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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CELEBRATES 2017 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND WITH SPECIAL DOUBLEHEADER FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, N.Y.

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 Unbeatens Regis Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr., Collide In Main Event On Friday, June 9 Live On SHOWTIME® at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood To Be Joined By Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein & Jimmy Lennon Jr.

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – ShoBox: The New Generation will celebrate the 2017 Hall of Fame weekend with a special doubleheader on Friday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino, just minutes from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y.

 

Longtime ShoBox analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will call the actionon Friday before their induction in the “Observer” category on Sunday as part of a 2017 class headlined by boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapia.

 

Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein and Jimmy Lennon Jr. will join Farhood and Tompkins on-air during the special Hall of Fame edition of the prospect oriented series.  Lennon Jr. returns to Canasota for the posthumous induction of his father, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Sr.

 

In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) will meet in a quintessential ShoBox matchup that could thrust the winner from prospect to legitimate title contender.  Viewers have seen both fighters develop on the series – this will be Prograis’ fourth start and Diaz’ third on ShoBox.

 

In the co-feature, unbeaten Canadian super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round match.

 

“I think I can speak on behalf of all of us here at SHOWTIME about how happy and proud we are to see both Steve and Barry’s careers validated with their induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME Sports.  “And when you add four fighters with only one loss between them in a quintessentialShoBox card, it just doesn’t get much better than that.”

 

Tompkins and Farhood are the one-two punch behind ShoBox: The NewGeneration.  Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow and Farhood offers his wealth of boxing knowledge and expert analysis. The series announce team also includes former world champion Raul Marquez, who also serves as expert analyst.

 

This will be the fifth ShoBox visit to Turning Stone Resort Casino, which hosted its first ShoBox telecast during the 2013 Hall of Fame weekend.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

REGIS PROGRAIS VS. JOEL DIAZ JR. – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT – 10 ROUNDS

 

Ranked No. 4 by the WBC, the 28-year-old Prograis has scored knockouts in 12 of his last 13 fights.  Originally from New Orleans but currently fighting out of Main Street Gym in Houston, the 5-foot-9 Prograis is an aggressive-minded southpaw with stunning accuracy on his power shots.

 

Prograis has beaten two previously undefeated fighters on ShoBox – an eight round stoppage of Abel Ramos and an eight-round decision over Amos Cowart – in addition to his most recent performance, a first round KO of veteran Aaron Herrera.  The former amateur standout is coming off a first round knockout of Wilfrido Buelvas on Feb. 11.

 

“It’s ‘Rougarou Time’,” said Prograis, whose nickname originates in Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. “This is a crossroads fight for me.  I am ranked No. 4 by the WBC and fifth by The Ring at 140 pounds.  I have worked hard to get here, and I am on a hunt for the title belts.

 

“Diaz is standing in the way of my ultimate objective and I know that I must defeat him to get where I want to be. He needs to get past me to move onto the next level himself, so I am sure he is equally motivated.  That is what makes for great fights.”

 

Joel Diaz Jr., of Palmdale, Calif., will return to ShoBox for the third time.  He debuted on the SHOWTIME series in just his sixth pro bout, stopping unbeaten prospect Guy Robb in seven rounds in 2012.  Diaz Jr. returned to headline aShoBox event on May 16, 2014, dominating Canadian Tyler Asselstine over 10 rounds en route to a unanimous decision.

 

The 25-year-old won all of his starts by stoppage in 2016.

 

“I am honored to be back on SHOWTIME and am thankful to my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions for the opportunity,” said Diaz Jr.  “OnJune 9, I will be more than ready to hand Regis Prograis his first defeat.  ShoBoxfans are in for a treat as this will be a thriller while it lasts.  When the smoke clears, I know that I will be the one left standing.”

 

STEVE ROLLS VS. DEMOND NICHOLSON – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT – 8 ROUNDS

 

Steve Rolls, of Toronto, Canada, earned his biggest victory in his ShoBox debut in December 2015, stopping then undefeated prospect and amateur standout Steed Woodall inside four rounds.  He has since earned two impressive knockout wins in 2016.

