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RICHARDSON HITCHINS AND NICK DELOMBA DISCUSS TRAINING CAMP AHEAD OF SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MATCHUP ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Click HERE for Photos from Mayweather Promotions


 
LAS VEGAS – February 12, 2020 – Fast-rising super lightweight prospects Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) and Nick DeLomba(16-2, 5 KOs) open up about training camp ahead of their ShoBox: The New Generation co-featured bout Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
In the ShoBox main event, unbeaten Mayweather Promotions’ prospect Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11 KOs) will return for his second appearance on SHOWTIME as he goes toe-to-toe with undefeated Vegas native Keith Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout. The opening bout of the telecast will see Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (11-1-1, 6 KOs) against an opponent to be announced in a 10-round super middleweight bout. The previously announced opponent, Kalvin Henderson, has withdrawn from the fight due to an injury.


 
Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.


 
Hitchins, of Brooklyn, N.Y., returns for his second consecutive test on the prospect developmental series. In his last outing, he earned a unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson at Sam’s Town. Hitchins, a 22-year-old 2016 Haitian Olympian, has gained notoriety for having the skillset of a veteran with a gritty and slick style inside the ring. Hitchins has credited some of his boxing development to advice and pointers he has gotten from world champion Daniel Jacobs and Shakur Stevenson, and stablemate Gervonta Davis.


 
“Nice” DeLomba, fighting out of Cranston, R.I., is coming off a five-fight win streak with three out of five wins by knockout. He’s best known for his slickness and elusiveness in the ring and looks to make a powerful statement in foreign territory as he makes his Las Vegas and ShoBox debuts.


 
Here is what Hitchins and DeLomba had to say ahead of the February 28 match-up:


 
How has training camp been going in preparation for February 28?


 
Hitchins: “Camp is good, but I’m always in camp. There’s never a time when I’m not preparing and perfecting my craft, I’m really a student of the game. I know that I’m approaching that next level in my career, so I have to stay sharp and in the gym to perform at that next level.


 
“I’m headed to Colorado to finish training camp. It’s where the Olympic training center is, and it’s a place I’ve gone a couple of times to finish my camp. The air is better up there and that really helps me to get in better shape going into the fight.”


 
DeLomba: “Training camp is going wonderful. I’m getting everything I need to prepare for the fight: nutrition, meal plans, and strength and conditioning. I’ve added a new strength and conditioning coach and I’ve tweaked things to adjust to Hitchins’ style. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait for fight night.”


 
What is your game plan going into this fight?


 
Hitchins: “My game plan is the same for every fight. Stay composed and be the first to strike. I’m at a point in my career where the competition is getting tougher so the main thing for me is keeping my defense tight. My defense will keep me in good shape during the fights as the competition gets steep. But overall, I always have the mindset that I’m the better, smarter, and faster fighter.


 
“I surround myself with champions. That’s the only way to become one and this fight gets me one step closer.”



DeLomba: “I plan to go in and fight smart; stick to the game plan my team has for me and execute it well. My goal is to overcome whatever he tries to throw at me.”


 
What do you know about your opponent?


 
Hitchins: “I don’t know much. He’s who my team picked for me so I’m just going to get the job done and take him out. On fight night, I’ll have a clearer idea of how to get him out. I can adjust to anything.”



DeLomba: “I know my opponent has quick hands and likes to throw speedy shots. I’m completely focused on myself and my training. I believe in my abilities as a fighter. I’m not intimidated.”


 
What will a victory on February 28th do for your career going forward?


 
Hitchins: “Another win carries me to that next level. I’m hungry, I come from nothing, so I stay with a chip on my shoulder. I’m appreciative of my team, Mayweather Promotions, and to SHOWTIME for providing me with this opportunity to build my name in the sport and show the world what I can do.”


 
DeLomba: “A win over Hitchins will catapult me to that next level. It’s a televised bout and this will bring me the exposure I need to branch out and expose myself to a new audience. It will improve my career tremendously.”


 
# # #


 
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 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 


 
For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com/events, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, and on Instagram @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, or www.bit.ly/sincityshowdown.

 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

RAEESE “THE BEAST” ALEEM MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Undefeated Prospect Aleem Makes his Televised Debut on ShoBox This Friday, February 14 Live On SHOWTIME® From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia


 
Use This Link For Photos From Team Aleem:

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LAS VEGAS – February 10, 2020 – Undefeated rising prospect Raeese “The Beast” Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) held a media workout at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame as he prepares for his upcoming eight-round super bantamweight bout against Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in the co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.


 
In the main event of the four-fight telecast, lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz (18-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Plus, in a matchup of undefeated super lightweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round bout with Houston’s Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super welterweight Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit will face Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs) of North Carolina.


 
Aleem, who is managed by Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing and promoted by Kings Promotions, will make his television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation.


 
Here is what Aleem had to say Saturday at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas:


 
RAEESE ALEEM


 
“I’m very excited to be making my televised debut on SHOWTIME, where the world will get to see my talent.  I’m definitely looking forward to making some new fans.  This is a stepping stone to bigger and better things.


 
“I feel like I’m flying under the radar.  I’ve been right there with all the other rising prospects. I’m originally from a small town so I never had the proper eyes on me.  I feel like I must train twice as hard as the average fighter just to be in the same conversation than these guys. But that’s just how the game is. I’m ready to show up and show out.


 
“It’s been a huge transition since I moved out here [Las Vegas] from Muskegon, Mich., where I’m originally from.  I came out here with no family and no friends, with the sole idea to pursue my career. I took a leap of faith and it has paid off. It’s been all about business here in Las Vegas, and it’s been great.  I’ve been exposed to a lot of great fighters and picked up a lot of good tips.


