In the main event of Friday’s SHOWTIME-televised ShoBox: The New Generation live from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, FL, undefeated lightweight contender Angelo “La Cobra” Santana (14-0, 11 KOs), devastated previously unbeaten Johnny Garcia (13-1,8 KOs) with a sensational knockout in the fifth round that left Garcia out cold on the canvas. Santana started a little slow while accepting a fair challenge from Garcia, who was able to touch the former two-time national Cuban champion very early. That changed in the second round when Santanas speed became a deciding factor, as he hurt and leveled the Holland, Mich. product with speed and power. Garcia was able to beat the count and made it through the next couple rounds, but was cut and slowly being broken down by big body shots and blistering fast counter punches. Santana delivered an incredible straight left hand from his southpaw stance in round 5 that knocked Garcia out cold before he hit the canvas. The fight was immediately called, no count necessary. “I was able to knock him [Johnny Garcia] out and that was my intention. He was a very strong opponent but I was able to stop him.” Santana quoted. “This performance says it all for me. This proves I am ready. “I felt nervous at the beginning as this was my first national TV appearance. I needed a round to gain my composure. But I was in front of my people and they supported me and that is something beautiful. “I was waiting for him to gain confidence and attack me because he was the taller fighter. Once he did that I was able to unload my left hand. I came looking for my fight and he was the one who hurried up.”
In the Co-Main Event super welterweights featuring world-ranked Miami favorite Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (23-1-1, 13 KOs), an American-born Cuban, won a hard fought unanimous decision over James “Shotgun” Winchester (15-6, 5 KOs), from Greensboro, N.C. Hernandez, 28, has won seven consecutive fights and is currently ranked No. 12 by the World Boxing Council and the International Boxing Federation. He’s the No. 13 rated 154-pounder in the World Boxing Organization. Joey Hernandez said “He [James Winchester] was a little awkward. He led with his head a lot. I did what I had to do and now it’s on to bigger and better things. “He was a tough guy, gave me good rounds. I would have liked to have thrown more combinations but I was being mindful of being headbutted. James Winchester: “I think I won the fight. He [Joey Hernandez] stepped on my foot when I fell and kept hitting me behind the head. “But you know what? It’s cool. This is his hometown crowd and now this crowd respects me.”
In the opening bout of the evening Heavyweight Trevor “The American Dream” Bryan 5-0(4KO) made easy work with a third round TKO win over Hassan Lee 4-3. Bryan dropped Lee midway through the first round with a big left hook, where Lee was able to survive the round that it was obvious the end was near. Lee scored another knockdown in round two and the end came in round three after a huge right hand promoted referee Frank Gentile to step in and stop the fight at 1:45. After the fight Bryan said “I told everyone my jab is my strongest punch. I pumped it up with my double jab and I set my man up.” “I had him [Hassan Lee] in the first round but I need to listen to my corner more. I needed to pick up my punch count and improve my defense. I’m the ‘American Dream.’ I’m ready to go.”
Oleg Platov 30-1 (24KO) scored a knockout over Harold Sconiers 18-26 with a huge left hook at 1 minute 46 seconds of the second round. The Ukrainian Platov started fast against Hardroc landing a series of left hooks onto the durable chin of Sconiers. Sconiers caught Platov in the first round and opened a cut over the left eye of the Ukrainian. Just as the fight seemed as if it just may get interesting, Platove twisted into a left hook that sent Sconiers to the canvas for the ten count. Platov looked strong in his first fight in over two years. After the fight Platov said, “It was great to be back after two years. I had promotional problems but that is over now and I thank Don King for becoming my new promoter. It was beautiful to fight outdoors in Florida. Harold Sconiers was good tonight. We had an accidental clash of head that caused the gash outside my left eye. But he gave me good work. My coach told me between the first and second round that I should throw the uppercut. I was throwing too wide. I threw the uppercut in the second round and my opponent walked right into it. It was great to come back with a knockout. Tell everyone Oleg Platov is back.”
Light Welterweights Amir Iman 6-0(5KO) and Tony “Sugar Boy” Walker 5-2(3KO) engaged in a very entertaining and exciting brawl that lasted just two rounds. Walker gave Iman a tough fight while taking big shots from the young prospect. Walker was hurt midway through round number two and Iman pressured his weakened opponent until Sam Burgoes wisely stepped in and saved Walker from any further punishment. The official time was 2:50 of round 2. TKO. “He [Tony Walker] was a tough opponent, no sucker. I out-toughed him and out-skilled him. I got the stoppage and that’s all that matters. “I have superior skills and techniques that most other fighters don’t have. I’m old school. I study the old masters like Joe Gans from the 1800s. He was an old master and that’s why they call me the ‘Young Master.’
