions. “I have known Jarrell since he was 16 years old. He is the full package with all the tools to be a dominant heavyweight world champion for years to come.”

The next task for the 6-4, 245-pound Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs) – like everything about the heavyweight – is big. The bruising, brooding Brooklyn Brawl alum with a perfect professional boxing record looks to earn win No. 15 this Friday, Oct. 23, when his bout with Akhror Muralimov of Uzbekistan (16-1, 13 KOs) – a daunting big man himself who has competed in his last two fights at 256 lbs. – is co-featured live on ShowBox. The event airs live from the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Ariz., at

10:30 p.m. E.T. on Showtime.

“Akhror Muralimov is no easy task on October 23 but I believe Jarrell has all the skills to make a dominant statement and put himself on the map with the best heavyweights in the world,” said Salita of his big-time protégé.

Miller, who has also had success in his pro fight career as a muay thai kickboxer, is a former New York Golden Gloves heavyweight finalist. Miller’s last pro boxing win came via an impressive first-round TKO over 278-pound heavyweight Excell Holmes onJune 26 in Niagara Falls. Prior to that dominating victory, the big brawler scored a second-round TKO earlier that month over 249-pound foe Damon McCreary on June 4, at Salita’s Brooklyn Brawl event at the Paramount Theater in downtown Brooklyn.

In upcoming local action, Salita will once again provide NYC with a night of pugilistic prowess as the former IBF, WBA and NABA International Junior Welterweight Champion brings his Brooklyn Brawl series back to South Brooklyn on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Aviator Sports and Events Center will serve as the next proving ground for many New York City-based rising stars; the exciting undercards building toward featured events, where Alicia “Slick” Ashley and Christina McMahon (7-0, 3 KOs) will square off for the WBC Super Bantamweight title and top-10 world-ranked bantamweight contender, Nikolay Potapov, makes his U.S.A. debut. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6:30 p.m., as the Brooklyn Brawl looks to once again captivate New York City with fistic fury. Tickets begin at $20 and are available by calling 1-844-890-2120 or by visiting SalitaPromotions.com.

For tickets, more about the participants and additional updates on the Thursday, Oct. 29, Brooklyn Brawl please log on to SalitaPromotions.com and AviatorSports.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at@BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and Instagram, or by accessing the hashtag #BrooklynBrawl.
boxing, kickboxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

Q&A: UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL MILLER IS GETTING HIS KICKS AS A PROFESSIONAL BOXER

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 Former Professional Kickboxer Faces Ahror Muralimov In

ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader, ThisFriday, Oct. 23,

Live On SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) From The Celebrity Theatre In Phoenix

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 20, 2015) – A former high-level professional kickboxer will try to continue his impressive transition to prizefighting when undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs) faces once-beaten Uzbekistan-born Ahror “Aha” Muralimov (14-1, 11 KOs) on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, Oct. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

The up-and-coming Miller, who is making his ShoBox debut, is looking to take the next step in establishing himself as a legitimate fighter-to-watch in the heavyweight division. A pro since July 2009, he will be fighting for the fifth time in 2015. The 27-year-old Miller won his last three fights by knockout, all within the first two rounds, including a first-round knockout of Excell Holmes in his most recent bout on June 26.

 

While the Brooklyn born and raised Miller is now fully focused on a fistic career, he hails from an MMA and kickboxing background. For a few years, he competed in K-1, historically the world’s premier kickboxing organization, and twice fought the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović.

 

Miller had very little amateur boxing experience, but he has sparred extensively with heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

 

Here’s what Miller had to say during a recent Q&A with SHOWTIME Sports prior to his eight-round scrap with Muralimov:

 

How would you say your career is going?

“The beginning of my career started off slow because I was associated with the wrong guys, but now I’m in a good spot and my career has really taken off. We are moving in the right direction and I am ready to knockout everyone that comes in my path.”

 

You had very limited amateur experience. Your opponent was an accomplished amateur with international experience. How will you deal with that, or is that even a factor?

“I don’t take the amateur experience for granted, but his amateur experience isn’t really a factor for me. I have had some experience sparring current and former champions.  I sparred with Wladimir Klitschko.  I’m ready and I am going to knock him out.

 

“The Eastern Europeans think they are the best thing since sliced bread, but I’m going to show him what it means to be a true American heavyweight.”

 

What do you think of Ahror Muralimov and what are his strengths and weaknesses?

“Muralimov has a decent chin and a good left hook. His weakness is that he has never fought anyone like me.”

 

You have a five-inch height advantage in this one. How will that work in your favor?

