Tag Archives: WBC

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UNDEFEATED IVAN “THE BEAST” BARANCHYK MEETS DANGEROUS ABEL RAMOS IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER  FRIDAY, FEB. 10, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Undefeated Heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison Seeks 14th Consecutive KO When He Faces Daniel Martz In ShoBox Co-Feature

 

Live on SHOWTIME at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT

From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma

 

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs) will face aggressive-minded once-beaten Abel Ramos (17-1-2, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation® quadrupleheader on Friday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME® (10:05 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

In the co-feature, rising local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, hard-hitting heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison(13-0, 13 KOs), makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Daniel Martz (15-4-1, 12 KOs), of Clarksburg, West Virginia, in an eight-round match.

 

Undefeated former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joe “Mack” Williams (10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., clash in a confrontation of undefeated light heavyweights in an eight-round featured bout.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, the eight-round super featherweight scrap.

 

“The ShoBox main event on Feb. 10 between Ivan Baranchyk and Abel Ramos guarantees fireworks,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a tremendous quadrupleheader and I am happy to be back at Buffalo Run Casino, where heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison will look to delight hometown fans with another spectacular knockout.  The light heavyweight battle between Joseph Williams and former Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo features two undefeated prospects, and Jon Fernandez, co-promoted by Sergio Martinez, will collide with Ernesto Garza in a can’t-miss clash at junior lightweight.”

 

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ivan against a very good opponent,” said Tony Holden.  “Give Daniel Martz a lot of credit for taking the fight against Trey — we had serious difficulties finding an opponent willing to face him.  Both Ivan and Trey should be in position to advance their careers with a victory.”

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

IVAN BARANCHYK VS. ABEL RAMOS – 10 Rounds Super Lightweights

The offensive-minded Baranchyk packs outstanding power in both hands. Until winning a 10-round decision over Zhimin Wang last Sept. 23 on ShoBox, he’d won nine consecutive fights by knockout.  In his last outing, Baranchyk scored a 10-round decision over Wilberth Lopez on Dec. 10.

 

“I am looking forward to continuing my pursuit of a world title,” said the 5-foot-10-inch Baranchyk, who will make the first defense of his USBA junior welterweight title.  “Ramos is a very tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.

 

“I think I’ve proved my durability by going 10 rounds in my last two fights.  My team wants me to box more and let the knockouts come, so that is something we work on all the time.’’

 

The former European amateur standout, who was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn, is making his fourth appearance on the prospect developmental series.  The 24-year-old’s two other ShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated foes, totaled a combined 2:49.  All 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first.

 

The skilled Ramos is a five-year pro who’s won three in a row, all by knockout in 2016, since his only loss, a ninth-round TKO to highly regarded undefeated Regis Prograis (15-0) in 2015 on ShoBox.

 

A prospect at 140 pounds and a legit test for Baranchyk, the 5-foot-9-inch Ramos was a stellar amateur.  The 25-year-old was the bronze medalist at both the 2010 U.S. National PAL Championships and 2010 U.S. National Championships (at 141 pounds) before turning pro in September 2011.

 

“I’m very excited for this fight and I am preparing for a war,” said Ramos, who possesses an aggressive style, good skills and movement.  “Baranchyk likes to fight moving forward as do I, so it is going to be an action-packed main event at Buffalo Run.”

 

Ramos, who grew up in Gettysburg, Pa. and resides in Casa Grande, Ariz., is coming off a seventh-round TKO over Juan Jesus last Aug. 26.  In his ShoBox debut in 2014, Ramos and fellow unbeaten Maurice Hooker (12-0-1 going in) slugged it out for eight rounds, battling to a majority draw in one of the most exciting fights on the series that year.

 

TREY LIPPE MORRISON VS. DANIEL MARTZ  – Eight Rounds, Heavyweights

The power-punching Morrison has recorded nine first-round knockouts, three second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014.  Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father in both his looks and his fighting style, has fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma but trains at the Wild Card Boxing Club with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

 

In his outing before last, Morrison won his ShoBox debut with a ruthless first-round TKO over previously undefeated Ed Latimore (13-0) on Sept. 23, 2016.

 

Latimore was expected to provide Morrison with his most daunting test but wound up getting demolished, going down twice, in Morrison’s first start since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in January, 2016.

 

“Health-wise, I’m great,’’ said the 6-foot-2, 27-year-old Morrison who resides in Hollywood, Calif. “I’m going to approach this fight like I did my last fight, like I do all my fights.  I can’t afford to look past any fight.  I have to take them one at a time.  I just have to focus on my opponent.

