SHOBOX SET FOR 100th TELECAST
Posted on | October 25, 2007 | 1 Comment
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION
TO COMMEMORATE 100TH TELECAST
WITH SIGNIFICANT HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE
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Eddie Chambers to Face Calvin Brock in IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator
Live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT from Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Wash.
NEW YORK (Oct. 22, 2007) – ShoBox: The New Generation will celebrate its 100th telecast with arguably the finest match-up and most significant heavyweight fight in the series’ distinguished six-year history.
The heavyweight “Battle for the Ages” will pit “Fast” Eddie Chambers (29-0, 16 KOs) against Calvin “The Boxing Banker” Brock (31-1, 23 KOs) in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title eliminator Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, on ShoBox: The New Generation (live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).
Brian Halquist Productions, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events will present the 12-round title elimination bout from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash. The SHOWTIME telecast will open with an 8-round Jr. welterweight bout pitting Joseito Lopez (21-2, 13 KOs) against the very tough Tyrone Harris (21-3, 14 KOs).
“This is perhaps the most significant fight we have had in ShoBox history in that it has the potential to severely impact the heavyweight division,” said Gordon Hall, vice president and executive producer for the premium network’s acclaimed boxing series. “Plus, the match-up epitomizes what ShoBox is all about—a young, rising star in Chambers in his toughest fight to date. Add world title implications and you’ve got a fight that you don’t want to miss.”
“This is the type of fight that will get fans excited about the heavyweight division. Line up the top contenders and let them fight their way to the title. Chambers will be up to the task,” exclaimed promoter Dan Goossen.
Chambers, of Philadelphia, Pa., is coming off an impressive unanimous decision win – in his ShoBox debut – over crafty veteran Dominick Guinn (May 5, 2007 on SHOWTIME). Chambers is not only fast, as his nickname alludes, but he is strong and agile with impeccable footwork. Chambers says he has been preparing for this fight since his professional career began in December 2000.
“This is my big opportunity to show the boxing world that I am ready to take the next step toward my goal of becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” said the 25-year-old Chambers, who is the No. 10 International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight contender.
“A win over Brock and I am that much closer to my match-up with (current IBF) heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko,” Chambers continued. “But I am not thinking that far ahead, as I am focused on a very dangerous opponent.”
“Fast Eddie is on the ‘Fast Track’ toward success,” said Rob Murray, Jr., Chambers’ manager. “We are very confident that Eddie will make a big statement in the heavyweight division.”
Brock, 32, of Charlotte, N.C., is a hard-hitting veteran whose lone loss came at the hands of IBF Heavyweight Champion Klitschko. Brock’s power, ring smarts and experience will test his unbeaten opponent.
“Chambers has a lot to prove,” Brock said. “I have been around the game, so I know what to do and what to expect. Chambers is still very green.”
“I hope the ratings are great,” said Brock, when asked about being a part of the 100th ShoBox telecast. “It’s very special to be part of this history-making broadcast. Most importantly, I hope fans tune in to watch a great and exciting heavyweight fight.”
The Chambers-Brock victor will take on the winner of the Oct. 27, 2007, match-up pitting IBF No. 5 contender and former IBF/WBO heavyweight titleholder, Chris Byrd, against IBF No. 11 contender and 2004 Olympic Heavyweight Gold Medalist, Alexander Povetkin.
This will be the second of the three young, rising stars heavyweight Events Goossen Tutor Promotions has put together to close out the year on heavyweight boxing on Showtime, leading off with last Friday’s Travis Walker-TJ Wilson upset. On November 16, from the beautiful Island of St. Lucia, #7 WBC heavyweight contender Cristobal Arreola challenges undefeated heavyweight Teke Oruh in the Showtime main event. The opening bout that evening will be 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward against undefeated super middleweight prospect, Roger Cantrell.
Play-by-play announcer Nick Charles and expert analyst/boxing historian Steve Farhood will call the action from ringside. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For information on Showtime Sports Programming, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz and Robert Guerrero. Kelly Pavlik became the 20th fighter who has fought on ShoBox to win a world title with his victory over Jermain Taylor on Sept. 29, 2007.