“My height advantage will work for me. A tall fighter is going to fight tall. I’m not going to bring myself down to his level. I’m going to pick him apart and knock him out.

 

“This is pure business and he’s the next cookie that will crumble, so I need to throw him away in the trash.”

 

You initially turned pro as a kickboxer and had a successful career. Why did you make the transition to boxing? 

“I’ve always been interested in boxing, but it just wasn’t the right moment at the time to start boxing because I was finding success in kickboxing. I now feel like I can get more output from my input from boxing, so I am focused strictly on that. Even before I started kickboxing I always knew that I would eventually turn to boxing.’’

 

You’ve gone six full rounds twice. This fight is scheduled for eight. Are you concerned about stamina and going eight rounds, if necessary?

“I can box eight rounds in my sleep. I’m not worried about eight rounds.  I’m a warrior, I can go all night.  I’ve been training for 12 years, so I train harder and harder for each fight that I have. This is my time and I’m coming for the spotlight, period.”

 

Deontay Wilder was also a sparring partner for Wladimir. When you think about today’s top heavyweights, what names quickly come to mind and do you feel you are ready for them, or do you think you may need a little more seasoning?

“I definitely want to fight one 10-round and one 12-round fight before fighting for the title. I want to get in the ring with good, durable opponents who have good records and knock them out in the last round so I can get some rounds in. But if Wladimir or Deontay wanted to fight tomorrow I would take it.”

 

Do you look at Wilder as an inspiration?

“I was happy that Deontay won the belt. For any American to make it out of the neighborhood he did and win the belt is an inspiration.”

 

You have sparred extensively with Wladimir Klitschko. How often/for how many fights did you work with him?   

“The first time I sparred with Wladimir, I only had two professional fights under my belt. The last camp I sparred with him I was supposed to be there for four weeks, but I beat him up badly after two weeks so they sent me home.

 

“Wladmir is a champion in and outside of the ring. His attitude is something that I admire, but I would love to knock him out.”

 

How important is it for you to make a statement in your ShoBox debut? Is this the kind of opportunity you’ve been looking/waiting for?

“It’s very important for me to make a statement on ShoBox. An opportunity like this doesn’t come around too often. My goal is to go out there and look phenomenal. I want to look like brand new money and crush this guy.

 

“I’ve been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time. This is my time and I have no doubt in my mind that after this fight people will know my name.’’

 

Your prediction on the Battle of Brooklyn, Daniel Jacobs or Peter Quillin and why?

“Both of these guys are my dudes. In my opinion, Quillin is the harder puncher, but Jacobs is the better boxer. If Daniel sticks to his gameplan, then he can win, but if he sits there and trades punches with Quillin he will get hurt. I think the fight is 50-50.”

 

In the main event of Friday’s ShoBox quadrupleheader at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., undefeated Rob “Bravo” Brant (17-0, 11 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., faces Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title.

 

In other eight-round televised bouts, unbeaten Filipino prospectHarmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Dominican Republic and Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City will face southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, in a light heavyweight match-up. All but Clarkson will be making their ShoBox debuts.

 

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 63 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.

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

TOP-NOTCH PROSPECTS CLASH ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, OCT. 23, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE CELEBRITY THEATRE IN PHOENIX

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Middleweights Rob Brant and Louis Rose Meet in Main Event

Live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 9, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation returns on Friday, Oct. 23, live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) with a quadrupleheader that matches eight young prospects against each other in the toughest fights of their budding careers.

 

In the main event at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., undefeated Rob “Bravo” Brant (17-0, 11 KOs, 0-3 in World Series of Boxing), of St. Paul, Minn., faces Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title.

 

In the televised co-features, unbeaten Filipino prospect Harmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Dominican Republic; in a heavyweight scrap, undefeated Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., will face Akhror “Aha” Muralimov (14-1, 11 KOs), of Houston, Texas via Uzbekistan; and Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City will face southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, in a light heavyweight match-up. All but Clarkson will be making their ShoBox debuts.

 

All three co-featured bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.

 

Tickets for the event, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Iron Boy Promotions, GH3 Promotions, Fight Card Promotions, Salita Promotions and Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $65 Ringside, $50 reserved and $30 general admission and are available online at www.celebritytheatre.ticketforce.com.

 

 

Brant vs. Rose:

The 5-foot-11½-inch Brant, who turned 25 on Oct. 2, was the 2010 National Golden Gloves champion at 178 pounds and was a member of the U.S. national boxing team. He has won all 17 of his fights since turning pro in 2012, including the last five in a row by knockout. He scored a third-round TKO over Lekan Byfield in his last fight on Aug. 28. Brant currently trains in Dallas alongside top prospect Errol Spence Jr.