 

“My training has been going really good, the transition with me and Freddie continues to be smooth.  I just want to continue to improve.  I’m hoping for a good performance, and I think I’ll have one.  All I can do is give the best I can and then whatever happens will happen.’’

 

Morrison, who was born in Vinita, Okla., is one of promoter Tony Holden’s group of fighters known as the “Four State Franchise.”  They include Trey’s half-brother Kenzie Morrison, Baranchyk and Dillon and Jesse Cook.  The Oklahoma-based Holden promoted Tommy Morrison for most of his career.

 

The 26-year-old Martz is a classic all-or-nothing heavyweight.  All but three of Martz’ wins have come via knockout, and he aims to pick up his fifth win over an undefeated opponent when he takes on Lippe Morrison.

 

Martz, who stands at 6-foot-7, handed heavyweight prospect Alexis Santos his first defeat and has shared the ring with newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.

 

LENIN CASTILLO VS. JOE WILLIAMS – Eight Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Castillo, who represented the Dominican Republic at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, turned pro in August 2010.  He’s won three straight by knockout, since boxing an eight-round majority draw with unbeaten Travis Peterkin (15-0) on Aug. 21, 2015.

 

The 6-foot-2, 28-year-old Castillo has 10 knockouts, and all have come in five rounds or less.

 

“I know that Williams is undefeated and that he will come in at his best,” Castillo said.  “Well, I’m coming with my best too, so it going to be an exciting fight.  It’s two undefeated fighters – the perfect kind of fight for ShoBox.”

 

Williams, who owns an amateur victory over undefeated prospect Andrew Tabiti, was a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion and a 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion.  A 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate, Williams is popular on the New York fight scene and a union worker outside the ring.

 

The 28-year-old has been dominant since turning pro in September 2013, however he’ll be taking a leap in class in facing former Olympian Castillo.

 

“I’m already in great shape and I won’t be stopped,” said Williams, who’s fought eight of his 10 fights in New York.  “I’m a throwback fighter, the last of a dying breed that will fight and beat anyone in my way.  It’s hard to find a fighter who can do all this.

“I can’t wait till Feb. 10 because I’m finally getting my shot on national television to show the world what I can do. This will open a lot of doors for me and the world will see the next superstar of boxing, Joseph ‘Mack’ Williams.”

 

JON FERNANDEZ VS. ERNESTO GARZA – Eight Rounds, Super Featherweights

Fernandez, of Bilbao, País Vasco, Spain, is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and legendary Argentine superstar and former longtime middleweight world championSergio Martinez.   He was an amateur champion in his native Spain and member of the Spanish National Team in 2013 and 2014.

 

A pro since March 2015, the 21-year-old has won eight straight by knockout, all inside five rounds.  The 5-foot-10 Fernandez was a chief sparring partner for Carl Frampton as he prepared for his Jan. 28 rematch with Leo Santa Cruz.

 

“This fight is very important to my boxing career and I will put on a great performance for the fans in attendance and those watching on SHOWTIME,” said the-5-foot-11 Fernandez who is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Mikael Mkrtchan (16-1 going in) to capture the WBC Youth Super Featherweight World Title last Oct. 8.

 

“Garza is a pressure fighter that throws a lot of punches.  He reminds me of Nacif Martinez, who I beat by TKO in Connecticut.  I think I can beat Garza by KO, too.  His style is perfect for me.”

 

Feb. 10 will be Fernandez’ second fight in the United States, and second outside of Spain. He’s remained active since turning pro in March 2015; he fought five times that year, and five times in 2016.

 

A decorated amateur, Garza was a six-time Michigan Golden Gloves champion and the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champ at 119 pounds.  The 28-year-old has won seven of eight since turning pro, including victories in his last two fights.

 

“I’m so excited for this great opportunity,” the 5-foot-4-inch Garza said. “It’s a dream that’s coming true. I finally get a chance to show my talent to the world.”

 

Fernandez vs. Garza is promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.

 

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.

