There is Only One ShoBox: The New Generation

Posted on | May 31, 2011 | No Comments

Two Nights, Six Fights, Twelve Fighters

Lateef Kayode, Chris Avalos & Archie Ray Marquez Return

Friday, June 10, Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez, California

Live at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME^®

Puerto Rican Prospects Headline on Eve of Puerto Rican Day Parade

Saturday, June 11, Roseland Ballroom, New York City

Live at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

NEW YORK (May 31, 2011) – Back-to-back three-fight telecasts. On opposite coasts. Twelve top-flight boxers with a combined record of 181-11-2 and 111 KOs in six exciting fights. All on the one and only ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME^®.

Weeks before it celebrates its 10^th anniversary, there will be an unprecedented double airing of ShoBox — with three-fight telecasts on SHOWTIME on consecutive evenings — Friday, June 10 (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) in Central California and a specialSaturday edition on June 11 (10:35 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) in New York City.

It is the first time the popular, critically acclaimed boxing series which has spawned 42 world champions will go two nights in a row – much less with fistic tripleheaders on each and 3,000 miles apart.

In the June 10 main event, hard-hitting Lateef Kayode (16-0, 14 KOs) will risk his unblemished record against the more experienced Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (20-2, 14 KOs) of Providence, R.I., in a 10-round cruiserweight bout at Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez,Calif. Other bouts on a Gary Shaw Productions-promoted event: Chris Avalos (18-1, 15 KOs) of San Diego, Calif.,  faces undefeatedKhabir “Crazy Russian” Suleymanov (11-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Chelybinsk, Russia in a 10-round super bantamweight match and Archie Ray Marquez (12-0, 8 KOs), of Albuquerque, N.M., and Armenian-born Art “Lionheart” Hovanessian (13-0, 7 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., clash in an eight-round battle of unbeaten lightweights.

The June 11 show features four Puerto Rican fighters on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. In the featured attraction, Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs), of Santuce, P.R., will be opposed by Vincent Arroyo (11-1, 7 KOs), of Rio Piedras, P.R. in a 10-round junior welterweight scrap at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The card co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Gary Shaw Productions will include a 10-round featherweight affair between promising Luis Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0,10 KOs), of Bayamon, P.R., and his toughest foe to date, Dat “Be Dat’’ Nguyen (17-1, 6 KOs) of Vietnam, and an eight-rounder pitting 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, power-punching Jonathan Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs), of Rio Piedras, against Colombian Richard Gutierrez (26-6-1, 16 KOs), of Miami ,in a middleweight match.

Says Farhood, who has called every ShoBox telecast, “I’m really looking forward to going back-to-back nights. Anything different is fun, and this is certainly different since it has never been done. Doing a show again in New York is great. We haven’t done one there in a few years.”

Regarding the fights, Farhood says “Kayode needed the scare he got last time on Shobox. Now he knows for sure he can’t overpower everybody. I’m anxious to see if he’s learned from the experience. But with Godfrey, he’ll be in with the toughest he’s ever been in. Underneath, there are two exciting, young fighters who’ve produced explosive victories on Shobox so that makes me anxious to see them again.

“On Saturday, Arroyo is a live underdog, if an underdog at all, and he’s coming off an impressive win over Willie Nelson on ShoBox in April.Gonzalez is a very young fighter with a perfect KO record so as he moves up we’ll see how legit his KO record is.’’

Kayode will be appearing on ShoBox for a fourth time and at Chumash for a fifth. The highly regarded Freddie Roach-trained puncher-boxer of Hollywood, Calif., by way of Lagos, Nigeria, had a 14-fight knockout streak end in his most recent fight when he had to settle for a unanimous 10-round decision over the awkward but elusive Nicholas Iannuzzi last Feb. 4 on ShoBox at Chumash. It was the only time since his pro debut on Aug. 15, 2008, that Kayode, 28, had not been victorious inside the distance.

“The decision is fine,” said Kayode after winning by the scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 95-94. “It was a good fight. I learned more from going the distance.’’

Godfrey, 30, has a distinct class advantage and has won a few minor titles. He has been knocked down twice in his career only to get up and win. His only losses were against hometown favorites in fights in Germany — to WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck on a fifth-round TKO in his last start on Aug. 21, 2010, in Erfurt, and on a 12-round decision to Rudolf Kraj in a WBC eliminator in March 2008 in Krefeld.  Godfrey, a six-time New England Golden Gloves champion, had more than 200 amateur bouts.