 

The 5-foot-11-inch Rose, is 26 years old and a pro since November 2011. He has beaten six undefeated fighters and is 8-1-1 in his last 10 fights. The lone loss came against highly regarded, unbeaten (and 2011 world amateur champion and 2012 Ukrainian Olympian) Ievgen Khytrov on Nov. 21, 2014. Rose has won his last two outings including an upset sixth-round TKO over previously undefeated prospect Milorad Zizic (11-0 going in) on March 13 and in his most recent outing, a highlight-reel, last-minute eighth-round TKO over Andrew Hernandezon Aug. 15.

 

 

Dela Torre vs. Luna:

Dela Torre, a 5-foot-7½-inch, 21-year-old, is considered one of the most promising young talents in the Philippines. After an amateur career that featured 47 wins with 40 KOs and membership on the Philippine national amateur boxing team, Dela Torre turned professional at the age of 17 in January 2012. He recently relocated to Las Vegas, and will be fighting outside of Asia for the first time. Dela Torre has stayed active in the ring, fighting six times in 2012, five times in 2013, three times in 2014, and this will be his third fight this year. In his last fight on June 7, he recorded his sixth consecutive knockout on a fourth-round stoppage over Eusebio Baluarte.

 

Luna returns to the ring for the fourth time in 2015, having beat Jose Lopez in his most recent bout on June 6 by unanimous decision. Luna fought his first eight professional matches in his native Dominican Republic, winning five by knockout. In his U.S. debut on May 21, 2014, Luna notched a second-round knockout over Joey Arroyo. The 5-foot-5 inch junior lightweight prospect suffered his lone defeat against prospectTevin Farmer in his second to last bout on April 17.

 

Miller vs. Muralimov:

Miller, 27, stands six-foot-four inches and has an impressive physique with fast and powerful hands. The former New York Golden Gloves finalist was born and raised in Brooklyn and made his professional debut in July 2009, notching a first-round knockout. This is Miller’s fifth fight of 2015. He won his last three fights by knockout, all within the first two rounds, including a first- round knockout of Excell Holmes in his most recent bout on June 2. While Miller is now fully focused on his boxing career, he comes from an MMA and kickboxing background, having competed 10 times on an international level. Miller has sparred extensively with Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.

 

The 27-year-old Muralimov, who was born in Uzbekistan but now lives and trains in Houston, had an impressive amateur career with over 150 fights and world championships at three different divisions. Muralimov suffered the only loss of his career on Feb. 14 via 10-round unanimous decision to tough veteran Derric Rossy. Miller will be just the second undefeated fighter that Muralimov has faced and looks to be his toughest opponent to date. Prior to his loss to Rossy, Muralimov recorded six knockouts in his last eight bouts.

 

Harvell vs. Clarkson:

Harvell is a 27 year old from the Ventnor Heights section of Atlantic City who has fought sporadically since turning professional in February 2008 (although this will be his third fight this year and he appears to be approaching top form). Harvell has won two in a row since suffering his lone defeat in his 14th fight by a shocking, upset six-round decision to big underdog Edgar Perez on June 14, 2014. In his last bout on Aug. 22, Harvell defeated Quincy Minor by first-round knockout.

 

The 6-foot-1-inch 25-year-old Clarkson continues to perform with a strong urgency after he’d been mostly dismissed as a legitimate prospect after three disappointing losses on his record. Having since focused on growing as a fighter inside the ring and as a person outside of it, Clarkson has developed a unique blend of speed, power and confidence. He stamped himself as a super middleweight prospect to watch in his ShoBox debut two outings ago when he produced a stunning third-round TKO over hard-hitting, highly regarded Jerry Odomon July 17. In his most recent scrap, he scored a 1:30, first-round knockout over outclassed Rayford Johnson on Aug. 28. Clarkson is a two-time Texas Golden Gloves State Champion and Police Athletic League National Champion at 175 pounds.

 

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.

 

On fight night, doors open at 5 p.m. and the action starts at 6 p.m. The Celebrity Theatre is located at 440 N 32nd Street in Phoenix, AZ. For more information, call (602) 267-1600 or visit www.celebritytheatre.com. For more information on Greg Cohen Promotions, visitwww.gcpboxing.com. Twitter: @gcpboxing. Or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing.

 

# # #

 

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 63 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.