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

Baranchyk-Ramos Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation February 10

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Five unbeaten fighters featured at the Buffalo Run Casino!
For Immediate Release
Miami, OK (January 29, 2017) – Holden Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. return to the Buffalo Run Casino for an outstanding evening of boxing Friday, February 10 in Miami, OK.
The card is highlighted by a quadrupleheader airing live on Showtime at 10:05 PM ET as part of the ShoBox: The New Generation series and features eight fighters with a combined record of 100-6-4 and 76 wins by knockout.
Headlining is a 10 round showdown between USBA and WBC USNBC junior welterweight titlist Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk and Abel Ramos.
A perfect 13-0 with 10 knockouts, Baranchyk fought on ShoBox last September, shutting out previously unbeaten Zhimin Wang. Residing in Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia, The IBF #7 ranked Baranchyk became the Buffalo Run Casino’s adopted son and is a member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise.” He is promoted by Holden, DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc.
Fighting out of Arizona, Ramos has an impressive 17-1-2 professional ledger and 12 victories by KO. In May 2016, Ramos needed less than 5 rounds to stop undefeated Dario Ferman and he owns impressive victories over Carlos Villa (4-0) and Roberto Ramirez (13-1). The 25-year-old Ramos also has draws against Levan Ghvamichava (9-0-1) and Maurice Hooker (12-0-1).
Trey Lippe-Morrison looks to continue working his way up in the heavyweight division when he squares off with Daniel “The Mountain” Martz.
Trained by Freddie Roach out of the Wildcard Boxing Club in Los Angeles, CA, Lippe-Morrison’s 13-0 with all of his wins coming by way of knockout. The Vinita, OK native stopped 9 of his 13 foes in less than a round, with only one of his opponents making it out of the second stanza. The son of Tommy Morrison, Lippe-Morrison received major attention when he stopped 13-0 Ed Latimore in less than a round on ShoBox and is a member of the “Four State Franchise.”
The fighting pride of Clarksburg, WV, Martz looks for his fifth win over an undefeated foe. Martz, 15-4 (12 KO’s), most notably handed Alexis Santos his first defeat, sending the then 13-0 Santos to the canvas in the opening round. He’s also shared the ring with newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ivan against a very good opponent and give Daniel Martz a lot of credit for taking the fight against Trey,” said Tony Holden. “We had serious difficulties finding an opponent for Trey. Both fighters should be in position to advance their careers with a victory.”
Somebody’s 0 must go when 2008 Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo, 15-0-1 (10 KO’s), and Queens, NY’s Joseph “Mack” Williams, 10-0 (7 KO’s), meet in an eight round light heavyweight scrap. Castillo or Williams, both 28, could become a player in 175 pound decision with a victory.
Rounding out the televised portion of the card will be the US debut of Spain’s Jon Fernandez. At 10-0 with 8 victories by knockout, Fernandez won the WBC Youth title in his last fight and looks to capture the attention of American fight fans when he challenges 7-1 Michigan native Ernesto Garza. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds in the super featherweight division.
Castillo, Williams and Fernandez are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
“With an all-action main event between Baranchyk and Ramos, the American debut of Jon Fernandez, a battle of two unbeaten light heavyweights and the return of Trey Lippe-Morrison, this card represents what ShoBox is all about,” said Lou DiBella. ShoBox is a great series and I’d like to congratulate Showtime’s Gordon Hall for winning the Taub Award for the outstanding job he’s done running the program.”
In the untelevised portion of the undercard, heavyweight Kenzie Witt, 9-0-2 (8 KO’s), and welterweight Jarrett Rouse, 10-0-1 (4 KO’s), will face opponents to be named.
Tickets can be purchased by logging onto Stubwire.com/event/shoboxthenewgeneration/buffaloruncasino/miami/14075.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Junior Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Four-Division World Champion Defends Her Title Against
Former World Champion Yazmin Rivas Saturday, January 14
From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 (7 p.m. ET/PT)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME®
 
BROOKLYN (January 5, 2017) — Four-division world champion Amanda Serranohosted media at the Mendez Gym in New York on Thursday as she nears her championship defense against former champion Yazmin Rivas on Saturday, January 14from Barclays Center in  Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
The Serrano vs. Rivas fight is the first nationally televised women’s world title bout in nearly a decade and will headline action on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Coverage starts at7 p.m. ET/PT and features Ievgen Khytrov battling Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising middleweight contenders.
The January 14 event features a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®doubleheader headlined by the super middleweight world championship unification showdown between Badou Jack and James DeGale.  Televised coverage on SHOWTIME® begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza defending against  undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.
Amanda, along with Pedraza and her sister, Cindy Serrano, are the only three current world champions that were born in Puerto Rico. They will look to represent the island when they fight in front of the many Puerto Rican boxing fans in New York. On Thursday, the sisters gave the media a treat and sparred each other ahead of the January 14event.
Here is what Amanda and Cindy had to say at the media workout on Thursday:
AMANDA SERRANO
“I’m excited and blessed to be fighting on SHOWTIME EXTREME. It’s a real honor to be in this position. I’m not going to disappoint come Saturday night.
“It’s going to be historic. This is a vintage Puerto Rican vs. Mexican rivalry. Neither one of us wants to give an inch or give a step back. It’s in my home and I can’t wait.
“I’ll be ready to go the distance. I’m always ready for it. We’re trained to go the distance every time; it just usually doesn’t come down to that. There’s never a day that we go into the gym and don’t prepare to go the distance.
“The first time I fought at Barclays Center I met Stephen Espinoza and he said my highlights might make the telecast. I told him that I was going to make sure that the whole fight is highlights. Now we’re here.
“It could be any other female in this position. I’m just glad that it’s happening. We fight in and out of the ring to get into this position. I’m not taking it for granted.
“Of course I feel the pressure of the moment, but I do all my hard work in the gym. I know that once I go in the ring, I just have to fight with all I have.
“Women have been here in boxing for a long time. Everyone has been fighting for this. This extra exposure is great for the sport. We want to make it as popular as the female fighting is in MMA. We’re getting punched in the faced too. I think our time is coming. The pressure is on me to showcase my sport on January 14.
“I’m hoping that with this fight, the ride doesn’t end here. I hope the exposure keeps growing and growing. I’m not going to give up on it. One day I hope to headline on a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING card.”
CINDY SERRANO, WBO Featherweight World Champion
“That was a good sparring session. It’s always tough to get in there with her. She’s slick and powerful and we just tried to give the reporters a good show. We wanted to tease you and show a little bit of why women are worthy of being showcased on television. The real one comes January 14.
“I don’t know too much about Rivas but she’s definitely a tough fighter who has accomplished a lot. She’s a Mexican fighter so the Puerto Rican-Mexican rivalry will be on display. Hopefully she can last a few rounds and let Amanda show how talented of a fighter she is. It’s going to be a great fight.
“I’m on cloud-nine right now after winning my world title and I can’t wait to get back in the next couple of months and defend my belt.”
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Warriors Congratulates ‘King’ Carlos Molina for Victory Saturday Night and Sensational 2016

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Warriors Boxing sends congratulations out to Former IBF junior middleweight world champion “King” Carlos Molina for winning his sixth consecutive (and fifth this year) fight on Saturday night.
Fighting at the Gran Oasis Arena in Cancun, Mexico, Molina (28-6-2, 8 KOs) won a unanimous shutout (80-72 X3) decision over Diego “Demoledor” Cruz (17-4-1, 13 KOs). The 33-year-old Molina is currently rated #9 at welterweight by the WBC.
“I feel very comfortable at 147; this is my natural weight,” said Molina, post-fight. “I am at weight after working out and I feel faster in my fights. For this fight, I worked on utilizing my jab and being more effective with it. Over all I am happy about how things came together. I will continue to work hard to get back to a world title fight.”
Molina says he likes the hectic schedule he maintained this year, in fighting five times against respectable opposition.
“I want to stay busy. The activity I experienced this year was excellent and I want to continue being busy. I want bigger fights with anyone in the top 10 at 147. I want the fights that will lead to a second world title. I am a problem for anyone at 147 and in 2017, I want to be challenged with the best the division has to offer.”
“Carlos was one of the best in the world at 154,” said his promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. “But at 147, he could very well be the best in the world. He is a true technician with a difficult style to solve for anyone. Now that he’s bigger and stronger than his opponents, he’s in very serious contention for a second world championship once again. He had a great year and I congratulate him.”
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Free Agent Boxing Management Congratulates Former World Champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez for Title-Winning Victory

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Team Rodriguez Setting Sights on ‘Chocolatito’
 
José A. Acevedo of Free Agent Boxing Management wishes to congratulate his fighter, Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez, for winning both the UBF All-Americas and Latino Super Flyweight Championships in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, Virginia, on Saturday (December 10).
 
A former interim WBA Light Flyweight and WBC Youth World Light Flyweight Champion, Rodriguez, now ranked #15 by the IBF, scored an eight-round decision over Puerto Rico’s former WBA Fedecentro Super Flyweight Champion, Edwin “Puto” Rodriguez (8-3, 5 KOs), no relation.
 
The victory marked the first time Sinaloa, Mexico’s Rodriguez had ever competed in the United States.
 
Although the Puerto Rican was able to get inside a few times, Rodriguez used his jab to keep him outside and controlled the action for most of the fight.
 
“Torito got some good rounds in against Rodriguez,” said manager Acevedo. “This will help him brush off that ring rust. I am very happy with his performance. I knew this fight was going to go the distance, because ‘Puto’ is a good fighter. Torito is very strong though, with a bright future ahead of him.”
 
Acevedo says the win was the first step pin his plan to put Rodriguez in his dream fight.
 