Avalos will be making his sixth start at Chumash and fifth on ShoBox. A pro since February 2008, the 21-year-old has won two consecutive fights since suffering his lone defeat on a 10-round split decision to fellow unbeaten Christopher Martin on Aug. 6, 2010, on ShoBox in Hinckley, Minn. Avalos won a third-round technical decision over Cecilio Santos in his last outing on Dec. 11, 2010 on the non-televised undercard of the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament.

Suleymanov, 30, will be making his ShoBox debut. He captured the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) crown in his last start with a thrilling ninth-round knockout over Francisco Gallo on Oct. 22, 2010, in Glendale, Calif. Suleymanov floored Gallo with a right hand late in the round. Gallo made it to his feet but could not continue and the referee stopped the bout at 2:59. A former top kickboxer, Suleymanov turned pro in September 2006. He and his twin brother, Sabir, made it to the bantamweight finals of the 2005 New York Golden Gloves. Rather than fight each other, both were awarded gold medals.

Marquez, one of the most talented boxers to come out of Albuquerque in years, went 2-0 in 2010 and will be making his third appearance on ShoBox. In his last effort on April 2, the highly regarded 22-year-old registered a unanimous eight-round decision over Johnny Frazier in Bernalillo, N.M. Marquez went 115-15 in the amateurs. His pro debut came in March 2005.

The Armenian-born Hovhanessian will be making his ShoBox debut. An aggressive-minded, 29-year-old former sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao has won 11 consecutive fights and five of his last six inside the distance, including a fifth-round knockout over Luis Lugo last April 23 in Los Angeles. Hovhanessian turned pro in April 2006 and fought his initial three fights in France. The draw came in his third fight.

The comebacking Sanchez, of Rio Piedras, will be making just his third start since December 2008 and first since a shocking fifth-round TKO loss to Cleotis Pendarvis on April 2, 2010, in Las Vegas. A two-time Puerto Rican national champion and the 2000 Junior Olympic Bronze medalist, Sanchez compiled an amateur record of 72-10 before going pro in March 2005. Sanchez’ most notable victory came on an eight-round decision over former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop’’ Corley on April 10, 2009.

Arroyo, 23, has won two straight, including an eight-round majority decision over the previously undefeated Nelson last April 8 on Shobox, since suffering his only setback on a six-round nod to Mike Dallas Jr. on Sept. 12, 2009. “I know Sanchez is a great fighter and that we will give a great fight for the viewers,’’ Arroyo said. “This is a great opportunity for both of us, and I will profit the most.’’

The 24-year-old Del Valle has won five in a row by knockout, including a sixth-round TKO over Irving Hernandez in his last outing Feb. 18 in Puerto Rico. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to fight as a star on SHOWTIME. I am preparing to make the best fight of my life,’’ said Del Valle, who knocked out Pasqual Rouse in the fourth round to capture the New York State featherweight title on July 10, 2010, in Poughkeepsie. Del Valle was an outstanding amateur for the U.S. before turning pro in April 2008.

Nguyen – not to be confused with the former NFL player with the same name — has competed exclusively in the United States since turning pro in May 2004. As an amateur in 2003, he became the first Vietnamese-American to earn a spot in the U.S. Championships, where he lost to eventual Olympic gold medalist Mickey Bey. The 28-year-old Nguyen, a resident of Vero Beach, Fla., has won his last six starts, all by decision, including an eight-round decision over Andres Ledesma in his last fight on Oct. 10, 2009. Nguyen suffered his lone loss on a six-round split decision to Gregorio Torres in August 2007.

Gonzalez, 21, possesses good movement and boxing ability – he’s not merely a brawler – yet has fought into the seventh round only once, and that came in his last outing against Rudy Cisneros at Chumash this past May 13. Eleven of his KO wins have come within three rounds. “I’m in the prime of my career but I’m training like never before to show my quality to the world,’’ said Gonzalez, the No. 11 contender in the World Boxing Association (WBA) who’s fought 10 of his 13 fights in the U.S. “This is a quick turnaround for me, but I’ll be ready for it.’’

Gutierrez, 32, is a physically strong, well-conditioned veteran who is experienced against capable competition. “I’m a complete boxer,’’ said Gutierrez, who is moving up in weight for this. “I’ll adjust, depending on how the fight is going. I’ll work the body, the corners, the ropes, or the middle.’’ A winner of 21 in a row after turning pro in January 2001, Gutierrez dropped a decision to then-undefeated Carlos Abregu on Feb. 6, 2006, on SHOWTIME.

Blow-by-blow announcer Curt Menefee and ringside analyst Steve Farhood, along with executive producer Gordon Hall, producerRichard Gaughan and director Rick Phillips will work the Friday night show from Santa Ynez. Expert analyst Antonio Tarver will join the announce team for Saturday’s telecast.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http:// sho.com/sports.

Wrestling Links (5-31-11)

Posted on | May 31, 2011 | No Comments

Pro Wrestling: 10 Greatest Managers of All Time Bleacher Report When wrestling enjoyed a major boom period in the 1980’s, the manager figure had still had an integral role to play. Managers could add something to storylines and rivalries and sometimes they could create their own feuds out of nowhere. … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

Impact Wrestling Taping Results (6/02) *Spoilers* Wrestling News World TNA taped this week’s Impact Wrestling tonight from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. They’ve banned cell phones so we were unable to do this live but they only delayed us a couple hours. * The show opens with Velvet Sky and ODB fighting backstage … See all stories on this topic »

Real wrestling returns to the ‘Peg Winnipeg Free Press Winnipeg is back on the wrestling map, and this time, it has nothing to do with Chris Jericho. After a seven-year absence, wrestling — the kind they have in the Olympics — will begin a new chapter in the city as the University of Winnipeg kicks off … See all stories on this topic »

WWE News: Kharma and the 23 Most Unstable Wrestling Personalities in History Bleacher Report The pro wrestling profession is a known life hazard that has been made infamous for swallowing its subjects whole only to spit them out. Once referred to, almost poignantly, by Jim Ross as “the wrecking lives leader” in sports and entertainment, … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

‘Pioneer of wrestling‘ among province’s top grapplers NorthernLife.ca A wrestler at heart, Whissell picked up BJJ last winter on a recommendation from a fellow wrestler. “I took his word for it, tried it out and I’ve been hooked ever since,” she said. In the last year alone, Whissell — a stock trader by career — has … See all stories on this topic » NorthernLife.ca

WrestlingGear.Com Donates 100 Pairs of Wrestling Kneepads to Beat the Streets USA Benzinga Com, an online retailer of wrestling apparel and equipment, has donated 100 pairs of kneepads to the Beat the Streets, a program that aims help at-risk kids in urban areas through the discipline and structure competitive wrestling provides. … See all stories on this topic »

There’s a Hulk Hogan game coming…for Kinect Lazygamer Apparently there’s a brand new wrestling game headed for the Xbox 260 and Kinect featuring that most iconic, equally overwrought leather-skinned Hulk Hogan. According to the studio behind the game, Hulk Hogan’s Main Event will be “the first … See all stories on this topic » Lazygamer

UFC 130’s Johnson says advantages in striking, wrestling earned nod over Torres MMAjunkie.com And on the ground, I controlled the top in the wrestling. There’s two aspects of the game right there. “He was throwing submissions, but he couldn’t finish me. I passed guard and I kept coming. I was hurt. I never backed up. I always came forward, … See all stories on this topic » MMAjunkie.com

Pulse Wrestling Recap: WWE Tough Enough, 05.30.2011 Inside Pulse The first kid has a wrestling ring, that Stone Cold signs for him, Then Luke signs it saying that hopefully the whole thing will be worth something some day. The next kid asks Andy if he is Stone Cold’s helper. Andy says that he would consider himself … See all stories on this topic »

News On RAW, Randy Savage, ‘Domino’, Orton, & More Wrestling Inc. By Ryan Clark | May 30, 2011 | Comments — In Australia, the only wrestling show in the Top 100 on Paid TV was WWE RAW at #53 with 27000 viewers. — The Lexington Sports-Leader has an article up with Randy Savage’s former baseball teammates remembering … See all stories on this topic »

Strength Coach: Johnson ‘Stronger Than Ever’ for Froch Fight

Posted on | May 31, 2011 | No Comments

When Things Go Right, They End in Fights

Posted on | May 31, 2011 | No Comments

Mixed Martial Arts Links (5-31-11)

Posted on | May 31, 2011 | No Comments

Brashear gets new opponent as second fighter drops out TSN MONTREAL — Former NHL enforcer Donald Brashear hasn’t even started his mixed martial arts career and he is already on his third opponent. A Ringside MMAspokesperson said Monday night that Steve Begin is injured and Brashear will now face Mathieu … See all stories on this topic » TSN

UFC 130 winner Rick Story thinks Jon Fitch is best opponent for next fight MMAjunkie.com by Steven Marrocco on May 30, 2011 at 1:00 pm ET He’s done well so far to request the fights that make the most career sense to him, and Rick Story (13-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) already has a guy in mind for his next appearance. Story, who earned his biggest win … See all stories on this topic » MMAjunkie.com

Jorge and Zoila Gurgel enjoying married life, eyeing MMA greatness MMAjunkie.com by Joshua Carey on May 30, 2011 at 10:00 am ET In mixed martial arts, it’s almost a job requirement for fighters to spend countless hours away from their families, and in some cases depart their homes in order to seek the proper instruction needed to … See all stories on this topic » MMAjunkie.com

Miguel Torres believes he did enough to defeat Demetrious Johnson at UFC 130 MMATorch One of the best examples of excellence in ground fighting in mixed martial arts came during the Spike TV Prelims Live broadcast for UFC 130 on Saturday night, as Miguel Torres and Demetrious Johnson fought to a decision in a fight that arguably should … See all stories on this topic » MMATorch

Bridgette Batch: Not just another prety face Examiner.com Batch began with martial arts by taking up tae know do and studied it for eight months, but she did not want to stay with that discipline for long. She then moved on to mixed martial arts and found that she had a passion for it. … See all stories on this topic »

UFC 130 post-fight press conference photo gallery Examiner.com Las Vegas– This past Saturday night, UFC 130 was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, marking yet another successful Memorial Day weekend card for the world’s premiere mixed martial arts organization. The nights main-event saw former Pride … See all stories on this topic »

Abbotsford’s Gary Mangat wins pro MMA debut Abbotsford Times By Cam Tucker, Abbotsford Times May 30, 2011 It took all of four minutes and seven seconds for Gary Mangat to announce his arrival as a professional mixed martial arts fighter. Mangat, who trains at the Mamba Martial Arts Academy in Abbotsford, … See all stories on this topic »

The School of Hard Knocks Manila Bulletin What was once a gory battle to the death has evolved into the scientific sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), a sport which requires an equal amount of physical and mental toughness. Carrying on the tradition of gladiators of olden times, celebrity Jace … See all stories on this topic »

UFC 130 Results: Rampage Jackson, Female Reporters, and Media Over Reaction Head Kick Legend Let’s not act like what I said was “don’t pay attention to attractive women.” Managing Editor – BloodyElbow.com – SBNation’s mixed martial arts headquarters. by Brent Brookhouse on May 30, 2011 9:00 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs. See all stories on this topic »

Team Puerto Rico Visits National Hero Wilfred Benitez, Gives a Donation and Bestows the Rank of Honorary Team Captain

Posted on | May 30, 2011 | No Comments

San Juan, Puerto Rico- In a short celebration today, Team Puerto Rico Boxing visited the home of three-time world champion and Puerto Rican hero Wilfred “The Radar” Benitez and awarded him the rank of Honorary Captain of the professional boxing team. They also made a donation to his care of $2000. In an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation “El Radar” graciously accepted the honor from Team Puerto Rico in front of his sister Yvonne Benítez, his nephews and immediate family. Benitez was world boxing champion in three different weight divisions and the youngest world champion in boxing history. “Being able to help a boxing hero such as Benítez is not only an honor, but a duty for all the joy he provided to this island. To be in his presence and be able to help him is something I will never forget,” said Javier Bustillo, president of Universal Promotions. Because of a decline in his health, family have taken over the daily care of this great fighter. On behalf of the Benitez family, Yvonne Benitez added, “I will never forget this gift from Team Puerto Rico. We are very grateful for the money and the position that has been awarded to my brother, as an Honorary Captain. Thanks to Team Puerto Rico’s boxers and its promoters who were here to support my dear brother.” Team Puerto Rico Boxing is composed of the highly decorated fighters: César “Junito” Seda, Jr. (20-1, 15 KOs), José “Sniper” Pedraza (2-0, 2 KOs), Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs),Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs), Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0, 10 KOs), Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs), Kenny “Batllestar” Galarza (14-1, 14 KOs) and Jorge “Machito” Maysonet (3-0, 2 KOs). Thomas Dulorme and Benitez “I’ve seen many of his fights and his skill was of another level, Benitez was truly special. I feel very good to be able to help,” said Seda, Jr. For his part, José Pedraza said, “I grew up watching him fight and it was impressive to see him in action. He had it all. It’s really special to me, to see him in person.” The presentation to Benitez was put together by the companies promoting Team Puerto Rico: Universal Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing. “I could not be present due to prior commitments, but I have Benitez in my heart. It is an honor that he has accepted the position of Honorary Captain. We, as promoters, have a duty that goes beyond just putting on fights. We must also support the fighters of past and present and that’s what we tried to do today, ” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. Jose Pedraza and Benitez For his part, Gary Shaw, President of Gary Shaw Productions said, “Benitez is a legend and it is an honor for us to have his support as Honorary Captain. I’m sure that Team Puerto Rico through its actions within the ring will do justice to this gentleman of boxing.” “Benitez is one of the best ever and is an honor for me to help him,” said Leon Margules, president of Warriors Boxing. Team Puerto Rico Boxing was developed by Shaw, DiBella, Bustillo and Margules in order to group the best young talent on the island on one team. Team Puerto Rico’s Next Appearance: Back-to-back, on June 10 and 11 (Friday and Saturday before the 2011 National Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday) at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, Gary Shaw Productions and DiBella Entertainment will present Boricua Invasion I and II, featuring members of Team Puerto Rico Boxing, the eight-man team of Puerto Rico’s future ring stars. Friday’s Boricua Invasion I will feature the unstoppable welterweight on everybody’s “one to watch” list, Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs) vs. former world champion DeMarcus Corley; Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico’s highlight-reel welterweight KO specialist Kenny “Battlestar” Galarza (14-1, 14 KOs) vs. Puerto Rican compatriot Irving Garcia and the future superstar already fighting in main events after just two bouts, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (2-0, 2 KOs). The main bouts of Boricua Invasion I will be televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights. Saturday’s Boricua Invasion II will feature four more members of Team Puerto Rico: featherweight Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0, 10 KOs) vs. Dat Nguyen; junior middleweight Jonathan “Mantequilla Gonzalez (12-0, 12 KOs); and light welterweight Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs) vs. Vincent Arroyo. Also scheduled for action are Team Puerto Rico light welterweight Jorge “Machito” Maysonet Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs); plus a special off-TV appearance by Puerto Rico-born light welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (15-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn. The main bouts of Boricua Invasion II will be broadcast live on Showtime: The New Generation. Tickets for Boricua Invasion I on Friday, June 10 are priced at $175, $125, $75, $45 and are available through Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. On Friday, doors will open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 6:30. Tickets for Boricua Invasion II on Saturday, June 11 are priced at $200, $150, $85, and $55 and are available through Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. On Saturday, doors will open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30. For VIP Package tickets to both nights, please call DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577. The Roseland Ballroom is located at 239 West 52nd Street in New York City. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.teampuertoricoboxing.com or www.latinoboxing.com. For more information on the Roseland Ballroom, visit www.roselandballroom.com.

PHILADELPHIA MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER TO HONOR BERNARD HOPKINS IN CELEBRATION OF HIS HISTORIC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

Posted on | May 30, 2011 | No Comments

Wednesday, June 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET

At The Rocky Statue at The Philadelphia Museum of Art

**OPEN TO THE PUBLIC**

WHO: BERNARD HOPKINS, WBC, WBC Diamond & Ring Magazine Light

Heavyweight World Champion

MICHAEL NUTTER, Mayor of Philadelphia

WHEN: This Wednesday, June 1

11:30 a.m. ET – Media Arrival

12:00 p.m. ET – Event Begins

WHERE: The Rocky Statue at The Philadelphia Museum of Art

26^th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19130

WHAT: Join Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter as he honors newly crowned WBC, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World

Champion Bernard Hopkins in celebration of Hopkins’ age-defying victory over Jean Pascal which made him the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title.

**This event is open to the public.  Fans are encouraged to arrive early.**

Rampage Jackson Hits on Hot Reporter

Posted on | May 30, 2011 | No Comments

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