 

boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

RESULTS FROM MOHEGAN SUN

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Undefeated junior middleweight  
Tony Harrison rolls to 21st win

 

Aquino shocks Kielczweski,

Farmer wins 11th straight fight

Tony Harrison (L) was too much for Pablo Munguia

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 17, 2015) – Undefeated junior middleweight Tony Harrison rolled to his 21st straight victory in tonight’s ESPN Friday Night Fights main event, presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with New Legend Boxing, at Mohegan Sun Arena.

 

Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs), fighting out of Detroit, dropped Pablo Munguia (20-7, 11 KOs) at the end of the second round with a powerful punch. Munguia was examined between rounds by the ring doctor. Referee Arthur Mercante needed only 11 seconds into the next round to determine that the Mexican was unable to be competitive, awarding Harrison a victory by technical knockout.

 

“I’m looking for whoever Al Haymon puts me in with,” 24-year-old Harrison remarked. “I’m from Detroit. I’ve never said ‘no’ to an opponent I was offered, which says a lot about me. We have a lot of heart in Detroit. I’m ready for a big fight. I got him with a step-back overhand right. I wish they had let it go a little longer. I wanted to finish him, but the bell went off.”

 
Danny Aquino (L) and Ryan Kielczweski put on a real show

 

Connecticut fan favorite, Mexican-born Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs), upset previously undefeated Massachusetts featherweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (22-1, 6 KOs) by way of an eight-round split decision in an entertaining co-feature event for New England bragging rights. The aggressive-fighting Aquino kept coming forward throughout the fight, as Kielczweski effectively counter-punched. Neither fighter was remotely hurt in the action-packed clash of gifted boxers.

 

Aquino defeated Kielczweski the one time they fought in the amateurs. “Because of his record,” Aquino commented, “this was the biggest win of my career. It was extra special winning my first ESPN fight, too. I think my aggressiveness was the difference. He was moving around and I had to keep putting pressure on him to make it my fight, not his fight. I hope this fight will give me opportunities and I’ll take the best.”

 

“It was definitely a tough fight,” Kielczweski noted. “Making weight definitely took a lot out of me. I think I boxed well, landed the harder shots and blocked most of his. I guess the judges likes his aggression, but I thought I won the fight.”

 
Tevin Farmer (R) won his 11th fight in a row

In the opening televised bout, Philadelphia junior lightweight Tevin “American Idol” Farmer (19-4-1, 4 KOs) won his 11th straight fight, winning a unanimous eight-round decision over previously unbeaten Angel “El Gato” Luna (10-1-1, 6 KOs), of Brooklyn, in a very competitive fight.

 

“I feel great,” Farmer said after the fight. “That’s exactly what I wanted to show. I wanted to show a lot of different dimensions. TV wants guys who can punch and box, the total package, and I showed that tonight. I feel that I’m ready for a top 10 contender and showed tonight that I belong among the best.”

 

Ghanaian southpaw Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen (19-0-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of New York City, overcame a flash knockdown at the end of round six to knock out a gamePaul Gonsalves (7-7-1, 3 KOs) in the following round. Allen connected with a straight left hand punch that landed flush on the Cape Cod light heavyweight’s chin.

 

Unbeaten middleweight Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (15-0-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Maryland, outclassed Dominican invader Franklin Gonzalez (16-14, 10 KOs) on his way to a second-round technical knockout, trapping his opponent against the ropes and unloaded a barrage of unanswered punches until referee Harvey Dock halted the action.

 

Exciting Houston welterweight Regis “Rougarou” Prograis ran his record to 14-0 (12 KOs), stopping Abraham “Swift” Alvarez (19-8-1, 9 KOs) at the 1:28 mark of the opening round. The promising southpaw prospect put his Mexican opponent down with a viscous, straight left to the body.

 

Former U. of New Haven basketball star Cassius Chaney (1-0, 1 KO) had a successful professional debut, pounding Perry Filkins (0-2) until referee Danny Sciavone stopped the fight 41 seconds into the second round.

 

Unbeaten Florida lightweight Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart used a body attack to stop previously unbeaten Anthony Burgin (8-1, 1 KO), of Philadelphia, in the fifth round.

 

Pictures by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment

 

 

COMPLETE RESULTS

(winner listed first each fight)

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Cassius Chaney (1-0, 1 KO), Philadelphia, PA                               

WTKO2 (0:31)

Perry Filkins (0-2), Hooksett, NH

 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Lennox Allen (19-0-1, 11 KOs), New York, NY

WTKO7 (1:45)

Paul Gonsalves (7-7-1, 3 KOs). Harwich, MA

 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Alantez Fox (15-0-1, 5 KOs) Forestville, MD

WTKO2 (2:39)

Franklin Gonzalez (16-14, 10 KOs), Santo Domingo, D.R.