“Next we will be looking to fight the best of the best to get Torito back on top. He wants to be champion again and he’ll fight anyone to get there. But the fight he really wants is (current WBC World Super Flyweight Champion Roman) Chocolatito (Gonzalez). That’s who we are gunning for.”
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PROMOTER DON KING HOPES WBC WILL DECLARE BERMANE STIVERNE WBC INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP

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LAS VEGAS (Dec. 17, 2016) – In the aftermath of Saturday’s news that the WBC Interim heavyweight title fight in Russia between former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne and top-ranked Alexander Povetkin had been cancelled because Povetkin tested positive for drugs again, Hall of Fame promoter Don “Only In America” King offered a simple solution:

 

Declare his fighter, Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, the interim champion.

 

“I’ve had a long-standing respect with the WBC, beginning with Jose Sulaiman and now with his son, Mauricio, who has done an incredible job filling his father’s shoes as WBC president and just got re-elected for four more years. I stand with them and with the WBC for trying to do things the right way and with their organization’s safety procedures in regard to the boxers and the sport.

 

“It’s sad but this guy, Povetkin, has become a total embarrassment. He’s now tested positive in two WBC heavyweight title fights in a row. I’m all for winning and losing fights in the ring, but it’s time for justice to prevail. I don’t know what’s going on over there with so many Russian athletes in so many sports testing positive for drugs, but it has to stop. They cannot be allowed to continue to do things the way they are.

 

“The WBC should declare Stiverne world champion, make him the mandatory for (WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay) Wilder, and let’s move on with it. There are a lot of great heavyweight fights that can be made with willing boxers who don’t break the rules every fight.

 

“I’m very disappointed for Bermane, who’s now gone through two training camps with nothing to show for it. Why put up all that money for travel and expenses and then have no fight. He was ready to beat Povetkin and regain a part of the WBC title.

 

“And then – worse yet — for them to try and put it on Bermane for not fighting is just ludicrous. They’re taking the victim and trying to set him up as the criminal in this.’’

 

Stiverne pulled out after the WBC withdrew its sanction because Poverkin tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed the positive test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on Saturday morning. Then, the WBC withdrew its recognition of the fight.

“There’s no reason to fight if the WBC won’t sanction the bout,” said Stiverne, who could have gone through with the bout but without the sanction opted not to. “I’m very disappointed in the actions of Povetkin. I’ve been training for months to be victorious.

“To wake up the day of the fight, have breakfast, take a nap and then find out he tested positive is the worst possible situation.”

This is the second time in seven months Povetkin (30-1-0, 22 KOs) has tested positive for a banned substance. He tested positive for Meldonium ahead of a scheduled May bout with Wilder, cancelling that fight.

If it had transpired, the winner of the fight for the WBC interim heavyweight title would have become the mandatory challenger to Wilder. Stiverne lost the WBC title to Wilder on a 12-round decision on Jan. 15, 2015. He’s the only fighter to go the distance with Wilder.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Junior Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano Meets Former Two-Division World Champion Yazmin Rivas Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® in First Women’s World Title Bout on National Television in Nearly A Decade

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Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Plus! Undefeated Rising Middleweight Contenders

Ievgen Khytrov & Immanuwel Aleem Collide in Action

Beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ PT

 

BROOKLYN (December 2, 2016) – Junior featherweight world champion and Brooklyn-native Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (30-1-1, 23 KOs) is set to battle former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas (35-9-1, 10 KOs) in the first nationally televised women’s world title bout in nearly a decade on Saturday, January 14, live on SHOWTIME EXTREME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

NOTE: The last nationally televised female world title fight was Mary Jo Saunders vs. Valerie Mahfood on March 30, 2007 (ESPN2).

 

The SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT and features Ievgen Khytrov (14-0, 12 KOs) battling Immanuwel Aleem(16-0-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising contenders for the WBC Middleweight Silver belt.

 

The January 14 event features a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader headlined by the super middleweight world championship unification showdown between Badou Jack and James DeGale.  Televised coverage on SHOWTIME® begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

 

Serrano, the WBO 122-pound titlist, and Rivas, the WBC International champion at super bantamweight, will fight for the WBO title and the prestigious WBC Diamond championship in a bout that promises intense action from start to finish. The addition of Serrano means that the card will feature Puerto Rico’s only two world champions, Serrano and Pedraza.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 27-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in February when she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship. She made her Barclays Center debut in July with a first-round stoppage of Calixta Silgado before earning another victory in the first round when she stopped Alexandra Lazar to pick up a vacant junior featherweight world title.

 

A 28-year-old out of Torreon, Mexico, Rivas picked up her WBC International title in her last bout, a decision victory over Jessica Gonzalez. Rivas had previously successfully defended her bantamweight world title four times after winning the belt against Alesia Graf in 2014. Her prior run as a bantamweight champion lasted for five defenses after she defeated previously unbeaten Susie Ramadan to win that belt. These extended championship runs came after she became a flyweight world champion in 2005 by defeating Lucia Avalos.

 

An Olympian who represented his native Ukraine, Khytrov also won an Amateur World Championship before turning pro in 2013. Since then, the 28-year-old has dominated on his way to stopping contenders Josh Luteran and Nick Brinson and previously unbeaten fighters Maurice Louishomme and Aaron Coley. Khytrov, who trains out of Brooklyn, won an entertaining ninth-round knockout over Paul Mendez in his last start this past July. Khytrov has fought three times previously on ShoBox: The New Generation.

 

Born in East Meadow, New York and fighting out of Richmond, Virginia, Aleem was introduced to boxing at a young age by his parents. Since turning pro in 2012 at age 18, the 23-year-old has wiped out all of the competition in front of him. In 2015, he dominated Emmanuel Sanchez, David Toribio, Oscar Riojas and Carlos Galvan before defeating once-beaten Jonathan Cepeda in April. In his last bout, he boxed a draw with once-beaten prospect Demond Nicholson. He will look to take advantage of another big opportunity on January 14.

 

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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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Middleweight Antoine Douglas returns to action against Ernesto Berrospe on Thursday, November 10 at the 26th Annual Fight for Children Fight Night at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

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For Immediate Release
Nutley, NJ (October 31, 2016)–Middleweight contender Antoine “Action” Douglas will be in action when he takes on Ernesto Berrospe on Thursday night, November 10th at the 26th annual Fight for Children Fight Night DC at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
Douglas from nearby Burke, Virginia, has a record of 19-1-` with 13 knockouts, and will be making his first appearance in eight months.
The 24 year-old Douglas won his first 19 bouts, which propelled him to a top-5 world ranking that included wins over Les Sherrington (35-7)m Istvan Szili (18-0-2), Thomas LaManna (16-0). former world title challenger Luca Messi (37-9-1), Marquies Davis (8-0-2) and Colby Courter (4-0).
Douglas is a four year professional, and has captured the Interim WBC FECARBOX, WBA International, WBA Fedelatin & WBO International Middleweight titles.
Douglas is coming off his first professional defeat when he was stopped in 10 rounds by Avtandil Khurtzsidze on March 5th in Bethlehem, PA.
Berrospe of Guadalajara, Mexico has a record of 11-9 with 7 knockouts.
The 30 year-old Berrospe is a 10 year professional,and has a win over previously undefeated Josue Mendoza (7-0-2).  Berrospe is coming off a stoppage defeat to D’Mitrius Ballard on June 11th in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Camp is great and I am glad to be back in the ring,” said Douglas.  “It did not take long for me to get back in the swing of things.  I got the rust off early in camp and I am ready to go.”
When asked what he is looking for coming off his first setback, Douglas is eager to show he is ready to be one of the top middleweight contenders in the world.
“I want to see crispness and preciseness in my punches.  I am also looking to show good footwork and defense.”
Douglas is not looking to rush anything as he wants to be on top of his game when he is next called upon to fight the elite fighters.
“I want to see where I am after this fight.  I have been working hard and I have been ready to fight yesterday.”

Douglas is now managed by the respected Henry Rivalta

Said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki, “Antoine had a well deserved rest, and now he is ready to finish what he started, and that is to become world champion.  One bad night will not define his career and I believe we have not yet seen the best from him.   It says a lot about him as he fought 21 fights in just 29 months, and then steps in with a guy who took the fight on short notice that nobody wanted to fight and nobody still wants to fight in Khurtsidze.  We have a plan for him to get him back knocking on the door of a world title and we look forward to moving him back in position.”
GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards & John Luna;  Lightweight’s O’Shaquie Foster & Logan Yoon, Jr. Lightweight Antonio Williams, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas, LeRoy Davilla & Stephon Young to the GH3 Promotions stable.
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World ranked lightweight Xolisani Ndongeni & featherweight super prospect Ruben Villa headline undercard on Friday, November 4

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Undefeated Ukranian welterweight Taras Shelestyuk faces upset-minded Jaime Herrera in main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader, LIVE on SHOWTIME®
Undefeated Cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru & Stivens Bujaj Meet In Co-feature; Nephew of Former World Champion Popo Freitas, Vitor Jones Freitas Faces Manuel Mendez

Live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
From Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.
 
Tickets on Sale Now
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA./Corona CA. (Oct. 25, 2016) – World ranked lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni and highly regarded featherweight prospect Ruben Villa will headline a terrific undercard on Friday night, November 4th at the Omega Products International Events Center in Corona, California.
Ndongeni of East Cape, South Africa has a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and is ranked number-2 by the WBA.

The 26 year-old will be making his American debut against Juan Garcia Mendez (19-1-1, 12 KO’s) of Mexicali, Mexico in a bout scheduled for ten-rounds.

Ndongeni turned professional in 2010 and is the IBO Lightweight champion and former South African Super Featherweight & Lightweight champion. Among his 21 wins is a win over former world champion Mzonke Fana. In his last bout, Ndongeni scored a 1st round stoppage over Emilio Norfat on April 22nd in East London, South Africa.

Ndongeni is promoted is Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves Promotions.

Mendez, 24 years-old, is a 7 year professional, and is on a five-fight winning streak. In his last bout, Mendez stopped Roman Mendez in 1 round on May 29, 2015 in Mexicali, Mexico.

Villa of Salinas, California has a record of 2-0 with 2 1st-round knockouts.

The 19 year-old was a two-time National Golden Glove Champion, 2-time Jr. Olympics Champion, and 2015 Olympic Trials runner-up, and he holds two victories over 2016 Olympic silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.

He turned professional on July 29th with a 1st round stoppage over Gerardo Molina. Villa followed that up with a first round stoppage over Jose Mora on September 23rd in Ontario, California.

Villa’s opponent in the scheduled four-round bout will be announced shortly.

In a 4-round super flyweight bout, Danny Andujo (2-0, 1 KO) of Temcula, California will battle Joel Cano (0-3) of  Ciudad, Mexico.

Jonathan Esquivel of Anaheim, California will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions & Thompson, are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.
Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) will face upset-minded Jaime Herrera in the 10-round welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, NY by way of Moldova, and Stivens “Superman” Bujaj(16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International and WBC Continental Americas titles.

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, CA, in an 8-round bout. The 23-year-old Freitas is the nephew of popular former four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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UNDEFEATED UKRAINIAN WELTERWEIGHT TARAS SHELESTYUK FACES UPSET-MINDED JAIME HERRERA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, NOV. 4, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Undefeated Cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru & Stivens Bujaj Meet In Co-feature; Nephew of Former World Champion Popo Freitas, Vitor Jones Freitas Faces Manuel Mendez

 

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

From Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.

 

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 13, 2016) – Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze MedalistTaras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) will face upset-minded Jaime Herrera in the 10-round welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, Nov. 4, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.

 

Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of the Ukraine,  was a member of a 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team that included featherweight gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko and heavyweight gold medalist Oleksandr Usyk.  Jaime Herrera (15-3-1, 8 KOs), of Chicago, Ill., has defeated unbeaten prospects in four of last nine fights and is 8-1-1 overall since July 2012.

 

In the co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, N.Y. by way of Moldova, and Stivens “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International and WBC  Continental Americas titles.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, Calif., in an eight-round bout.  The 23-year-old Freitas is the nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas.

 

Four of the six fighters on the distinctly international tripleheader will risk their unbeaten records against what likely will be their toughest assignments to date.  Shelestyuk and Bejanaru will be making their second ShoBox starts.  It’s also the second time ShoBox has aired from Omega. The first took place Oct.5, 2007, and featured victories by Yonnhy Perez and Mickey Bey Jr., who would both go on to become world champions, two of the 67 boxers on ShoBox to do so.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing, Hitz Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.

 

TARAS SHELESTYUK  VS. JAIME HERRERA – 10-Round Welterweight Main Event

Taras Shelestyuk (pronounced “TARE-as SHELL-es-took) averaged 85 punches per round in his ShoBox debut last November, winning an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Aslanbek Kozaev.  In his most recent start and lone outing this year last May 20, the 5-foot-10, 30-year-old Shelestyuk knocked out Erick Martinez in the third round at Ontario, Calif.

 

“My training is going great, I am more powerful and my speed is better,” said the former international standout.  “Herrera is a rough fighter, but it doesn’t matter to me because I am looking to step up and get into championship level fights.’’

 

Shelestyuk, who is trained by Eric Brown at Wild Card West, possesses solid skills, movement and punching power.  Since turning pro in March 2013 he has exclusively campaigned in the United States.  Many from the outstanding 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team became immediate prospects as professionals, including Lomachenko, who won a featherweight world championship in just his third fight on SHOWTIME.   Now, it’s Shelestyuk’s turn to step up to the plate.

 

“I follow the 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team, and all the guys are doing very well and I’m happy for them,’’ said Shelestyuk, who went 300-15 in the amateurs. “But I do not compare my results with anybody else because I have my own career and my own path to a championship belt, and I am enjoying this journey.”
Herrera, a pro since December 2009, seems to be a legitimate test for Shelestyuk. Herrera has won three straight, defeated undefeated prospects in four of last nine fights, and is 8-1-1 overall since dropping a decision to Adrian Granados in 2012.  One of those wins was an upset knockout of one-time highly ranked welterweight and world title challenger Mike “Machine Gun” Jones on Aug. 23, 2014.

 

“Taras is a great fighter and I know I’m the underdog, but I’ve surprised some fighters before and I’m confident and ready to give it my best and win again,” said Herrera.  “I’m coming into this fight with the same mentality I had in those fights against the other unbeaten guys. The way I see it, Taras has everything to lose and I fight as I have nothing to lose.’’

 

“I’ve been training very seriously and I’m excited to be able to showcase my skills on television. I grew up watching ShoBox. There will be more eyes on me and they will see my ability to fight. Getting a win will increase my ranking and open up more doors for my career.”

 

CONSTANTIN BEJENARU VS. STIVENS BUJAJ – 10-Round Cruiserweight Bout

Bejenaru (pronounced “bay-zhin-nah-ROO”) was an accomplished amateur.  The southpaw boxed on the Romanian national team for 10 years and was a nine-time national champion.

 

In his ShoBox premiere last April 15, the active and athletic native of Ungheni, Moldova, scored a unanimous eight-round decision over previously unbeatenAlexey Zubov (10-0), a former Russian amateur champion and seven-time European amateur champion.

 

Bejenaru is anxious to return to ShoBox and continue his winning ways. “Bujaj is a great boxer, we are both undefeated but there can only be one victor, and I do not plan on losing this fight,’’ he said. “I entered this fight with the intention of winning. That is what I train to do, that is what I am going to do.

 

“As a man who has been boxing for over 22 years, I feel extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity.  In my previous ShoBox fight, I was labeled as the underdog. Those who doubted me quickly changed their opinions once they saw me fight, and even more so once the referee raised my hand in victory.’’

 

Bujaj (pronounced “Boo-ha”) was born in Kelmend, Albania, but relocated to the Bronx, New York at an early age.   The unbeaten prospect was a two-time New York Golden Gloves Champion at heavyweight who’s made for good fights every time out and mostly made it look easy. This is Bujaj’s third scheduled 10-round start, while Bejenaru will be making his 10-round debut.

 

The 26-year-old has won his last four in a row, including his last two by knockout, since boxing a split 10-round draw in a slugfest with then-undefeated three-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion Junior Wright (10-0) in May 2014.

 

“I’m getting prepared,’’ said Bujah who’s coming off a first-round TKO over previously undefeated beaten Sergio Ramirez (11-0) on June 11.  “I’m training like this is a world title fight, and I’m totally ready to win.  I know my opponent is undefeated and I can’t overlook him.  The way I feel, I’m on my ‘A’ Game.  I was training in Las Vegas and now I am back in New York with Sharif Younan and I am ready to do everything I can to win this fight.

 

“This is the exposure and opportunity I’ve been waiting for.  I just want to pick up these WBC titles that we are fighting for and be bumped up the rankings. Once I pick up these belts, I will be in the top 10 and anything is possible.’’

 

VITOR JONES FREITAS VS. MANUEL MENDEZ – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas has been victorious in 12 consecutive bouts since fighting a No-Contest in his pro debut in July 2012.  He’s coming off a fifth-round TKO over Rodolfo Franz last May 21.

 

Two outings ago, Freitas captured the Brazilian lightweight crown with a 10-round decision over Sidney Siquiera.  This will Freitas’ sixth U.S. start; his last five fights were in Brazil.

 

“My uncle had many great fights on SHOWTIME and on Nov. 4, I am looking to carry on his legacy,” Freitas said.  “This will be another step in following in his footsteps to become a world champion.’’

 

Mendez, who is trained by the respected Joel Diaz, is coming off a fourth-round knockout over Erick Martinez this past Sept. 23 in Ontario. Mendez used a strong, bruising style in which he mixed his punches well to punish Martinez.  The 5-foot-8, 26-year-old Mendez has gone 12-0-2 since getting stopped in his pro debut in October 2010.

 

“I am excited about this opportunity to fight on ShoBox,’’ said Mendez who is a sparring partner for Ruslan Provodnikov and Timothy Bradley. “I know with a win, my career will escalate to a new level. I am looking to knock out Vitor.”

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhoodand former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich 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 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.