Tag Archives: Dmitry Bivol

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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez fights back against Dmitry Bivol’s claim of turning down a title fight

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LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2022) – Back in December, right after Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) stopped Yunieski Gonzalez to become the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs)  who suddenly and surprisingly went dark, until he recently make an unsubstantiated claim that “Zurdo” had turned down an offer to fight him.


Bivol was quoted in a recent boxing news report, which was also picked up by other media outlets, saying, “I know for a fact that my team did offer Team Ramirez to fight me December 11th in Russia, and the purse offered was about the same as what I was offered to fight him on a (Golden Boy Promotions) show. He rejected the offer.”  


“I don’t know why he’s saying they offered a fight to me,” Ramirez countered, “but he must be really confused. To be clear there was never a contract that was sent to my team or Golden Boy for a fight; unlike how a contract was delivered to him and his team from Golden Boy for the December bout. I’m confused why he continues to be a pawn and create false narratives and tries everything to hide from this fight. It’s just a matter of time before that belt comes to where it belongs.”


Ramirez, the first Mexican to capture the World super middleweight title, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion, who earned his title shot against Bivol by winning his WBA Title Eliminator versus Gonzalez.


“After Bivol, Joe Smith is my next target since he has my belt (WBO) that I had at 168 pounds,” Ramirez remarked. “I am the best light heavyweight out there and it’s not even close. There’s a reason why these champs are scared to call my name, but soon they won’t have a choice. I would end Smith in less than 6 rounds.”


Bivol also said in the aforementioned story: “My motivation and my ambitions have not changed for a long time – I want to fight the best. I want to prove that I am the best in my division.”


Guess what, Dmitry, 43-0 “Zurdo” is the best!


INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez
boxing, DAZN

42-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez marches towards boxing milestone in exclusive 50-0 club

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43rd pro fight Dec. 18 vs. Yunieski Gonzalez on DAZN

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LAS VEGAS (December 6, 2021) – As he marches towards a special boxing milestone, former World Boxing Organization Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs), now an undefeated world light heavyweight contender, will be fighting Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez on December 18th for his 43rd consecutive victory.


Ramirez vs. Gonzalez  headlines a DAZN-streamed card, presented by Ramirez’ promoter Golden Boy Promotions, in a 12-round WBA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator from San Antonio (TX) with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs), assuming the Kyrgyzstan-native gets past Umar Salamov (26-1, 19 KOs) on Dec. 11th in Russia.


The 30-year-old Ramirez is fighting for membership in the exclusive 50-Club, winning his first 50 professional fights without a loss or draw. Ramirez’ idol and fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez, holds the record in that category by winning his first 87, his first blemish coming in 1993 in a 12-round majority draw with the great Pernell Whitaker in their WBC World welterweight title fight.
 _________________________________________________________________


BOXING’S 50-0 CLUB
 
1.   Julio “J.C. Cesar Chavez            87 (13 KOs)  1980-1993    México
2.   Willie “Wil ‘O The Wisp” Pep      62 (23 KOs)  1940-1943    USA
3.   Wanheng Menayothin                 54 (18 KOs)  2009-2019    Thailand
4.   Carlos “Canas” Zarate                52 (51 KOs)  1970-1978    México
5.   Floyd Mayweather, Jr.                  50 (27 KOs)  1996-2017    USA
 ____________________________________________________________________________
 
“The 50-0 Club is a very exclusive list I’m proud to be working toward,” Ramirez said. “All fighters go through ups and downs and understand the blood, sweat and tears to achieve anything in this sport. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be in the position I’m in today and I will never stop giving it my all in the sport. Hopefully, when I’m finished, I can leave a legacy in the sport that I can be proud of.”
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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez says Dmitry Bivol now has nowhere to run

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LAS VEGAS (November 17, 2021) – Frustrated by Dmitry Bivol’s silence, even after Team Zurdo and Golden Boy Promotions sent the World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion a legitimate contract offer, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez now has a clear path to his first World title shot in the light heavyweight division.

Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) has been matched against Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) on December 18 in San Antonio (TX) in the official WBA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator to determine Bivol’s mandatory challenger.

“I’m excited to end the year with this eliminator bout,” Ramirez said. “This is the path I’ve been planning for and I’m very humbled and honored to be in this position. The WBA is a great organization and I appreciate Mr. Gilberto Mendoza for allowing me to be in this position.”

Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) expressed his desire to fight Ramirez before and after the latter knocked out Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) this past this past July. Suddenly, though, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearns claimed that Bivol would instead fight John Ryder next month in the United Kingdom, and then target WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs), at either 168 or 175 pounds.

“I was surprised when Bivol turned down the fight we offered because it was something I thought he wanted. I know he’s a tough warrior and aspires to be the best, which is why I was surprised. He publicly called me out and sand that he was ‘ready.’ But unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case on his end. Again, in boxing, this seems like a common scenario where a fighter barks and barks, but he can’t back it up when it’s time to fight. With this fight (vs. Gonzalez) in place, Bivol has nowhere to run, and he will eventually have to face me.

“I’m not sure why Bivol thinks Canelo will face him in the near future. The probability of that happening within the next three fights is very, very low for him. Sadly, I think he’s just the cannon fodder for this scenario.”

The first Mexican to capture the World super middleweight title, “Zurdo” has waited too long to risk his first World title opportunity in the 175-pound division to look past the dangerous Gonzalez’ (21-3, 17 KOs). Ramirez and Gonzalez, respectively, are rated No. 3 and No. 4 by the WBA, and their 12-round main event will headline a Golden Boy-promoted card to be streamed live on DAZN.

INFORMATION:

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, Las Vegas

Undefeated World Light Heavyweight Contender Gilberto Ramirez believes in “Zurdo,” Golden Boy & his Mexican heritage

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(L-R) – Oscar de la Hoya, Gilberto Ramirez & Bernard Hopkins



LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2021) – Undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) feels he’ll get his first World light heavyweight title shot because he believes in himself, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, and his Mexican heritage.


The former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight World champion is a leading light heavyweight contender, currently rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as No. 9 in The Ring independent rankings for the first time in the 175-pound division.


After Ramirez’ recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), positioning him for a World title shot, the boxing world looked forward to “Zurdo” challenging World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol later this year. Bivol had all but assured a showdown with Ramirez through social media posts, but suddenly he changed his tune and was dreaming of a match this November that isn’t going to happen against WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs).


The 30-year Ramirez has openly called for a fight with Bivol or either of the other World light heavyweight title holders, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO), whose rumored unification fight doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.


Meanwhile, all three reigning World light heavyweight champions have gone dark, at least in terms of fighting Ramirez. Is “Zurdo” too risky for them, or are they just hesitant to fight a proven Mexican challenger?


“I leave my opponents to my promoter, Golden Boy, and its matchmaker, Robert Diaz,” Ramirez explained.  “They’re aware of what I want, and I trust they are diligent and will do whatever is best for me.  As a fighter, I’ve been clear that all the World light heavyweight champs are on my hit list; and I don’t retract my statement or shy away from the fights as most of them have.  In this world, all I have are my word and balls, and I don’t break ‘em for anyone.  I fight not just for myself, but for my pride and the spirit of Mexican people.  We are proud of our heritage and have been the best fighters.  Russians know I will take out both Bivol and Beterbiev; Joe Smith, Jr. is just an appetizer.”


“Canelo” and Julio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) are the only native Mexicans to be crowned World Light Heavyweight Champions, but everybody in boxing knows Mexican boxers are called warriors for a good reason.


“I think they’re all reluctant to fight a Mexican light heavyweight like me,” Ramirez added.  “There’s a reason why Bivol is retracting his statement and staying quiet after all his social media antics.  If he was serious, it’s an easy fight to make, and he knows it (both fighters have fought on DAZN).  I’m also hearing (Joshua) Buatsi’s name in the mix, but I would absolutely destroy him.  All these guys talk the talk but rarely walk the walk.  I am a Mexican warrior; everybody knows the way we are built!”


Other potential contenders in the mix, excluding the reigning world champions, may include Badou Jack, Eleider Alvarez, Maxim Vlasov (Ramirez defeated him as super middleweights), and Lyndon Arthur.    
 
“My time will come, Ramirez concluded.  “I know Golden Boy is working hard on making this a reality and when that time comes, all these guys will have nowhere to run or hide.  I leave who I fight next up to my matchmaker, Robert Diaz.  I trust that Golden Boy will do whatever is best for my career.


“I’m not frustrated, this is part of the process.  I’m a veteran in this game.  Many will talk, but they will fall when it’s time to act.  Again, I trust Golden Boy will do what has been promised and I look forward to what fight they will present me with.”


INFORMATION:
Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez
boxing

Perfect connection Gilberto“Zurdo” Ramirez & Trainer Julian Chua

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LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Back in February of 2019, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had made a decision to move up to fight in the light heavyweight division, and he was searching for a new head trainer.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) immediately connected with a then 28-year-old Julian Chua, a former amateur boxer who had been training boxers at Freddie Roach’s famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.  “Zurdo” and Chua are now 2-0 (2 KOs) and preparing for a mega-fought later this year, ideally, against undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs).

How Ramirez ended up with Chua as he head trainer isn’t a typical boxing story.  After all, “Zurdo” was the first Mexican world super middleweight champion, sporting a 29-0 pro record, and only 27 when they first met.

Ramirez’ manager, David Suh, conducted a search to hire Ramirez’ chief second.  He had a list that included some of the top trainers in the industry, as well as a young, relatively unknown – at least outside of southern California – in Chua.

“I don’t know how I got on that list,” a humble Chua said.  “There was going to be a tryout of sorts to determine who would work with ‘Zurdo.’  We trained together in Long Beach (where Ramirez was training) and then I met with David for coffee.  He asked if I was interested in becoming the head trainer.  We trained together a little more.  He liked the way I trained, and we got along well.  I texted David saying we liked working together and that I was interested in becoming his head trainer.

“We clicked right away, and we learned things about each other and how we liked to train.  I study a lot and do a lot of research of how he had been trained, because I wanted to help him to improve. I was getting four fighters ready in LA and “Zurdo” couldn’t go there for sparring.  I said I couldn’t leave these fighters and go to Santa Barbara.  “Zurdo” respected me even more for not jumping ship from those four fighters for a better opportunity.  We still wanted to work with each other, and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach twice a week, he came to Wildcard three times.”

Ramirez won his light heavyweight debut April 12, 2019, when Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) was unable to continue after four rounds, followed last December 18th with a 10th round stoppage of Alfonso Lopez (32-3) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Chua was trained by Roach when he was an amateur from Indiana, but when Chua started at Wildcard, Roach’s assistant Eric Brown became Chua’s mentor.  During his training career at Wildcard West Boxing, known now as Churchill Boxing in Santa Barbara, Chua has trained several world champions in boxing and MMA.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO.  “Zurdo” returns to action July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Whether it’s Bivol, or the other world light heavyweight champions — Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith – “Zurdo” and Chua are preparing to beat the best for Ramirez to wear the coveted World championship crown in a second division.

INFORMATION:

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

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Gilberto Ramirez hunting undefeated Russian light heavyweight world champions

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“Zurdo” targets Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol 

LAS VEGAS (March 31, 2021) – Former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) is on the hunt and his targets are undefeated Russians, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, respectively, the reigning WBC/IBF and WBA Super light heavyweight World champions.  

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, by the WBA and WBO. 

Ramirez was unimpressed by Beterbiev’s recent fight and he wonders where Bivol has been the past 1 ½ years, because he hasn’t been in the ring. 

In his first fight in 519 days (Oct. 12, 2019), Beterbiev showed signs of rust and possibly age (36) during his 10th round technical knockout of his relatively unknown German opponent, Adam Deines (19-2-1, 10 KOs).  Now, Beterbiev is talking about next fighting the winner of the April 10th Joe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs) versus Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) on April 10th for the vacant WBO 175-pound division title. Vlasov, incidentally, was defeated by Ramirez via a 10-round unanimous decision in 2015. 

“I expected a lot more from him (Beterbiev),” Ramirez talked about Beterbiev’s fight with Deines.  “I thought he looked flat and dull for the majority of the fight.  It’s nice of him to temporarily hold my belts, but he should know that I’m coming for all the hardware and will bring the titles back to my people in Mexico.” 

Bivol hasn’t thrown a punch during a fight in 17 months, since winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Lenin Castillo.  Instead of returning against a “name” fighter in defense of his WBA Super title, Bivol will be returning May 1st in London against somebody named Craig “Spider” Richards 16-1-1, 9 KOs), the WBA No. 8-rated light heavyweight who has never fought outside the United Kingdom.   

“I’ve always said Dmitry Bivol was the toughest challenge out there,” Ramirez added, “which is why I want to make this fight happen.  I know he’s got a fight coming up and hopefully he stays undefeated so we can make the mega-fight this summer.” 

“Zurdo” is on the hunt! 

INFORMATION: 

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com 

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions 

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez 

About Zurdo Promotions:  Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico.  Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.  Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing.  Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com. 

boxing

Oscar De La Hoya’s strong support primary reason Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez signed with Golden Boy

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LAS VEGAS (March 1, 2021) – Undefeated world light heavyweight contender and former world super middleweight champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions, primarily because of the strong support he will receive from Oscar De Lay Hoya and his team. 

“Ultimately,” the 29-year-old Ramirez explained, “Golden Boy understood the goals and agendas I set for myself and I felt the strong support from Oscar and his team. It’s a multi-fight deal with potential for something longer pending this first experience. From all the conversations my team and I have had with Golden Boy, I felt comfortable with them and the future opportunities that will arise from our relationship. 

“Oscar is a great guy and it’s been nothing but a pleasure dealing with him and his team. As my relationship with Golden Boy continues to grow, I’m sure we (Oscar) will become closer.  He’s a champion and one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves.  I look forward to working to him closely.” 

Ramirez’ goal is to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion world, something he will have a better shot of accomplishing with Golden Boy in his corner. 

“(WBA Super light heavyweight World champion Dmitry) Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) is someone who has always been on the radar and I have full faith in (Golden Boy matchmaker) Robert Diaz to put together the best fights for me,” Ramirez added.  “Unification has always been the goal.  I know I’m the best in the division and hope to make this happens for the history books in the near future.” 

This past December, Ramirez launched his own promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, which will remain active. 

“Zurdo Promotions will continue and stay active,” Ramirez said.  “Going forward, all my fights with Golden Boy will be in association with Zurdo Promotions.  I will host fights in Mexico to be a bridge between Latin America and the United States.  There’s tremendous talent in that region and I hope to use my platform to help and support the underserved fighters in Mexico.” 

Ramirez, who is tentatively slated to return to the ring in May, is currently ranked No. 1 by the WBC, as well as No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, by the WBA and WBO.

INFORMATION: 

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com 

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions 

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez 

About Zurdo Promotions:  Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico.  Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.  Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing.  Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com. 

boxing

HUMBERTO “TITO” VELAZCO SCORES SENSATIONAL KNOCKOUT IN EL PASO, TX

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Photo by Mario Serrano – Prince Ranch Boxing
AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 19, 2018) – This past Saturday, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX, Sugar Promotions light-heavyweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 14 KOs), scored the knockout of the night, against Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. (20-4, 14 KOs).
Velazco, who hails from Aguascalientes, Mexico, rallied from an early first round knockdown, which was more of an off-balance circumstance. Velazco wasn’t hurt and evened the score in the second round with his own knockdown, catching Williams with a short right to the face, a punch he didn’t see coming. Williams survived the round but was walking on wobbly legs. Now in a rhythm, Velazco’s timing was on point as he sent Williams to the deck for the second time in round three, this time hurting him badly with combination of punches. Williams survived once again only to be stopped in round four when Velazco, a heavy-handed southpaw, blasted him with a straight left, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:37 mark.
“It was a great feeling to get a knockout in my first fight in the united states,” said Humberto Velazco, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “When I got up from the knockdown I wasn’t hurt, but it definitely woke me up. When I dropped Williams, I knew he was hurt, but the round ended. I knew I had to step it up and I got him out of there. I’m ready to fight all the big names at light-heavyweight and super-middleweight. Adonis Stevenson, Sergey Kovalev, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are at the top. I want their belts, so they are on my target list.”
A genetic freak, Velaszco stands slightly over 6″1, and has a rare combination of speed and power. His athletic pedigree runs in the family as his brother is a professional basketball player.
“When I first saw Velazco in the gym, I knew he was something special,” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “He has great feet for a big man and showed he can bang with the best of them. I’m very grateful to the folks at PBC, who gave us the opportunity to fight on this card. I believe Velazco will be the next big star to come out of Mexico.”
“Velazco is a super athletic fighter with a great personality.” said Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannley. “His final knockdown was amazing. We have big plans for Tito and everyone on boxing will know his name soon.”
Velazco vs. Williams Jr. was showcased on the PBC card headlined by Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander. Look for Velaszco to be back in the ring by summer, most likely in his hometown of Aguascalientes, Mexico.
boxing

Heralded Prospects Ruben Villa & Michael Dutchover to make East Coast-debuts on Friday, April 14th at The MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland

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Ruben Villa (left) and Michael Dutchover 
Oxon Hill, Md. (March 28, 2017) -Highly regarded and undefeated prospects, Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover will make their East Coast debuts as part of the non-televised undercard before a championship tripleheader on Friday night, April 14th at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. 
Villa and Dutchover will fight on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live SHOWTIME telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT).  In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.
Villa of Salinas, California will see action in a six-round featherweight bout, while Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California will compete in a six -round junior lightweight contest.
Villa has a record of 4-0 with two knockouts and will be looking to continue his winning ways on April 14th.
The two-time National Golden Glove winner, turned professional on July 29th with a 1st round stoppage over Gerardo Molina, and his young career has been highlighted by a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Aaron Lopez (4-0).
The 19 year-old Villa had a steller amateur career, which consisted of the aforementioned Golden Gloves wins, but also he was a champion of the Desert Showdown, National PAL, Silver Gloves and two-time National Silver Gloves champion.  He finished 2nd in the 2015 Olympic Trials and finished up his amateur career with an astonishing 164-17 record.  Ruben split four amateur contests with eventual 2016 Olympic Silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.
“I am pretty excited to be on this card.  I trained three weeks in Big Bear, California.  I have had great sparring, and this has been a really good camp,’ said Villa.
“This is a real exciting opportunity.  I am just going in there and do what I do best, and look good in front of the East Coast fans.”
“I have been working very hard, I have been working with a new coach named Max Garcia to go along with my head trainer Danny Zamora, and I feel real strong.”
Dutchover, 19 years-old was 130-17 as an amateur and was a runner up in the 2016 National Golden Gloves tournament at 132 pounds.
Dutchover began his career by stopping previously undefeated Cesar Partida in three rounds on October 21st .  He has stopped all three of his opponents, which includes a devastating 1st round stoppage over Jose Mora on February 10th.

“I am excited for this opportunity to fight on the East Coast.  I am looking forward to showing my skill set to a new audience,” said Dutchover.

“This is my first big card where there will be a world title on the card and I will be prepared more then I ever have.  I am in great condition and I am ready to show my talent on the other side of the country.”
“It is most important that I get this win, and if I can get my 4th straight knockout, that would be great.  I am just looking to set up my shots and put on a great performance.”
“We are really looking forward to showcasing these two fine young fighters on April 14th,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.
“They have thrilled fans in California over their first handful of fights, and now fans on the East Coast will get to see why we are very high on Ruben and Michael.  Fighting in different parts of the country will help raise their profiles, and we expect them to have terrific performances on April 14th.”
Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HASIM RAHMAN JR. PRO DEBUT MOVED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 14 MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN OXON HILL, MD

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RAHMAN TO FACE IMES ON UNDERCARD OF BLOCKBUSTER SHOBOX EVENT  
 
NEW YORK (March 27, 2017) – When promoter Greg Cohen announced he had finalized arrangements for his next event, the decision to delay his promising heavyweight hopeful, Hasim Rahman Jr.‘s, professional boxing debut two more weeks became an easy one.
 
Originally scheduled to turn professional on March 23, Baltimore native Rahman will now have his first four-round fight in front of a huge contingent of hometown family and friends on Friday, April 14, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
 
Rahman will face Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT).  In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.
 
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.
 
“You only get one pro debut, so when Greg announced this show, he and I thought it would be a great idea for me to turn pro on this show instead, in front of my hometown friends and family,” explained Rahman.
 
The 25-year-old, son of Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, says to being at home is a very important part of his mission.
 
“I’m doing this for my family and my friends and my city, so I think I should start right in front of them,” Rahman continued. “And someday I’ll bring them back the heavyweight championship. I can’t wait to fight on the same show as my brother with all my loved ones watching. It’s going to be a very big night.”
 
“We didn’t get the final word we were doing the Maryland show until a few days ago,” said Greg Cohen. “But once we knew it was happening, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Hasim Jr. turn pro at home. It just worked out perfectly.”
 
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
 
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