 
“Adam Lopez is a tough Latino fighter who is going to bring his ‘A’ game, and he has something to prove.  He has a lot of experience.  He’s been in the ring with a lot of skilled guys and current world champions. This is the type of fight I need to take the next step toward being a world champion.


 
“I’m an aggressive boxer who likes to throw a lot of punches. I make my opponent miss and I make them pay. I’m all-action. I’m a beast! I’m prepared to go the distance, but my ultimate goal is to get him out of there, to get the win.”


 
# # #

 

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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

RUBEN VILLA CONTINUES TO IMPRESS WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Taras Shelestyuk Records Dominating Unanimous Decision Win; Zhora Hamazaryan and Sulaiman Segawa Fight To Split-Decision Draw in Lightweight Matchup


 
Catch The Replay Monday, February 3 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®


 
Click HERE for Photos; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME


 
SHREVEPORT, La. – January 31, 2020 – After his fourth consecutive victory in a little more than 12 months on ShoBox: The New Generation, Ruben Villa is ready to graduate from the 19-year prospect series.


 
The undefeated featherweight Villa put on a boxing clinic in a dominating unanimous decision win over Alexei Collado. The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 98-92 twice in the main event Friday night from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, La.


 
The 22-year-old Salinas, Calif., native Villa (18-0, 5 KOs), who entered the ring paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant by wearing his No. 8 Lakers jersey into the ring, called his performance “solid” against a “tough and aggressive fighter.”


 
“He was challenging throughout the fight,” said Villa. “I feel like I put on a good show. He was a big knockout puncher and he’s no pushover. He brought out the best in me.”


 
Villa, who was the was also the 2014 and 2016 National Golden Gloves Champion, is currently ranked No. 5 at 126 pounds by the WBO and No. 13 by the WBC. He said after the fight he’s ready for the best his division has to offer.


 
The 31-year-old Cuban Collado (26-3, 23 KOs) who lives in Miami, lost for the first time in seven bouts. “It was a good fight,” said Collado, who won the 2006 Junior World Title in the flyweight division. “We both brought everything. We put on a good show for the fans. He moves a lot and he’s a smart fighter. I feel like when I threw a lot I hit him but I wasn’t active enough.”


 
Villa said he stayed disciplined training during the holidays. “Now I’m going to take a few weeks off and then get right back in the gym,” he said.


 
In the co-featured bout, undefeated Ukrainian and 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (18-0, 10 KOs) recorded a dominating unanimous decision victory against Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (18-2-2, 9 KOs). The judges scored the 10-round welterweight fight 97-93 and 98-92 twice.


 
Shelestyuk, who overcame a bad fifth-round cut on his forehead, had boxed just 10 rounds in the last three years.


 
“It was a good fight,” Shelestyuk said. “I hit him with some good shots, and controlled the fight. I have been out since March, and I feel that I performed well. I am happy to be back on television. 


 
“The cut didn’t bother me. This is professional boxing, and these things happen. I want to be back in May or June. If I come back in the next several months, I want to fight a big name – guys like Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.”


 
In the telecast opener, late replacement Sulaiman Segawa (12-2-1, 3 KOs) looked impressive in his ShoBox debut seemingly out-boxing Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and recording the better stat sheet, but the close lightweight fight was called a split-decision draw. One judge had Segawa winning 78-74, another 77-75 for Hamazaryan and the third judge called it even, 76-76.


 
ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood had the fight scored 77-75 Segawa, while Barry Tompkins and Raul Marquez both saw it 78-74 in favor of Segawa.


 
“I won the fight,” said Segawa, who took the fight on just four days’ notice. “I maintained him and his aggressiveness. I came up to his weight and dictated the action. I staggered him a couple of times and he was not touching me.”


 
Segawa earned the better stats in nearly every category. Hamazaryan was more active (57.5 punches per round to Segawa’s 53.6) but Segawa outlanded him 130-100 overall, 42-14 jabs and 88-86 power and was more accurate in all phases (30%-22% overall, 28%-8% jabs, 31.3%-31.1% power). Segawa even led 25-22 in body connects


 
Segawa, 28, moved to Silver Spring, Md., two years ago and is originally from Kampala, Uganda. He has won six times against previously undefeated opponents with his two losses also to undefeated fighters.


 
Hamazaryan, who was making his third ShoBox appearance, returned to the ring after 16 months as he returned to his native Armenia to get his physical education degree.

 

“It was a good fight,” the 23-year-old Hamazaryan said. “I started slow because of the switch in opposition and felt rusty. I’m going to go right back to the gym and keep on learning. And I will be better.”


 
It was the second consecutive split draw for Hamazaryan, who also recorded a split draw against Thomas Mattice in his last ShoBox appearance in September of 2018.


 
Friday’s fights were promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing and Bishop Promotions LLC. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer 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 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

RISING LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT THOMAS MATTICE TO FACE ISAAC CRUZ GONZALEZ IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Four-Fight Card Also Features Undefeated Prospects Raeese Aleem, Montana Love And Derrick Colemon Jr. In Toughest Tests Of Their Careers


 
NEW YORK – January 22, 2020 – Rising lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz Gonzalez in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. 


 
The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date, including super lightweight prospect Shohjahon Ergashev and super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin, who were victorious on January 17. On January 31, featherweight Ruben Villa and welterweight Taras Shelestyuk will be tested and on February 28, super lightweight Malik Hawkins and welterweight Richardson Hitchins face tough opposition. 


 
In the co-featured bout on February 14, undefeated super bantamweight Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs), of Las Vegas, will take onShoBox veteran and San Antonio native Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout.  In a matchup of undefeated junior welterweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans’ Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs).  In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated junior middleweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit, and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight-round 154-pound bout. 


 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions and King’s Promotions are $100, $75 and $50 and be purchased atwww.2300arena.com


 
Cleveland’s Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off his most significant win to date, an eight-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox.  The fight was stopped due to a deep gash on Dutchover caused by a clean right hand from Mattice.  The judges’ scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage.  Mattice will be making his sixth start on the prospect developmental series, including a close loss to Will Madera in 2019, a split decision win and a split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan in 2018, and a knockout of Rolando Chinea.  The 29-year-old hopes a convincing win over the top-10 ranked Gonzalez will move him closer to a world title shot. 


 
“A win would be huge for my career and put me in a great position,” Mattice said.  “It would put me in the conversation with the top dogs of the division.  I have to put on a great performance and let all those top fighters know that I’m here and ready to fight anyone.  It’s a must-win for me, but it’s a big fight for both of us.  He is ranked No. 7 by the IBF so this has the feel of a big fight.  I think a win would put me in the top-10.”


 
Gonzalez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), of Mexico City, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight.  The 22-year-old owns a career-best knockout of former interim world title challenger Jose Felix Jr. in 2018.  Currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF at 135 pounds, Gonzalez made his U.S. debut in December on the non-televised undercard of the Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last December. 


 
“I am excited to be fighting in the United States and I am thrilled for my fight to be shown on SHOWTIME,” said Gonzalea. “So many fighters started their career on ShoBox and have become World Champions.”


 
Aleem compiled a 65-10 record as an amateur and was a five-time Golden Gloves State Champion in Michigan.  He finished third at the National Golden Gloves in 2010 and 2011 before turning professional in 2011.  The 29-year-old recently relocated his training camp to Las Vegas, where he has sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire and Jhack Tepora.  Aleem, who is trained by Terry Markowski, will face the toughest test of his career in the veteran Lopez. 


 
“All my hard work is paying off and now I get to show it on the big stage,” Aleem said.  “I am looking forward to earning new fans and staying on a roll.  I know Lopez is a really tough fighter with something to prove.  He’s been here before so I know he’s ready for the challenge.  This is a steppingstone to ultimately get where I want to be, and that’s fighting for a world title, bigger paydays and more exposure.  Ultimately, I don’t just want to win, I want to dominate.  Winning isn’t good enough – I also have to look good while doing it.”


 
Lopez was an accomplished amateur who won six national titles and held a No. 1 ranking, but he has had an up and down career as a pro.  The 29-year-old started his career with 15 straight victories yet he has suffered a few setbacks as his level of opposition has dramatically increased.  Lopez was undefeated and one win away from challenging for a world championship before losing to current unified 122-pound champion Daniel Roman in a title eliminator in 2017 on SHOWTIME.  Lopez, who will break his own record ofShoBox appearances when he steps into the ring for the eighth time, will face his sixth undefeated opponent on the series as he looks to get his career back on track.


 
“Aleem is a pretty good fighter, but I think my experience is going to be a factor,” Lopez said.  “He hasn’t fought top-tier guys with the exception of Marcus Bates.  I have been in the big fights and this is his first time doing this.  I am on a three-fight winning streak and I have rededicated myself to the sport.  I have a new trainer, Chato Martinez, and a whole new camp.  I can’t wait to show that I am back.”


 
The flashy Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record.  The 25-year-old southpaw will return for his third test on ShoBox as he seeks a convincing victory.  In his first bout on the series, he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah in 2018 and followed that up with a split draw a few months later against Kenneth Sims Jr.  Love, who has sparred with Adrien Broner and Robert Easter Jr., will face what should be his most dangerous opponent in the fellow-undefeated Walton.


 
“Walton is a decent fighter, but I feel he is still green and he doesn’t have that much experience,” Love said.  “I know he is tough, but I am taking this to the next level.  He’s just a stepping stone.  It’s exciting to fight under the bright lights.  Some guys fold, but I was made for this. I am not looking past him, but this will take my career to the next level.  We are both undefeated and not many guys take risks like this, but this shows I am a true fighter.  My name is Montana “Too Pretty Love” and I am fighting on Valentine’s Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out on February 14.”


 
The 29-year-old Walton was born and raised in New Orleans, where he rescued his mother and sister from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina when he was just 13 years old.  Left homeless, the family relocated to Houston, where Walton competed as an amateur.  Walton turned professional in 2014 and has been perfect through his first 16 fights, including a career-best win over former super bantamweight world champion Victor Terrazas in 2019.  The boxer-puncher, who is trained by Bobby Benton and fought six times last year, will face the first undefeated opponent of his career in Love.


 
“I have seen Montana fight before.  I know he is flashy in the Adrien Broner mode, but other than that I do not know too much about him,” Walton said.  “This opportunity is a blessing.  The world is going to get to see me and hear my story.  I’m from New Orleans and it was a struggle for me growing up, so this is a great opportunity.  I never in a million years thought that I would be in this position.  I just need to seize the moment and get the victory.”


 
Just 20 years old, Colemon started boxing at the age of 4 and honed his craft at the original Kronk Gym under Emanuel Steward until his passing in 2012.  Colemon had a 135-fight amateur career and was a four-time national amateur champion in the junior division.  He turned professional when he was 18 years old and has eight knockouts in his first 11 professional fights.  Colemon, who is trained by Marlon Thomas, will face by far the toughest test of his career in Jackson, a fellow undefeated yet untested prospect. 


 
“I am physically and mentally prepared more than I ever have been,” Colemon said.  “I know Jackson is undefeated and tough, so I know I’m in for a big test.  This is the next step in my career, and I feel that I will be not only the next great champion that has fought onShoBox, but the next great fighter out of Detroit.  I am ready to show the world my talents.  February 14 will put my name in the minds of boxing fans all over the world.”


 
The 31-year-old Jackson got a late start as a professional yet has been active, including three fights in 2019 and three in 2018.  He has 12 KOs in 15 fights, including knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts.  The Greensboro native will fight outside of North Carolina for the first time in his career when he takes on the undefeated Colemon. 


 
“I know Colemon is tough, and he had a long amateur career,” Jackson said.  “He will come to fight, but I prepare for anything.  That is what this sport is all about.  I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world.”


 
Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian 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.

 

# # #


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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

VLADIMIR SHISHKIN REGISTERS UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY ON 250th EDITION OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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KO Artist Shohjahon Ergashev Records First-Round Knockout; Ja’Rico O’Quinn Impressive In Eight-Round Unanimous Decision Against Oscar Vasquez

 

Catch The Replay Monday, January 20 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®


 
Click HERE for Photos; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME


 
SLOAN, Iowa – January 17, 2020 – Three promising and undefeated Detroit prospects shined during ShoBox: The New Generation’s 250th episode Friday night with Russia native Vladimir Shishkin leading the way with a solid unanimous decision win in the main event Friday night from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.


 
With Tyson Fury’s trainer Sugarhill Steward from the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit working his corner, the 28-year-old fast-rising Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) won for the second consecutive time on ShoBox in a battle of unbeaten fighters as he dominated Ulises Sierra (15-1-2, 9 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. The 10-round super middleweight bout was scored in favor of Shishkin 100-90 and 99-91 twice.


 
Also posting victories were Steward’s students Shohjahon Ergashev, who registered a first-round knockout, and Detroit native Ja’Rico O’Quinn who won unanimously in a dominating eight-round bantamweight bout.


 
“Ergashev was spectacular but you almost feel like you wish you got to see more,” said Hall of Famer and ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “He’s the furthest advanced of the three and Ja’Rico O’Quinn sold himself tonight and was very aggressive, maybe too aggressive.”


 
Shishkin said afterwards that he fought with an injured left bicep and left elbow. “It was a much tougher fight than I thought it would be because I fought with one hand for most of the fight,” he said. “I was surprised he could take my punches, but I couldn’t move his hand out of the way with the left to hit him with the right. That affected me a lot because I use that a lot.”


 
He added: “I want Canelo (Alvarez). I want (David) Benavidez. I want the champions next. I am ready for the next level. With Sugarhill in my corner I am ready for anyone. Even with one hand.”


 
Steward is the nephew of the legendary trainer Emanuel Steward. “I thought all the Detroit guys did great,” Sugarhill Steward said. “They all got good experience on television. That’s a factor that some fighters don’t take in to consideration. When they get on television, they don’t know how to handle it. You have to be used to being on a stage like this and I’m happy with the way they all performed. All the guys from Detroit stepped up on television to further their careers. I’m very happy all-around.”


 
Sierra didn’t have an answer for Shishkin’s body shots as Shishkin connected on 65 body shots to 28 for Sierra. “He was sharp and he was strong,” said Sierra, who became the 189th boxer to lose his undefeated record on ShoBox in the 19 years of the series. “But I was also hurt with a sprained hand a month before this fight and haven’t hit the bags since then.”


 
In the co-featured bout, hard-hitting super lightweight Shohjahon Ergashev (18-0, 16 KOs) showed off his powerful left hand as the southpaw from Uzbekistan also trained by Steward knocked out Adrian Estrella (29-5, 24 KOs). The fight ended at just 92 seconds into the first round with a devastating body shot as Estrella was unable to survive the entire 10-count.


 
“I just saw the window to the body, so I threw the shot,” said Ergashev, who is ranked in the top-15 in three of the four major sanctioning bodies. “I wasn’t planning to knock him out in the first round. I wanted to get some rounds in. The guy is durable and experienced, so I thought I would, but when I saw that opening, I had to take it.


 
“I knew it was over the second it landed though. I knew he would not get up from that. No one could. That was a message to the super lightweight division. It’s Shoh Time! No matter where I fight, it is always Shoh Time.”


 
After Ergashev landed the knockout blow, Estrella of Fort Worth, Texas, went down writhing in pain from the left uppercut to the liver and unable to continue.


 
“I started moving and tried using my jab, but he was very quick with that punch,” Estrella said. “He just punched me very hard in the stomach and I was paralyzed on the canvas. I tried to stand up, but I couldn’t hear the referee counting. I couldn’t hear anything, and I couldn’t move. It was a hell of a shot.”


 
In the telecast opener, former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur at bantamweight, Ja’Rico O’Quinn (14-0-1, 8 KOs) was impressive in his ShoBox debut as he outclassed a game Oscar Vasquez (15-3-1, 3 KOs) in a unanimous decision 79-73 three times at 118 pounds. 


 
The WBO No. 10-ranked junior bantamweight O’Quinn worked the body effectively throughout the eight-round fight connecting on 83 body shots to 40 for Vasquez of Reno, Nev. O’Quinn outworked Vasquez with an average of 88 punches per round to Vasquez’s 59.2.


 
“I give this performance a six, to be honest,” said O’Quinn. “I want to fight bigger and taller people, that’s what I’m used to. I’m not taking anything away from Oscar. No matter what I will always come out on top. Even when things can get ugly, I know how to win beautiful.”


 
Farhood called the bout a “highly competitive, one-sided fight.”


 
Added O’Quinn: “I went into this fight knowing Oscar Vasquez was a tough guy. I knew he would be coming forward to make it ugly, so my game plan was to box him but if I had to, stand there and trade with him. I knew I’d be stronger than him and be able to take his punch. It was hard to land my shots with him leaning on me. I couldn’t turn him like I wanted and cut off angles, but we came, we conquered and I got the win.”


 
O’Quinn, who overcame a slow start losing the first round, ended round seven emphatically with a series of punches that rattled Vasquez, who stayed on his feet and didn’t give up. “I think I did amazing,” said Vasquez, a 32-year-old crane operator. “It was a very close fight. I thought I was winning the first five rounds. He hurt me once in the seventh round and that took a lot out of me. He was a better fighter tonight.”


 
Friday’s fights were promoted by Salita Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, January 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer 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.


 
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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 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

THREE UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS IN TOUGH TESTS HIGHLIGHT 250TH EDITION OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

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Vladimir Shishkin, Shohjahon Ergashev And Ja’Rico O’Quinn in Tripleheader Live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) From WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa

 

NEW YORK – December 19, 2019 – Three talented, undefeated prospects will put their unblemished records on the line in the 250thedition of ShoBox: The New Generation, the prospect-oriented series that has featured 81 future world champions, Friday, January 17 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.


 
In the 10-round main event, Vladimir Shishkin (9-0, 6 KOs), the fast-rising super middleweight prospect currently ranked as the WBC No. 12 contender, will return for his second consecutive test on ShoBox against the unbeaten Ulises Sierra (15-0-2, 9 KOs).


 
Shohjahon Ergashev (17-0, 15 KOs), ranked No. 6 by both the WBA and IBF at 140 pounds, will face Adrian Estrella (29-4, 24 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight co-featured bout of the first ShoBox telecast of 2020. In the opener, Detroit native Ja’Rico O’Quinn (13-0-1, 8 KOs) faces Nevada’s Oscar Vasquez (15-2-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super flyweight contest.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now at www.WinnaVegas.com.

 

“Vladimir Shishkin was a stellar amateur with over 300 bouts. We believe he is destined to become a world champion,” said Gordon Hall, who has been the Executive Producer and steward of ShoBox: The New Generation for all 19 years and 250 editions of the cornerstone boxing series. “Shohjahon Ergashev was on prospects to watch lists in 2018 and has lived up to lofty expectations. His aggressive style and punching power make him a fighter who boxing fans want to see. 2020 will be a big year for both fighters. This series was built on giving young, talented fighters national television exposure and we are excited to get a first look at Ja’Rico O’Quinn, a U.S. amateur standout who is an all-action fighter with high expectations.”


 
“On January 17, boxing fans are going to see some of the best prospects in boxing from big to small,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “The card features young, hungry fighters in the super flyweight, junior middleweight and super middleweight divisions. Vladimir Shishkin, Shohjahon Ergashev and Ja’Rico O’Quinn are all undefeated, world-rated fighters on their way to national recognition and world titles. First, they have to pass the biggest tests of their careers.”

 

The 28-year-old Shishkin shined in his United States and ShoBox: The New Generation debut in August, registering an eighth-round technical knockout against then once-beaten DeAndre Ware. Standing at 6-foot-1, Shishkin was a standout amateur in Russia where he compiled 301 wins in 330 fights before turning professional in 2016. He has won his last four contests – all scheduled 10 or 12 round fights – via knockout, including a 10th round TKO of former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi prior to his American debut in October 2018. Currently training in Detroit under Javan “Sugar” Hill, Steward at the new Kronk Gym, Shishkin is looking to continue his ascent up the rankings in the super middleweight division with a second consecutive statement win on ShoBox.


 
“Training with Sugar Hill at Kronk Gym is going really well, and I can guarantee that I will be ready and I will put my newly learned skills to use,” Shishkin said. “I hope for another emphatic victory that impresses the American boxing fans. I’m looking forward to putting on a great fight and letting the champions at 168 know that this is my year.”

 

The 30-year-old Sierra, from San Diego, Calif., is riding an eight-bout winning streak including a unanimous 10-round decision over Fidel Hernandez for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship in April. The son of former San Diego Padres pitcher Ulises “Candy” Sierra, he has sparred with future Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Canelo Alvarez and former world champion Peter Quillin. Prior to Sierra’s career-best win in April, he won four straight contests in Mexico, including three by knockout.


 
“I’m happy for the opportunity to face a good opponent and I’ll use him as a steppingstone to get where I want to get,” said Sierra. “I still have a month of preparation to get into the best shape of my life. I know Shishkin is undefeated and has a Russian amateur pedigree. It’ll be the hardest fight of my career, but I will do anything and everything to come out victorious.”


 
Hard-hitting super lightweight Shohjahon Ergashev (17-0, 15 KOs), of Uzbekistan, is ranked in the top-15 in three of the four major sanctioning bodies. The 28-year-old is coming off an impressive fourth-round knockout of veteran Abdiel Ramirez this past August onShoBox. In his previous appearances on the prospect developmental series, the former member of the Uzbek national team scored a third-round knockout against then top-10 rated Sonny Fredrickson, and a 10-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mykal Fox. The powerful southpaw currently trains alongside stablemate Shishkin in Detroit.


 
“I am adding new dimensions to my game and plan on making a big statement in the first ShoBox of the year,” said Ergashev. “2020 is going to be my year and I am going to set the tone in my fight with Estrella.”


 
Estrella, who hails from Monterrey, Mexico, turned professional in 2010 and won 22 consecutive fights before he suffered his first setback in 2015. With just seven of his 33 pro fights going the full distance, Estrella is an all-action fighter typical of his Mexican roots. He earned a career-best win, a closely-contested split decision over Oscar Duarte, in his U.S. debut in February. Estrella will face his fourth undefeated prospect in his last five fights as he looks to get his career back on track with a win over the highly-regarded Ergashev.


 
“This is an opportunity I’m going to take full advantage of,” said Estrella. “I’ve been in camp for the last two months, so I’ll be in perfect shape to go in there and do my thing. I know Ergashev is a southpaw and a hard puncher with a big KO record, but I’ve been in this situation before. I have too much experience for him. Knowing that if I win this fight I could get a world title shot is all the motivation I need.”

 

The 24-year-old O’Quinn is rated No. 10 in the world by the WBO. Ranked as the No.1 amateur bantamweight in the country compiling a record of 130-18 before turning professional in 2015, O’Quinn boasts blazing-fast hands and an ability to throw effortless combinations. A fan favorite in his hometown of Detroit, he was last seen winning a unanimous decision over James Smith of Flint, Mich., in October.


 
“The time has finally come,” said O’Quinn. “It’s my time to show the world who the king is on live TV. For those that don’t know, January 17, I’m going to show the world greatness in is purest form. They are going to see charisma, skills and explosiveness. I know I’m fighting a tough competitor. He’s not coming to lay down. I’m coming prepared for war. It’s going to be a great night for boxing in the super flyweight division. I’m putting all the champions on notice.”

 

Vasquez, from Reno, Nev., is a former streaking prospect in the super flyweight division. After losing his third professional fight, the 5-foot Vasquez rattled off thirteen consecutive wins between 2012 and 2017 and was well on his way to making a name for himself in the division before a unanimous decision loss to once-beaten Ricardo Sandoval in May 2018 halted his momentum. After a year-and-a-half layoff, Vasquez returned by fighting Gilberto Mendoza to a majority draw in October. At 32 years old, the hungry Vasquez finds himself in a do-or-die fight against O’Quinn.


 
“Training in Reno is going amazing,” said Vasquez. “It’s such a tremendous opportunity for my life. I’m trying to get to a high ranking and it’s a dream come true. I know O’Quinn is undefeated. He’s a boxer who likes to grab a lot. He doesn’t like pressure. I’m hoping I will tire him out. I think he’ll eventually give in as the fight goes on if I put on a lot of pressure. In the later rounds, he won’t even want to come out of his corner.”


 
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.

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports 
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
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ALBERTO PALMETTA SCORES STUNNING 10TH ROUND TKO OF ERIK VEGA IN FIERCE BATTLE OF ARGENTINA vs. MEXICO IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Joe George Wins Controversial Split-Decision Over Marcos Escudero; Amilcar Vidal, Jr. Stops Zach Prieto In First Round

 

Catch The Replay Monday, November 18 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®


 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME


 
SLOAN, Iowa – November 15, 2019 – 2016 Argentinian Olympian and welterweight prospect Alberto Palmetta put a late exclamation point on an impressive display, scoring a final-round TKO of undefeated Mexican prospect Erik Vega in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday night from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.


 
Palmetta (13-1, 9 KOs), who came out of the amateur ranks billed as one of the top prospects in Argentina’s boxing history, broke open a close fight by producing a massive rally that stunned Vega (16-1, 9 KOs) and ultimately led to referee Mark Nelson intervening at the 1:03 mark of the 10th and final round. Entering that round, Palmetta was leading 87-84 on two of the judges’ scorecards and 86-85 on the other. (Palmetta KO: https://twitter.com/
ShowtimeBoxing/status/1195578842091532288)


 
Capping off his display in stylish fashion, the 29-year-old southpaw Palmetta led 30-3 in overall punches and 28-1 in power punches in the tenth, increasing his final leads to 170-157 in overall punches landed and 148-24 in power punches landed.


 
“I knew we were up on the scorecards,” said Palmetta. “We didn’t need the knockout, but we wanted it. I had him hurt a couple times in the fight but I didn’t follow up.  In the 10th, I had him out on his feet. It was a good stoppage. He was done.”


 
“We don’t make excuses,” said the 24-year-old Vega after his first career professional loss. “I believe the referee was right in stopping the fight. I think I need to practice more and I needed to throw more combinations. This was a great learning experience.  We’ll go back to the drawing board and come back stronger.”


 
In an entertaining and crowd-pleasing co-featured bout, Houston’s Joe George (10-0, 6 KOs) won a controversial split decision over the much busier Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs). The judges scored the fight 97-94 (George), 97-93 (George) and 96-94 (Escudero).


 
Argentina’s Escudero began the fight with a bang as his 135 total punches thrown was tied for the seventh most ever recorded by CompuBox in a light heavyweight fight. He kept his blistering pace up throughout the entirety of the fight, throwing 106 punches in the final round and 911 total punches, but the judges were more impressed by George’s heavier punching and superior accuracy. George stunned Escudero in the ninth round and was accurate on 34 percent of his total punches, compared to just 19 percent for Escudero. The total numbers landed were close, as Escudero landed 177 total punches while George landed 161.


 
SHOWTIME’s Hall of Famer analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood, along with former world champion Raul Marquez, all had Escudero winning the fight comfortably on their scorecards.


 
“I’m not surprised at all by the decision,” said George, who is co-managed by seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams. “I knew he was a front runner. I knew he was going to get tired. We wore him down. I made the fight a little harder for myself by staying on the ropes a little too long, but we got through it.  That’s something that we can work on and improve in the gym. 


 
“I’m really a 168 pounder so that’s where we want to go next. If he wants the rematch, we’ll give it to him but we already beat him.”


 
Escudero, who was riding a six-fight knockout streak entering the fight, was disappointed in both his performance and the judges’ interpretation of the fight.


 
“No excuses.  I didn’t do my job,” he said. “I won the fight 100 percent, but no excuses from us.  That’s boxing.  I never give up.  It’s all part of the game. I want a rematch, 100 percent.”


 
In the televised opener between two power punchers who had combined for 10 first-round KOs, undefeated knockout artist Amilcar Vidal, Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs) improved his knockout rate to 90 percent by dropping previously unbeaten Zach Prieto (9-1, 7 KOs) twice en route to another first-round stoppage. (Vidal KO: https://twitter.com/
ShowtimeBoxing/status/1195550064225198081)


 
The 23-year-old Vidal, from Montevideo, Uruguay, floored El Paso’s Prieto with a flush left hand with 30 seconds left in the opening round. With Prieto hanging on, Vidal finished the job just before the bell sounded in the opening round, unleashing a flurry of punches capped by a hook to the side of the head that prompted the stoppage from referee Mark Nelson at 2:59. The blow closed out a fight in which Vidal led 22-14 in overall punches and 16-9 in power punches, including margins of 13-1 in overall punches and 10-1 in power punches in the final minute.


 
“I won the fight in the gym,” said Vidal, who was fighting in the United States for the first time. “The ring was easy tonight because of the work we did in the gym. I had a game plan and I executed it to perfection. I had a plan to use the left hook and I waited for the right moment to open up, and when I saw it I threw it perfectly.” 


 
Friday’s fights were promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. The full telecast will replay on Monday, November 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer 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.


 
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boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT SENSATION JARON ENNIS RETUNS WITH KNOCKOUT VICTORY OVER DEMIAN FERNANDEZ SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Catch An Encore Presentation Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Fight Night Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

FLINT, MICH. – October 5, 2019 – Unbeaten welterweight Jaron Ennis scored yet another knockout in his return to national television Saturday on SHOWTIME with a third round TKO of Demian Fernandez at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Mich. 

Ennis, widely considered one of the top prospects in boxing, wasted no time in his first fight under the national spotlight in nearly a year. The Philadelphia native, who had scored two highlight reel KOs in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, now has 22 knockouts in 24 professional fights.

Ennis was aggressive from the opening bell, landing 43 percent of his power shots as he switched from orthodox to southpaw. Two warnings for low blows in the first minute of the fight did not stop the speedy Ennis from attacking the body.  In the third, Ennis backed Fernandez into the corner and unleashed an onslaught of unanswered power shots that forced the Argentine to take a knee. Fernandez beat the count but told referee Frank Garza that he couldn’t see and the fight was immediately ended. 

“It feels good to be back in the spotlight and get another win,” Ennis said.  “I showed a little of my skills. I wanted to show more, but my dad said go get him and get him out of there, so that’s what I did.

“I’ve been ready for a big fight for a while. I want to go to the next level. I just have to keep putting on shows like this and keep doing my thing and hopefully my title shot will come sometime next year. The big names had better start running. I would even go down to 140 to get one of them.”

After the fight, Fernandez (12-2, 5 KOs) was transported to a local hospital with a suspected orbital injury. 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast, undefeated American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Pavel Sour, scored 97-91, 98-91, 98-90. 

Fighting less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich., Franklin (20-0, 13 KOs) scored knockdowns in the sixth and 10th rounds.  The 24-year-old was making his third consecutive SHOWTIME appearance of 2019 and showed significant improvement from his prior televised bouts, particularly in his speed, mobility and power. 

“I was trying to get the knockout, I wanted it real bad, but it feels great to get the W,” said Franklin, who landed 50 percent of his power shots.  “I wasn’t looking for a knockdown the first time he went down. I was trying to be quick and catch him with a counter and I caught him. It surprised me that he went down because it wasn’t meant to be a power punch.”

“I didn’t think I finished him on the second knockdown. I wanted to, but I slowed down and got a little too relaxed instead. I should have stayed on him.”

“There are just some minor things I still need to work on, like fighting on the inside, grappling and knowing when to punch on the inside – minor things. Once I get that down, I’ll be doing well.”

Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), who was making his U.S. debut, was frustrated with his opponent. 

“I couldn’t free up my punches and I didn’t let my hands go,” Sour said.  “I was too tight in there.  I was never really hurt by Franklin’s punches. He is very strong, but I could handle it. I was trying to catch him with a strong right hand.”

The Ennis vs. Fernandez bout was elevated to main event status after the Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin fight was called off following an altercation prior to Friday’s official weigh-in that resulted in an injury to Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir.

Tonight’s live event was promoted by Salita Promotions.

An encore presentation of tonight’s doubleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms. 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez.  World-renowned ring announcer and Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. rounded out the telecast.  The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

BRANDUN LEE TO FACE MILTON ARAUZ IN OPENING BOUT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 LIVE FROM MIDLAND, TEXAS

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Michael Dutchover Faces Thomas Mattice in Homecoming Bout While Ruben Villa Squares Off Against Highly Touted Prospect Enrique Vivas

NEW YORK – September 5, 2019 – Undefeated welterweight prospect Brandun Lee will make his television debut against Nicaraguan Milton Arauz in the eight-round opening bout of a three-fight ShoBox: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 20 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from La Hacienda Event Center in Midland, Texas.


In the previously announced main event, Midland native and fast-rising prospect Michael Dutchover will face ShoBox veteran Thomas Mattice in a 10-round lightweight bout while undefeated featherweight prospects Ruben Villa (16-0, 5 KOs) and Enrique Vivas (17-0, 9 KOs) clash in a 10-round matchup.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in association with GH3 Promotions, Garcia Promotions and Now Boxing Promotions, are priced at $120, $100 and $80 and can be purchased online atwww.haciendamidland,com or by calling 432-563-3737.

Super lightweight prospect Lee (15-0, 13 KOs), of La Quinta, Calif. turned pro at 17 after a decorated amateur career (196-5). He has sparred with Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney and Mauricio Herrera. Trained by his father Bobby, the 20-year-old has built up an 87-percent knockout ratio. A very active fighter, he had five bouts in 2018 and he will be facing his fourth opponent this year. He last fought on August 23 and is looking for a definitive win on his TV debut.

“I’m really excited about my first television fight on ShoBox and my first eight-round fight,” Lee said. “I’m in camp training really hard with my dad and trainer. This is an amazing opportunity for me. I will not disappoint on September 20.”

 

The 27-year-old, Arauz (10-1-1, 5 KOs), of Jinotega, Nicaragua, had a successful amateur run. He fought 80 amateur bouts and compiled a record of 74 wins against six defeats. He turned pro in 2014 and won his first nine bouts. His lone loss came in May of 2017, when he was disqualified for repeated low blows against Angel Galo. Nicknamed “El Norteño”, Arauz will be fighting outside of his native Nicaragua for the first time on September 20.

 

“I’m very excited to showcase my talent on such a big network,” Arauz said. “Knowing so many great fighters had the opportunity to fight on ShoBox, I’m ready to put on a show. Also being able to come to the United States for the first time. I’m ready to give it my all and put on a great performance.”

 

Arauz said he’s aware of the undefeated Lee’s background and that he was also an outstanding amateur. “That’s not going to stop me, and I’m ready to give it my all and take it to him,” Arauz said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the win.”

 

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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

 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHTS WALLIN AND FLORES BOTH EXPECTING VICTORY WHEN THEY CLASH ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, JULY 12 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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NEW YORK – July 9, 2019 –Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin says he has too many physical advantages, while former world title challenger BJ Flores says he has too much experience to lose their upcoming 10-round clash.


 
WBA No. 5-ranked Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs) and Flores (34-4-1, 21 KOs) will meet this Friday, July 12, in the co-featured bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader telecast (live on SHOWTIME 10 p.m. ET/PT) from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash.


 
Presented by Salita Promotions and Brian Halquist Productions, “Battle at the Boat 122” will also feature top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin (18-0, 13 KOs), from Saginaw, Mich., returning for his second consecutive ShoBox test against the streaking Jerry Forrest (25-2, 19 KOs), of Newport News, Va., in the 10-round headliner and in the opening televised bout, undefeated featherweight Giovanni Mioletti (16-0, 7 KOs) of Chicago will face Ecuador’s Luis Porozo (14-0, 7 KOs).


 
The 28-year-old Wallin, a southpaw from Sundsvall, Sweden, says he’s been expanding his horizons working with trainer Joey Gamache at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan.


 
“Training has been very good. I have been back in New York for six weeks now and I’ve had some great sparring with a lot of different guys and different styles,” said 28-year-old Wallin. “Sparring is the best training you can get. It’s the most like a fight, so just getting in with all these different guys is a great experience.”


 
Undefeated Wallin says he’s got too much of everything for former cruiserweight Flores in this fight.


 
“BJ Flores is a guy that’s experienced, but I know what to do,” Wallin said. “I have the tools to beat him. He’s good as a cruiserweight, but this is a heavyweight fight. It’s different than being a good cruiser. I will win because I’m a better boxer with better skills. I’m too big, young and strong for him. I always get nervous before a fight, but that’s part of it. Being nervous makes me sharper. I will eventually break him down.”


 
It’s been something of a whirlwind career for Wallin, who turned pro as the number one heavyweight on the Swedish National team after just 50 amateur fights. Heavily courted by promoters for his immense natural talent, Wallin now finds himself signed with Salita Promotions and in the top 5 of the WBA ratings after 20 pro fights.


 
He credits trainer Gamache, himself a popular former fighter, with much of his success.


 
“Joey used to live in Denmark and so did I,” Wallin said. “That’s where we met six years ago. I followed him back to the US when he came back and I signed with Salita at the beginning of this year. We have a great relationship. I love him as a coach and as a person He’s done a lot for me including bringing me over here and making all these connections. I trust him 100% and he trusts me too.”


 
Wallin says having a great team behind him means ramping up his quest for a world championship.


 
“I want to have three or four fights this year. I haven’t had that many fights the last couple years, so it’s important to me to stay busy. Next year, I’ll be looking for a bigger fight. I’m very excited about everything that is happening.”


 
The 40-year-old Flores, originally from Arizona, says preparations went surprisingly well for this fight.


 
“Training couldn’t have gone better,” Flores said. “I had eight good weeks of training and I have zero injuries. To be honest, I thought camp would be tougher, but everything bounced back nicely. I’ve been sparring for seven weeks. I normally have something nagging on fight week, but I sparred 10 rounds Saturday. I sparred four rounds today. I have 22 rounds in since last Wednesday and I feel great.”


 
Flores, a two-time world cruiserweight title challenger, says Wallin will be facing a totally different type of opponent than the ones he’s used to.


 
“He’s never been tested by a guy who thought he could win. Everybody he’s fought came in as an opponent. That’s not to say he’s not good, but I’m the first fighter on his resume coming in expecting to win and I’ve been in with far better opposition.


 
“I feel like once I get him in the middle rounds and show him he’s in with somebody who is not going anywhere, that’s when we will find out what he’s made of. My experience and game plan are perfect for testing an untested guy. Just because he’s untested doesn’t mean he can’t fight, but we’re going to find out Friday night.”


 
Contrary to most fighters’ preference, Flores says he’s happy Wallin is a left-handed fighter.


 
“I’ve been sparring nothing but tall southpaws. In fact, I haven’t sparred an orthodox fighter in nine weeks. I prefer to fight southpaws. It’s better for my punch selection to fight a southpaw. I’ve never had a problem with it and I’ve never lost to one.”


 
Now a 16-year pro, Flores says he won’t be worried if the younger fighter comes out with some early aggression.


 
“If he wants to start fast, that’s OK. I don’t care about the first two or three rounds. The real fight starts after the fourth round. I plan on winning the early rounds, but even if I don’t, it doesn’t matter until we get in the middle rounds. I’m going to attack and be aggressive and go up and down on him. Get him to the middle rounds and see where he’s at. I know where I’m at. I’ve been in with the best heavyweights and cruiserweights in the world over the last 15 years. I feel great and I’m ready.”


 
Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian 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.

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