 

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs), Detroit, MI                               

WTKO3 (0:11)

Pablo Munguia (20-7, 11 KOs), Distrito Federal, Mexico

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Regis Prograis (14-0, 12 KOs), Houston, TX

WYKO1 (1:28)

Abraham Alvarez (19-8-1, 9 KOs), Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Amos Cowart (11-0-1, 9 KOs), Groveland, FL

WKO5 (1:28)

Anthony Burgin (8-1, 1 KO), Philadelphia, PA

 

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

Tevin Farmer (19-4-1, 4 KOs), Philadelphia, PA                               

WDEC8 (87-82, 87-82, 79-73)

Angel Luna (10-1-1, 6 KOs), Brooklyn, NY

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs), Meriden, CT

WDEC8 (78-74, 78-74, 74-78)

Ryan Kielczweski (22-1, 6 KOs), Quincy, MA
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

WEIGHTS FROM MOHEGAN SUN  

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UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 16, 2015) — The official weight-in was held today for tomorrow night’s ESPN Friday Night Fights Triple-Header, presented by DiBella Entertainment, in Mohegan Sun Arena.

Live coverage of tomorrow’s ESPN Friday Night Fights tripleheader from Mohegan Sun Arena begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will also carry the three fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

The telecast opens with Tevin “American Idol” Farmer taking on Angel “El Gato” Luna in a scheduled 8-round contest in the junior lightweight division.

Farmer vs. Luna will be followed by an 8-round featherweight showdown matching undefeated Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski against Danny Aquino.

The main event pits undefeated junior middleweight prospect Tony Harrison against Pablo “Supurlturero” Munguia in a 10-round title bout.

Below find fighter weights and pictures by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment.

(L-R) Tony Harrison & Pablo Munguia

 

Main Event – Junior Middleweights (10) – ESPN2

TONY HARRISON (20-0, 17 KOs), Detroit, MI 154 ½ LBS.

PABLO “Supurlturero” MUNGUIA (20-6, 11 KOs), Distrito Federal, Mexico 153 LBS.

 

(L-R) Ryan Kielczewski & Danny Aquino

 

Co-Feature – Featherweights (8) – ESPN2

RYAN “The Polish Prince” KIELCZWESKI (22-0, 6 KOs), Quincy, MA 123 ½ LBS.

DANNY AQUINO (16-2, 10 KOs), Meriden, CT 123 ½ LBS.

 

(L-R) Tevin Farmer & Angel Luna

 

Junior Lightweights (8) – ESPN2

TEVIN “American Idol” FARMER (18-4-1, 4 KOs), Philadelphia, PA 130 LBS.

ANGEL “El Gato” LUNA (10-0-1, 6 KOs), Brooklyn, NY 128 ¼ LBS.

 

Light Heavyweights (8)

LENNOX “2 Sharpe” ALLEN (18-0-1, 11 KOs), New York, NY 169 LBS.

PAUL GONSALVES (7-6-1, 3 KOs). Harwich, MA 170 LBS.

 

Middleweights (8)

ALANTEZ “SlyAza” FOX (14-0-1, 4 KOs) Forestville, MD 158 ¼ LBS.

FRANKLIN GONZALEZ (16-13, 10 KOs), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 161 ¼ LBS.

 

Welterweights (6)

REGIS PROGRAIS (13-0, 11 KOs), Houston, TX 143 ½ LBS.

ABRAHAM “The Swift” ALVAREZ (19-7-1, 9 KOs), Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico 142 LBS.

 

Lightweights (6)

AMOS “2 Smooth” COWART (10-0-1, 8 KOs), Groveland, FL 134 ½ LBS.

ANTHONY BURGIN (8-1, 1 KO), Philadelphia, PA 134 LBS.

 

Heavyweights (4)

CASSIUS CHANEY (pro debut), Philadelphia, PA 245 ¼ LBS.

PERRY FILKINS (0-1), Hooksett, NH (weigh in tomorrow)

 

WHEN:             Friday, April 17, 2015

WHERE:           Mohegan Sun Arena

 

PROMOTER:   DiBella Entertainment in association with New Legend Boxing

 

TELEVISION:   ESPN2 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET

 

TICKETS:         $100.00, $70.00 and $30.00 (subject to additional fees) on sale and available to purchase at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, by visiting www.mohegansun.com, or calling Ticketmaster at1-800-745-3000

 

INFORMATION: www.dbe1.com, www.espn.com/boxing, or www.mohegansun.com

DOORS OPEN: 6:30 p.m. ET,    FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET