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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR QUADRUPLEHEADER TOMORROW/FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect Abel Ramos in Main Event
From Bayou City Event Center In Houston

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – Eight fighters, including seven undefeated prospects, with a combined record of 92-1-5, weighed-in Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader taking place tomorrow/Friday, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment- and Savarese Promotions-promoted event will be talented local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces fellow unbeaten Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Dardan Zenunaj (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match, and fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweights Main Event – 10 Rounds

Regis Prograis – 140 Pounds

Abel Ramos – 139 Pounds

 

Lightweights Co-Feature – 8 Rounds

Bryant Cruz – 132¾ Pounds

Dardan Zenunaj – 131½ Pounds

 

Middleweights – 8 Rounds

Steed Woodall – 159¼ Pounds

Steve Rolls – 159½ Pounds

 

Super Lightweights – 8 Rounds

Ivan Baranchyk – 139¼ Pounds

Shadi Shawareb – 141¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS:

 

“He’s a tougher opponent than the guys I’ve faced, and a bigger guy, but I’m coming to win.

 

“I’ve been living in Houston fighting those rugged Mexican fighters for the last 10 years.  I know how to fight tough guys like that.  I know what he’s bringing.

 

“I didn’t get the knockout [against Amos Cowart], which is what I wanted, but I did land a lot of punches.

 

“I think if I hurt Ramos early I’ll be able to take him out, but I feel that he won’t hurt me.

 

“I have a lot of people coming out from New Orleans.  I’m not worried about the crowd – I’m here to do what I have to do.

 

“We can fight on the inside and pound it out or fight on the outside.  We’re ready for anything.”

 

ABEL RAMOS:

 

“I don’t feel like I’m coming in as the underdog at all. I have much more amateur experience and I have more of an edge over him.

 

“This time you’re going to see the real Abel Ramos. I’m feeling really good. I’m prepared and conditioned. You’re going to see a little bit of everything in the ring on Friday.

 

“He’s [Prograis] a very busy guy in the ring and throws a lot of punches but we will see how we handle it in the ring.

 

“I know he throws a lot of punches and I believe I can do the same but better. He throws a lot, but they’re not effective.  Going anywhere from eight to 10 rounds, I have an advantage to wear him down.

 

“I want to dedicate this fight to my cousin Margarito Camacho who passed away of a heart attack this Monday at only 43 years old.”

 

BRYANT CRUZ:

 

“I’ve been living here [Houston] and training here.  I’m trained by the best with Ronnie (Shields) and I’ve learned a lot from him.  I’m getting a lot of attention with him as my trainer and I’m getting to learn much more about myself as a fighter and my technique.

 

“Of course I believe there’s always more to learn and with a trainer like Ronnie I’ve gained much more confidence.   I feel the difference improving my technique.

 

“Sometimes I just have the instinct [to get aggressive] and I want to go at it and put the pressure on to really please the crowd.

 

“He’s [Dardan] not hard to look for and he likes to come forward.  I know he will be right in front of me and I know what to look for there.

 

“I’m a New York guy, so here in Houston I am a little bit out of my element, but I do have some people from back home coming out to support me.  I am going to go out there and go for it.

 

“I want to put on a good show but I’m also going to be a smart fighter and go in with my game plan to do what I came here to do.

 

“I knew I was serious about boxing after my first time sparring. I got beat up and I knew I couldn’t just give the guy that. After that, I stopped partying, stopped drinking and started running and training. When I went back I knew I was ready to beat him and I did.

 

“Since I started, I haven’t missed a single day in the gym; even when I’m not training for a fight I’m always training and refuse to miss a day in the gym.”

 

DARDAN ZENUNAJ:

 

“Moving to Oxnard to work with Robert (Garcia) has been a big step in my career.  I’ve sparred with (Vasyl) Lomachenko, Mikey (Garcia), (Jesus) Cuellar, Brandon Rios, some of the best fighters in boxing.

 

“I spared with Lomachenko for four weeks for his last fight.

 

“This is my first fight after moving to Oxnard so we are excited to show what we have been working on, show how we’ve improved.

 

“I took this fight on short notice, but we’ve been working in the gym.  This is a good opportunity for us.  This is the fight we’ve been waiting for.  He’s undefeated but beatable.

 

“I wasn’t worried because I was only about four pounds off-weight.

 

“I’m the type of guy who wants to fight the toughest fights.

 

“I knew that if I wanted to make a real name for myself in boxing I would have to go after it myself.  I knew I would have to come to America for I wanted to accomplish.

 

“I have watched Cruz and I know the way he fights.  It’s all mental.  I have that drive – I’d die in the ring.  I’ve seen Cruz and he doesn’t have that.”

 

STEED WOODALL:

 

“We’ve been working with Ronnie Shields for about five months now, sparring with Jermall Charlo and Edwin Rodriguez.  Having those guys around is a great experience.  I’m always in competition with them, pushing myself to the limit and learning from them.

 

“I have a naturally aggressive approach, even when I started as an amateur at 14 years-old. Now I am working off different approaches and know that I just need to let my hands go.  Ronnie is putting the finishing touches on me.

 

“Through training I’ve learned different approaches with my style. Different guys come in and with each of the different fights I learn different styles. I am always in competition to learn more and I am always training.

 

“I want to show the judges and the fans how much this fight means to me. I am going to be aggressive but will be fighting intelligently as well.

 

“This is a pivotal fight for me because I’ve been alone in most of my fights, but this time by mom will be here along with my brother, sister and brother-in-law. My mom is my biggest inspiration and to have her here means the world to me.”

 

STEVE ROLLS:

 

“He’s a young hungry guy that is coming to fight.  I’m not taking him lightly.  This is definitely the toughest fight for both of us.

 

“I feel great. I have had six to eight weeks of training and I feel great and ready.

 

“I’ve watched a little bit [of Woodall] and learned about him.  He looks aggressive and has a good amateur background, as do I.

 

“I let my trainers watch the fight footage and I just see whatever I need to see. I love to capitalize on my opponent’s mistakes.

 

“I feel better than ever. During running and training I feel much better than when I was in my twenties. Regardless of my age, I still feel that I haven’t even reached my prime.

 

“Now, as a fighter, I am much more confident and more relaxed with my strategy.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight on national TV against an undefeated guy.  This is my big shot.”

 

IVAN BARANCHYK:

 

“I have been training very hard for this fight.  This opportunity is what I have been working so hard for.

 

“As a young, motivated fighter, I want to continue to improve and never stop working towards getting better every day.

 

“When I first started training, even as an amateur, I realized the potential and the impact of my power punch.

 

“I do not stop training.  I am extremely motivated and will keep working harder than anybody else to get where I want to be.”

 

SHADI SHAWAREB:

 

“I am not worried that I took the fight on short notice.  I stay prepared and I have been in the gym staying in good shape.

 

“I am always busy.  When I’m not working, I’m in the gym training.

 

“I know I need to mix it up, get inside and outside.  I’m going to throw out a little bit of everything.”

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared 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

EIGHT UNBEATEN FIGHTERS SQUARE OFF ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION AS DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT CLOSES OUT 2015 WITH CAN’T-MISS QUADRUPLEHEADER, FRIDAY, DEC. 11 FROM BAYOU CITY EVENT CENTER IN HOUSTON

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Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect  in Main Event
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation returns on Friday, Dec. 11 live onSHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT), with a quadrupleheader featuring eight undefeated prospects with a combined record of 92-0-3 in the final ShoBox telecast of 2015.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment and Savarese Promotions-promoted event at the Bayou City Event Center in Houston will be talented 140-pound local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Wesley Ferrer (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Andrew Ruiz (9-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout and Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match.

 

“I am thrilled to present such a tremendous card for SHOWTIME on Dec. 11 featuring eight unbeaten up-and-coming prospects with a combined record of 92-0-3,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With each boxer looking to reach the next level, these types of matchups are exactly what ShoBox is all about.”

 

“I’m excited to team up with DiBella Entertainment and SHOWTIME on this great event Dec. 11,” promoter Lou Savarese said. “We can’t wait to feature these eight young, undefeated fighters in their toughest tests to date at Houston’s premier venue, the Bayou City Event Center.”

 

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $40 GA, $60 GA, $150 Table Seats & $200 VIP Ringside. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.savaresepromotions.com or by calling (713) 658-0299.

 

To date, 135 fighters have suffered their initial defeats on ShoBox. With eight undefeated fighters on the card, four more O’s figure to go on Dec. 11. The question is, which four?

 

Prograis vs. Ramos

Last Aug. 7, Prograis made his ShoBox debut with an impressive eight-round decision over then-undefeated Amos Cowart. The hard-hitting Prograis landed an impressive 381 out of 909 total punches thrown, the 18th-highest connect total for a junior welterweight fight counted by CompuBox over eight rounds.

 

Originally from New Orleans, Prograis and his family have called Houston home since relocating following Hurricane Katrina. The bout on Dec. 11 will be Prograis’ first in Houston since June 2014 and he is expected to draw a raucous crowd. The highly regarded Prograis has tremendous power and speed, but if he’s going to compete against the elite of the 140-pound division, he must first get by Ramos.

 

“I want to thank the cities of New Orleans and Houston — New Orleans for making me who I am and Houston for taking me in and making me feel at home,” Prograis said.  “I am glad to be fighting back in Houston; this truly is my second home. The city took me in as one of their own after I moved here during Hurricane Katrina.  Houston is close enough to New Orleans and I am expecting a great turnout come fight night.  My opponent is undefeated and that’s all I need to know.  He’s coming to win, and I am sure he will be tough.  I am preparing for this fight just like I do all of my fights, with the mindset that this is the toughest fight I will ever have.  Come Dec. 11, you will see a spectacular performance.”

 

Like Prograis, the 24-year-old Ramos was a stellar amateur, winning the bronze medal at the 2010 U.S. Boxing National Championships before turning pro the following year.  Ramos ran his record to a perfect 8-0, and then met fellow undefeated prospect Maurice Hooker (currently rated No. 10 by the WBO) onShoBox in January 2014.  Ramos and Hooker slugged it out for eight rounds, battling to a majority draw in one of the most exciting fights on ShoBox that year. The only other blemish on Ramos’ record is another majority draw against Levan Ghvamichava (15-1-1, 12 KOs).  Ramos has reeled off four consecutive victories with three by knockout, including an impressive second-round TKO over previously once-beaten Roberto Ramirez in June.  The bout against Prograis will be his first since signing an exclusive promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment.  Ramos knows that a victory over Prograis will show the boxing world that he is one of the most talented up-and-comers in the division.

 

“I am very excited to have signed with Lou DiBella,’’ Ramos said. “He’s guided so many fighters to the championship level and I look forward to being added to that list.  Right now though, all of my focus is onDec. 11 and Regis Prograis.  He is unbeaten just like me.  I am sure he will be my toughest fight, just as I will be his.  I am ready to rise to the occasion and show the boxing world I am one of the best in the division.’’

 

Cruz vs. Ferrer

Both fighters in the co-feature, Cruz and Ferrer, are New York natives.  Cruz was a 2012 National Golden Gloves runner-up while Ferrer (a 2009 and 2013 Golden Gloves champion) competed at the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships, defeating 2011 National champion Semajay Thomas.  The matchup features two exciting come-forward boxers aren’t afraid to mix it up.  Cruz, now living and training in Houston under the tutelage of Ronnie Shields, has shown vast improvement since linking up with the renowned trainer. The bout will be the ShoBox debut for both young prospects, who will be looking to show they have what it takes to compete at the next level.

 

“I finally have the chance to show the world who I am and what I am about,” Cruz said.  “I am excited to be stepping in there with another undefeated fighter who is going to bring the absolute best out of me.  I have been working hard for an opportunity like this and it is finally here.’’

 

“I will be extremely focused and go in there to do what I do best,” Ferrer said.  “I know Bryant Cruz personally and he is a great fighter, but I have a job to do and will not let him take away the victory from me.”

 

Baranchyk vs. Ruiz

Prospects Baranchyk and Ruiz could produce “the fight of the night” in a matchup that has the makings of a slugfest.  The Ukrainian Baranchyk, 22, has been impressive since arriving in the U.S. in 2014.  He’s been on a tear this year, going 5-0 with five knockouts, all coming in three rounds or less.  Baranchyk, a stablemate of Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov, is looking impress when he makes his ShoBoxdebut against his toughest opponent to date in former nationally ranked amateur standout and now Robert Garcia-trained Andrew Ruiz.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Baranchyk said. “I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of my stablemates Sergiy and Ievgen, who have had some of their best performances on ShoBox.  I know that Ruiz is coming to fight, and he is going to be the toughest opponent I’ve faced, but my dream is to become a world champion and there is nothing and no one that is going to get in the way of that.”

 

Ruiz was one of the most sought-after amateurs coming out of the West Coast when he turned pro at 18 in 2012.  After his first year and half as a pro, Ruiz had gone a perfect 7-0, getting major exposure fighting on a number of high level cards, included Pacquiao-Bradley I.  Following a victory in August 2013, Ruiz took a break from the sport as he dealt with managerial and promotional issues.  Ruiz signed with DBE last January and made his anticipated ring return in February, shaking off a bit of ring rust to get his career back on track.  Ruiz, 22, last fought in August, scoring a sixth-round TKO over Andres Bustamante, his fifth knockout in nine career victories.  Ruiz is looking to prove that he is the top prospect that so many thought he was when he takes on the dangerous Baranchyk.

 

“Baranchyk was an accomplished amateur and is currently undefeated, but I am ready for the challenge,” Ruiz said.  “This is my shot to prove myself and I’m not going to let it slip away.”

 

Woodall vs. Rolls

The Woodall-Rolls bout pits two former amateur standouts in their toughest pro fight to date. Woodall was a five-time England National champion, two-time British champion and a quarter-finalist in the World Youth Championships before relocating to the U.S. and embarking on his professional career at the age of 19.  Now 21, Woodall has relocated his training camp to Houston and linked up with world-renowned trainer Ronnie Shields.  The always-exciting Woodall is an aggressive come-forward banger with good power in both hands.  Woodall made his debut under Shields last Oct. 7 in New York City and looked sensational leading Shields to believe that he has what it takes to one day become a world champion.

 

“I have a great team that is working with me day after day,” Woodall said.  “I have had the chance to spar some of the best fighters in all of boxing, including Edwin Rodriguez and Jermall Charlo, and I am looking forward to putting all that work into action come Dec.11.  I’ve been putting in the work in the gym and now is my chance to prove it in the ring.”

 

As an amateur, Rolls competed on both the 2009 and 2010 Canadian National Boxing team, compiling an impressive 83-14 record.  In September 2009, he went to the 2009 International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s Boxing Championship in Milan, Italy, where he lost in the round of 16 to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh of India.  Rolls, who will make his ShoBox debut, is coming off a unanimous decision last Sept. 19 in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

 

“Come fight night, I will be more than ready,” Rolls said.  “I am looking forward to putting on a great performance in my national TV debut and showing the world I am a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.”

 

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.

 

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SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO OUTCLASSES ELVIN AYALA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

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Ievgen Khytrov Delivers TKO Over Nick Brinson

Regis Prograis Earns Unanimous Decision Over Amos Cowart

 

Three-Fight Telecast To Replay Monday, Aug. 10 At 10 p.m. ET/PT

On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME®

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Aug. 8, 2015) –Talented undefeated middleweight prospect and 2008 Olympian Sergiy Derevyanchenko continued to move on the fast track as he earned a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Elvin “El Lycan” Ayala of New Haven, Conn. inFriday’s main event of the ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader from Bally’s Atlantic City.

 

Known as “The Technician,” Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KOs/WBS: 23-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ukraine, kept his record unblemished as he carefully broke down the experienced Ayala (28-7-1, 12 KOs) in their eight rounder. He was the more effective and accurate aggressor, unleashing an excellent body attack and out-landing Ayala 185 to 49 on power punches.

 

Derevyanchenko, who had never been past the fourth round, thoroughly and comfortably outboxed the 34-year old Ayala from the opening bell, showcasing his superiority and dominance on a one-sided unanimous decision (80-71 twice, 80-72).

 

“I am happy with my performance. I would have liked to have scored the knockout, but Elvin showed he has a lot of heart,” said Derevyanchenko. “I was able to work on a lot of different things and show a lot of different dimensions to my game.

 

“This was my first time going eight rounds and I feel great. My stamina was great and I was able to do pretty much everything that I wanted to do in there. Elvin was my toughest opponent to date and I think that I passed this test with flying colors.

 

“I feel that I need a few more fights, and a few more good learning experiences like this, but a world title is not too far down the road. I trust my team behind me to guide me in the right direction, and when they tell me that I am ready, then I will be.”

 

Ayala, who was coming from upsets over Eric Mitchell and Ronald Gavril, fought back, but couldn’t counter the Ukrainian’s power.

 

“The kid can flat out fight,” said Ayala. “He without a doubt has championship caliber. I tip my hat off to him. I thought that I would be able to do something to neutralize him in there, but he was the better man tonight. He has a very bright future.”

 

Impressed with Derevyanchenko’s performance, Boxing Historian and SHOWTIME Analyst Steve Farhood asserted that the Ukrainian is ready to move from prospect to contender.

 

“Derevyanchenko fought as advertised,” he said. “He’s a technician. A very smart and believe it or not, mature fighter. He took control in the first round, mixed his attack to the body and to the head and showed superiority. He gives us no reason to think that he’s not ready for something much bigger.”

 

In the co-feature, undefeated power-punching middleweight and 2012 Olympian, Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (11-0, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ukraine, scored an eight-round TKO over daring Nick “The Machine Gun” Brinson (17-4-2, 7 KOs) of Geneva, N.Y. with a devastating flurry of power punches at 2:31 of the final round.

 

Khytrov got his toughest test to date from Brinson, who dominated the early rounds with good lateral movement, consistent combinations to the body and strong jabs. But the Ukrainian picked up the pace and although he appeared to be frustrated in the middle rounds with his inability to finish his opponent, he continued to exert pressure.

 

After the sixth, Khytrov picked up the pace landing meaningful combos and powerful rights.

 

His aggressiveness paid off. With 29 seconds left in the eighth, referee Earl Brown halted the contest after “The Ukrainian Lion” put Brinson on one knee after a flurry of punches.

 

“This was a tough fight for me. I had some discomfort in my stomach back in the dressing room, I just didn’t feel 100 percent, and it took me a couple of rounds to find my rhythm,” said Khytrov. “Brinson had a good game plan and had some success early, but I never worried. I knew I was hurting him with my shots and I felt him breaking down as the rounds wore on.

 

“This was a good learning experience for me and my career. I fought through some adversity and still was still able to secure the victory. I feel that I am ready for some of the biggest name in the 160-pound division but I have faith in my team, my trainers, managers and promoters, and they will do whatever is best for me. Whatever they decide is best, I will be ready for and ready to put on a spectacular performance.”

 

Brinson, who was ahead on the scorecards (68-65, 70-62; 66-66), argued he was taking a knee at the time of the stoppage.

 

“I am fine. I am upset with the stoppage, said Brinson. “Our game plan was to box and give him a lot of lateral movement. I felt his strength on the inside, so we worked to outbox him and overwhelm him with the jab.

 

“I took a knee to recoup. I wasn’t knocked out. I knew where I was. I thought the smart thing to do was take a knee and get myself back together. He was coming on strong, but I knew there wasn’t much time left at all in the fight. I looked at the ref and I told him I was fine and he still stopped the fight. It is upsetting to me. I was winning the fight.

 

“I would love a rematch. It was a great fight, and I think the fans loved it. If a rematch is on the table I would take it right away.”

 

Opening the telecast in a quintessential ShoBox: The New Generationmatchup, undefeated knockout artist Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs) of New Orleans, La., captured a one-sided eight-round decision over  previously unbeaten Amos “2Smooth” Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KOs) of Groveland, Fla. in an impressive battle of junior welterweight southpaws.

 

Prograis, who averaged over 100  punches per round, landed 381 body punches and connected with 219 power punches, while Cowart, who was courageously attempting to counter the Rougarou’s speed and power, landed 129 connects and 94 power punches.

 

Prograis showcased his boxing superiority by outlanding and outclassing his opponent with strong jabs, body shots and impressive foot work. He won by the scores of 80-72 twice and 79-71.

 

“I feel great, I am ready to go a couple more rounds,” said Prograis. “This was a great fight for me. I was able to show another dimension and box.

 

“I have been going in there and just walking guys down and putting them away, but Amos came to fight. He showed that he has a huge heart and a great chin, because I hit him with some big shots and he kept coming, so I tip my hat off to him.

 

“He was a true warrior in there, he hit me with some good shots, but we expected that coming in and were prepared for that. I am very happy with my performance. This is just the beginning for me.”

Cowart, who moved up in weight for this matchup, admitted Prograis was the better fighter.

 

“He is a really good fighter,” said Cowart. “I was expecting him to come in and go toe-to-toe. He never hurt me, but he was more active.

 

“He was able to adjust in there.  He was the better man tonight. I think it was a very exciting fight, and I wish I would have let my hands go more. I showed that I am true warrior though and I will be back and learn from this.”

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. Gordon Hall served as executive producer with Chuck McKean 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 62 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

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO vs. ELVIN AYALA IEVGEN KHYTROV vs. NICK BRINSON REGIS PROGRAIS vs. AMOS COWART FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

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ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader Live On SHOWTIME ® Tomorrow/Friday, August 7 At 10 p.m. ET/PT From Bally’s Atlantic City

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Rosie Cohe / SHOWTIME

 

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Aug. 6, 2015) – Blue-chip Ukrainian middleweight prospect Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko weighed-in at 159 pounds and former title challenger Elvin “El Lycan” Ayala of New Haven, Conn. measured at 161 pounds during Thursday’s official weigh-in for the main event of this Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Derevyanchenko (5-0, 4 KOs/World Series of Boxing: 23-1, 7 KOs)and Ayala (28-6-1, 12 KOs) will square off in the eight-round middleweight headliner of the televised tripleheader from Bally’s Atlantic City.

 

Undefeated power-punching middleweight Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (10-0, 9 KOs) tipped the scales at 159 pounds and upset-minded Nick “The Machine Gun” Brinson (17-3-2, 7 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y. measured at exactly the same, 159 pounds, for their eight-round middleweight matchup.

 

In the opening fight of the telecast, undefeated knockout artists Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (14-0, 12 KOs) of New Orleans, La. will take onAmos “2Smooth” Cowart (11-0-1, 9 KOs) of Groveland, Fla in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown. Both, Prograis and Cowart measured at 139 pounds each.

 

Tickets for the event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc., are currently on sale and are priced at $120 and $60. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to Thursday’s weigh-in:

 

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“I have a lot of respect for him, he’s a tough opponent. I had a ten-week training camp and I’m ready for whatever game he brings. I’m not taking him lightly, this is a step up in class for me and he’s a really good fighter—he outclassed Ronald Gavril back in March, that’s no joke. But I’m not concerned because I feel I have faced tougher opposition in the past.

 

“I’m training in Brooklyn and I have sparred with really good boxers, Daniel Jacobs and Frank Galarza among them. Jacobs is a world champion, and let me tell you, it’s not easy to spar with a world champion, they know what they are doing.

“I’ve been sparring with Danny [Jacobs] for almost a year now. He’s very technical and very slick and so am I, so we are the perfect sparring match. My trainer says that to watch us spar is like watching chess. Every move counts, every punch matters. It’s all part of a calculated strategy. I love it.

 

“Some might argue I lack of experience, but I don’t feel that way in the least. I’ve been in the ring so many times, that I feel like home when I fight. I feel I’m right where I belong.”

 

Elvin Ayala

“I know I’m the underdog here, but so I was when I fought [Ronald] Gavril in Las Vegas last March. With four days’ notice and against the odds, I got the decision. I thought I was going to get robbed, but I won. So, I’m not too worried about being the underdog here, because it doesn’t mean anything. Anything can happen.

 

“On paper, Derevyanchenko has five fights, but he is way more experienced than that. In the amateurs alone he had more fights than me in as a pro and amateur combined. Every time you step in the ring, you leave something, but you gain some knowledge on fighting. So, he has a lot of experience and I’m not sleeping on him at all.

 

“I’m ready for Derevyanchenko. I know he’s going to come forward and I’m going to stand up and box. I don’t have a recipe or a specific strategy, I’m just going to read him and decide my course of action. Every fight is different, so sticking to one plan is not really an option. My plan is to read him and to respond to what he does with the best possible strategy.”

 

Ievgen Khytrov

“Some criticize my last performance against Aaron Coley, but I was coming from three back-to-back fights and I was physically exhausted. I won, but my performance it was not my best, I couldn’t even get my combinations going. This time around I’m better conditioned, a lot bigger and a lot stronger. I’m in the best shape of my life.

 

“I’m hungrier than my opponent and that’s an advantage for me. See, American fighters are a little bit in their comfort zones with comfortable gadgets and easy access to training and easy access to everything. In Eastern Europe, we don’t have that, so if you are lucky enough to get access to training or even an opportunity, you do your best and you try to break through. You work hard and don’t let opportunities slip away.

 

“Nick [Brinson] is good opposition, but I have no doubt I’m better than him.”

 

Nick Brinson

“I actually asked for this fight. I looked for it because Khytrov is the right style for me. We are tailor-made for each other.

 

“I’ve been in camp for thirteen weeks, I’m right on point with weight, I’m just ready to go.

 

“I know Khytrov is going to be on my face from the get go. He’s just like that, he stands there and he fights with all he has. Ha throws and throws, and that’s what I like about him. I know how to counter it. I know how to defeat him.

 

“My division is hot and I want to keep on moving. This is a tough test, but I know I can ace it.”

 

Regis Prograis

“I’m not concerned about Prograis. I fought bigger and stronger men. I feel quite comfortable and I’m confident I’ll come out victorioustomorrow. I know he’s not going to be a walk in the park, but I have what it takes to defeat him and I know it.

 

“This is my television debut, and my family and everybody around me is excited to see on T.V., on SHOWTIME. I’m in the big leagues now. It feels good, but I don’t let it get into my head. I’m focus on my opponent and on bringing my “A” game tomorrow night.”

 

Amos Cowart

“This is a big stepping stone for me. If I win, I move forward and upward, and if I lose—I know I won’t—it won’t hurt me, because I’d be losing to a guy that is as good as me, really tough opposition. So this is a win-win situation for me.

 

“I know I’m the smaller guy here. I’m moving up in weight, but I’m at that time in my career that I need to be tested to know where I’m at and to know what’s next. So, I welcome the challenge and I tell Prograis to watch out, because he might go down quicker than he thinks.”

 

# # #

 

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 Chuck McKeanproducing 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 62 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

BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO TAKES ON ELVIN AYALA ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

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Plus, Undefeated Ievgen Khytrov Returns Against Nick Brinson in Co-Feature and Knockout Artists Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart Clash In Telecast Opener

 

Live On SHOWTIME ® Friday, August 7 At 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Bally’s Atlantic City

 

NEW YORK (July 9, 2015) –Boxing returns to the Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City on Friday, Aug. 7 with an exciting ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader featuring the return to the series of Ukrainian blue-chip middleweight prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (5-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) as he faces his toughest test to date, former world title challenger Elvin Ayala(28-6-1, 12 KOs) of Reading, Pa. This crossroads battle is scheduled for eight rounds in the middleweight division and will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

In the co-feature, Derevyanchenko’s stablemate, red-hot prospect Ievgen Khytrov (10-0, 9 KOs) of Krivoy Rih, Ukraine squares off against upset-minded Nick Brinson (17-3-2, 7 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y., in an eight-round middleweight matchup.

 

Opening the ShoBox telecast, undefeated knockout artists Regis Prograis (14-0, 12 KOs) of New Orleans, La., and Amos Cowart(11-0-1, 9 KOs) of Leesburg, Fla., will clash in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown.

 

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc.

 

“I have been preparing for this fight for over a month now and still have another five weeks of camp left; everything is going according to plan,” said Derevyanchenko. “I can’t wait to showcase my skills to the world on Aug. 7 as the main event. I’m truly thankful to Al Haymon and my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions for giving me this opportunity.

 

“Ayala is an experienced and proven contender and, without a doubt, my toughest opponent to date. That being said, there is no doubt in my mind that I will come out victorious from this battle.”

 

“I never really understood till now that this is what I do,” said Ayala. “The fight life is the life I chose. It’s why I was born into a broken home. It’s why I’ve been broke since I was born, because the only place you can go from the bottom is either six feet deeper or up, I used to believe that I was doing this for my family and those close to me, but now I truly believe I’m doing this just for me. You will see that hunger and desire when I step into the ring on Aug. 7.”

 

“This will be my third time fighting on the ShoBox series this year, and I am looking to put on my most spectacular performance yet,” said Khytrov. “Every time I step into the ring, I am looking to showcase that I’m one of the best up-and-coming fighters in all of boxing. I have been training like never before and promise another sensational victory.”

 

“I’ve got too much experience for this guy and will dictate the fight and back him up,” said Brinson. “Amateur experience means nothing when you take this kind of step up. He will be fighting a true 160 pounder for the first time and he will understand what it is like to be bullied. I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

 

“Boxing is a dangerous and vicious sport and I want to prove that I am one of the most dangerous, and vicious fighters out there,” saidPrograis. “I must test myself against dangerous and vicious fighters. This fight is such a test; DiBella Entertainment promotes us both [my opponent and I], therefore, it goes without saying that Cowart has talent. This fight is an opportunity for us both, but someone will have to begin again. I expect it to be a competitive fight, but I will do what it takes to win. I am looking to move forward.”

 

“To be on national television and to showcase my talents and my will to win on a major network like SHOWTIME is a dream come true,” said Cowart. “This will be my second fight under the DBE umbrella and I would like to thank my promoter Lou DiBella and my manager Roy Cruz and the entire team at OPB for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to a tough fight against Regis Prograis, but most importantly, I’m looking forward to giving boxing fans what boxing is missing, an absolute war. There will be no running in this fight, exactly the type of fight I dream of every time I step into the ring.”

 

SHOWTIME is excited to come back to Bally’s Atlantic City, whereShoBox: The New Generation series originated over 14 years ago with a main event battle of undefeated lightweights featuring Leo Durin vs. Martin O’Malley. Durin won the clash with a ninth round TKO and went on to become the first of 62 fighters to date that have appeared on the series and have gone on to win world championships.

 

“Atlantic City, the Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore, andShoBox: The New Generation, the premiere host for live events, have long had the reputation for producing some of the world’s best-known fights and we are excited to welcome this match on Aug. 7 at Bally’s,” said Kevin Ortzman, President of Caesars and Bally’s Atlantic City. “Since our last boxing match, Bally’s has opened Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, Buca di Beppo, and most recently, we debuted a brand new gaming and live entertainment space at the Wild Wild West, which will be the perfect experience for the boxing community both before-and-after the fights.”

 

“Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov are two of the elite prospects in all of boxing and the future of the middleweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Elvin Ayala is an experienced contender coming off of an impressive upset over previously undefeated Ronald Gavril. Nick Brinson has never been in a bad fight and is a veteran of ShoBox, having scored an upset victory over Jorge Melendez on the series. The opening bout between Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart is a can’t-miss battle between two undefeated, young punchers.”

 

As an amateur, Derevyanchenko compiled an astonishing 390-20 record and represented his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympics. He also won a bronze medal at the 2007 Amateur World Championships and competed in the World Series of Boxing, where he posted a 23-1 overall record and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. Derevyanchenko’s rise up in the world rankings is expected to be meteoric and anything less than a world championship would be a disappointment.

 

In Ayala, Derevyanchenko will meet his toughest and most experienced opponent to date. Ayala is 8-1 in his last nine bouts, with the lone loss coming against fellow middleweight contender and world title challenger Curtis Stevens. Ayala is coming off back-to-back upset victories in 2015, with the first coming over 27-1-1 Aaron Mitchell in January, and then earning an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeatedRonald Gavril (13 -1 ) in his most recent bout. Ayala knows he cannot afford another loss in his career if he is going to get another crack at a piece of the middleweight championship and is looking to derail Derevyanchenko’s championship goals when they meet onAug. 7.

 

Known as the “Ukrainian Lion”, Khytrov has been on a tear since turning pro in December 2013. Hailing from Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, but now living and training in Brooklyn, N.Y., Khytrov, like his stable-mate Derevyanchenko, was a phenomenal amateur, accumulating a 480-20 record.  His amateur career culminated with a trip to the 2012 Olympics, where he was one of the favorites to win gold, but dropped a highly questionable decision to eventual gold medalist Anthony Ogogo.

 

Incredibly active as a pro, Khytrov notched six victories in 2014, including first-round knockouts over once-beaten prospects Willie Fortune and Louis Rose. Khytrov has not let off the gas in 2015, having already picked up three impressive wins, all on national TV, with two coming under the ShoBox banner.

 

In Brinson, Khytrov finds himself facing yet another tough opponent who has fought top competition for much of his career. Brinson is 8-2 in his last 10 bouts, with the losses coming against top undefeated prospect Dominic Wade and Olympian and recent world title challenger Andre Dirrell.

 

Both Khytrov and Brinson hold victories over Puerto Rican contender Jorge Melendez.

 

The opening matchup of the night between fellow knockout artists Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart is the exact type of matchup that the ShoBox series has been built on. The bout features two young, hungry, exciting and explosive undefeated prospects looking to burst onto the scene in both of their national TV debuts. Both fighters have devastating power in each hand and fight in very similar seek-and-destroy styles. Neither fighter is expected to take a step back for as long as the fight lasts.

 

The 26-year-old Prograis has knocked out eight consecutive opponents and is fully confident that Cowart will be victim number nine. Cowart, on the other hand, feels that Regis’ come-forward style will only spell disaster for his foe. Cowart is coming off his most impressive victory to date this past April when he scored a dramatic come-from-behind knockout over previously undefeated Anthony Burgin.

 

Tickets for the event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc., are currently on sale and are priced at $120 and $60. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled to start  at7:00 p.m. ET.

 

# # #

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 62 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.