 

Rolls had a successful amateur career, competing on both the 2009 and 2010 Canadian National boxing teams and finishing with an 83-14 record overall.  In 2009, he went to the 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.

 

“It feels great to be back on ShoBox and I’m looking forward to putting on another spectacular performance,” Rolls said.  “I know that Nicholson can fight and I expect him to come prepared.  Training camp has been going very well and on June 9, I will be more than ready.”

 

Demond “D’Bestatit” Nicholson is a super middleweight from Laurel, Md. with devastating power, scoring all but one of his wins by knockout, including 10 in the first round.  The 24-year-old has won seven fights with one draw since his only defeat in 2014.

 

Nicholson, who owns an impressive victory over former world title challenger Milton Nunez, is coming off of a questionable draw against Immanuwel Aleem –who recently stopped Ievgen Khytrov in a back-and-forth brawl that aired on SHOWTIME.   As an amateur, Nicholson accumulated a record of 110-15, before turning pro in July 2013.

 

“My time is now,” said Nicholson. “Any time that I am able to showcase my talent in front of a national audience means a lot.  I am very humbled and thankful to be a part of this card.  I’ve had great sparring, making adjustments every session.  I saw Rolls’ fight against Steed Woodall – I think he has a lot to learn, and I will teach him a lesson.  I look forward to victory and continuing to move up the world rankings.”

 

# # #

 

Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, @loudibella and @DiBellaEnt or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, andwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series,ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 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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DMITRY BIVOL DEFENDS INTERIM WBA 175-POUND TITLE AGAINST SAMUEL CLARKSON IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR

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Undefeated Prospects Malik Hawkins & Glenn Dezurn Victorious In Co-Featured Bouts

Catch The Replay Monday, April 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

OXON HILL, MD. (April 15, 2017) – Undefeated WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol knocked down Samuel Clarkson three times en route to a fourth-round TKO Friday in the main event ofShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor.

 

Bivol (10-0, 8 KOs) is now the mandatory challenger for WBA (regular) Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly.

 

Bivol stalked Clarkson from the opening bell.  The former Russian amateur standout floored Clarkson in the opening 30 seconds with a series of shots and then knocked him down again a minute later with a straight right.  Clarkson (19-4, 12 KOs) survived the round but didn’t respond well to trouble and was unable to upset Bivol’s rhythm and incredible accuracy.

 

Clarkson was knocked down for a third time when he appeared to walk into a big right midway through the fourth, forcing referee Harvey Dock to halt the contest at 1:40 as Clarkson struggled to get to his feet.  Bivol landed 46 percent of his power shots over the four rounds compared to just 17 percent for Clarkson.

 

“I thought I would finish him in the first round, but I think it was better that it went to four rounds because the fans were able to see the way I fight,” Bivol said.

 

“I’m definitely ready for my title shot against (Nathan) Cleverly in my next fight.  I’m ready.”

 

Clarkson had entered the ShoBox main event on a nine-fight winning streak.

 

“He caught me with a good body shot for the first knockdown,” Clarkson said.  “I thought I was back in the fight in rounds two and three.  In round four I got caught, I stumbled and my balance was off.”

 

Welterweight prospect Malik Hawkins kept his undefeated record intact with a dominating second-round TKO of previously undefeated Carlos Soto in the ShoBox co-feature.

 

Hawkins (11-0, 8 KOs) attacked early and virtually closed Soto’s left eye late in the first round.  Soto took a knee in the closing seconds of the round but survived, although his vision was clearly impaired.

 

Hawkins out-landed Soto 39-15 in the second, including 15-1 in the final minute.  The ringside physician ruled that Soto (13-1-2, 7 KOs) could no longer see out of his left eye following the second round and waved off the contest.

 

“Hard work and dedication. I had a strong camp and believe in my team,” said Hawkins, who is trained by Baltimore’s Calvin Ford and is a stablemate of IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.  “What makes it even more special is the blessing of my first-born child.”

 

“I want to give a shout-out to my opponent.  He was big, he was strong, he was durable and he was undefeated.”

 

Soto became the 163 fighter to suffer their first defeat on ShoBox.

 

In a matchup of undefeated super bantamweights in the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast, Glenn Dezurn narrowly edged Leroy Davila to hand the latter his first career loss in a back-and-forth fight scored 78-74 by all three judges.

 

The Baltimore native Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) seemed to throw the harder punches and was more effective while fighting on the inside against Davila (5-1, 3 KOs), who was the naturally smaller of the two.  While Dezurn was the more active fighter – he threw nearly 100 more punches over the eight-round bout – the final rounds were extremely difficult to score as the fighters landed within eight total punches across the last three rounds.

 

“I came into the fight with the best trainers in the world, I train at the best gym in the world.  I have the best team in the world and, most importantly, I have the best wife and sparring partner in the world,” said Dezurn, who trains under Barry Hunter in Washington, D.C., and spars with his wife, female professional boxer and former eight-time national amateur champion Franchon Crews.

 

“My team told me that all of the training and sparring I do is harder than this fight itself.  The sparring I do every day is harder.  I wasn’t going to shortchange myself during this fight when what I do every day is harder and when all of my friends and family came out to support.”

 

Davila became the 162 fighter to suffer his first defeat on the prospect developmental series.

 

“Tonight wasn’t about winning or losing I showed that I have dog in me.  I answered that question,” said Davila.   “I went off the game plan and should have listened to my corner.  The size played a small part in the fight, but I am not making any excuses. I have seen small men knock out big men before.”

 

The event was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association withWorld of Boxing and Uprising Promotions.

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, April 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall withRich 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/.

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DMITRY BIVOL vs. SAMUEL CLARKSON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Tomorrow/Friday, April 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT from MGM Grand National Harbor in Maryland

 

“I know what people expect of me – they want the KO – and if the opportunity comes I’ll try to finish him.” – Dmitry Bivol

 

“I want to see what the hype is about.  His whole career is my winning streak.” – Samuel Clarkson

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

OXON HILL, MD. (April 13, 2017) – Undefeated WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol and streaking challenger Samuel Clarkson made weight on Thursday for their 12-round main event tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10p.m. ET/PT) from MGM Grand National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

 

The fast-rising Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs) earned his interim belt in just his seventh professional fight while Clarkson (19-3, 12 KO’s) enters Friday’s main event on a nine fight winning streak.

 

Undefeated welterweight prospects Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) and Carlos Soto (13-0-2, 7 KOs) meet in the eight-round co-feature.  Hawkins, a Baltimore native trained by Calvin Ford, is a stablemate of IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Baltimore native Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on former amateur standout Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KOs), of New Brunswick, N.J., in an eight-round matchup of undefeated super bantamweights.

 

Tickets for the event, which is 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 Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Dmitry Bivol: 174 ½ Pounds

Samuel Clarkson: 173 ½ Pounds

 

Malik Hawkins: 146 Pounds

Carlos Soto: 148 ¼ Pounds

 

Glenn Dezurn: 120 ¾ Pounds

Leroy Davila: 119 ¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

DMITRY BIVOL:

“The plan was to become world champion in my first 10 fights.  We’re almost there.

 

“Clarkson is a big light heavyweight, but I have fought bigger guys.  This is a tough fight, but we were willing to take a risk for this opportunity to fight on TV.

 

“I did have a transition from amateur to pros.  The WSB helped that transition and gave me experience.  I’ve been able to learn from fight to fight, and I’ve gained experience in each fight.

 

“I’ve been trying to be more aggressive and control the pace of the fight.  I’m comfortable going forward and backward.

 

“We’ll feel out the power and timing in the beginning.  I know what people expect of me – they want the KO – and if the opportunity comes I’ll try to finish him.

 

“Working at Wild Card has been a big difference.  Training in the U.S. is completely different.  In Russia it’s mostly amateurs, so you get used to the wrong style.  Most of what I’ve learned has been from sparring with pros here in the U.S.

 

“Clarkson usually comes forward.  He seems uncomfortable moving back.  We think we can use our advantages to cap on his mistakes and get him out of his comfort zone.”

 

SAMUEL CLARKSON:

“I’m not an underdog.  I’ve fought my way up here to this position and the winning streak.  I feel like I’ve proven myself to be here.  My losses have helped me get to where I am.  I know I belong here.

 

“I’ve never been one to get knocked down and stay down.  I’m ready for whatever comes.  The pressure isn’t on me.  I just need to do my thing.

 

“I’ve been in some wars.  I know what it’s like to get knocked down.  He hasn’t been there before.  I need to stand my ground.  I’m not backing up.

 

“I want to see what the hype is about.  His whole career is my winning streak.

 

“I’ve been sparring with top quality guys.  I’m ready for this fight.  It’s a big opportunity and I don’t feel any pressure.

 

“He hasn’t been in wars like we have.  It’s hard when you face a guy like me that isn’t afraid of you.  He’s one dimensional.  We want to make him as uncomfortable as possible.

 

“We’re coming to take his belt.  He’s going to have to stop us from taking it.  He’s never faced anyone like me – a really fast fighter with a lot of power.”

 

CARLOS SOTO:

“I’ll do whatever it takes.  If I have to come forward, I’ll come forward.  If I have to box, I’ll box.

 

“Hawkins a smart fighter, fast, tall.  He likes to fight at a distance.  I need to pressure him to win the fight.

 

“I’ve faced fighters as tall as him before.  This isn’t new for me.

 

“I’ve only been in the U.S. once before, and I’ve never fought here.  I need to take advantage of this experience.

 

“My goal is to go for it.  I want to be the best in my weight class.  Everything starts now for me.”

 

MALIK HAWKINS:

“I grew up with Gervonta (Davis).  I saw him win the title, I’ve seen his success, and now it’s my turn.  It’s been great motivation for me.  For him to become a champion motivated me even more.

 

“We’ve sparred 1,000’s of rounds with Gervonta.  We’ve been in there with the champ and know it’s our time.

 

“We’re here to prove we’re ready.  We don’t want to take any shortcuts.  We’re taking this one fight at a time.  We’re building and building.

 

“I’m tall, but I have an inside game.  I fight inside better than a short fighter.

 

“People don’t want to take the chance to fight me.  Credit to Soto for taking the fight, but he’s going to learn the hard way why no one wants to fight me.”

 

LEROY DAVILA

 

“We knew this was coming some day and now it’s here.  We know all about Dezurn.  He’s the perfect opponent for us.  We know can break him down.

 

“When I didn’t make the Olympic team, I got right over it.  But I wasn’t sure I was going to turn pro.  I have a family to take care of and I can’t let anything distract me from being a father.  But now I’m 5-0 and fighting on national TV.  This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

 

“Dezurn is an aggressive and has a lot of heart, but I’m not worried about him.  I need to focus on myself.

 

“A win puts me in the conversation with the other up-and-coming fighters.  A win could really change my career.”

 

GLENN DEZURN:

 

“Sparring with my wife helps me.  She hits like a dude.  She’s taught me a lot – she taught me discipline.  We push each other in the gym; we make each other better fighters.

 

“If you can make an adjustment with a sharp female woman, there’s no reason you can’t do it with a man.

 

“I like to break down my opponents.  I become aggressive when I see a weakness.

 

“I’m ready to fight.   I’m ready to get in there.  I worked hard and now it’s time to have fun.

 

“I sparred with Rau’Shee (Warren) for this fight.  He has tremendous talent.  He’s an inspiration for me.  We also sparred with Vasyl Lomachenko for this fight.  You have to be physically and mentally in shape to fight him.”

 

# # #

 

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/ andwww.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

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Lippe-Morrison forced to withdraw from June 9 fight with broken hand

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For Immediate Release
Miami, OK (April 11, 2017) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation Trey Lippe-Morrison has withdrawn from his June 9 bout after suffering a broken hand in training.
The power punching Lippe-Morrison is 13-0 with all of his wins by knockout, 12 of which came inside of two rounds. On September, 23 2016, he demolished previously unbeaten Ed Latimore in less than one round on Showtime and did so in front of a standing room only crowd at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
A member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise,” Lippe-Morrison was scheduled to appear on a special edition ShoBox card June 9 in Verona, NY as part of Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.
Lippe-Morrison had surgery on Friday, April 7 and will be out of the ring for approximately 3 months.
“This is a minor setback,” said the legendary Freddie Roach, Lippe-Morrison’s head trainer. “This kid not only has talent but he’s an extremely hard worker. He was back in the gym two days after surgery.”
Tony Holden, Lippe-Morrison’s promoter, is already working on his return bout.
“I spoke with ShoBox’s Gordon Hall and he was confident that Trey will be back on the series by the end of the year. I’m pushing to have a ShoBox card with Trey and Ivan Baranchyk together in Miami, OK or Joplin, MO this fall.”
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DMITRY BIVOL TRAINING CAMP QUOTES IN ADVANCE OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Friday, April 14 Live on SHOWTIME

From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland

Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME(10 p.m. ET/PT) at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Known for his aggressive style, the 26-year-old Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a decorated amateur and former Russian National Champion at 178 pounds, who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes.  Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance onShoBox.

 

Bivol is managed by Los Angeles-based Vadim Konilov and trained by Gennady Mashianov. He has recently ended his sparring sessions at both Wild Card Gym and Wild Card West in Southern California where he has been training in the same camp with fellow countryman and 2010 European super heavyweight amateur gold medalist Sergey Kuzmin.

 

Here’s a quick question and answer session through an interpreter after visiting with Bivol at the apartment where he has been residing for the past five weeks in the heart of Hollywood.

 

Question: Overall, how would you assess how your training camp went?

 

Bivol: “I think that training camp went very good. One of the reasons I decided to come to Southern California to train was that there are so many different sparring partners here. We had a very spirited camp and I consider myself ready for the fight.”

 

Question: What kind of fight do you expect from such a strong opponent as Samuel Clarkson?

 

Bivol: “I’m expecting for him to get in the ring and push himself and come forward. I know he’ll come out aggressive and try to put the pressure on me. We’ll see.”

 

Question: You are young and have only nine pro fights, but are already fighting to defend an interim world title. Are you happy with the way your pro career has started?

 

Bivol: “To be honest, I don’t really ever think about the belt and the interim title. For me the main WBA belt is the most important one and I want to stay at the top of the rankings to get it. As far as my career going too fast, I don’t believe so. I think I have more than enough experience in the amateurs and that I’ve aligned myself with the best trainer and sparring partners out there. So I’m happy where my career is at right now. I don’t think it’s progressing too fast.”

 

Question: There are some that are picking this fight as 50/50? Why do you think they are predicting this fight can go either way?”

 

Bivol: “This is boxing and I think there are a lot of fights that are 50/50. Anything can happen. You never know; upsets can happen at any time. For me this is step-up fight. Not only because of how good my opponent is, but also because of what it means to me. Winning this fight will open the door to many opportunities.”

 

Question: How important is it to put on a good show and put on an exciting performance fighting in your first main event on SHOWTIME?

 

Bivol: “Sure everything is amped up a little bit more because it’s on SHOWTIME. But every time I step into the ring I want to put on a good show for the fans. This time, probably a little bit more so, but the most important thing is to get the win.”

 

Question: Is there one weaknesses you have worked on during this training camp?

 

Bivol: “I don’t think there are any weaknesses, so it’s been like any other training camp. I can’t talk about what I’ve been preparing for from my opponent. You will have to wait and see it in the ring.”

 

Question: What do you think about training in Southern California?

 

Bivol: “I love everything about it. The best thing though is the weather. In my hometown city in Russia, St. Petersburg, we don’t have weather like this. I like the atmosphere here and the people and where we train. I just like it all.”

 

Question: You have a large collection of amateur medals. Where are they displayed?

 

Bivol: “I keep them all in one place in my parents’ home. We don’t think we deserve them all. It is something they are very proud of.”

 

Question: What do you think about the other top Russian boxers like Ruslan Provodnikov and Sergey Kovalev?

 

Bivol: “I respect them all. There are some that are very famous in Russia, but also very famous here. And I see that. They are really good fighters and I’m ready to be at that same level, if not even at a higher level. I’m not in this sport just to stay in shape, I’m here to show and prove that I can be the best in the world.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is 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 Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquezserving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillipsdirecting.

 

# # #

 

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/.

 

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 68 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, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS MALIK HAWKINS AND CARLOS SOTO MEET ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14 IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CO-FEATURE

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Live on SHOWTIME® From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland 

 

NEW YORK (April 6, 2017) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins meets fellow unbeaten Carlos Soto in the eight-round co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m.ET/PT) from The Theater at MGM National Harbor, MD., just outside Washington, D.C.

 

Malik was originally scheduled to face Venezuelan amateur standout Juan Ruiz, but due to an injury in his right hand, Ruiz was forced to withdraw.

 

In the main event of the ShoBox tripleheader, former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol defends his interim WBA Light Heavyweight belt against Samuel Clarkson and unbeaten Glenn Dezurn meets two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in an eight-round super bantamweight showdown.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing andUprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

 

Malik, (10-0, 7 KOs), of Baltimore, Md., amassed a 92-8 record in the amateurs and won the Bronze Medal in the 2012 Junior Olympics. He shares the same trainer –Calvin Ford– with stablemate and IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.

 

“I’m excited and eager to get in the ring,” said 21-year-old Hawkins, “My new opponent is another reason for me to stay focused and work ever harder.  There’s a lot at stake for me. This is the first step to give my child the life I never had.

 

“I don’t know anything about the dude,” he laughed, “But I never really look up at who I’m fighting anyway. Training is going great and I’m in the best shape I have ever been in my career. I can feel it; it’s going to be an epic night for me.”

 

With a new mouth to feed, just before the biggest fight of his career, Hawkins could be excused for feeling some extra pressure. “I’ve fought on TV before, but there’s no doubt this is a bigger stage. I can’t say how I will win, but let’s just say that by the end of the fight, you’ll all know I won.”

 

 

Soto, (13-0-2, 7 KOs), a seven-year pro from Torreon, Mexico is making his United States and television debut. He’s coming off of a third-round TKO over Alonso Martinez in February following a three-year hiatus due to issues with his promoter. He’s a licensed engineer and a full time, CrossFit-certified personal trainer and.

 

“I’ve been active in the gym and I’m very confident in my abilities,” said the 28-year-old.  “I’ve been training for about a year, and I’ve been in fighting shape for about a year. I also ran two marathons during that time.

 

“I see myself as a boxer-puncher. I can box on the outside, but I can also mix it up on the inside. I’m intelligent in the ring and aggressive – I can go forward – but I have the option to either box or punch. I can be effective either way, depending on how the fight goes.

 

“I’ve seen a couple of videos of Malik Hawkins. He’s tall, he’s got good distance. He’s fast and intelligent, but I haven’t seen him put together many punches. I see him more as a passive, tactical type fighter, not someone who’s going to be aggressive like me.

 

“I’m there to fight, I won’t ever quit on my stool. I’ve got a lot of heart and a lot of desire. I’m very proud of my undefeated record, and I’m very motivated to keep my winning streak alive.”

 

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/.

 

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 68 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, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated Justin Hurd added to non-televised card on Friday, April 14th at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland

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Tickets On Sale Now!
 NEW YORK (March 31, 2017) – Undefeated junior middleweight, Justin Hurd has been added to the non-televised undercard on Friday night, April 14th at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.
The ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader will feature undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) in the main event and a matchup of undefeated welterweights in the co-feature, Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) squaring off in an eight-round bout. Super bantamweight prospect Glenn Dezurn will meet unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in the eight-round telecast opener  live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) .
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 Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.
Hurd of Accokeek, Maryland has a record of 2-0 with one knockout, and is the brother of current IBF Junior Middleweight champion, Jarrett Hurd.
The 23 year-old Justin Hurd had an 18 bout amateur career, and like his brother, he is trained by Ernesto Rodriguez.
“My training has been great  I have been staying ready, and I am excited to fight at MGM National Harbor.  I expect to have a lot of fans at the fight,” said Hurd.
Being around an accomplished brother, Hurd is grateful for the success that Jarrett has achieved and has learned a lot from the journey that garnered Jarrett a world title.
“Jarrett has opened a lot of doors, but when people see us fight they will see that our styles our different.  He has power, and I go by the name of “Slick” Justin Hurd.  I like to use my combinations and I show my quickness.”
That is a sentiment that trainer Rodriguez echoes.
“Justin is different then Jarrett.  He uses hand-speed, Jarrett uses his size.  You will see that Justin fights in much of the same manner of Meldrick Taylor, and he mixes in some deceiving power,” said Rodriguez.  “Justin is electric, and is calculating with good reflexes.  He will be a force to be reckoned with.  He is fighting at 154 pounds now, but we will slowly be taking him to 147.”
Justin Hurd considers himself a real student of the game and has followed the advice of both his big brother and trainer.
“What I have learned by watching Jarrett go through his run is to listen to our trainers.  I learned that my trainers tell us what to do for good reason.  With that in mind, I just am ready to put on a show and am grateful to be added to the card on April 14th.”
Hurd joins Hasim Rahman, Jr., Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover on the non-televised undercard.
# # #
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,
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SAMUEL CLARKSON IN ‘THE SHAPE OF HIS LIFE’ FOR TITLE CHALLENGE AGAINST DMITRY BIVOL APRIL 14 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN MARYLAND

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NEW YORK (March 29, 2017) – Light heavyweight title challenger Samuel Clarkson says he’s in the shape of his life for his shot at Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol on Friday, April 14, live on SHOWTIME.
 
Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) will face the undefeated Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.  In the co-feature, undefeated welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round bout.  
 
NOTE: In a matchup that was confirmed on Wednesday as the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast, Baltimore’s undefeated Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) will face unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KOs), of New Brunswick, N.J., in an eight-round super bantamweight bout. 
 
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.
 
“I upped intensity 1000 times for this camp,” said Clarkson.  “I had better sparring, did more miles running and way more rounds doing bag work.  Everything I’ve done has been intense and we added a lot more into it.”
 
Clarkson did half his training in his home state of Texas and the second half in Brooklyn, where he has sparred with some well-known names.
 
“I’ve been working with guys like Sean Monaghan and Joe Smith Jr.  I’ve had over 110 rounds of sparring since coming to Brooklyn.  I wanted to push my sparring to the max.  I’m not saying there isn’t competition in Dallas, but I wanted different looks and to be out of my comfort zone.  I got what I was looking for here.”
 
Clarkson says he can tell he’s in the shape of his life for this fight.
 
“I’m seeing new muscles,” said Clarkson, who has won nine straight fights.  “The power was already there, but my speed is great now too.  I will most definitely come in under weight.  We’ve put a lot of focus on weight this time.  The goal is to eat breakfast before weighing in.  I have kept on a very strict diet – my dad cooks everything and we’re eating right.
 
“I’m ready for war.  I’m not afraid of this guy.  I’m ready to fight.”
 
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,
ww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.
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 68 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, 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.
 
# # #
 
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED DMITRY BIVOL TO DEFEND INTERIM WBA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST SAMUEL CLARKSON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14 IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Unbeaten Welterweight Prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins Square Off In Co-Feature; Baltimore’s Glenn Dezurn To Open ShoBox Tripleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland

 

Tickets On Sale Today!

 

NEW YORK (March 21, 2017) – Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Known for his aggressive style, Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a prominent amateur who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes.  Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance on ShoBox. 

 

In a co-featured matchup of undefeated welterweight prospects, former amateur standouts Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round 147-pound bout.

 

In the telecast opener, Baltimore featherweight Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by the renowned Barry Hunter, will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout.

 

Tickets for the event, which is 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 Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.

 

Dmitry Bivol vs. Samuel Clarkson – 12 Round Light Heavyweight Bout:

Bivol, who compiled an impressive amateur record of 285-15, is looking to break through in a division which features the likes of Adonis Stevenson, Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev and Badou Jack.  Last May in Moscow, the 26-year-old won the Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title in only his seventh professional fight with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Felix Valera.

 

Bivol has since won twice, both times on Russian soil, including a fourth-round knockout of Robert Berridge in defense of his interim belt. 

 

“I am very glad that this will be my first fight televised in the U.S.,” said Bivol, who is fighting for the third time in America.  “It’s great that this is main event because that motivates me.  Clarkson is a good defensive fighter.  He can be aggressive and I expect this to be a tough fight.  I look forward to introducing myself to American fans with a great performance, and I plan to defend my title with an exciting victory.”

 

Clarkson has registered nine consecutive victories following a loss to the current unbeaten Jesse Hart (21-0).  Clarkson moved up in weight to beat Cedric Agnew (27-1) in February 2015, and has ShoBox knockout wins over Jerry Odom (13-1) in July 2015 and Lavarn Harvell (15-1) in October 2015. 

 

“This is a huge opportunity to prove my abilities to the world,” Clarkson said. “Bivol is a crafty fighter from Russia and had a very impressive amateur career, mostly at 165 pounds. He’s a good fighter and I definitely have to bring my A-game.  

 

“I’m ready for the challenge because I do really well against European fighters.  European fighters are slow and come forward a lot, and they’re not big on head movement.   We are working hard and have a lot of guys in the gym who fight with a similar style.  By fight time I’ll be ready for anything he has. 

 

“I had to make up my mind if I wanted to be the lion or the lamb and, in the end, I decided I don’t like losing. I rededicated myself and now I can’t be stopped.”

 

Juan Ruiz vs. Malik Hawkins – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout:

The son of a former fighter, Ruiz is originally from Venezuela and fights out of Baja California, Mexico.  He lost just eight times in 220 amateur fights, was a six-time Venezuela national champion and was part of the Venezuelan National Team.  The undefeated Ruiz has won via knockout in seven of his last nine fights. 

 

“This is a golden ticket for me to show what I’m capable of,” Ruiz said. “I will do my best to give the fans watching on TV and those attending the fight the best show possible.”

 

The 21-year-old Baltimore-resident Hawkins was 92-8 as an amateur and shares the same trainer – Calvin Ford – as stablemate and IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.  Hawkins, who was the 2012 Bronze Medalist in the Junior Olympics, will face his toughest test to date in fellow undefeated Juan Ruiz. 

 

“This is a huge chance for me to showcase my skills and show I belong among the best in the welterweight division,” Hawkins said. “There’s nothing he can bring I haven’t seen, and I plan on making him fight my fight. 

 

“I get better when I fight talented fighters.  To be honest, nobody I have fought so far has brought out the best in me, but I’m hoping that Ruiz does just that.  A victory over him would put me in position to fight the opponents I need to fight to take that next step toward becoming a contender.”

 

Glenn Dezurn vs. TBD – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout:

The undefeated Dezurn, who was a three-sport star athlete in high school, was an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter.  The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut.

 

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/.